Portland, Oregon - Alaska Airlines began service from Portland to two cities in Mexico this week, in a move announced months ago pending Mexican government approval.

The airline is offering new nonstop flights from Portland to Puerto Vallarta, which started November 4, 2014 and will continue through April 26, 2015; and to Los Cabos starting November 20 through April 27, 2015.

The airline kicks off its new nonstop service between Seattle and Cancun on November 6. Flights will operate daily through April 27, 2015. The announcement came in a news release from the airline.

"Alaska Airlines is committed to offering the most nonstop service from the Pacific Northwest to places our customers want to explore, and Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta are hot spots," Joe Sprague, senior vice president of communications and external relations, said earlier this year. "We're happy to expand our longtime flying to Mexico with new flights to these two popular leisure resorts for Rose City travelers, who can take advantage of our award-winning service and low fares for their adventures."

Alaska began flying to Mexico a quarter century ago. Today, the airline operates 240+ flights a week during the winter between the West Coast and Mexico — more than any other carrier.

The new Portland-Los Cabos flights on Alaska Airlines are part of the airline's efforts to help the southern tip of Baja resume its status as a popular tourist location as it recovers from Hurricane Odile, which struck Baja California Sur om September 14, 2014.

Portland flights to Los Cabos depart at 11:25 on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. The return is at 5:15 pm the same days. They begin November 20. Connections on other days are availabe through other West Coast cities.

The Portland to Puerta Vallarta flights leave at 10:15 am on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. The return is at 5:40 pm. They began on November 4 and have Saturday service the first two weeks.

The daily Seattle-Cancun service leaves at 8:10 am, with a return at 4:55 pm, beginning November 6th.