Travelers heading to Portland, Oregon will have another airline choice starting in February. Alaska Airlines said Thursday that it will fly nonstop between the Twin Cities and Portland.

Service will start Feb. 18, said Jeff Hamiel, executive director of the Metropolitan Airports Commission.

"Alaska Airlines' announcement means that, for the first time, there will be competition on nonstop service between Minneapolis-St. Paul and Portland, Oregon." Hamiel said. "When airlines compete for customers the result is increased choice and often lower fares for travelers."

In a news release, Alaska Airlines announced plans to fly a once daily, nonstop flight from MSP to Portland International. The flights will be operated using the 76-seat Embraer 175. Alaska Airlines flies from Terminal 1-Lindbergh's Concourse E.

Currently, only Delta Air Lines flies nonstop between the two cities.

To celebrate, Alaska Airlines is offering introductory one-way fares of $139.