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