Aviation is a vital component of Alaska's
transportation system. Whether living in Anchorage or a small
community in the Aleutians, air service is the lifeline that
connects all Alaskans to other communities in the state, the Lower
48, and the world. Alaska's airports serve the transportation
needs of state residents, support the movement of materials and
goods, contribute substantially to the economy, and enable delivery
of critical medical services. Over 700 facilities are
registered in the State of Alaska, with the State of Alaska
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF)
owning and operating 237 facilities statewide. Nearly
82% of Alaska communities are inaccessible 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
Alaska DOT&PF's mission is to provide for the safe and
efficient movement of people and goods across the state as well
as delivery of essential services through the development,
maintenance, operation, and management of Alaska's airport
system. 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 is important.
To assist with the Department's mission, 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 Long Range Transportation Plan.
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Economy
The aviation industry in Alaska supported almost 7.8% of 2017 statewide annual employment - nearly 35,000 jobs.
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Economy
Alaskan's fly 8 times as often as residents of Pacific Northwest and Northern Mountain states.
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Economy
At least 39 times more freight per capital travels through Alaska's airports than airports in comparable Pacific Northwest and Northern Mountain states.
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Economy
In the peak summer season of 2016, an estimated 1.85 million people visited Alaska. That's more than twice the state's population!
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Scale
By air, Anchorage is located within nine hours of 90 percent of the industrialized world.
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Scale
Alaska has 2,427,971 square miles of airspace.
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Scale
Alaska has the largest aviation system in North America.
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Scale
Alaska has over 8,000 active pilots, 9,000 registered aircraft and 300 air carriers.
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Scale
Alaska has over 750 recorded landing areas (public, private, and military).
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Scale
Over 300 certified air carriers provide commercial and on-demand services across the state.
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Alaska Geography
How big is Alaska? North to south = 1,500 miles!
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Alaska Geography
Alaska has 586,412 square miles of land.
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Did you know?
Alaska has a commercial space port, located in Kodiak.
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Did you know?
The number of enplanements (5.1 million) in Alaska is 7.1x the state population compared to 2.6x the U.S. population for all states.
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Did you know?
Lake Hood seaplane base (LHD) is the largest and busiest seaplane base in the world and the only one with primary airport status in the U.S.
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Did you know?
In 2017, federal airport improvement program funding contributed over $220 million to Alaska and nearly 2,600 jobs.