Saab Story

To a greater degree than populations just about anywhere else on Earth, Alaskans survive by dint of the airplane. From diminutive Piper J-3 Cubs to robust DHC-6 Twin Otters, to majestic Boeing 747s and everything in between, aircraft render Alaska’s vastness inhabitable to man.  

That the last frontier and the stout souls who call it home are receptive in perpetuity to highly-experienced, well-equipped, thoroughly vetted air-carriers is foremost on the minds of the folks at Aleutian Airways, who proudly announce their company has met the exhaustive gamut of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements necessary to begin operations.

The achievement adds the hale, hearty, long-legged and swift Saab 2000 twin-turboprop to the company’s Part 121 Air Carrier Certificate, and heralds the imminent commencement of both scheduled and charter service under the Aleutian Airways brand.

Aleutian will presently undertake the FAA’s rigorous proving run process, during which its personnel and aircraft will be called upon to demonstrate the high standards of safety, reliability and operational soundness upon which air-carrier certificate expansion is predicated.

Aleutian Airways is a joint venture between airline investors and operators the likes of Wexford Capital, McKinley Alaska Private Investment, and Alaska Seaplanes. Together, these entities look to restore reliable nonstop Saab 2000 service to the Aleutian Islands and other Alaskan destinations.

Chartered service will be offered immediately, and an announcement pertaining to scheduled service and routes will be released this autumn.

Sterling Airways CEO Wayne Heller states: “We are extremely proud of our team for completing and reaching this historic milestone. The creation and operation of Aleutian Airways would not have been possible without their hard work and dedication this past year. We’ve built this airline in response to input from community and business leaders and look forward to serving their needs and becoming the airline of choice for Southwest Alaska.”

FMI:www.flyaleutian.com