Pendleton replaces SeaPort with Boutique Air

PENDLETON, Ore. (AP) - The Pendleton City Council voted unanimously to drop SeaPort Airlines in favor of San Francisco-based Boutique Air.

Boutique will provide 21 round-trip flights per week from Pendleton to Portland with an option to add an additional round trip, which could go to either Seattle or Boise, Idaho.

Boutique is requesting an annual $2.27 million subsidy that's paid for through the U.S. Department of Transportation. The company will be on a two-year contract.

Mayor Phillip Houk said the decision was made because Boutique appears to have a better track record.