Regional carrier Ravn Alaska has ceased flight operations across the state, according to a message posted Thursday on the company’s website.
“We appreciate the years of service we were able to provide to Alaska communities,” the statement reads. “While we are no longer operating flights in Alaska, we’re grateful for the trust you placed in us during our time serving the region.” The company offered no further explanation for the shutdown.
For decades, Ravn Alaska served as a lifeline between many rural and urban communities, transporting passengers, mail, and cargo across a vast network. But the airline has struggled in recent years.
In 2023, Ravn filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, a move attributed in part to the lingering financial damage from pandemic-era policies and the unionization of pilots.
The challenges deepened in February 2024, when the company laid off about 130 employees — more than a third of its workforce. CEO Rob McKinney departed soon after, and the airline brought in Southern California businessman Tom Hsieh to lead the company.
As of Thursday, Ravn’s website contained only the closure announcement, with no mention of future plans, other than saying the company was folded into New Pacific Airways, a company that is trying to launch Boeing 757 service in the Lower 48 and internationally.
Now what? How will this affect Bush Alaska?