Island Air Express joins Kalinin Family of Companies

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Friday, May 19th, 2023 3:12pm

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Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - The founder of Klawock-based Island Air Express and Kalinin Holdings, owner of Alaska Seaplanes and Above and Beyond Alaska, Friday made a joint announcement that Island Air Express has joined the Kalinin family of companies.

In announcing this new partnership, the partners emphasized continuing the same industry-leading service customers of Island Air Express have valued for years.

“Safe and reliable ‘IFR Only’ operations are the hallmark of our company, and our team has delivered that in Southeast Alaska for over 15 years,” said Island Air Express founder Scott Van Valin. “By joining with Kalinin and Alaska Seaplanes, we now have access to increased maintenance support and resources, more streamlined administrative services, and a growth path for our employees to advance as we expand services.”

“This is a case of two mutually-esteemed peers recognizing that the best way to grow is to join forces and share knowledge and resources,” said Kalinin Holdings President Kent Craford.

Island Air Express (IAX) was established in 2008 and has since become the largest Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) wheel plane operator in the Ketchikan/Prince of Wales market.

With a focus on safety and innovation, IAX has become a recognized leader in the industry.

IAX pioneered IFR operations in single-engine aircraft in Southeast Alaska, which contributed to a spotless safety record and increased schedule reliability.

Their fleet includes Cessna Caravans and a Pilatus PC-12.

Van Valin will continue in his role as Director of Operations of Island Air Express, working with the same pilot and maintenance team based out of Klawock.

All Island Air Express flight operations will remain unchanged.

“We are proud of the culture and standards we have developed at Alaska Seaplanes, and Scott and his crew have developed their own highly effective culture and standards. Both sister operations have much to offer one another, and much to learn from each other,” added Craford.

No front office changes are planned that will affect the customer experience for either Alaska Seaplanes or Island Air Express.

Alaska Seaplanes flies scheduled service to 14 communities in Southeast Alaska, with operations based out of Juneau and a secondary base in Sitka.

Island Air Express operates scheduled service between Ketchikan and its base in Klawock.

Both companies operate charters throughout Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and Canada.

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