
Ravn Alaska is a leading airline in the state, providing essential air services to rural communities. They operate a fleet of 137 aircraft, ranging from single-engine planes to larger turboprops.
Their flight operations cover over 360 communities across Alaska, with a network of routes that connect villages, towns, and cities. This extensive coverage helps bridge the gap in transportation for remote areas.
Ravn Alaska offers a range of services, including charter flights, cargo transport, and passenger flights. Their cargo transport services are particularly valuable for communities that rely on air transport for essential goods.
From medical supplies to groceries, Ravn Alaska's cargo transport helps keep rural communities connected and supplied.
Operations
Ravn Alaska received approvals from the FAA to resume operations on October 14, 2020.
The airline initially resumed service to several markets, including Dutch Harbor, Homer, Kenai, Sand Point, and Valdez, using public charters managed by "Ravn Travel." They operated 4 days a week from Anchorage.
On November 30, 2020, Ravn Alaska received scheduled route authority from the US Department of Transportation and resumed scheduled flights to and from several locations, including Anchorage, Dutch Harbor, Homer, Kenai, Kodiak, and Sand Point.
In 2021, the parent company announced plans to launch Northern Pacific Airways, a new low-cost airline, which is planned to commence operations in 2023 using Boeing 757 aircraft.
Check-In
Check-In is a crucial part of the travel process, and Ravn Alaska has made it easy with 2 options. You can check in online or at the airport, just be sure to check the check-in desk times.
The check-in process can be a bit of a hassle, but Ravn Alaska has streamlined it to be absolutely flawless. From selecting your seat to processing payment and receiving timely travel documents, everything runs smoothly.
Ravn Alaska's online check-in system is particularly convenient, allowing you to confirm your flight and travel documents with ease.
Suspends Service to Aleutian Islands

The Aleutian Islands are a remote and rugged region, and it's no surprise that our operations there are a bit more complex. In 1942, we suspended service to the Aleutian Islands due to the outbreak of World War II.
The US military had taken over the islands, and it wasn't safe for our planes to land there. We had to reroute our flights to avoid the conflict.
The islands were also home to a US military base, which further complicated our operations. The base was established to defend against potential Japanese attacks.
The suspension of service lasted for several months, until the war ended in 1945. After that, we were able to resume flights to the Aleutian Islands.
Remade Resumes Flights
Ravn Alaska resumed operations on October 14, 2020, after receiving approvals from the FAA.
The airline initially resumed service to several markets, including Dutch Harbor (Unalaska), Homer, Kenai, Sand Point, and Valdez, using Public Charters managed by "Ravn Travel."

Each market was served 4 days a week from Anchorage.
Scheduled route authority was received from the US Department of Transportation on November 30, 2020.
Ravn Alaska resumed scheduled flights to and from Anchorage, Dutch Harbor (Unalaska), Homer, Kenai, Kodiak, and Sand Point under the name Ravn Alaska.
The airline plans to fly Dash 8 airplanes between Anchorage and Unalaska, with the initial plan to resume scheduled flights by the end of October.
Eventually, the airline hopes to begin using larger aircraft again.
Services and Policies
Ravn Alaska offers a variety of services to meet your needs. They operate a fleet of aircraft, including Cessna 208s, de Havilland DHC-3 Otters, and Cessna 208B Grand Caravans.
For baggage, Ravn Alaska allows one free checked bag and one free carry-on bag, with additional bags costing $25 each. You can also purchase a checked bag upgrade for $50.
Ravn Alaska has a pet policy that allows small, well-behaved pets in carriers to travel in the cabin.
Services

Ravn Alaska offers a convenient way to find the best airfares, allowing you to get ahead of the latest deals when you search for Ravn Alaska reservations with Alternative Airlines.
Alternative Airlines is a great option for booking flights with Ravn Alaska, as they offer a "Buy Now, Pay Later" option that can be a game-changer for many travelers.
Ravn Alaska has scaled down their operations and now only operates to 11 destinations, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, Bethel, Cordova, Homer, Valdez, Kenai, Kodiak, and beyond.
Alternative Airlines has made booking flights with Ravn Alaska a seamless experience for many users, with three times as many users reporting an AWESOME experience with the service.
Codeshare Agreements
Ravn Alaska has partnerships with Corvus Airlines, Hageland Aviation, and Frontier Flying Service. These partnerships allow for codesharing, which means both airlines can sell space on each other's flights.
One of the notable codeshare agreements is with Alaska Airlines, which was announced in March 2019. This partnership started on April 1st, 2019.
Travelers can earn air miles on both airlines, making it a great option for frequent flyers. The codeshare agreement also simplifies the booking process, allowing passengers to make reservations and check-in through a single portal.
Baggage Policy

Baggage Policy is an important consideration when traveling with a carrier that connects to another airline. You'll be subject to the fees of the most significant carrier's rules.
If you're connecting from one carrier to another, you'll need to follow the baggage rules and fees of the larger carrier. For example, if you're flying from Anchorage to Seattle or beyond, Alaska Airlines' baggage rules and fees will apply.
Cabin Classes
Ravn Alaska has a straightforward approach to cabin classes, offering only one option: Economy Class. This class provides in-flight service, making your travel experience more enjoyable.
The airline's Economy Class offers open seating, which means you get to choose your seat once you're on the aircraft.
Financial and Legal Issues
Ravn Alaska faced significant financial and legal challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline shut down its entire operation on April 5, 2020, and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
The sudden stoppage of operations stranded dozens of communities in rural Alaska, leaving them without regularly scheduled air service. This was a major blow to the people living in these areas.

Ravn Air Group, the parent company of Ravn Alaska, attempted to find a solution by initiating a sales process for its three subsidiary airlines and assets. The US bankruptcy court authorized this process to help keep the airline and company alive.
The company has been given a deadline of June 24th to receive bids for the sale process. This is a crucial step in the recovery process for Ravn Alaska.
Fleet and Operations
Ravn Alaska's fleet is quite impressive, with over 70 aircraft currently in operation. This mix of planes includes Beechcraft, de Havilland, Cessna, Piper, Reim-Cessna, and short aircraft.
The capacity of these aircraft varies greatly, with some planes able to carry as few as five passengers and others having a capacity of up to 37.
Ravn Alaska is set to resume scheduled flights between Anchorage and Unalaska by the end of October, initially using Dash 8 airplanes.
Fleet
Ravn Alaska's fleet is a diverse mix of aircraft, with over 70 planes currently in operation. The company operates flights using a variety of aircraft types, including Beechcraft, de Havilland, Cessna, Piper, Reim-Cessna, and short aircraft.

Some of the aircraft in Ravn Alaska's fleet can carry as few as five passengers, while others can accommodate up to 37 people. The exact capacity of each aircraft depends on the specific type.
The fleet includes a range of aircraft, from the small to the large. For example, the de Havilland DHC-8-100 can carry between 29 and 37 passengers, while the Boeing 757-200 can accommodate 189 people.
Here's a breakdown of some of the aircraft in Ravn Alaska's fleet:
Ravn Alaska's fleet is a key part of its operations, enabling the company to offer flights to a range of destinations within Alaska.
Resuming Flights to Six Communities
Ravn Alaska is resuming flights to six communities in Alaska. This includes Anchorage, Unalaska, Sand Point, Homer, Kenai, and Valdez.
The airline initially resumed service to Dutch Harbor (Unalaska), Homer, Kenai, Sand Point, and Valdez using Public Charters in November 2020. Each market was served 4 days a week from Anchorage.
Scheduled route authority was received from the US Department of Transportation on November 30, 2020, allowing the airline to resume scheduled flights.
Leadership and Partnerships

Ravn Alaska has a new leader, Tom Hsieh, who will take over as CEO and replace former CEO Rob McKinney.
Tom Hsieh is the president of FLOAT Alaska LLC, the parent company of Ravn Alaska and New Pacific Airlines.
The company's chief commercial officer, Tina Hanley, confirmed the leadership change but declined to provide further details.
Alaska Airlines has suspended its mileage-sharing agreement with Ravn Alaska due to the transition in leadership.
Travelers can no longer purchase and redeem Ravn flights on Alaska's website, but any travel already booked will be honored.
Travelers who purchased flights before July 1 on Alaska's website will still accrue mileage, as long as they include a mileage plan number.
Accidents and Incidents
Ravn Alaska has unfortunately been involved in several accidents and incidents over the years. Here are some of the most notable ones:
The first incident occurred on November 8, 1997, when Hageland Aviation Flight 500, a Cessna Caravan 675B, crashed, killing all 8 passengers and crew on board. The crash was attributed to icing, weight imbalance, and pilot error.

A Raytheon Pre-purchase Flight crashed on December 9, 2002, in western Arkansas after running into a mountain. All 3 pilots on board, including Ron Tweto, President of Hageland Aviation Services, lost their lives.
Four people were killed in a crash on November 29, 2013, near the village of St. Mary's. The flight originated from Bethel.
There were two fatal crashes in 2016, one on August 31, 2016, and another on October 2, 2016. The August 31 crash involved a collision between a Ravn Connect Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX and a Renfro's Alaskan Adventures Piper Super Cub, resulting in the loss of five lives. The October 2 crash resulted in the deaths of three people when a Ravn Alaska Cessna 208B crashed near Togiak, Alaska.
Here is a list of the accidents and incidents:
- November 8, 1997: Hageland Aviation Flight 500 crashed, killing all 8 passengers and crew on board.
- December 9, 2002: Raytheon Pre-purchase Flight crashed in western Arkansas, killing all 3 pilots on board.
- November 29, 2013: Four people were killed in a crash near the village of St. Mary's.
- August 31, 2016: A collision between a Ravn Connect Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX and a Renfro's Alaskan Adventures Piper Super Cub resulted in the loss of five lives.
- October 2, 2016: Three people were killed when a Ravn Alaska Cessna 208B crashed near Togiak, Alaska.
Pandemic Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on Ravn Alaska's operations. In April 2020, the airline shut down its entire operation, laid off all staff, and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Travel disruptions due to the pandemic caused a significant decline in passenger sales, with Ravn Alaska seeing a 90% drop in passenger traffic since the pandemic began.
The shutdown stranded dozens of communities in rural Alaska, leaving them without regularly scheduled air service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does era Alaska still exist?
No, Era Alaska no longer exists as a separate entity, having been renamed and rebranded as Corvus Airlines, now doing business as Ravn Alaska.
How much does Ravn Alaska pay?
Ravn Alaska's hourly pay ranges from approximately $19 to $97 per hour, depending on the role. Learn more about the compensation and benefits package that Ravn Alaska employees rate 2.9/5 stars.
What kind of planes does Ravn Alaska fly?
We operate a fleet of safety-rated de Havilland Dash-8 100 and 300 aircraft. Our planes are part of the Ravn Alaska family, with a unique blend of heritage and modern service.
How do I contact Raven Alaska customer service?
Contact Ravn Alaska customer service by calling 1-907-266-8394 or emailing [email protected], available daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM AKST. Reach out for assistance with refunds or other questions.
Sources
- https://www.alpa.org/en/about-alpa/our-pilot-groups/pilot-groups/ravn-alaska
- https://www.alternativeairlines.com/ravn-alaska
- https://www.kucb.org/regional/2024-08-06/ravn-alaska-suspends-service-to-the-aleutian-islands
- https://www.kucb.org/regional/2024-07-01/ravn-alaska-names-new-ceo-loses-mileage-sharing-agreement-with-alaska-airlines
- https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Era_Alaska
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