Ascent Global Logistics buys Hageland Aviation Services

Michigan-based firm Ascent Global Logistics has acquired defunct Alaskan regional specialist Hageland Aviation Services (H6, Saint Mary’s) and plans to restart operations in early 2021 under the new brand of Rambler Air (Anchorage Lake Hood SPB). “Rambler Air will provide a much-needed service to Alaskan communities and businesses,” Ascent Global Logistics President and CEO Tom Stenglein said. “We enter Alaska with more than four decades of running USA Jet Airlines (UJ, Detroit Willow Run), a Part 121 and 135 certified airline, in the lower 48 states. We look forward to bringing our track record of safety, operational excellence and reliable service to Alaska.” Contrary to USA Jet Airlines, which runs cargo flights using a fleet of B727-200(F)s, DC9s, and an MD-83(SF), Rambler Air will restart in its previous market mainly as a passenger specialist. The airline will be based out of Anchorage Ted Stevens and initially operate eight Piper (twin piston) Chieftain Navajos and two Beech 1900Ds. Rambler Air will offer both commuter and charter services. It will also operate cargo charters, supporting Ascent Global Logistics’ existing operations under the Arctic On-Demand service launched earlier this year. Ascent’s Executive Chairman Chris Jamroz said that while it was the first-ever acquisition by the logistics firm, it planned more in the future. Hageland Aviation Services was one of two Part 135 operators owned by RavnAir Group, which collapsed in April 2020. Following lengthy court proceedings, the carrier was sold, together with sister airline Frontier Flying Service (FTA, Fairbanks Int’l), to Texas-based engine maintenance provider and aviation investment fund Monocoque Diversified Interests LLC (MDI) in September 2020.