The Salmon Have Landed

Alaska Airlines flies in a Copper River delicacy.

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 05:27 PM ET

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Every year thousands of pounds of the flavorful fish are brought into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (KSEA) aboard an Alaska Airlines jet dubbed the "Salmon Thirty Salmon." Courtesy: Alaska Airlines]

Key Takeaways:

The annual arrival of Alaskan Copper River salmon in Washington signifies spring, with thousands of pounds flown into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport by Alaska Airlines' specially named "Salmon Thirty Salmon" jet.
This event is marked by a red carpet celebration, a ceremonial fish hoist by the flight captain, and a police escort for the salmon to reach grocery stores, fish markets, and restaurants.
Copper River salmon are highly valued, priced around $70 per pound, due to their rich flavor and the brief duration of their fishing season.

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A sure sign of spring in Washington is the arrival of the first Alaskan Copper River salmon.

Every year thousands of pounds of the flavorful fish are brought into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (KSEA) aboard an Alaska Airlines jet dubbed the “Salmon Thirty Salmon.”

The flight from Cordova, Alaska, terminates with a red carpet celebration at Sea-Tac. The captain of the airliner steps out and hoists a fish like it is the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup trophy. The fish are then given a police escort as they are transported to grocery stores, fish markets, and restaurants.

The run of Copper River salmon is brief, and combined with the rich flavor, drives up the price to around $70 per pound.