New Pacific Airlines Announces Significant Workforce Reduction at Ravn Alaska
New Pacific Airlines, operating under the 7H code from Anchorage Ted Stevens, has announced a substantial reduction in its workforce, affecting approximately 130 positions at its Ravn Alaska division. This decision accounts for nearly one-quarter of the airline’s total employees, reflecting a significant restructuring effort aimed at navigating financial challenges. The news, reported by Alaska’s KTUU-TV, highlights the ongoing struggles within the aviation sector, exacerbated by factors such as inflation, labor shortages, and competitive pressures.
In a candid communication to staff, Rob McKinney, CEO of both Ravn Alaska and New Pacific Airlines, emphasized the company’s commitment to overcoming its current profitability hurdles. Despite concerted efforts to optimize schedules, adjust pricing strategies, and previously implement right-sizing initiatives, McKinney acknowledged that inherited inefficiencies from the airline’s predecessor have continued to impact its operational and financial performance.
The airline’s leadership identifies inflation, persistent labor shortages, and intensified competition on key routes as the primary obstacles to Ravn Alaska’s success. McKinney’s message to employees, however, was one of resilience and determination, assuring that the airline would emerge from this restructuring phase with enhanced strength and stability.
Ravn Alaska’s journey through recent years has been marked by significant upheaval, including a temporary cessation of operations in 2020, subsequent acquisition by FLOAT Shuttle, and the transition into the New Pacific Airlines brand. These changes have underscored the brand’s efforts to adapt and reinvent itself amidst the volatile aviation landscape.
The fleet under New Pacific Airlines, as detailed in the ch-aviation fleets module, consists of 11 aircraft, featuring two Boeing 757-200s, eight De Havilland Canada DHC-8-100s, and one DHC-8-300. This diverse fleet supports the airline’s operations across a variety of routes, underscoring its commitment to serving the Alaskan community and beyond.
As New Pacific Airlines navigates through this challenging period, the airline’s strategic decisions, including workforce adjustments, signal a focused attempt to realign its operational model and financial strategies. With an eye towards future sustainability and growth, the airline’s leadership remains hopeful that these difficult but necessary measures will pave the way for a more efficient and competitive operation.