Alaska Airlines, traditionally a dominant player on the West Coast, has expanded its route network significantly over the past two decades to include several destinations across the Midwest, South, and East Coast. This growth was made possible by expanding its Boeing 737 fleet and acquiring Virgin America. The airline retired ex-Virgin Airbus aircraft but continued its expansion with new routes.
One of Alaska's recent expansions includes services to Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Flights to Pittsburgh were announced in late 2017 and began in September 2018. John Kirby, Alaska’s former Vice President of Capacity Planning, noted that there was "strong demand since the route was announced." Officials at Pittsburgh International Airport described it as a "major win for Western Pennsylvania," highlighting economic ties with the West Coast.
Alaska began flights to Cleveland in June 2022 after announcing them in 2021. Brett Catlin, then Vice President of Network and Alliances, emphasized this move as an enhancement of their "investment in the Buckeye State."