[4K] - Alaska's Salmon Thirty Salmon Retirement Flight - Boeing 737-890 - AS65 - Milk Run - N559AS

[@sla31]

On Monday April 17, 2023, Alaska Airlines bid farewell to their famous “Salmon Thirty Salmon." After 18 years representing wild Alaskan seafood, first on a Boeing 737-400 and then on the Boeing 737-800 presented in this video, it was time to say farewell to the world’s largest flying fish for good. The aircraft will soon go in for a repaint, and it will not keep this iconic livery. This once in a lifetime commemorative final flight is full of celebration, beautiful views, and of course, many shots of the stunning Salmon Thirty Salmon! Very fittingly this iconic representative of Alaska's final flight was AS65, one of Alaska’s famous milk runs! AS65 begins in Seattle, and makes its way north to Anchorage with stops in Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Juneau. This Milk Run also includes the segment from Wrangell to Petersburg, which at only 31 miles is the shortest commercial flight in the USA. This video presents the entire journey from start to finish, in crystal clear 4K 60fps, so you too can be a part of history as this beautiful livery is retired for good! If you're unfamiliar with the Alaska Airlines Milk Run, read this! The Alaska Airlines Milk Run is a series of flights throughout Southeast Alaska that have existed in some form since the 1930s, and for many of the Milk Run cities these flights are their daily link to the outside world. The Milk Run cities are not connected to the rest of Alaska, The Untied States, or Canada by roads, which is where the flights got their nicknames. Many vital perishable commodities get to these small communities on these Alaska Airlines flights, including milk. Today the routes are severed primarily by Alaska's 737-700s. The passenger and cargo operations are split and both full passenger 737-700s and full cargo 737-700s visit these cities daily. In the past, Alaska used combination, half passenger half cargo, 737-400s and 737-200s before that. The endcaps of the Milk Run are Anchorage, Alaska on the north end and Seattle, Washington on the South end. There are 7 cities in Alaska that are stops along the route. Those cities are Cordova, Yakutat, Juneau, Petersburg, Wragnell, Sitka, and Ketchikan. Alaska Airlines Milk Run segments are easy to find on the schedule as they are all two digit flight numbers beginning with 6. So any Alaska Airlines flight between 60-69 is a Milk Run segment.

[@PhantomousBro]

Man I’ll miss that livery. I remember seeing it land a long time ago

[@julianedelsonkatz7206]

Tuesday should be Monday! It is not Tuesday, April 17th, but Monday, April 17th!

[@Baileyreacts2361]

Never stop with these plane videos

[@sla31]

Don’t worry my friend. Even if I decided to stop today, which I am not, I still have nearly a years worth of footage in backlog that hasn’t been released.

[@MushroomKingdom101]

Amazing video That salmon version of Alaska airline was definitely awesome, i flew on it from Portland Oregon to Spokane Washington adter i came home from Kauai Hawaii

[@briankjenkins]

😮 amazing departure. Engine hum, many planes holding short, capturing the shadow of the plane during departure and a great shot of SeaTac airport during the crosswind turn. Couldn’t have scripted any better. Excellent video as always.

[@q5w1708]

You make the best videos. Keep it up man.

[@sla31]

Thanks my friend! I appreciate that!

[@sleepyheadswitch]

I love your videos so much! Best views, amazing takeoffs! Never stop and always keep going!

[@sla31]

I'm glad you enjoy them my friend! Thanks for watching!

[@margaretroselle8610]

A grand trip! Thank you.

[@PhantomousBro]

Beautiful full flight video. Beautiful little celebration. there giving free flight passes. The passengers must of had fun waiting for boarding. Really nice view when departure! Really nice view inflight to. The clouds they look like mountains. And the landing view was stunning! A great ending for the mighty and livery will be always remembered…. The salmon livery 🐟 Great trip report video really great!!

[@sla31]

Well, those were mountains for a large portion of it haha. So it's very likely you were seeing mountains. I'd need a timestamp to be sure though. There were definitely a lot of clouds and mountains throughout. I'm glad you enjoyed the video my friend. Thanks for watching!

[@mbilly710]

Skylight production amazing video so sad that Salmon Thirty Salmon is gone

[@sla31]

Thanks for watching my friend!

[@millennialaviation]

Watching a retirement Salmon flight while eating baked Cajun Salmon…perfect lol

[@larrywilson7848]

Thanks a lot Skylite. Great views all around, especially like Ketchikan. Views of plane at 3:10:05

[@sla31]

I'm glad you enjoyed it my friend!

[@Ferrari-y8j]

You make the greatest of videos! Keep it up!

[@sla31]

Thanks my friend. I appreciate that!

[@bankerdave888]

I remember seeing this plane land while on an Alaskan cruise!

[@aviationcentral6742]

well skylite you have once again outdone yourself this was incredible and farewell my favorite flying fish

[@sla31]

Thanks my friend! I appreciate that!

[@aviationcentral6742]

@@sla31 ofcourse

[@allowe9419]

Your videos are amazing and I never flown on Alaska before but the salmon 3 salmon but I did ride Alaska but not the salmon 3 salmon

[@jasonmoors1191]

Just finished SEA-KTN--guessing the flight was full judging by the elevated engine sound during initial taxi out of the ramp area--just jaw-dropping scenery after takeoff, noticed the power cut back as we followed the curvature of Elliott Bay towards the northwest. Did I hear correctly from Mr 'Onboard Cheerleader' after the usual FA 'above 10000ft' announcement that EVERYBODY got a free RT AS ticket for anywhere on the system? And the swag on your seat--were all seats laid out with identical items or given out individually before boarding? What use will you have for salmon oil? :) VERY interesting runway/taxiway elevation difference at KTN--Like you , I would've gotten off at KTN to stretch the legs and obtain a local newspaper--unlike SWA, even though this is a multi-stop routing, you're not allowed to switch seats or seat rows for a different filming angle. "Overnighting " here in KTN for me! :)

[@sla31]

It wasn't quite full. The seat next to me was open, and I saw others around the plane. And yes, you heard correctly. Everyone onboard, and every new passenger at every stop got a free round trip flight anywhere Alaska flies. It was very generous of Alaska to do that. And everyone got the same swag on each seat. And see here was something interesting. I didn't get off at KTN because I had plenty of footage from KTN that I've gotten on other trips. And I got a second free RT ticket out of it. We were actually running a bit behind, which is why I stayed on. They rewarded those of us who did handsomely haha.

[@isaactxn]

amazing video as always!

[@jasonbabila6006]

The Salmon 30 Salmon livery is definitely a unique eye catching livery for sure, it signifies a great deal of the Alaskan chinook salmon, they should keep the livery.

[@sla31]

Sadly, from what Alaska Airlines is saying, delivery will not be coming back on a different aircraft. However, they said they are replacing it with another livery, of equal significance. But that is all they would say.

[@jasonbabila6006]

@@sla31 A sockeye, coho would be interesting.

[@Sacto1654]

I'd like to see Alaska Airlines paint one of their upcoming 737 MAX 9's in this livery.

[@sla31]

That would be nice, but unfortunately Alaska has said and maintained that this was the end of the road for the Salmon.

[@mbilly710]

Skylight production what plane were you on to Seattle? were you on a Alaska?

[@sla31]

When I flew back to Seattle I was on an Alaska 737-700.

[@macostapr3951]

wow, First officer Tony really greased that last landing.

[@sla31]

He was the first officer yes, but just for reference, I believe we had two qualified captains up front on this flight. Thanks for watching my friend!

[@macostapr3951]

​@@sla31 Yes I agree, those pilots must have planned that out as well, I think they kept flaring after the initial flare to make it smooth.

[@MaliksarmadMuneerawan-xg3ki]

Very nice 👍🙂 so beautiful full flight ✈️ video i commented from Pakistan

[@JmanAviation]

iTrip Report made a video flying this aircraft, and it looks like Alaska just decided not to get new FC seats?? But just cover them up with newer nicer leather? But Premium and Main Cabin got the new seats which is nice. It also looks like she has still been flying and still has flights to be flown before she is stripped of her beautiful livery.

[@sla31]

Yeah, there are a few odd things about the interior. For example, the in the first row of economy, where you have no tray table in front of you because of first, it's in the armrest instead. That's the same as everywhere. However, their 737-700's have a very nice tray table with a tablet or smartphone holder included. The tray tables on this aircraft don't have that great feature. So, it's like it's new, but it's the same old tray table? I'm not exactly sure what was happening with the refit haha.

[@JmanAviation]

@@sla31 I got no clue, probably Cost cutting.

[@jasonmoors1191]

KTN-WRG> WRG-PTN> The FA's must love working the Milk Run--a 27 minute flight, followed by a SEVENTEEN minute flight to Petersburg--these segments are so short that no inflight service is possible so what to do? Stay in your jumpseat and relatively enjoy the ride! I noticed at WRG how the aircraft parked parallel to the 'shackport'' whereas at PTN the aircraft nosed in. It was VERY gracious of the ground crews to allow you and other avgeeks to be on the apron for photos at both WRG and PTN--the high pitched sound of the APU and the smell of jet fuel and the chill air of an Alaskan spring--exciting! In booking a SEA-ANC flight, is there any fare difference between a nonstop vs the Milk Run? So far I have not seen a fueling truck--these -800's must have a large enough tanks that refueling enroute isn't necessary--can only guess what Jet A must cost per gallon at these remote outstations--lastly, noticed at WRG a 'tail stand' to keep the aircraft from tipping back--would be VERY embarrassing if it happened! How did you nourish yourself on this extended journey? Your FA's vocal perkiness sounds just this side of being on SWA! Hard to believe that WRG/PTN can host a TSA checkpoint!

[@sla31]

It was very nice of them to escort us on the ramp. They didn't have to do that, but were happy to let us geeks get our pictures. They used to do the same thing at Petersburg, as far as parking the aircraft goes. I don't know why they nose in now. Perhaps someone else will see this and they have more info on that. As for the fares. I think it's usually cheaper to take the Milk Run. I think this is likely because most people don't want to stop 4 or 5 times on their trip so the direct flights are more popular. I can routinely get Milk Run's for around $130-$180. On this trip, I ate before the first flight and again in Anchorage haha. Just had the normal snacks in between haha.

[@Dan.d649]

This is a wonderful tribute to a beautifully painted airplane for this great airline. It was very nicely done. I hope, and wonder if Alaska Airlines has other plans after this. This very airplane has turned a lot of heads all over and has given great years of service with this wonderful paint scheme. The Boeing 737 has been the "mainstay" in their fleet as long as I can remember, and has been a hard-working airplane in a few different ways. With the newer 737-MAX airplanes they have on order from Boeing, will we see a whole "brand new" version of the flying "Salmon thirty Salmon" with the 737-MAX?? That remains to be seen, and I'm hoping to actually see that, but the legend behind the whole "Salmon" thing, can never be overlooked, since it's an interesting story.

[@QuickBurn70]

Well... Maybe there was a change of plans. I looked at Flightaware to see where it was going for the repaint. It took a day off from flying, then went back into service from ANC on the 19th. I'm not aware of a paint shop there, plus I would think it would take longer.

[@sla31]

This was the commemorative final flight where Alaska was “sending it off.” They said it would fly some more before it went to the paint shop.

[@jevierefraingarciafuentes82]

Hi bryce, do you know what happened on the last september of 2022 that the hurricane fiona came here in San Juan PR?

[@sla31]

I do remember that yes. Thanks for watching my friend!

[@jevierefraingarciafuentes82]

​@@sla31 but is on cat. 1 which is not that strong at all.

[@paulrom446]

Quick question: Where do they re Spray this Bird in the new Livery? Down in Seattle I assume? Just curious!

[@sla31]

Well, it depends. Airlines have contracts with a lot of different companions to provide painting services. This aircraft flew to Amarillo, Texas to be repainted. There are even airpots that aircraft like this will be sent to fro repainting that don't even have regular commercial airline service.

[@paulrom446]

@@sla31 Thank you for this info! I've toured the Paint Shop years ago at DL Tech Ops in Atlanta! I figured it was contracted out!

[@Aviation87]

So sad to see a beautiful livery go. I hope it’s back soon!

[@sla31]

Unfortunately, Alaska has said this is then end of the line for the Salmon Thirty Salmon. They did say that a new livery was in the works and it wold be be worth the wait, but it was not the Salmon.

[@Aviation87]

@@sla31 wow. That’s sad. At least there will be a new livery. The salmon-thirty-salmon will be remembered forever.

[@Dan.d649]

I know that these special paint schemes are very expensive to any airline, but why not, keep the nostalgia going?? I know that Alaska Airlines can afford several "special schemes" on some of their airplanes. The special scheme here I would love to see on one of the newly delivered 737-MAX airplanes. It would be really nice!!

[@Aviation87]

@@Dan.d649 so true man! I wish they would do that soon.

[@leezinke4351]

I have two models of Salmon 30 Salmon 737-400/800 on my desk.😊

[@sla31]

Me too. I have both Gemini 200 versions of it. Except they're not on my desk haha.

[@leezinke4351]

@@sla31 That is awesome!😊

[@RoadsOfAsiaBen]

Great fly! Why this special "Salmon Thirsty Salmon" livery? What's special about it?

[@sla31]

Well, it's beautiful to start haha. It's one of the prettiest liveries ever put on a plane. Of course, that's subjective, but I think most would agree. It's also been on either a 737-400 or the 737-800 seen here for 18 years. So, it's been flying around the US, and Alaska for nearly two decades. It was introduced originally to promote wild caught alaskan seafood. Not farm raised substitutes. Overall it was just a very beloved livery that will be missed by many people.

[@YukariAkiyama]

@@sla31 but… why would they get rid of it? Is there a chance they will give a MAX the livery?

[@sla31]

@@YukariAkiyama Alaska has said this is the end for the salmon. What they also said was they have a new special planned to take it’s place and that we won’t be disappointed. They wouldn’t say any more.

[@GalootWrangler]

Sorry to see this great livery scrapped, and wondering what motivated Alaska’s decision.

[@sla31]

So, the aircraft was due for a repaint anyway. They had already stretched it farther than they should have. And they’re required to repaint their planes for maintenance anyway. So, this aircraft was always going to have to be repainted. Alaska has said that this is the end of the line for the salmon. However, they will be introducing a new special livery of equal significance. But that’s all they would say.

[@GalootWrangler]

@@sla31 Thank you for explaining. One can still hope that the end of the line isn’t, and it gets a third life on something new.

[@kyleplayz3080]

So sad to see that livery go 😢

[@sla31]

It is sad, but Alaska says we won't be disappointed with the new special livery they're replacing it with!

[@RichardKingFlint2001]

Flying fish? That's cool, but you're Making me hungry. Lol.

[@sla31]

Me too haha. And not just a flying fish.... The world's largest flying fish haha.

[@princek4life184]

Lol Salmon😂😂

[@isaiahshultz4296]

Nooo why is alaska airlines retiring this plane

[@sla31]

Well, due to required maintenance the aircraft was due to be repainted anyway. I heard Alaska stretched it as long as they could. So, it had to be repainted regardless. They said they are replacing it with an equally significant special livery, but that this was the end for the Salmon.

[@leezinke4351]

I wonder how many people get eaten by this flying salmon over the years of service. lol

[@sla31]

Haha. Many many thousands I'm sure.

[@leezinke4351]

@@sla31 That one hungry fish! lol

[@meowcel8580]

ahhh the promotional ceremony was overtly cringey