Argentum Airways is looking to expand its presence across Alaska under the Aleutian Airways brand using ATR - Avions de Transport Régional -600 series turboprops and the operating authorities of Silver Airways. The goal is to fill the gap left by Ravn Alaska, which recently ceased operations.
Aleutian Airways recently announced a partnership with Argentum Airways. “This expansion, pending US Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval, comes in direct response to the critical transportation gaps left by Ravn Alaska’s unexpected shutdown. With many communities suddenly disconnected, Aleutian Airways is preparing to step in and reestablish safe, reliable, and essential air transportation across the state,” Aleutian Airways assured in a statement.
Under the Aleutian brand, Argentum Airways is expected to operate shorter, high-frequency routes using the ATRs, while sister company Sterling Airways will continue to serve the Aleutian chain with its fleet of six Saab 2000s.
Argentum Acquisition Co. LLC bought the assets of Silver Airways as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganisation and expressed its intentions of launching a new carrier. Sterling Airways assumed the lease of one ATR42-600 from Silver Airways. This aircraft, N406SV (msn 1405), is leased from Azorra and is set to be deployed in Argentum’s services across Alaska.
In early August, Argentum Acquisition requested that the DOT register the trade names “Silver Airways” and “Aleutian Airways,” enabling it to commonly brand similar operations alongside Sterling Airways under the Aleutian Airways name.
The companies may also add a 70-seat ATR72-600 in the future, “if and when the need arises.” This is anticipated within the first year of operations.
Both Argentum and Sterling Airways are owned by Wexford Capital. Silver Airways ceased operations after its assets were bought, and it was subsequently liquidated under a Chapter 7 procedure.
