Valdez – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has selected New Pacific Airlines d/b/a Ravn Alaska to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) at Valdez from December 6, 2024, to December 31, 2026. Ravn will operate 14 weekly round trips between Valdez and Anchorage utilizing DeHavilland Dash-8 aircraft. The annual subsidy rates are $5,601,327 for the first year and $5,825,380 for the second year. The DOT’s reviewed proposals submitted by Ravn Alaska, Kenai Aviation, and Sterling Airways. Ravn’s Option B service, with a required annual seat capacity of 47,736, was selected as the most cost-effective solution for meeting the community’s air service needs. The average fare quoted in Ravn’s Plan B is $74. At press time (Monday, Dec 9th – 2pm), the lowest fare for a ticket from Valdez to Anchorage Tuesday, December 10th was $245.
CLICK HERE to see Ravn Alaska Essential Air Service Proposal
CLICK HERE to listen to podcast with Tom Hsieh, CEO of Ravn, about Essential Air Service Plans (recorded at the time proposal was submitted).
