Here’s an airline management shakeup that will surprise absolutely no one, but first a bit of background (since most normal people probably have no clue what airlines I’m talking about)…
The basics of Ravn Alaska & New Pacific Airlines
For some background, Ravn Alaska is a regional airline in Alaska, which primarily operates turboprops in markets not served by other airlines. While the carrier’s history dates back over 75 years, the airline filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2020, and is still in business.
However, things aren’t exactly good at the airline. Earlier this year, the company restructured, and laid off around 130 staff.
In 2021, Ravn Alaska launched a new subsidiary, at the time known as Northern Pacific Airways (later rebranded as New Pacific Airlines, due to a lawsuit). The carrier’s plan was to fly Boeing 757s across the Pacific, via Anchorage (ANC). The airline then pivoted its business model, and started operating scheduled domestic flights out of Ontario (ONT), initially to Las Vegas (LAS), but then to Reno (RNO) and Nashville (BNA).
I mean, it’s a natural business progression, right? Wanting to from the Icelandair of the Pacific, to the Bachelorette Express? Anyway, that didn’t last long, and now New Pacific Airlines is simply chartering out its planes, and no longer has scheduled flights.
There’s now a major update when it comes the company’s management…
Rob McKinney is out as CEO of company
Rob McKinney has been CEO of Ravn Alaska and New Pacific Airlines since the start of the pandemic. It seems the whole New Pacific Airlines concept was really a pet project of his, as resources went into building that airline, seemingly at the expensive of investing in Ravn Alaska, the core business with a proven track record.
It has just been announced that McKinney is leaving his role at the company effective immediately. As it’s described, “the departure comes as he does not share the forward vision of the ownership and Chairman” (which… I’d be fascinated to know what the two visions are).
Here’s what McKinney had to say about his time at the airline:
“It has been an amazing journey to be part of the resurrection of Ravn from bankruptcy and to experience the rare opportunity of launching America’s latest Part 121 airline. Our partnership with Boeing and collaborations with other remarkable companies and individuals around the world brought our vision to life. However, there comes a time in life when you just don’t see eye to eye. Bringing an airline to life is a team effort, and I owe most of the credit to the amazing team that achieved what seemed like the impossible.”
“It has been an honor to work with such a dedicated and talented team. Our shared achievements are a testament to their hard work and commitment. While our paths diverge here, I remain immensely proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to the future.”
I’m obviously getting this announcement from the PR team representing McKinney rather than the airline, as it highlights all of his amazing accomplishments at the airline, including:
- “McKinney led the successful resurrection of Ravn Alaska after its 2020 bankruptcy, reestablishing the airline and enabling it to resume operations and service various Alaskan communities.”
- “He spearheaded the launch of New Pacific Airways, connecting Anchorage with key destinations in Asia and the Lower 48 states. This initiative included acquiring a fleet of Boeing aircraft to enhance connectivity.”
- “Under McKinney’s leadership, New Pacific Airways created hundreds of local jobs and generated substantial tax revenue for Alaska. The airline’s operations are projected to boost the state’s economy by extending the tourism season and attracting year-round visitors.”
- “McKinney positioned Anchorage as a strategic hub for trans-Pacific flights, inspired by other successful stopover airlines. This model not only offers a convenient stopover for passengers traveling between Asia and the US but also promotes local tourism by encouraging layovers in Alaska.”
That’s… umm… an interesting perspective. Like, let me just quote one of those points again:
“He spearheaded the launch of New Pacific Airways, connecting Anchorage with key destinations in Asia and the Lower 48 states. This initiative included acquiring a fleet of Boeing aircraft to enhance connectivity.”
So yeah, he totally did the italicized part. But did I miss where he did the bolded part? Because unless Ontario moved to Anchorage, and Reno moved to Asia, I don’t think there’s even a morsel of truth to that statement.
I’m curious what’s next for Ravn Alaska and New Pacific Airlines. It’s clear that McKinney was the one pushing the whole 757 operation. So is the vision of the owner and chairman to just abandon the whole 757 vanity project, or something else?
I mean, I think Vasu Raja has some free time, and I’ve heard El Paso (ELP) is a great place to set up a hub nowadays…
Bottom line
Ravn Alaska and New Pacific Airlines CEO Rob Kinney has finally “parted ways” with the company. It’s honestly puzzling how he had the job for so long. I assumed that all the senior executives at the airline had the same “vision” as him, or else they would’ve ended this malarkey sooner.
What do you think is next for Ravn Alaska and New Pacific Airlines?
