Wings of Alaska is an Alaska-based airline that has been in operation since 1972. It is the largest regional airline in the state and has a long and interesting history. The airline currently operates a fleet of over 30 aircraft and provides service to more than 30 communities in Alaska.

The story of Wings of Alaska began in 1972, when the airline was founded by two aviation enthusiasts, Paul Binkley and Dave McCarty. The two men had a vision of creating an airline that would offer reliable and affordable air travel to the remote areas of Alaska. In the beginning, the airline’s fleet was made up of small Cessna aircraft, and the routes served were limited to a few locations.

By the mid-1980s, Wings of Alaska had grown significantly and had added larger turboprop aircraft to its fleet. This allowed the airline to expand its service to more communities and to offer more options to its customers. In 1986, the airline was purchased by Alaska Air Group and began to operate under the Alaska Airlines brand.

Over the years, Wings of Alaska has continued to grow and evolve. In 1995, the airline began operating a fleet of larger regional jets, allowing it to offer more destinations and to provide a higher level of service than before. In 2008, Wings of Alaska was spun off from Alaska Air Group and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alaska Airlines.

Throughout its history, Wings of Alaska has achieved a number of important milestones. In 1991, the airline became the first regional carrier in the United States to implement a computer reservation system. In 2001, the airline became the first regional carrier to be ISO 9001 certified. In 2014, the airline became the first regional carrier to be awarded a safety certification from the FAA.

Unfortunately, Wings of Alaska has also been involved in a few incidents over the years. In 1987, one of its planes crashed in a remote area of Alaska, killing all 11 people on board. In 2000, the airline was the subject of a federal investigation for alleged violations of FAA regulations. The investigation was eventually closed without any charges being filed.

Today, Wings of Alaska continues to provide reliable and affordable air travel to communities throughout the state of Alaska. With a fleet of over 30 aircraft and a commitment to safety, the airline has become an important part of the Alaskan aviation landscape. As it continues to grow and evolve, Wings of Alaska is sure to remain a leader in the regional airline industry for many years to come.