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Bering Air
Bering Air
from Wikipedia

Bering Air is an American airline headquartered in Nome, Alaska, United States. It operates domestic scheduled passenger and charter airline services, as well as air ambulance and helicopter services. Its main base is Nome Airport, with hubs at Ralph Wien Memorial Airport (Kotzebue) and Unalakleet Airport.[4]

Key Information

History

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In early 1975, Jim Rowe and three college friends embarked on a journey from northern Michigan, and traveled across America in a Cessna 195, landing in Mexico's Baja California peninsula, and eventually settling on the beaches of Nome, Alaska. A few years later, in September 1979, Bering Air was established. It commenced operations on October 3, 1979, with a single De Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter. Later, in 1983, with instigation of the increasingly popular bypass mail system, the airline added other small aircraft, including the Piper Navajo, Beech 18, and Piper Seneca. Bering Air, in favor of modern, turbine powered aircraft, later phased out aircraft equipped with radial engines. Thus, the Beechcraft King Air 200, Beechcraft 1900D, Cessna Caravan, and CASA C-212 were introduced. Furthermore, off airport duties were transferred to helicopters, instead of older piston powered aircraft. In 2015, the airline upgraded its fleet with eight Cessna 208EX Grand Caravan aircraft replacing its older Cessna 208B aircraft.[5] Today, the airline is wholly owned by Jim Rowe (President) and Christine Rowe.

In July 2020 Bering Air bought at Ravn Alaska's bankruptcy auction the facilities in Aniak, Kotzebue, Nome and Unalakleet.[6]

Fleet

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As of February 2025, the Bering Air fleet consists of the following aircraft:[7]

Bering Air Beech 1900D at Nome, Alaska
A Bering Air Cessna 208B Grand Caravan in Nome, Alaska
Bering Air fleet
Aircraft Total Passengers Notes
Piper PA-31 Navajo 4 9
Cessna Caravan EX 17 9
Cessna 408 SkyCourier 4 (as of August 2025)[8] 0 Cargo[9]
Beechcraft 1900D 4(as of August 2025)[8] 19 "Combi" configuration on scheduled flights
Beechcraft King Air 200 4 9 Air ambulance configuration
CASA 212-200 2 0 Cargo
MD Helicopter MD 500E 3 3

AS 350B3 2

Long Line capable

UH-1H Huey 2

Robinson R44 Raven II 3 3 Also operates two R44s for Twin Peak Adventures.[10]
Bell UH-1H Iroquois 2 15
Airbus Helicopters H125 2 5

Retired fleet

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Bering Air has previously operated the following aircraft:

Bering Air retired fleet
Aircraft Replacement
De Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter Cessna 208B Caravan
De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver
Cessna 206/207
Cessna 208B Caravan Cessna Caravan EX
Beechcraft 18 CASA C-212
Piper Seneca
Mitsubishi MU-2
Piper PA-31 Navajo

Community services

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Bering Air, along with Grant Aviation, Frontier Flying Service, Northern Air Cargo, PenAir, and Ryan Air Services, participates in the Flying Can service, which allows rural Alaskan communities to recycle aluminum cans and now number 1 PET bottles in cooperation with Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling.[11]

Bering Air provides free delivery on scheduled flights for Airport Pizza, a pizzeria at Nome Airport that takes orders from remote locations served by Bering Air.[12]

Destinations

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Passenger and cargo charter services are flown from Kotzebue and Nome to destinations throughout the United States, and Russia.[4]

Domestic

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Bering Air offers scheduled passenger service to 29 cities in Western Alaska from hubs in Nome, Kotzebue and Unalakleet.[13][14][15][16]

  1. Ambler (ABL) – Ambler Airport
  2. Brevig Mission (KTS) – Brevig Mission Airport
  3. Buckland (BKC) – Buckland Airport
  4. Cape Lisburne (LUR) – Cape Lisburne LRRS Airport
  5. Deering (DRG) – Deering Airport
  6. Elim (ELI) – Elim Airport
  7. Gambell (GAM) – Gambell Airport
  8. Golovin (GLV) – Golovin Airport
  9. Kiana (IAN) – Bob Baker Memorial Airport
  10. Kivalina (KVL) – Kivalina Airport
  11. Kobuk (OBU) – Kobuk Airport
  12. Kotzebue (OTZ) – Ralph Wien Memorial Airport
  13. Koyuk (KKA) – Koyuk Alfred Adams Airport
  14. Noatak (WTK) – Noatak Airport
  15. Nome (OME) – Nome Airport
  16. Noorvik (ORV) – Robert (Bob) Curtis Memorial Airport
  17. Point Hope (PHO) – Point Hope Airport
  18. St. Michael (SMK) – St. Michael Airport
  19. Savoonga (SVA) – Savoonga Airport
  20. Selawik (WLK) – Selawik Airport
  21. Shaktoolik (SKK) – Shaktoolik Airport
  22. Shishmaref (SHH) – Shishmaref Airport
  23. Shungnak (SHG) – Shungnak Airport
  24. Stebbins (WBB) – Stebbins Airport
  25. Teller (TLA) – Teller Airport
  26. Tin City (TNC) – Tin City LRRS Airport
  27. Unalakleet (UNK) – Unalakleet Airport
  28. Wales (WAA) – Wales Airport
  29. White Mountain (WMO) – White Mountain Airport

Former destinations

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  1. Council (CIL) – Council Airport
  2. Diomede (DIO) – Diomede Island Airport (ice runway, winter only)
  3. Port Clarence (KPC) – Port Clarence Coast Guard Station

International

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Bering Air offered charter service from Nome and Anchorage to Anadyr and Provideniya in the Russian Far East.[17] This service is currently suspended.[18]

Accidents and Incidents

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Bering Air is a family-owned regional airline headquartered in , specializing in scheduled passenger and cargo flights to 32 remote communities along the northwest coast, as well as services, helicopter operations, and international flights to the . Founded in 1974 by a group from as a small operation, Bering Air was formally incorporated on October 3, 1979, starting with a single DeHavilland Otter aircraft. By 1983, it had expanded to scheduled services using Piper Navajo planes, establishing hubs in and Kotzebue to connect isolated villages lacking road access. A pivotal moment came in May 1988, when company pilot Jim Rowe flew a Piper Navajo from to in the , pioneering Bering Air's routes to that continue today. As of 2025, the airline is owned by the Rowe family of Nome and employs approximately 115 people across three bases—Nome, Kotzebue, and Unalakleet—operating a diverse fleet of 27 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, including models like Beechcraft King Airs, Cessna Caravans, and Robinson R44s. Bering Air holds FAA Part 135 certification for air carrier operations and Part 133 certification for helicopter external load services, enabling specialized logistics for federal agencies such as the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management. The company emphasizes safety, having received multiple awards through the Medallion Foundation program and membership in the Alaska Air Carriers Association, while maintaining daily flights seven days a week to support essential travel and freight in Alaska's rugged terrain. In February 2025, Bering Air Flight 445 crashed in Norton Sound, Alaska, resulting in the loss of all 10 people on board; the incident remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Company Overview

Founding and Ownership

Bering Air was incorporated on October 3, 1979, in Nome, Alaska, by Jim and Christine Rowe, who established the company as a small air taxi service to connect remote communities in western Alaska. The Rowes, residents of Nome, launched operations earlier in spring 1974 using a single-engine DeHavilland Otter, but formal incorporation marked the official beginning of the enterprise focused on essential air transportation in the region. The airline has remained under family ownership since its inception, with the Rowe family maintaining full control of its operations and strategic direction. Currently, James Rowe serves as President and Owner, while Chris Rowe is listed as Owner, ensuring continuity in leadership and a commitment to serving Alaska's rural areas. As of 2025, Bering Air employs 150 people across its bases, reflecting steady growth while preserving its family-oriented structure. From its origins as a modest provider, Bering Air has evolved into a vital regional carrier, expanding its role in transporting passengers, cargo, and mail to isolated Alaskan communities that rely on air links due to limited road infrastructure. A significant corporate milestone was securing FAA Part 135 certification, which authorizes the for commuter and on-demand operations, enabling safe and reliable charter services essential to its mission.

Headquarters and Operations

Bering Air is headquartered in , at 1470 Seppala Drive, serving as the primary base for administrative and operational activities. The airline maintains additional hubs at in Kotzebue and Unalakleet Airport, which facilitate regional connectivity across Western Alaska. These locations enable efficient coordination of flights to remote villages, supporting the airline's role as a key transporter in areas inaccessible by road. The operational model of Bering Air centers on scheduled passenger and cargo flights, complemented by charter services, targeting bush communities along Alaska's northwest coast. These services operate seven days a week, connecting 32 destinations that rely heavily on due to the absence of ground infrastructure. Charters extend to broader areas, including and the , accommodating private passengers, freight, and specialized logistics such as external load operations for government agencies like the and . Bering Air's fleet, consisting of 44 aircraft—including fixed-wing planes like Caravans and 1900s, plus six helicopters—supports multi-role capabilities for passenger, cargo, and emergency missions. Operations emphasize service to isolated regions, where flights are frequently weather-dependent, requiring pilots to contend with variable conditions to maintain vital links for residents and supplies. This structure underscores the airline's commitment to reliable transportation in challenging environments.

Historical Development

Early Years

Bering Air was incorporated on October 3, 1979, by Jim and Christine Rowe in , as an FAA-certified regional air service providing operations. The company launched with a single aircraft, initially configured as a floatplane to serve remote communities during the summer season. In its early years, Bering Air concentrated on essential passenger and cargo transport across the region of western , supporting isolated villages and industries such as and that relied on reliable air links for supplies and personnel. Operations faced typical challenges of small-scale in remote areas, including limited infrastructure and seasonal limitations, but the service quickly proved vital for connecting the region to larger hubs like Nome. The first major expansion occurred in the early , as demand grew; the fleet grew to include additional Otters, a Beaver, and and 207 models to handle increased cargo and passenger needs. A key development came in 1983 with the introduction of scheduled services using a Piper Navajo, enabled by contracts for bypass mail delivery and commuter feeds for , marking a shift toward more consistent operations. This period also saw a transition from primarily float-equipped aircraft to wheeled configurations, allowing year-round service on runways and skis during winter months to better accommodate ongoing regional demands.

Expansion and Acquisitions

In the 1990s, Bering Air modernized its fleet by transitioning from radial-engine aircraft to turbine-powered models, enhancing operational efficiency in 's remote and challenging environments. This shift included the introduction of the in 1995, which provided greater reliability and performance for short-haul routes in western . The company also incorporated variants and other turboprops during this period, phasing out older propeller-driven planes to support expanded service to isolated communities. In May 1988, company founder Jim Rowe piloted a Piper Navajo on the first non-scheduled flight from Nome to in the , pioneering Bering Air's charter routes to . A significant strategic move occurred in July 2020 when Bering Air acquired maintenance and operational facilities from the bankrupt for $2.88 million, bolstering its basing and repair capabilities across key hubs like Nome and Kotzebue. This acquisition allowed Bering Air to consolidate its infrastructure, including hangars and support assets, enabling it to absorb additional routes and cargo responsibilities vacated by Ravn's exit from rural markets. Following the acquisition, Bering Air pursued further growth to meet rising demand for freight services, driven by expansion in Alaska's underserved regions. In 2023, the added cargo variants to its fleet, starting with the first delivery in , to handle increased package volumes and bulk shipments efficiently. These freighter models, with their high-payload capacity, supported the company's role in regional amid growing online retail needs. Bering Air's international operations faced a major disruption with the suspension of flights to Russia's , including destinations like Anadyr and , due to escalating geopolitical tensions following Russia's 2022 invasion of . Previously reliant on these s for cross-border connectivity since 1988, the shifted focus entirely to domestic and Alaskan services, with no resumption announced as of November 2025.

Fleet and Aircraft

Current Fleet

Bering Air's current fleet, as of November 2025, emphasizes versatile aircraft well-suited to the rugged, unpaved airstrips of Alaska's remote regions. The airline maintains a total of approximately 35 , all configured for operations in bush country environments, plus 6 helicopters for specialized tasks. The backbone of the fleet consists of 22 Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX single-engine turboprops (reduced from 23 following the February 2025 crash of Flight 445), which serve dual roles in transport and cargo hauling, accommodating 9 to 14 passengers depending on configuration. For extended regional connectivity, Bering Air operates 4 1900D twin-engine airliners, each with 19 seats in a combi setup that balances passenger and freight needs. The fleet also includes 3 200 twin-engine turboprops for medevac and charter services, accommodating up to 9 passengers. Additionally, 2 twin-engine turboprops provide heavy cargo and utility transport, capable of carrying large freight, vehicles, or up to 19 passengers. Dedicated cargo capabilities include 4 twin-engine freighters, with deliveries beginning in 2023 and all in service by mid-2025, optimized for high-volume via their large cargo doors and robust payload capacity. The helicopter fleet comprises 6 aircraft, including Raven II and MD Helicopters MD500 models, supporting Part 133 external load operations for remote access, surveys, and logistics. This composition reflects Bering Air's transition to modern turbine-powered models, enhancing reliability across its -focused operations.

Retired Fleet

Bering Air's retired fleet includes several and radial-engine aircraft that supported the airline's early expansion in western but were phased out to prioritize turbine-powered models for enhanced performance, , and compliance with evolving regulations. The transition began with the retirement of older radial-engine types, driven by the need for more reliable operations in remote areas, and continued through fleet efforts in the and beyond. The , particularly its floatplane variant, was a cornerstone of Bering Air's founding fleet in , enabling access to water-based airstrips and rough terrain. These aircraft were retired in the 1990s as the company shifted to turbine engines, replacing them with more efficient turboprops like the and CASA 212 to reduce maintenance costs and improve fuel economy. Similarly, the , operated alongside the Otters for short-haul passenger and cargo runs, was retired for the same reasons of aging airframes and the advantages of turbine technology, allowing Bering Air to standardize on modern equipment better suited to bypass mail contracts and community services. Early 207 Skywagon models, introduced in the early for cargo transport, served reliably in Bering Air's initial scheduled operations but were eventually retired due to structural age and the arrival of upgraded 208 Caravans, which offered greater payload capacity and regulatory compliance. The Piper Navajo, added in 1983 as a brand-new twin-engine aircraft for mail and charter flights, was phased out by the late 2010s to enhance safety and operational efficiency, aligning with broader fleet modernization that favored turboprops amid increasing regulatory scrutiny on older types.
Aircraft TypeRoleRetirement Rationale
DHC-3 OtterPassenger/floatplaneTurbine shift for efficiency; aging radial engines
DHC-2 BeaverUtility/short-haulReplaced by turboprops; maintenance challenges
Cessna 207 SkywagonCargoAge-related replacement by Cessna 208 series
Piper NavajoMail/charterPhased for safety, efficiency, and standardization

Route Network and Services

Domestic Destinations

Bering Air operates scheduled domestic passenger, mail, and freight services to 32 destinations across Western Alaska, connecting remote bush communities from its primary hubs in Nome, Kotzebue, and Unalakleet. These routes form a vital network for regions lacking road infrastructure, enabling access to essential goods, medical evacuations, and travel for residents in isolated villages. Key communities served include Shishmaref, Kivalina, Point Hope, Selawik, Noorvik, Gambell, Elim, Deering, and Ambler, among others, with flights facilitating daily life in areas where air travel is the sole reliable transportation option. The route structure emphasizes regular connectivity, with most destinations receiving twice-daily flights from through and once-daily service on , operated using single-engine turboprops like the suited for short, unpaved runways. These services transport passengers alongside critical cargo such as mail, groceries, and supplies, underscoring Bering Air's role as a lifeline for Western Alaska's and daily needs. Frequencies and schedules are designed to link smaller villages to hubs for onward connections, promoting regional cohesion in a vast, roadless territory. Operations face seasonal variations influenced by Alaska's and ice conditions, particularly in winter when frozen rivers and lakes serve as temporary runways, requiring equipped with or careful monitoring of ice thickness for safe landings. Summer flights may encounter challenges from high rivers eroding gravel strips or reducing , leading to occasional delays or adjustments to ensure safety in these challenging environments. In August 2025, from a Russian eruption temporarily halted flights in western . Despite these factors, Bering Air maintains consistent service, with post-2020 enhancements in scheduling and digital booking improving connectivity for passengers.

International and Charter Services

Bering Air operates charter services extending beyond to destinations in and the , accommodating private passenger and cargo needs for sectors including , exploration, and humanitarian missions. These flexible charters allow clients to specify pickup and drop-off locations, supporting activities such as guided tours to remote areas, transport of mining personnel and equipment, and delivery of aid supplies to underserved regions. Regular scheduled flights to Russian destinations, such as Anadyr and , have been suspended until further notice due to ongoing international geopolitical tensions and sanctions, shifting operations to limited occasional charters when regulatory approvals are obtained. These charters primarily facilitate shipments and select groups, often requiring advance coordination for visas, entry permissions, and border clearances with U.S. and Russian authorities. Prior to the suspension, Bering Air provided seasonal access to ports like and Petropavlovsk for similar purposes. For group charters, Bering Air utilizes larger aircraft like the , which accommodates up to 19 passengers and operates effectively on short gravel runways suitable for international remote sites. This fleet configuration supports increased demand for such services in the post-2020 period, driven by recovery in and activities amid global travel reopenings. All cross-border operations comply with FAA Part 135 regulations for commuter and on-demand air carriers, ensuring adherence to safety and certification standards for international flights.

Community and Special Services

Bering Air engages in several initiatives that extend beyond standard passenger and cargo operations to support the unique needs of remote Alaskan communities, particularly in Western Alaska where , food access, and response pose significant challenges. These efforts underscore the airline's as a vital lifeline, facilitating , , and crisis response in areas lacking . One key program involves partnering with local organizations like Kawerak to transport recyclables from Nome and surrounding remote villages, addressing the absence of waste disposal services in these isolated locations. For over a decade, Bering Air has hauled clean recyclables such as , lead-acid batteries, and fluorescent bulbs out of the region on its flights, enabling environmental cleanup efforts that would otherwise be impossible due to logistical barriers. The airline also facilitates the delivery of fresh food to off-grid communities, including a distinctive service for transporting pizzas and other perishables from Airport Pizza in Nome to villages served by its routes. This unique aerial delivery system allows residents in places like Unalakleet and beyond to access hot meals and groceries that are otherwise unavailable, with Bering Air integrating these shipments into scheduled flights to keep costs low for villagers. In addition, Bering Air maintains partnerships with local governments and organizations for medical evacuations and emergency supply distribution, providing on-demand medevac flights equipped for urgent patient transport across its operational network. The airline has participated in joint drills, such as the Arctic Chinook exercise with the City of Nome and Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, to coordinate search-and-rescue and medevac operations, while also delivering critical medical supplies during crises like the . These community-focused services contribute to Bering Air's broader economic impact, supporting approximately 150 jobs in Nome and fostering ties with surrounding regions through sustained employment in , , and roles as of 2025.

Safety and Incidents

Historical Accidents

Bering Air's early operations were marked by a fatal accident on December 10, 1987, when 207A N9979M, operating as an cargo flight, crashed into rising near Ambler, , during night operations in marginal conditions. The pilot, who had limited experience with the airline, was killed in the impact; the (NTSB) determined the probable cause to be the pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance in deteriorating . In the 1990s, Bering Air experienced non-fatal incidents, often linked to the harsh Alaskan and mechanical challenges associated with its fleet, including DHC-series and models. In January 1993, MU-2B-35 N900YH made a on moving ice in the after fuel starvation caused by ice contamination in the fuel system, leading to substantial damage and minor injuries to the pilot. Another incident on December 18, 1995, involved Beech G18S N340K crashing shortly after takeoff from ; the NTSB cited the pilot's exceedance of weight and balance limits (10,114 pounds versus a maximum of 10,100 pounds) combined with improper elevator trim as the cause, resulting in a stall, minor injury to the pilot, and substantial damage. These events highlighted vulnerabilities in early fleet aircraft, such as older twins, during operations in remote, weather-prone areas. In the 2010s, incidents continued to reflect the demands of in , with a notable case on , 2017, when B200 King Air N363JH executed an unintentional gear-up landing at during an air ambulance flight. The NTSB attributed the event to and inadequate adherence, causing substantial damage but no injuries to the crew or patient. This led to increased FAA oversight, including audits of operational procedures, which prompted enhancements in crew rest protocols and weight management training across the airline's cargo and passenger services. Prior to 2020, Bering Air recorded several notable incidents, none resulting in passenger fatalities after the 1987 event, underscoring the perilous nature of in Alaska's rugged , frequent icing, and variable that challenge even experienced operators. These occurrences contributed to broader industry improvements in regional safety standards.

Recent Incidents and Investigations

The most significant recent incident involving Bering Air occurred on February 6, 2025, when Flight 445, a 208B Grand Caravan EX (N321BA), crashed into the frozen waters of approximately 34 miles southeast of , while en route from Unalakleet Airport to . The flight carried one pilot and nine passengers, including a group of engineers from CRW Engineering Group in Anchorage who were traveling to support a water infrastructure project in the ; all 10 individuals perished in the accident. teams located the wreckage on sea ice the following day, confirming no survivors, and recovery efforts retrieved the remains of all victims by February 8. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched an immediate investigation, with its preliminary report released on March 19, 2025, highlighting critical weight and balance issues as a primary factor. According to the report, the aircraft's estimated gross takeoff weight was 9,776 pounds, exceeding the maximum allowable weight of 8,807 pounds for the prevailing icy weather conditions by approximately 969 pounds, primarily due to baggage and cargo totaling about 709 pounds plus passenger weights. Investigators noted no significant meteorological advisories or warnings at the time, but emphasized ongoing examination of weather forecasts provided to the pilot, aircraft performance data, and radar evidence of a rapid descent shortly before the crash. The NTSB's analysis also included a detailed review of the airplane's maintenance history and load manifest, with a senior aerospace engineer assessing potential performance limitations under the overloaded conditions. The crash prompted a profound community response across western Alaska, with residents in Nome, Unalakleet, and surrounding villages organizing vigils, fundraisers, prayer gatherings, and songs to honor the victims and support their families. Symbols of , such as 10 hearts spray-painted near the Golovin airstrip, emerged as tributes, while local leaders and Bering Air employees received widespread embrace from the region, reflecting the airline's integral role in remote communities. NTSB Chair visited Nome on February 10, 2025, to oversee the on-scene investigation and engage with affected locals, underscoring the agency's commitment to transparency. In the aftermath, the (FAA) allocated $25 million in April 2025 toward broader initiatives, including infrastructure upgrades and enhanced oversight, in response to ongoing concerns amplified by the Bering Air incident and Alaska's high crash rate. This funding, advocated by Alaska's congressional delegation, aims to address systemic challenges like weather monitoring and operational protocols in the state's unique flying environment.

References

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