Commercial air service nonstop between the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport and Boise could return as soon as early August following a decision by the Idaho State Board of Education.
The board unanimously approved a University of Idaho request on Thursday to finalize an air service agreement with Alaska Airlines. The draft deal would require a subsidy from the UI to Alaska if the airline loses money on the service. The revenue guarantee from the UI is up to a half a million dollars annually for the first 3 years. UI President Scott Green told the board that it’s likely that the UI will have to pay Alaska some money but he doesn’t believe that it will reach the maximum.
Previous Alaska flights between the Palouse and Boise ended over 10 year ago. President Green believes the lack of flights between Pullman-Moscow and Boise led to the loss of about 200 Treasure Valley UI students annually.
The UI is expected to announce a finalized deal next week. The proposed agreement calls for Alaska to have a daily flight between the Palouse and Boise 5 times a week starting August 8th.
Alaska Air used to fly between Lewiston and Boise before pulling out of the valley 3 years go.