Cargo News

Alaska Airlines Delivers This Season's First Copper River Salmon

UW Football Coach Sarkisian Scores First 'Catch'

The annual rite of spring continues as Alaska Air Cargo flies the season's first catch of prized Copper River salmon from Cordova, Alaska, to Seattle and points beyond.

The first shipment arrived at the Alaska Air Cargo Warehouse at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at around 7:45 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2009. University of Washington Husky Football Coach Steve Sarkisian 'caught' the ceremonial first salmon donated by Ocean Beauty Seafoods, then passed the 40-pound king salmon to the highest bidder of a KJR radio-sponsored charity auction.

Alaska Airlines' Boeing 737-400 freighter touched down with fresh Copper River salmon from three seafood processors: Ocean Beauty Seafoods, Trident Seafoods and Copper River Seafoods.

Every year, Alaska Air Cargo plays a significant role in supporting the Alaska seafood industry, which is recognized worldwide for its sustainable fishing practices. Last year, we flew more than 30 million pounds of fresh Alaska seafood to the Lower 48 states and beyond, including up to one million pounds of Copper River salmon.

Learn more about the arrival of the first fish in our press release.

• The Prize Salmon

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  Maple Valley resident John Hofer won a Copper River salmon, bidding $750 in an auction co-sponsored by Alaska Airlines, Ocean Beauty Seafoods and Radio Station KJR in Seattle.

  

• Coach, Captain, and Contest Winner

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  Husky Football Coach Steve Sarkisian, Alaska Airlines Captain Chris Seal, and John Hofer.

  

• He's Got Fish to Fry

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  Chef Peter Kirk from Rays Boathouse restaurant in Seattle was one of three local chefs who met the aircraft. They plan to have Copper River salmon on the menu by noon today.

  

• Box It Up

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  One of the many boxes of Copper River salmon from Cordova, Alaska is unloaded from the Alaska Airlines 737 Freighter.

  

• Pallets and Pallets of Fish

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  A pallet of Copper River salmon is unloaded from the main deck of the freighter. The 737-400 Freighter can accommodate up to 9½ pallets.

  

• The Boxes Stack Up

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  Alaska Airlines Cargo crew unloads boxes of Copper River salmon from the belley of the freighter. More than 34,000 pounds of fresh salmon arrived with the first flight.

  

• The Cargo Crew

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  The Alaska Air Cargo crew and pilots who bring you fresh Copper River salmon from Alaska.

  

Notice of Change in Security Surcharge
April 24, 2009

Alaska Air Cargo Enhances Seafood Shipment Service
March 14, 2009