Now for some news from deep in the heart of Texas that doesn't involve massive floods caused by torrential rains and debate about allowing concealed hand guns on college campuses.

Alaska Airlines will start serving Austin, the hip capital of Texas, from Portland with non-stop flights in November.

Alaska Airlines chief executive Brad Tilden announced Monday during a keynote speech at the JumpStart Air Service Development conference that his airline will add new service between Portland and Austin, and also between Eugene and San Jose, beginning Nov. 5.



"San Jose and Austin are two of our most requested cities from our customers in the Willamette Valley," said John Kirby, Alaska's vice president of capacity planning, in a statement released by the airline. "We're excited to add the live music capital of the world to our growing list of destinations from the Rose City, and our new flight to San Jose is our first-ever nonstop from Eugene to the Bay Area. These routes will also connect key tech markets in three states."



Tickets will be available for purchase at alaskaair.com beginning June 9.

The Portland-Austin flight will depart PDX at 9:30 a.m. (local time) and arrive in Texas at 3:50 p.m. The return from AUS leaves at 4:35 p.m. and arrives in Portland at 6:55 p.m. There is a two-hour time difference between the cities.

The Eugene-San Jose service is 4:20 p.m. (departure) and 5:50 p.m. (arrival) southbound, then 5:50 p.m. and 7:20 p.m. northbound. The flights will operate daily and begin Thursday, Nov. 5.

The Portland-Austin flight will be operated for Alaska by SkyWest Airlines, using new 76-seat Embraer 175 jets. The E175 jet features 12 seats in first class and 64 in coach, with cabin dimensions on par with a 737. Onboard amenities include Wi-Fi Internet access, streaming inflight entertainment and 110 volt power in every first-class seat. Food and beverage will include hot meals and picnic packs for purchase, in addition to Northwest microbrews and wine.

The Eugene-San Jose flight will be operated by Alaska's sister carrier Horizon Air, using a 76-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft. Customers flying on flights operated by Horizon can enjoy free soft drinks and Starbucks coffee, a la cart planeside baggage service, and complimentary Northwest wine and microbrews for passengers 21 years and older.

Currently, the Portland airport has non-stop seasonal summer service to Austin by Southwest Airlines.

Terry Richard

trichard@oregonian.com

503-221-8222; @trichardpdx