SEATTLE — The Q400 turboprop took its last flight for Horizon Air this week and it was an emotional moment for the pilots and crew. It's a business move to streamline the airline's fleet and a first in the airline's history.
It's a daily flight connecting an immeasurable number of Horizon Air passengers within Washington.
"I've been flying with Horizon for over 37 years," said Captain Allen Dutton, who has flown Bombardier Q400 turboprop for decades. But there was nothing normal about this flight.
It was the last revenue flight for the Q-400, exactly 22-years to the day at Horizon Air.
"We also have the newer, more modern E175 regional jet in our fleet for the last five years, so that's the plane of the future," said Joe Sprague, president of Horizon Air.
The company is turning to a single fleet of Embraer 175 jets. Sprague said its quieter, flies faster and is more cost effective.
"With two different airplane types we have to have two different training programs, two different parts, two different of everything. But with a single airplane, much more efficient," said Sprague.
Horizon Air will retire 32 Q400's. Horizon Air currently has 33 E175 jets and expects to be operating 50 by 2026.
"I'd like to be flying the airplane for a little bit longer, but it is what it is," said Dutton.
For the first time since its existence, Horizon Air won't have a turboprop in their fleet.
Dutton took on the responsibility of the last flight, "Just because I'm the senior, I wanted to fly the last flight since I love the airplane."
It's not just the airplane he's saying goodbye to.
"It's my retirement flight. The Q is going away and I'm going with it," said Dutton. As the flight came to an end, so did Dutton's successful career. "I'm glad I had the chance to fly it as long as I did."