According to company representatives, on May 16th, Alaska Airlines initiated a $60 million plan to enhance terminals and other facilities across its Alaskan operations in the coming years. Additionally, the airline is set to bolster its cargo presence in the state.
Marilyn Romano, the airline’s Vice President for the Alaska region, stated in an interview that the projects include upgrades and potential expansions at some of the airline’s 13 terminals, marking the first such initiatives in decades.
“We will thoroughly assess each terminal,” Romano remarked.
As larger jets started accommodating more passengers and post-9/11 security measures required additional space, terminals in towns like Bethel, Kodiak, Nome, and Utqiagvik became increasingly congested over the years.
The removal of the unique “combi” planes in 2017, which Alaska Airlines referred to as the “mullet of airplanes” due to their dual cargo and passenger capabilities, also contributed to increased passenger traffic to rural areas. These planes, Boeing 737-400 jets, carried significantly fewer passengers compared to modern jets.
Romano emphasized that the redesign efforts are focused on enhancing the overall experience for residents in these communities.
Additionally, the airline plans to enhance facilities at terminals it doesn’t own, including improving employee working areas at Fairbanks International Airport.
This initiative builds upon the airline’s previous upgrades in Alaska, which commenced around 2016 and involved light renovations at certain terminals, as noted by Romano. As part of this earlier effort, in 2018, the airline invested $50 million to construct its maintenance and engineering facility and hangar at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. The current plan’s expenditures would be in addition to these costs.
However, progress was hindered by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which affected travel, shipping, and construction, among other challenges, Romano explained. Despite this setback, the airline still refers to the initiative as the Great Land Investment Plan.
According to Romano, the projects outlined in the plan are expected to be completed by 2027. Some aspects of the work may go unnoticed by travelers, such as the ramp replacement in Utqiagvik that commenced last year, while others will be more conspicuous. Romano noted that design studies are currently underway to determine the optimal approach for upgrading terminals in Kodiak and Bethel, with the aim of meeting terminal requirements for the next decade or more.
In Kodiak, the airline has secured space through a lease for the potential relocation of its cargo operations. According to Romano, this move could facilitate the expansion of its passenger terminal. The anticipated timeline for this project is from this year through 2027. Meanwhile, in Bethel, the airline aims to enhance its terminal facilities, with plans for this project to commence in the current year and extend through 2026.
Romano highlighted that the airline stands as the sole major domestic carrier in the United States that owns and manages its terminals. All of these terminals are situated in Alaska, where the company, headquartered in Seattle, was established nearly a century ago.
As part of the plan, construction work is set to commence in Anchorage next week, focusing on expanding cargo operations and revamping the Alaska Airlines lounge at Ted Stevens airport.
The airline plans to increase the lounge’s space and enhance its aesthetics significantly. The renovation will include doubling the seating capacity from 65 to 135 guests, updating furniture and flooring, and incorporating artwork by local Alaskan artists.
According to Tim Thompson, an airline spokesperson, the project is expected to last at least two months. There will be minimal disruption to the lounge’s regular schedule, with only a brief closure of three to four days as the opening date approaches.
According to Thompson, much of the construction will occur on the opposite side of a wall that will eventually be removed, ensuring minimal disruption to activities in the current lounge.
Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines has initiated an expansion of its cargo operations in the state. Although the majority of Alaska Air Cargo’s activities take place within Alaska, the expansion includes new routes connecting Anchorage to Seattle and Seattle to Los Angeles, as noted by Thompson.
Additionally, plans are underway to expand cargo operations at Juneau International Airport, which serves as a vital hub for several communities in Southeast Alaska. Thompson mentioned that the current cargo facility in Juneau needs to be updated to meet the airline’s needs.
Romano explained that the aim is to enhance cargo shipping efficiency in Juneau and across Southeast Alaska. The expansion plan will also increase the airline’s capacity to transport more cargo in these regions.
Romano emphasized the significance of these changes, noting, “While guests may not directly observe these enhancements, they will hold considerable importance for the local community.”
In terms of cargo enhancements, Thompson stated that the company is introducing two 737-800 freighter aircraft, which have been converted from passenger planes. This expansion will increase the cargo fleet to five jets, up from the current three smaller 737-700 aircraft.
According to Thompson, the inaugural converted freighter jet commenced operations on May 16, with the second expected to be operational by the end of June. These new jets will be utilized throughout the state.
Thompson explained, “This essentially doubles the capacity of what Alaska Air Cargo can accomplish within Alaska.”
