Northern Pacific Airways Successfully Completes Proving Flight Between California and Alaska

Northern Pacific Airways has achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of a proving flight using its Boeing 757 aircraft to connect California, United States (US), and Alaska, US.

The airline’s Boeing 757-200, with the registration N628NP, took off from Ontario International Airport (ONT) at 3:10 PM local time (UTC -7) on June 21, 2023. After a five-hour flight covering a great circle distance of 2,050 nautical miles (3,797 kilometers), the aircraft safely landed at Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC).

This accomplishment follows the airline’s previous evacuation test, representing Phase 4 of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Certification Process for scheduled airlines, designated as Part 121 carriers in the US.

During the proving flights, FAA team members closely monitored the airline’s activities and recorded observations using the Element Performance Assessment (EPA) data collection tool or Custom Data Collection Tools. This data will be analyzed by the Certification Project Manager (CPM) to assess the overall performance of Northern Pacific Airways as it progresses towards becoming a certified Part 121 carrier.

Upon successful completion of Phase 4 proving tests, the airline will move on to Phase 5, which involves administrative functions. Northern Pacific Airways will obtain a license once the CPM and Certification Project Team (CPT) are satisfied that the carrier meets all US regulations.

Earlier, Northern Pacific Airways had to adjust its launch plans due to unforeseen circumstances, delaying the commencement of flights from June 23, 2023, to July 14, 2023. Nevertheless, Rob McKinney, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the airline, expressed excitement about the progress, stating that they have overcome many challenging regulatory milestones and are now “in the home stretch.”

In March 2023, the airline made a strategic decision to concentrate on the domestic market before expanding to Asia. As a result, Northern Pacific Airways shifted its focus to flights between ONT and Las Vegas International Airport (LAS).