Alaska's Aviation System

Aviation is a vital component of Alaska's transportation system. Whether we live in Anchorage or the smallest community at the tip of the Aleutians, air service is the lifeline that connects all Alaskans to other communities in the state, to the Lower 48, and to the world. Alaska's airports serve the transportation needs of the state's residents, support the movement of materials and goods, contribute substantially to the economy, and enable delivery of critical medical services. There are over 700 FAA registered airports in the state of Alaska, and the State of Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) owns 255 airports statewide. Nearly 82% of Alaska communities are not accessible by road, making aviation more than a convenience or a luxury - aviation is essential in the Alaskan way of life.

The Alaska Aviation System Plan

The mission of the Alaska Aviation System is to provide for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods and the delivery of state services through the development, maintenance, operation, and management of Alaska's airport system. Alaska needs a sensible and adaptable statewide aviation system plan that recognizes Alaska's dependence on aviation, unique operating environment, lack of basic infrastructure, financial constraints, and regional diversity.

To accomplish the mission of the aviation system, the Alaska DOT&PF Division of Statewide Aviation launched the Alaska Aviation System Plan (AASP). The AASP sets the vision for the Alaska aviation network by addressing Alaska's aviation infrastructure and policy needs. The plan will:

Identify airport improvements needed
Set priorities for funding
Propose aviation policy
Document the existing system with photos, maps, and data
Continuously support the system through special studies, updates, and reviews as the system evolves

The Alaska Aviation System Plan is guided by the FAA (AC No. 150/5070-7 The Airport System Planning Process) and is a key component of the DOT&PF's Statewide Transportation Plan.

Economy
The aviation industry in Alaska supported almost 10% of 2007 statewide annual employment - nearly 47,000 jobs in 2007.
Economy
Alaskan's fly 8 times as often as residents of Pacific Northwest and Northern Mountain states.
Economy
At least 39 times more freight per capital travels through Alaska's airports than airports in comparable Pacific Northwest and Northern Mountain states.
Scale
Anchorage is within nine hours by air to about 90 percent of the industrialized world.
Scale
Alaska has a flight area of over 3 million square miles.
Scale
Alaska has the largest aviation system in the U.S.
Alaska Geography
Alaska – Distance north to south: 1,500 miles.
Aircraft Fleet & Activity
Alaska has a fleet of 10,792 aircraft.

View Aviation Facility Information

Aviation Links

Alaska DOT & PF

FAA Alaskan Region Airports Division

FAA Headquarters Washington D.C.