Alaska Airlines starts flying Embraer 175 jet in Alaska

Alaska Airlines will start flying the Embraer 175 jet aircraft in the state of Alaska starting in October 2020. The E175, operated by regional partner Horizon Air, will serve select markets in Alaska.

"Alaskans who have flown the E175 jet in the Lower 48 have frequently asked when they might see the plane in the state, and we're thrilled the time has come," said Marilyn Romano, regional vice president. "This jet gives us the flexibility to increase daily frequency between Anchorage and Fairbanks up to seven times a day, and to provide year-round service to King Salmon and Dillingham.”

With no middle seats, the regional jet is configured with 12 seats in first class, 12 in premium class and 52 in the main cabin.

Alaska Airlines recently added Boeing 737 service to Cold Bay, and started service one month early to King Salmon and Dillingham. Alaska Air Cargo also began serving Unalakleet earlier this month with our 737-700 freighters.

FEMA lines up COVID-19 air ambulance service to support Alaska fishing season

In support of the State of Alaska, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in the planning stages to support contingency medical evacuation requirements during the coming fishing season. The COVID-19 pandemic combined with the Alaskan fishing season occurring June-August brings in approximately 60K-80K individuals into the state to support the fishing industry. The influx of a large transient workforce could potentially put stress on the medical system especially in the rural areas

“This is a Special Notice that is a request for Information addressing the capability to provide an Air Ambulance Service in Alaska,” FEMA officials said in contract documents released Wednesday.

In support of a State of Alaska request, as directed by and in coordination with FEMA, contractor rotary and fixed-wing aircraft will provide air transportation support for medical evacuation to support COVID-19 operations through Sept. 1.  Transport is anticipated to be one or two patients at a time.  The vendor will transport patients from various rural communities in the state to Anchorage.

Potential pick up locations:
•       Unalaska
•       Cold Bay
•       Kodiak
•       Egegik
•       King Salmon
•       Dillingham
•       Togiak
•       Cordova
•       Juneau
•       Sitka
•       Ketchikan