As of Tuesday, Dec. 2, Aleutian Airways now offers three weekly roundtrip flights between Anchorage and Unalakleet, according to a Dec. 1 press release from the airline. The news comes after Kenai Aviation announced it would cease flights due to financial insolvency in November, which left Unalakleet without regularly scheduled air service following Ravn Alaska’s closure in August.
The Department of Transportation awarded Aleutian Airways the Essential Air Service contract specifically to service Unalakleet. Using the Saab 2000 aircraft, the airline will offer roundtrip flights to Anchorage every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
“This award marks an important moment for both Sterling Airways and the community of Unalakleet,” Aleutian Airways CEO Wayne Heller said in the press release. “Our top priority is safety — every flight, every day — and we pair that with a deep commitment to reliable operations and genuine customer service. We know the community has faced challenges with air service in the past, and we are determined to earn their trust by delivering the consistent, high‑quality service they deserve.”
Receiving the contract was “a long and highly anticipated process” delayed in part by the government shutdown. The press release said that while Aleutian Airways recognized Unalakleet’s concerns regarding past service reliability, the company is committed to delivering a higher standard of customer care and reliability.
“The company is honored to serve Unalakleet and remains committed to supporting Alaska’s long‑term connectivity and growth,” the press release said.
For more information, visit the Aleutian Airways website.
