Alaska Airlines Making Plane Changes for Fairbanks

Alaska Airlines is planning to mostly replace the jets it flies between Fairbanks and Anchorage with three turboprop planes.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports the Bombardier Q400 planes will increase the number of flights between Alaska's two biggest cities. The change also will allow the 737s to be rerouted to new service between Anchorage and the Lower 48.

The switch is set to take effect in March.

The turboprops will seat 76 people and have nearly the same travel time as the jet. They'll be operated by Horizon Air employees but booked and marketed under Alaska Airlines.

Jet service will still be available for Fairbanks travelers on the route to Seattle, the seasonal flight to Portland and on one combination cargo and passenger jet flying between Anchorage and Fairbanks.