Ravn Alaska cut essential air routes to two remaining rural destinations this week due to aircraft shortages and rising operating costs. The airline filed official notices with the US Department of Transportation stating it will terminate federally subsidized service by September’s end.
These filings affect flights from Anchorage to Valdez to St. Paul, two of Ravn’s last rural stops, which are still on the schedule. CEO Tom Hsieh explained that the situation stems from a sudden and major drop in available aircraft from Canadian leasing company Avmax, which recently decided not to renew its lease.
Because of this shortfall, Ravn said it could not meet the service levels required by the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) program. That program provides subsidies for carriers serving remote areas that can’t support commercial flights independently.
Hsieh emphasized that the filings don’t confirm service termination but warn us of serious risks if aircraft are unavailable. The company requested that the Department of Transportation act quickly to find replacement carriers.
Earlier this week, Ravn also ended flights to Unalakleet in Northwest Alaska. Both airlines’ websites say Kenai Aviation has since entered service on that route. Due to unsustainable cost increases, Ravn Alaska now flies only to three rural destinations: Valdez, St. Paul, and St. Mary’s.
The Department of Transportation has ordered Ravn to continue serving St. Mary’s through May 29 while other airline proposals are reviewed. Alaska cuts essential air routes as its parent company, New Pacific Airlines, scales back its plan for international service expansions.
