Quick Links Making sure Alaska isn’t the only airline Testing the waters? From friends to frenemies A taste of Delta’s own medicine Throughout the bulk of Delta Air Lines’ past, its presence and growth ambitions were not situated in the Pacific Northwest. As a carrier with East Coast roots, many of Delta’s flights in the west only involved Los Angeles and Salt Lake City in the interior mountain West. However, as years went on and the airline and industry alike began to evolve, its network and fleet began to expand.

After surviving a handful of setbacks – as with every other airline – Delta luckily powered through to become an industry leader. As a main competitor to the other two legacy carriers, American Airlines and United Airlines, Delta also challenged plenty others, such as Southwest Airlines, AirTran Airways, US Airways, and even JetBlue Airways. Even though its true grasp on the West Coast did not come until about 10 years ago, it all began in 2008, when the Atlanta-based airline announced its merger agreement with Northwest Airlines.

After it was completed in 2010, Northwest’s brand became an element of the past, but its presence and legacy certainly remained. Making sure Alaska isn’t the only airline Delta’s latest seasonal route may not have ever been considered if the carrier never merged with Northwest. Beginning this summer, Delta plans to operate nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Anchorage.

According to Ishrion Aviation , the service will.