Company History

1955
Orin Seybert founded Peninsula Airways. He was 19 years old, living in Pilot Point, Alaska and owned a 1946 two-seat Taylorcraft. In 1956, a four-seat Piper Tri-Pacer was purchased, and the company was named Peninsula Airways.

1965
On March 1, 1965 Peninsula Airways became incorporated and purchased the fixed base operation in King Salmon, which included the Chevron Airport Dealership.

1967
Peninsula Airways became a full-time subcontractor to Reeve Aleutian Airways, meeting Reeve's certificate obligations to Chignik, Perryville and Ivanoff Bay.

1969
Peninsula Airways acquired all assets of Tibbetts-Herre Airmotive, which had operated from Naknek since 1950. By 1973, regular service was provided between King Salmon and the Pribilof Island communities, St. Paul and St. George. Charter service was also extended into the Aleutian Islands, Dutch Harbor, Atka and Adak, with Grumman Super Widgeons.

1977
Two Grumman Goose aircraft were purchased from Reeve Aleutian Airways, and the sub-contract was expanded to cover all locations certificated to Reeve throughout the Alaskan Peninsula and Aleutian Islands. This required setting up an operating base at Cold Bay, with hangars, offices and employee housing.

1980
The Civil Aeronautics Board awarded a Part 401 Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to Peninsula Airways, and all aircraft operations were conducted under Part 135 of the Federal Air Regulations.

1983
Peninsula Airways acquired its first turbine aircraft: a Cessna Conquest operated out of Cold Bay. Peninsula Airways was the first Alaskan air carrier to qualify for CAB Part 419 subsidy, allowing the airline to perform Essential Air Service to Atka, St. George and Kodiak Island.

1985
Peninsula Airways acquired all assets of Air Transport Service, Inc., based in Kodiak. Included in the deal was a hangar and office facility with approximately six aircraft and scheduled year-round service to all points on the Island. Anchorage base was started with two Cessna Conquest turbo-props offering charter service from Anchorage to the Pribilof Islands. Scheduled service from Anchorage to King Salmon and Dillingham was added a year later.

1987
The first Fairchild "Metroliner" was put in service. Peninsula Airways now operates six late-model, high gross-weight, Metro III's.

1988
Several bush operators in Dillingham had their certificates revoked by the FAA, prompting Peninsula Airways to set up an operation there. A hangar and aircraft were purchased and service to the surrounding communities began.

1989
Peninsula Airways was contracted by Exxon to support the "Exxon Valdez" oil spill cleanup. Also, at this time, a contract was awarded to PenAir by Alaska Regional Hospital to provide 24-hour medevac service. PenAir operations were inspected and approved by Exxon Corporation, U.S. Office of Aircraft Services, U.S. Department of Defense, and 2 FAA NASIP "white glove" inspections.

1991
Peninsula Airways began doing business as PenAir and became a code-share and mileage plan partner with Alaska Airlines.

1996
PenAir transitioned to FAA Part 121 regulations, operating under both Part 135 and 121. PenAir was the first regional airline in the United States to make the 10-19 seat required conversion, including a dispatch department.

1997
PenAir acquired two Saab 340B aircraft and in 1998 moved into a new hangar/office complex in Anchorage, Alaska.

2004
PenAir begins a Capacity Purchase Agreement with Alaska Airline,s utilizing PenAir's crew and fleet in the Dutch Harbor market.

2005
Happy 50th Anniversary! PenAir is Alaska's largest commuter airline, operating a fleet of 40 aircraft and providing scheduled service to 36 communities throughout Southwest Alaska. PenAir was the second airline in the state to receive the Medallion Shield Award.

2007
PenAir constructs their second, 33,000 square foot hanger on Boeing Avenue in Anchorage.

2009
PenAir expands into the Bypass Mail operation to include 5 new destinations. They also increased their fleet by welcoming their first "all cargo" Saab Aircraft.

2010
PenAir added it's second "all cargo" Saab aircraft.

2011
PenAir increased their safety inititives with their codeshare partner - Alaska Airlines.

PenAir has a strong background in Safety. As the provider of many of the Medallion Foundation’s procedures, these Safety policies are now being used, not just at PenAir, but implemented throughout the United States at many aviation facilities.

As a further commitment and standard of safety, PenAir has internally, branded their central focus to be “Safety through Compliance”. This has empowered their employee group to not only think Safety first but to do it through compliance, achieving a greater understanding of the company’s many policies and assuring that all are being met.

This positive move has also guided PenAir to a newer, fresher, streamlined look with a new attitude, energy, dedication and branding.

We Welcome You to Fly With Us!