Oregon Public Broadcasting

Horizon Airlines says it will stop flying an older generation of smaller propeller jets around the Northwest  Monday.

With the landing of flight 2092 from Pasco to Portland, Horizon is retiring the Bombardier Q-200 propeller jet from its fleet. But Central Oregon correspondent Ethan Lindsey reports Horizon Air is using the plane to make one last point.

Horizon has been flying the smaller, 37-seat planes between Portland and Pendleton. From now until December, Pendleton passengers will be flying on newer and fancier 76-seaters.

But on December 1st, the federal government will stop subsidizing Horizon’s flights to Pendleton – instead compensating rival SeaPort Airlines, which flies 9-seat executive style jets.

That means Horizon will no longer fly to Pendleton.

Dan Russo is the airline’s vice president of communications.

He couldn’t pass up the opportunity to point out the difference in air service.

Dan Russo: “Most people would prefer to fly on a 76-seat aircraft, with the benefit of security screening, a restroom on-board, and the ability to check in once."

Other regional airports served by the smaller 37-seat jets, including Bend-Redmond, will see bigger planes, but fewer flights.