The Department of Transportation has selected Kenai Aviation to provide Essential Air Service in Seward.
Kenai Aviation will provide Seward with six weekly round trips to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) during peak season, which is May 1 to September 30 of each year, and three weekly round trips to ANC during off-peak season, from October 1 through April 30 of each year, utilizing 9-seat Tecnam Traveller P2012 aircraft.
Kenai Aviation will receive a federal subsidy of $529,050 for the first year and $508,037 for the second year.
The service was previously offered from 1985 to 2002 but was discontinued due to low passenger traffic.
In 2024, Seward City Manager Kat Sorensen requested the reinstatement of the service, leading to a proposal request in October.
Kenai Aviation was selected due to offering a lower subsidy, its experience at Seward Airport, and its plans for new instrument approach procedures.
The federal subsidy, funded by airline ticket taxes, will cover the cost, with no expenses for the City of Seward or the State of Alaska.
Ticket prices have not yet been released.
Service will begin on May 1, 2025.
