Alaska Air Cargo delivers season’s first prized catch to Seattle

Alaska Air Cargo has flown the season’s first catch of prized Copper River salmon, which are highly prized for their oil content and flavor from Cordova in Alaska to Seattle and points beyond. The first shipment arrived at the Alaska Air Cargo Warehouse at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on May 16.

Following the arrival of the ceremonial first fish, local executive chefs competed for the best salmon recipe in a ‘Copper Chef Cook-off’. The 2013 Copper Chef Cook-off winner, John Howie of Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar, John Howie Steak, and Sport Restaurant Bar challenged 2014 James Beard Nominees Jason Franey of Canlis, and Ethan Stowell of Ethan Stowell Restaurants.

Alaska Airlines’ Boeing 737 plane touched down at dawn with fresh Copper River salmon from three seafood processors: Ocean Beauty Seafoods, Trident Seafoods and Copper River Seafoods.

Every year, Alaska Air Cargo plays a significant role in supporting the Alaska seafood industry, which is recognized worldwide for its sustainable fishing practices. Last year, the carrier flew more than 25 million pounds of fresh Alaska seafood to the lower 48 states and beyond.