Island Air Express
A small U.S. regional airline providing scheduled and charter flights across Southeast Alaska, with a core link between Ketchikan and Prince of Wales Island.
About Island Air Express
Island Air Express was founded in 1998 as a single-pilot operation and introduced scheduled instrument-flight-rules commuter service in 2008. Based on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, it operates as a small regional carrier serving communities where air travel is an essential part of the local transport network. In 2023, the airline joined Alaska Seaplanes under the Kalinin family of companies.
The airline’s core scheduled route links Ketchikan with Klawock, the principal airport serving Craig and other communities on Prince of Wales Island. Its own flights are supplemented by connections with Alaska Seaplanes, giving passengers access to Juneau, Sitka and other points across Southeast Alaska, as well as onward connections to larger airline services bound for Anchorage and Seattle.
Island Air Express operates small aircraft suited to short regional sectors and airports with limited infrastructure. Its fleet includes Cessna 208 Caravan, Cessna 206 and Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, with both wheeled and amphibious capabilities supporting scheduled flights and charters. Cabins use a compact, single-class configuration rather than separate economy and premium products, and onboard service is necessarily limited on these short flights.
Island Air Express is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, and it does not publicize a conventional frequent-flyer programme of its own. The carrier’s relationship with Alaska Seaplanes is operational rather than a global-alliance partnership, allowing coordinated regional connections while retaining the Island Air Express identity on its principal Prince of Wales Island services.
The airline’s main strength is its specialized Southeast Alaska operation, including aircraft and crews accustomed to the region’s remote communities and rapidly changing weather. Its small aircraft also mean limited cabin space, stricter baggage handling and greater sensitivity to weather or operational disruption than travellers may encounter on larger airlines. Passengers should allow flexibility when arranging important onward connections.
Good to know
Flying with Island Air Express — what to expect
Compact Aircraft Cabins
Flights use small regional aircraft with limited cabin and storage space. Pack lightly and use soft-sided luggage when possible.
Baggage Travels Space-Available
The airline publishes a weight-based baggage allowance, while excess items may incur charges or travel on a later flight if space is limited. Confirm the current allowance before departure.
Arrive Early
Allow enough time for check-in and baggage processing, especially because small-aircraft weight and balance calculations are important. Travellers making onward connections should also build in a generous buffer.
Weather Can Disrupt Flights
Southeast Alaska weather can affect regional aviation even when larger-aircraft services continue operating. Keep contact details current and avoid arranging inflexible same-day connections.
Alaska Seaplanes Connections
Island Air Express coordinates regional travel with Alaska Seaplanes, opening connections beyond its core Ketchikan–Klawock service. Check whether separate baggage or check-in requirements apply to each segment.
Single-Class Service
The aircraft have compact, single-class cabins without conventional premium seating or extensive inflight service. Seating and onboard amenities vary by aircraft type.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Island Air Express
Notable destinations on Island Air Express's network.
I4KetchikandirectI4KlawockdirectDestination list is indicative of Island Air Express's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
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FAQ
Island Air Express — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- The airline’s own published network identifies two principal scheduled destinations: Ketchikan and Klawock/Craig. Additional Southeast Alaska communities can be reached through connecting Alaska Seaplanes services or charter arrangements.
- Its regular scheduled service primarily connects Ketchikan with Klawock, which serves Craig and the wider Prince of Wales Island area. Coordinated Alaska Seaplanes connections extend travel options across Southeast Alaska.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. Availability for a small regional operator may vary, so travellers should also check the airline’s direct booking options.
- A separate standard carry-on size is not clearly published, and storage aboard the airline’s small aircraft is very limited. Confirm the current policy directly and expect bags to be weighed or placed in the aircraft’s baggage compartment.
- The airline’s core published scheduled sector is between Ketchikan and Klawock. Other trips may be offered as charters or as connecting itineraries with Alaska Seaplanes.
- The airline’s principal departure airports are Ketchikan International Airport and Klawock Airport. These form the endpoints of its core scheduled route.
- There is no reliably cheapest day for this small regional service. Booking early and comparing dates is sensible, particularly during Alaska’s busy summer season when visitor demand is higher.
- Island Air Express is based on Prince of Wales Island and operates its core service through Klawock Airport. Ketchikan International Airport is the other principal point in its scheduled network and an important gateway for onward travel.