Alaska Airlines’ embargo on new cargo from several bush communities like Nome and Kotzebue, has been partially lifted.
After going days without accepting any new freight shipments from six communities: Kodiak, Bethel, Nome, Kotzebue, Barrow, and Deadhorse, airline spokesperson Tim Thompson says that Alaska Airlines’ three 737-700 cargo jets came back into service over the weekend.
The large freighters were originally pulled out of service last week for what the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) deemed as bulkhead issues with the aircrafts’ barrier walls. According to Thompson, these barriers prevent cargo from moving towards the flight deck when the airplane decelerates.
Thompson went on to say via email today, “priority freight will be accepted, and Alaska Air Cargo will run a modified schedule for freight delivery across the state. The freighters will have a capacity restriction for loads.”
He did not specify what those capacity restrictions would be. However, the airline will also continue to provide freight service on some passenger flights when space is available.
Thompson also clarified that at this time, Alaska Airlines is “not accepting General Freight or Club 49 Freight for Less. Gold Streak and Priority are being accepted.”
Image at top: An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800 painted with the airline’s new tail logo and livery. Photo credit: Alaska Airlines.
