Alaska air mail routes
Alaska Airlines has a rich history of serving the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, and its mail routes have played a significant role in that history. Here are some of the key Alaska Airlines mail routes:
- Seattle-Tacoma to Juneau: Alaska Airlines began flying mail between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Juneau International Airport (JNU) in 1934. This route was critical for delivering mail to Alaska's capital city, which was isolated from the rest of the state.
- Seattle-Tacoma to Anchorage: In 1935, Alaska Airlines extended its mail route to Anchorage International Airport (ANC), which became a major hub for the airline. This route helped connect Alaska's largest city to the rest of the state and the Lower 48.
- Anchorage to Fairbanks: Alaska Airlines also operated a mail route between Anchorage and Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), which was essential for delivering mail to Alaska's interior.
- Juneau to Ketchikan: In the 1940s, Alaska Airlines began flying mail between Juneau and Ketchikan International Airport (KTN), which served the southeastern panhandle of Alaska.
- Anchorage to Bethel: Alaska Airlines operated a mail route between Anchorage and Bethel Airport (BET), which was critical for delivering mail to rural Alaska.
- Fairbanks to Coldfoot: In the 1950s, Alaska Airlines began flying mail between Fairbanks and Coldfoot Airport (AK9), which served the remote Brooks Range region.
- Anchorage to Nome: Alaska Airlines operated a mail route between Anchorage and Nome Airport (OME), which was essential for delivering mail to western Alaska.
These mail routes played a vital role in connecting Alaska's communities and facilitating communication and commerce. Today, Alaska Airlines continues to operate a robust network of flights throughout Alaska, serving both passengers and cargo.