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FAA paves way for commercial flights at Paine Field

EVERETT, Wash. — Despite the opposition of neighbors in Everett, the Federal Aviation Administration officially cleared the way for commercial passenger flights at Paine Field.

The FAA's report confirms the agency found such flights would cause no significant negative effects from noise, pollution and traffic.

Allegiant Airlines wants to fly four times a week out of the airport.

People raised concerns about the impact on their quality of life.

The FAA said adding up to 23 flights a day would not negatively affect surrounding neighborhoods.

Both the airline and the county must meet certain requirements before flights can begin.

According to the Herald, one of the requirements the county must meet is to build a small terminal.

It is not known when flights could begin.

In response to the decision, Alaska Airlines issued a statement saying it believed the Puget Sound region is best served by Sea-Tac Airport.

"With this said, if a competitor begins commercial service at Paine Field, we would respond by adding flights using both a Bombardier Q400 turboprop and Boeing 737 jet,” the statement said.