Alaska Airlines takes flight

Alaska Airlines on Thursday celebrated its inaugural Kona to San Diego flight.

Alaska Airlines will offer thrice-weekly service between Kona International Airport and San Diego International Airport. The permanent flight will use a dedicated Boeing 737-800 aircraft that seats up to 147 passengers.

The route will operate on Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays. Flights out of Kona leave about 9 a.m. and arrive in San Diego around 4:30 p.m. The returning flight from San Diego will arrive in Kona about 10 p.m.