CITY OF UNALASKA 43 Raven Way - P.O. Box 610 Unalaska, 99685 Tel (907) 581-1251 FAX (907) 581-1417

Unalaska, Alaska

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Marjie Veeder City Clerk and Public Information Officer Telephone (907) 581-1251 Email [email protected]

Letter from Alaska to Unalaska’s Mayor

Unalaska, Alaska, Friday November 15, 2019, 1:30 p.m.

Unalaska’s Mayor, Vincent M. Tutiakoff, Sr., received the attached letter from today, November 15, 2019, summarizing policy changes regarding service between Anchorage and Unalaska / Dutch Harbor and information for anyone holding a ticket booked through Alaska Airlines.

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November 15, 2019

Vincent M. Tutiakoff, Sr. Mayor, City of Unalaska City Hall 43 Raven Way Unalaska, Alaska 99685

Mayor Tutiakoff:

Over four weeks ago, the accident of PenAir Flight 3296 resulted in loss of life and injuries to many others. Our thoughts remain with those affected by this accident. In the weeks since, we also know that this accident has deeply impacted Unalaska, as your community faced the sudden loss of scheduled air service. Those needing travel for medical issues, school or work events, or planned vacations were disrupted. We at Alaska Airlines appreciate your collaborative efforts, patience, and resiliency as we look for ways to support the community.

We market flights to Dutch Harbor Airport (DUT) that are operated by PenAir using the aircraft, and PenAir has decided to halt service pending a full investigation into the circumstances of the accident. We respect and support that decision, and we are presently conducting our own assessment. It could be several months before that process is complete. Accordingly, all flights marketed by Alaska Airlines to and from DUT through May 31, 2020 have been cancelled.

Yesterday, Ravn began scheduled air service from DUT to Anchorage (ANC) with the Dash‐8 aircraft. We are pleased that Unalaskans will once again have access to scheduled air service, and this gives Alaska Airlines additional opportunities to assist our guests. Below is a summary of our policy changes for DUT service:

 Anyone holding a ticket booked through Alaska Airlines on a canceled Penair flight will receive an email informing them that their DUT‐ANC or ANC‐DUT flight will automatically be rebooked on a Ravn flight, for no additional charge. If their ticket involves downline travel, either in‐state or out, that portion of the ticket will remain in place. Bags will be checked to the guest’s final destination.

 This will apply both to tickets purchased with cash, and those booked as award flights through our Mileage Program.

3600 Old International Airport Road, Anchorage, AK 99502 P 907.266.7200

 Guests who prefer to receive a full refund instead of being rebooked on a Ravn flight, or wish to change the Ravn air flight on which they have been rebooked, may call [1‐800‐ALASKAAIR] to do so.

 Currently there are no plans for Alaska Airlines to market service to and from DUT on Ravn or any other carrier. Guests who wish to make a new reservation, including for the upcoming “A” season, will need to book their flight directly with Ravn or on one of the charter operators serving DUT.

 Travel to and from DUT booked on Ravn will not accrue miles under the Alaska Airlines Mileage Program, and miles may not be redeemed for travel on Ravn to and from DUT. There is no change to accrual or redemption on Ravn to other destinations. We hope this brings clarity to the current status of travel to Unalaska. As we move forward, we will continue to communicate with you and members of the community on any changes or new information. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Marilyn Romano Regional Vice President Alaska Airlines

cc: Erin Reinders, Unalaska City Manager

3600 Old International Airport Road, Anchorage, AK 99502 P 907.266.7200