The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has selected Aleutian Airways to provide federally supported commercial air service to three remote Western Alaska communities: St. Paul Island, St. Mary’s, and Unalakleet – a community within KNOM’s coverage area. The decision comes after months of cancellations, charter flights and shifting carriers across the region.
The service is funded through the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which helps maintain air travel to small and isolated communities where commercial service would otherwise be difficult to sustain. In many parts of rural Alaska, where road access is limited or nonexistent, air travel is often the only way in our out. These flights are a critical lifeline for medical care, commerce, and basic travel needs.
The new contract replaces a previous effort to maintain regular service in Unalakleet. Last spring, Kenai Aviation began flying to the community after the former carrier, Ravn Alaska, suspended service. Residents later told DOT that Kenai Aviation struggled to meet its target of two flights a day and frequently canceled trips or substituted smaller planes.
Last August, Kenai Aviation suspended all flights to Unalakleet after its only aircraft was grounded for maintenance. They later announced that it was ceasing operations entirely, citing financial insolvency.
Aleutian Airways began service to Unalakleet in late November, operating three round-trip flights per week using a 30-seat aircraft.
