Alaska Airlines Inaugurates Service to Vancouver, B.C., from Palm Springs ``International`` Airport.

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 12, 1998--Beginning this Sunday, Alaska Airlines will no longer serve Palm Springs Regional Airport.

That's because the airport has been renamed Palm Springs International Airport just in time for the first scheduled international flight departing from its gates -- Alaska Airlines Flight 565, providing nonstop service to Vancouver, B.C.

"Alaska Airlines already carries more customers to and from Palm Springs than any other airline," said Gregg Saretsky, vice president of marketing and planning for the carrier. "The introduction of nonstop service makes the skiing and shopping in British Columbia more accessible than ever to our customers in the Coachella Valley."

Alaska Flight 565 is scheduled to depart Palm Springs for the first time Sunday at 1:33 p.m., arriving in Vancouver, B.C., at 4:32 p.m. One minute later, at 4:33 p.m., the first scheduled international arrival, Alaska Flight 560, is due at the gate in Palm Springs.

Service in each direction will be provided on 140-seat Boeing 737-400s.

In 1998, Alaska Airlines was recognized as the best major U.S. carrier by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines. Alaska services more than 45 cities in six Western states, Canada and Mexico.

For reservations, call your travel agent, or call Alaska's toll-free reservation line at 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522). Or visit Alaska Airlines on the Internet at www.alaskaair.com.