Alaska Airlines (AS, Seattle Tacoma International) will open a new pilot base at San Diego International in the first quarter of 2026. The carrier plans to station up to 250 pilots in the city, including 90 new hires. "San Diego is the fastest-growing hub in Alaska Airlines’ network, with 80% capacity growth between 2023 and the schedule we will fly next year, including 14 new routes," regional vice-president Neil Thwaites said. The airline is the second-largest operator at the airport, behind Southwest Airlines, with a 22.4% market share by capacity.