Aleutian Airways began service between Kenai and Anchorage Friday, with the first plane arriving at the Kenai Municipal Airport around 7 a.m.

Aleutian announced in March that it would join Kenai Aviation and Grant Aviation in providing service to the peninsula. The company is using a Saab 2000 aircraft, which seats 30.

According to its booking website, Aleutian flies between Kenai and Anchorage twice each day, with flights from Anchorage at 6:35 a.m. and 6 p.m. and flights from Kenai at 7:40 a.m. and 7:05 p.m. Tickets cost $145, the same price as the tickets from Kenai Aviation and Grant.

During a ribbon-cutting held by the Kenai Chamber of Commerce after the first Aleutian flight arrived in Kenai, Aleutian General Manager Brian Whilden said their Saab 2000 can complete the flight between Kenai and Anchorage in as little as 12 minutes, owing to its large propellers.

“We’re going to be providing hopefully excellent, reliable service to the Kenai aviation area,” he said. “We’re excited to be here.”

Whilden was joined by Kenai Mayor Brian Gabriel in cutting a ceremonial ribbon.

For more information, visit flyaleutian.com.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.