Anchorage-based Ravn Alaska has acquired four Boeing 757s for the international expansion it has planned for 2023. The 757s will operate under the Northern Pacific name and there will be some availability for charter, though their primary usage is planned for scheduled service between the US and Asia, connecting through Anchorage.

“The plan is for charter service to begin in the Spring with scheduled service to begin in May,” says director of sales and marketing Richard Cole. “The 757 is a proven platform that lends itself to providing this type of long haul service in a comfortable and economical manner. The model we will be using is very similar to the service provided by Iceland Air between North America and Europe, with the same aircraft type. Our long term goal is to acquire 50 aircraft to connect Asian and American markets.”

All four 757s were completely refurbished and, along with the rest of the fleet, are being upgraded to provide wi-fi connectivity via Skylink.

“The new paint scheme looks great and our new interiors are really sharp. These aircraft will turn heads,” adds Cole. “Our goal is to carry six per cent of the passenger business between Korea and Japan with the US."

As part of the company’s expansion into international markets it has remodelled a part of the North Terminal at Ted Stevens Anchorage International airport. "The new lounge looks amazing and we’re really happy with the new mini-IMAX theatre,” he continues.

In addition, former managing director of commercial operations Tina Hanley was moved into the newly created chief commercial officer position as a new member of the executive team.