Are all the -700s leaving? It seems like it could fill a nice void on the longer thin routes.

 

Last I heard, they were going to keep 3 of them and convert them to freighters.

 

That's why we pay SkyWest to fly 15~??? RJ's! Looks better on paper for the Wall Street analysts.

 

Once the 400's are gone - Three 700 freighters. No combi's. By the end of 2016, the fleet is suppose to be 800's, 900's and Max.
Lots of future flying for QX in AK. What are we gonna do? Take a 800 to PSG, WRG, ADQ, DGG, ADK, DLG, AKN, YAK, CDV, SIT, BET, and make any money? The State of AK will largely go back to QX turbo props with seasonal AK jets on a few markets. The AK mainline will continue its "outside" (that's how AK folks say "lower 48") battle with Deltoid - which so far has added so much growth and prosperity that I am thankful for them putting a fire under Brad's feet.

 

As you point out, Alaska will bank the EAS money whether they serve WRG, PSG, YAK, CDV, etc. with 737s or Q400s. And, considering the average loads it makes more sense to do that for the pax and straight freighters for the cargo.

Be advised, however, there are other operators out there looking at taking a large bite out of the cargo business. Remember when Evergreen took the SE Mail contract? Alaska doesn't have the sterling reputation for freight that it does for passengers, especially since Keola jumped ship to Air Canada.

It seems the ANC based pilots are the only people who seem to understand how important the cargo business is out in the villages.

That was clearly illustrated a long time ago when John Kelly said, "Cargo? We're a passenger airline." I've heard sources say customers in BRW and SCC are very unhappy with the cargo service. I'm sure there are others out there looking to scoop up that business.

 

We got out of the cargo business when the last 200 left.....Ever try shipping on Alaska....makes you want to punch someone.....Lynden, NAC and Everts can easily handle what cargo there is

 

[QUOTE=Packrat;1805155]As you point out, Alaska will bank the EAS money whether they serve WRG, PSG, YAK, CDV, etc. with 737s or Q400s. And, considering the average loads it makes more sense to do that for the pax and straight freighters for the cargo.

Be advised, however, there are other operators out there looking at taking a large bite out of the cargo business. Remember when Evergreen took the SE Mail contract? Alaska doesn't have the sterling reputation for freight that it does for passengers, especially since Keola jumped ship to Air Canada.

It seems the ANC based pilots are the only people who seem to understand how important the cargo business is out in the villages.

I'm not ANC. I wish they had more freighters . I agree AS has squandered opportunity to excel in the freight business. I wish we still had hercs and went around the world.

 

How senior is the freighter operation and are the crews ANC based?

 

Freighters are flown by all bases/ all pilots as are ETOPS.....

 

However, the freighters do almost exclusively state of Alaska flying and Seattle. Since ANC and FAI are the only Alaskan airports that don't need a special qualification, the PDX and LAX bases rarely see it. The combi will make its way into those base's lines since it does the last SEA-ANC flight each night.