This week saw Northern Pacific Airways announce flights from California but not from Anchorage. Let’s take a look into this.
The carrier is expected to begin operations this year, but strangely but also understandable, the first flights do not even operate from the Alaskan capital.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
Northern Pacific Targets Los Angeles-Las Vegas…
For its first flights, Northern Pacific will begin operating services between Ontario International Airport near Los Angeles to Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport.
The carrier aims to take the fight to established low-cost carriers in the area, with airfares as low as $69 one way on the weekend getaway market.
Northern Pacific’s first service will leave Ontario on Fridays at 1400 local time and arrive at Harry Reid International Airport an hour later.
Return flights will leave Las Vegas at 1400 local time on Sundays and arrive in Ontario at 1500 local time.
Services will commence on June 4, 2023.
McKinney: A Major Milestone…
Commenting on this milestone was Rob McKinney, the CEO of Northern Pacific Airways:
“This announcement today represents the achievement of a major milestone for Northern Pacific Airways”.
“The airline now has a live flight schedule, purchasable tickets, and refurbished aircraft ready to go, and I can’t wait for passengers to meet our team onboard and fly with us.”
“I know that our weekend getaway flights will be an incredibly convenient and cost-effective way for people to enjoy themselves in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas,”
“I’m especially thankful to our team around the world and especially to those in Anchorage, Alaska, for their dedication and hard work.”
Why Not Start from Anchorage?
Given the level of emphasis that Northern Pacific has placed on its proposed operations from Anchorage, it may seem strange that these are the first routes for the airline.
However, there is an element that makes complete sense for the reasoning of route choice.
As per data from Planespotters.net, at least two of its Boeing 757-200s are actually parked in Ontario and are ready to go in terms of operations.
It is probably to be expected that as more aircraft are delivered and more routes are launched, we will see the focus back onto Anchorage again.
Overall…
Either way, this route announcement is definitely an exciting step for the Northern Pacific brand.
Based on the plans outlined by CEO Rob McKinney in the last 12 months, this airline is going to be one to definitely look out for, especially as growth begins in its initial periods.
All eyes will be on the carrier to see how well the inaugural service goes and what other route launches are in the pipeline for this year.
But for now, it remains clear that a potential game-changer is about to enter the market, and that is definitely Northern Pacific Airways.
