Holland America, Air North flights proposal hits a snag
Holland America's plans to fly its clients between Dawson City and Fairbanks have hit turbulence after U.S. Customs and Border Protection rejected Air North's plans for the daily summer flights.
Holland America's plans to fly its clients between Dawson City and Fairbanks have hit turbulence after U.S. Customs and Border Protection rejected Air North's plans for the daily summer flights.
Holland America spokesman Erik Elvejord said in an interview this morning the company had decided to offer the flights between the two communities rather than the two day bus service it had provided for several seasons.
But when Air North, which was to provide the service, proposed the flight it was rejected by border services officials. They argued they don't have the staff to handle the traffic the flights would bring.
As the flight provider, Air North is appealing the decision, Elvejord explained, noting it would be up to either Air North or U.S. Customs to speak to the appeal itself.
"We're very hopeful that gives everyone a chance to sit down (and work out a solution),” he said.
Holland America decided to move to a flight service between the two communities in response to changes in how people travel.
Many are looking to spend more time and more of an experience in the communities they visit as part of their tour.
This allows for more time in either Dawson or Denali, Alaska, which are both in high demand on Holland America tours.
The company offers 13 different options for seeing the region.
"It allows us to create more time,” Elvejord said of the flights.
He went on to note that the Yukon is a high-demand destination for those on their Alaska cruises, with Dawson and Denali among the most popular highlights of the journey for many.
Busing options will continue to run from Alaska to Dawson.
"The Yukon's been a good partner for us. It's a great area,” Elvejord said.
He again stressed the company is hopeful the flight plans will work out for the coming summer season.
Neither Air North nor U.S. Customs officials could be reached for comment by press time this afternoon.
Comments (2)
Up 16 Down 1
bobby bitman on Nov 14, 2013 at 9:21 am
"border services officials argued they don't have the staff to handle the traffic the flights would bring"
If I were a Fairbanks business I would not be impressed by this government agency. Can't handle the traffic?!! Unbelievable. Nice problem to have, eh? Gee, no more tourists please! We are just totally maxed out here.
Perhaps Holland America and Air North should consider Anchorage as a destination instead and approach Denali from that side instead.
I wonder if the people of Fairbanks are aware that their border agency is rejecting a very sweet tourism deal. Somehow or another the border guards at Beaver Creek / Northway managed, but not the hot shots in Fairbanks: too much work for them.
Up 19 Down 0
elizabeth connellan on Nov 12, 2013 at 2:20 pm
Many visitors to Dawson where I live, have commented over many years that they wish that they had more time in Dawson City. So let's do what needs to be done to make this happen. It's good for Alaska, it's good for Yukon, good for Holland America and good for Air North and it's great for our visitors and those friends they will share their travel stories with back home who just might make their own trek up North of 64 degrees.