EDITOR’S NOTE: South King Media Founder/Publisher Scott Schaefer serves on the Board of Directors for the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce.
Regional business and public sector leaders outlined near-term airport upgrades, long range growth plans, and workforce partnerships during the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce’s annual SEA Airport Luncheon, held Sept. 19 at Sea-Tac Airport.
Chamber President and CEO Samantha Le opened the program by highlighting a recent partnership with SEA Airport and Port Jobs that brought 30 Highline and Tukwila high school students to explore careers on the airfield and in airport operations.
“We come together to connect, to learn, and to strengthen the partnerships that keep our economy moving forward,” Le said in her opening remarks (full video below).
SeaTac Economic Development Manager Alexsandr Yeremeyev
City of SeaTac Economic Development Manager Alexsandr Yeremeyev told attendees that South King County’s transportation access continues to draw investment and that market certainty helps businesses make informed decisions.
““As the world changes and as a lot of things feel uncertain, there are certain things that are certain,” Yeremeyev said. “And when we can anchor ourselves and our decisions to those things that are … that adds predictability and a sense of confidence that that is very important to business investment.”
Port Executive Director Steve Metruck
Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck said the port operates under a “triple bottom line” that balances business performance, equitable opportunity, and sustainability. He noted SEA’s role in jobs and commerce, citing about 175,000 jobs in 2023, $10.5 billion dollars in wages and benefits, and $33 billion dollars in business output, based on figures he shared at the luncheon. Metruck said the port’s goal is to be the greenest port in North America and that the organization rebuilt systems after a 2024 ransomware attack without paying a ransom.
He too mentioned the perils of uncertainty and inflation on the federal level.
“We’re also navigating some uncertainty within our operations,” Metruck said. “And I’m sure all the business leaders here can feel the same thing… we’re looking at different policies from the federal level… inflation is mixed into this as well and then international travel’s mixed into this too.”
Metruck detailed construction aimed at easing congestion and improving the traveler experience as SEA traffic sets new records. Projects include the relocated Checkpoint 1 on the baggage level, a C Concourse expansion targeted for 2026 with more than 30 dining and retail options and an all electric design with rooftop solar, a Gateway ticketing and art upgrade on the terminal’s north end, roadway widening and a new bus canopy beginning this winter with paving after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and a South Concourse modernization with major construction forecast for 2027. He said planning continues on the Sustainable Airport Master Plan, which contemplates a second terminal with 19 gates and an automated people mover linking the rental car facility, the new terminal, and the main terminal.
On air service and tourism, Metruck said cruise activity has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, driving visitor spending across the region, and that by 2026 SEA expects about 60 international routes to 36 destinations on roughly 30 airlines. He also pointed to the port’s push for sustainable aviation fuel, with an aim for at least a 10 percent blend on flights fueled at SEA by 2028, while acknowledging supply and cost remain challenges.
Alaska Airlines Managing Director Ben Brookman
Alaska Airlines Managing Director of Airport Affairs Ben Brookman told attendees that SEA is Alaska’s largest hub and that the carrier is investing alongside the port to improve throughput. Brookman previewed a new lobby targeted for early 2026, praised the new checkpoint, and said Alaska is developing a 40,000 square foot lounge in the C Concourse building. He said Alaska is adding widebody 787 aircraft to launch new long haul routes, with Tokyo already started and Reykjavik, London, and Rome slated for spring 2026. Brookman said customers “demand a more upscale and premium product” and that Alaska plans to grow to at least a dozen transoceanic destinations by the end of the decade while integrating operations with Hawaiian Airlines under a two brand strategy.
FIFA World Cup Coming in 2026
Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the port said it is coordinating with Sound Transit and encouraging cities and business districts to apply for economic development and activation grants tied to visitor readiness.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup™ is coming, and our region’s businesses have a chance to shine. The Port of Seattle and King County are proud to partner and support the Seattle Metro Chamber’s Community Business Connector program, which has launched Game Ready Activation Grants. This grant program supports local organizations in creating inclusive, family-friendly events, including cultural festivals, watch parties and community promotions.
Awards of $5,000, $10,000 or $20,000 will be granted, and this is open to business districts, cultural organizations, merchant associations and small businesses in King County. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through Nov. 10 or until funds are exhausted.
Port Seeking Public Input on SEA Airport Leadership Search
The Port of Seattle is asking residents and travelers to share input on what qualities they want to see in the next Managing Director of Sea-Tac Airport (Previous Director Lance Lyttle left in March to take the same job in Orlando).
Community feedback will help shape the search for a leader to oversee daily airport operations, customer service, and long-term improvements at SEA, the Port said.
Visit the Port’s community feedback webpage to take a brief survey or email your feedback to AVDirectorSearch@portseattle.org.
Chamber’s Grand Garden Gala is Nov. 7
The chamber closed the event by inviting attendees to its Grand Garden Gala set for Nov. 7, which supports workforce programs that connect local students with careers.
Video
Below is an edited video of the luncheon, as filmed by Scott Schaefer (running time 51-minutes, 38-seconds):
