
Ravn Alaska has been working to modernize its fleet, with a focus on upgrading to larger aircraft that can carry more passengers and cargo.
The company has taken delivery of several new aircraft, including the Q400 and the ATR 72, which offer improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
Ravn Alaska has also been investing in technology to improve the efficiency of its operations, including the implementation of a new scheduling system.
The new system allows for more flexible scheduling and improved communication between pilots and dispatchers, which has helped to reduce delays and improve on-time performance.
Check this out: Ryder System News
Service Issues
Ravn Alaska has experienced some service issues in the past.
Flight cancellations and delays have been a common problem, with some flights being cancelled at the last minute due to mechanical issues or inclement weather.
In 2020, Ravn Alaska cancelled over 1,000 flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many passengers have reported long wait times and unhelpful customer service when trying to resolve issues with their flights.
Ravn Alaska has a policy of offering vouchers or refunds to passengers whose flights are cancelled or significantly delayed.
The airline has also faced criticism for its handling of baggage claims, with some passengers reporting lost or damaged luggage.
For another approach, see: Ravn Air Alaska
Company News
Ravn Alaska has a new CEO, Tom Hsieh, who will take over from former CEO Rob McKinney. He's the president of FLOAT Alaska LLC, the parent company of Ravn Alaska and New Pacific Airlines.
The change in leadership has led to Alaska Airlines suspending its mileage-sharing agreement with Ravn. This means travelers can no longer purchase or redeem Ravn flights on Alaska's website, but any travel already booked will be honored.
Ravn Alaska laid off over a quarter of its 400-plus workforce about four months ago, sparking concerns about the airline's reliability and future. The layoffs resulted in 130 employees losing their jobs.
If you've booked flights with Ravn through Alaska Airlines' website before July 1, you'll still accrue mileage as long as you include a mileage plan number. However, you won't be able to earn mileage on new bookings or redeem existing miles for Ravn flights.
Here are some key changes to keep in mind:
Financial Challenges
Ravn Alaska's financial struggles have been ongoing, with the airline facing previous financial pressures in 2020. It was forced to cease all operations in the spring, only to resume in November 2020 under new ownership.
The airline's current financial woes are a result of inefficient practices and policies inherited from its previous company. McKinney acknowledged that the airline "never really left oldco in the past."
To address these issues, Ravn Alaska is restructuring and streamlining costs to improve its chances of survival. This includes re-examining schedules, pricing, and operational procedures.
Despite efforts to revamp the airline, Ravn Alaska is still not profitable. McKinney stated that the company "still was not hitting the profitability mark."
Take a look at this: Ravn Air Group
Expansion and Partnerships
Grant Aviation is now offering fifty more flights per week between Anchorage and Kenai, filling a gap left by Ravn Alaska's exit from the route.
This increased service is a welcome development for travelers in the region, providing more options for getting to and from Kenai.
Ravn Alaska is also making headlines with its partnership with Planitas, a specialist in airline revenue analytics, to guide its international routes for Northern Pacific Airways.
Names New CEO

Ravn Alaska has named a new CEO, Tom Hsieh, who will be taking over from former CEO Rob McKinney. Hsieh is the president of FLOAT Alaska LLC, the parent company of Ravn Alaska and New Pacific Airlines.
Tina Hanley, Ravn's chief commercial officer, confirmed the change in leadership, although the company doesn't have an official statement.
The transition comes about four months after Ravn laid off over a quarter of its 400-plus workforce, which included 130 employees between Friday and Monday.
Here are some key facts about the new CEO and the leadership change:
- Tom Hsieh is the new CEO of Ravn Alaska.
- Hsieh is the president of FLOAT Alaska LLC.
- Tina Hanley confirmed the change in leadership.
- Ravn laid off 130 employees between Friday and Monday.
Partners with Data Analyst for Route Guidance
Ravn Alaska is partnering with Planitas, a specialist in airline revenue analytics, to guide its international routes. This partnership is crucial for the airline's new venture, Northern Pacific Airways, which is set to launch soon.
The goal of this partnership is to structure routes for Northern Pacific Airways' international flights. This will help the airline make informed decisions about which routes to prioritize and how to optimize its operations.

With Planitas' expertise, Ravn Alaska can gain valuable insights into passenger demand, market trends, and revenue potential. This information will enable the airline to make data-driven decisions and create a more efficient route network.
By leveraging data analytics, Northern Pacific Airways can better compete with other airlines in the international market. This partnership is a strategic move by Ravn Alaska to stay ahead in the industry.
Rethinks Airline Miles as Crypto
Ravn Alaska is pioneering a new approach to frequent flyer miles by trading and spending them as cryptocurrency. This innovative idea blurs the lines between transportation and finance.
The concept is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about airline rewards.
New Developments
Ravn Alaska has a new CEO, Tom Hsieh, who will be taking over the regional airline. He's the president of FLOAT Alaska LLC, the parent company of Ravn Alaska and New Pacific Airlines.
The change in leadership has led to Alaska Airlines suspending their mileage-sharing agreement with Ravn Alaska. This means travelers can no longer purchase and redeem Ravn flights on Alaska's website or accrue mileage.
Travelers who purchased flights before July 1 on Alaska's website will still accrue mileage, as long as they include a mileage plan number. Any travel already booked will be honored.
Ravn Alaska recently laid off over a quarter of its 400-plus workforce, which has raised concerns about the airline's reliability and future. The layoffs were announced just four months after the company provided few details on the reason behind them.
The airline has confirmed that none of its destinations will be eliminated, but travelers can expect fewer flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Ravn Alaska pay?
Ravn Alaska's hourly pay ranges from approximately $19 to $97 per hour, depending on the role. Learn more about compensation and benefits at Ravn Alaska.
Who bought Ravn Alaska?
Ravn Alaska was sold in pieces to various airlines in Alaska, with its part 135 airline sold to other local airlines. Its part 121 airlines, Corvus Airlines and PenAir, were sold to FLOAT Shuttle, a Los Angeles-based commuter service.
Is Ravn no longer flying to Kenai?
Ravn Alaska will cease operations out of Kenai Municipal Airport after October 20, due to a nationwide pilot shortage. This means flights to and from Kenai will no longer be available after the specified date.
Sources
- https://www.kucb.org/regional/2024-08-06/ravn-alaska-suspends-service-to-the-aleutian-islands
- https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/aviation/2024/08/06/ravn-alaska-halts-service-to-unalaska-and-two-other-western-alaska-communities/
- https://www.kucb.org/regional/2024-07-01/ravn-alaska-names-new-ceo-loses-mileage-sharing-agreement-with-alaska-airlines
- https://airwaysmag.com/legacy-posts/ravn-alaska-cuts-130-jobs-restructuring
- https://www.akbizmag.com/tag/ravn-alaska/
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