The newest airline in the U.S., Northern Pacific Airways, is set to commence its first revenue flight on Friday (July 14). However, the departure and destination may raise eyebrows as the airline's name suggests a different route. Anchorage-based Northern Pacific Airways has chosen Ontario Airport in California as its launch point, offering a short 45-minute flight to Las Vegas for its inaugural passengers. The return flight is scheduled for the following Sunday. This unconventional route is part of the airline's strategic plan to establish and fine-tune its operations before realizing its ultimate goal of providing affordable flights to Asia.
Taking inspiration from successful Iceland carriers, Northern Pacific aims to follow a similar model to boost tourism in its home base while offering cost-effective intercontinental travel. The airline envisions that travelers on the West Coast will enjoy a brief stopover in Anchorage before continuing their journey to various Asian destinations, ultimately filling its fleet of Boeing 757 aircraft. This strategy resembles how IcelandAir used 757s to transport curious customers from North American departure points to Reykjavik before connecting them to major European cities such as London, Frankfurt, and Paris. Northern Pacific aims to commence its Asian flights in 2024, catering to the growing demand for affordable travel options to and from the continent.
