Northern Pacific Airways: Inaugural Flight Connects Ontario International Airport to Las Vegas

Northern Pacific Airways, America’s latest airline venture, successfully conducted its inaugural flight on July 14, 2023. The airline’s Flight 7H777 departed from Ontario International Airport (ONT), which serves the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area, and arrived at Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas (LAS).

This milestone marks the first commercial flight for Northern Pacific Airways, which had faced a series of delays and undergone significant operational changes since its conception. Originally intended to operate between the Continental United States and destinations in Japan and South Korea via Alaska, the airline had to adapt its plans while awaiting regulatory approval for its Trans-Pacific flights.

In the interim, Northern Pacific Airways proactively sought alternative missions for its fleet of four Boeing 757-200s. For instance, in the Autumn of 2022, the airline’s CEO, Rob McKinney, personally undertook a tour of various Pacific territories, pitching the airline’s regional services to the government of the Northern Marianas.

Although initial considerations were given to launching scheduled flights between California and destinations in Mexico, these plans did not materialize. Instead, Northern Pacific Airways forged connections with other airlines within its group, such as FLOAT Shuttle (Fly Over All Traffic), a commuter airline that links multiple airports in the Los Angeles area, and Ravn, Alaska’s largest regional airline.

The distinctive feature of Northern Pacific Airways’ Trans-Pacific service lies in its two-class offering, which aims to be more cost-effective compared to its nonstop competitors. Moreover, the airline plans to leverage its ties to the Alaskan tourism industry and the Anchorage (ANC) stopover, providing passengers with unique tourism experiences in America’s northernmost state.

As the airline industry eagerly anticipates the regulatory green light for its original Trans-Pacific routes, Northern Pacific Airways has managed to find creative ways to utilize its fleet and explore new avenues for growth and service expansion.