RavnAir Group, owner of Alaskan regional carriers
PenAir, RavnAir Alaska and RavnAir Connect, has grounded all flights and filed
for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The company said the Covid-19 pandemic had led to a 90%
decline in passenger revenue at all three airlines. None of the airlines are
offering refunds.
Ravn Air Group flew passengers and freight to
115 rural Alaskan communities, according to the Anchorage Daily News. The
company’s 72 aircraft range in size from
7-seat Cessna C207 Skywagons to 45-seat Saab 2000s.
In a statement, Ravn said it intends to resume operations.
“This filing will allow the company to “hit pause” and await
word on its Federal Cares Act grant applications and other sources of financial
assistance that will allow it to get through the coronavirus crisis and
successfully restart operations,” Ravn said. The company added that it is also
seeking private investment.
“How long we must wait is uncertain, but I want to assure
you that everyone here at Ravn is doing everything possible to get back in the
air very soon, so we can resume the vital air service you depend on to get home
to your families, to your businesses, to medical appointments, and to other
duties that are essential to our communities and the state of Alaska,” CEO Dave
Pflieger said.