Northern Pacific Airways departs on proving flight to ANC

Northern Pacific Airways has successfully completed a proving flight, with its Boeing 757 flying between California, the United States (US), and Alaska, US.

The airline’s Boeing 757-200, registered as N628NP, departed Ontario International Airport (ONT) at 3:10 PM local time (UTC -7) on June 21, 2023. It landed at Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC) following a five-hour flight between the two states, with the Boeing 757 covering a great circle distance of 2,050 nautical miles (3,797 kilometers).

Previously, Northern Pacific Airways underwent an evacuation test, which is Phase 4 of completing the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Certification Process for scheduled airlines (designated as Part 121 carriers in the US).

Major milestone for our client Northern Pacific Airways. The FAA supervised mini evacuation. Have a look at the team members' reaction at the end. Now that says devotion. The airline in the final stages of launching in July. Next up 'proving runs'. pic.twitter.com/2OGnGTfIv2
— Forward Media (@AllForwardMedia) June 18, 2023

After the proving flights, “FAA team members will report their observations during these activities on the Element Performance Assessment (EPA) data collection tool or Custom Data Collection Tools,” explained the agency, now in the process of becoming a certified Part 121 carrier.

“The CPM [Certification Project Manager – ed. note] will analyze that data and make an assessment about the performance of an air carrier system,” continued the FAA, adding that Phase 4 is over once an airline has successfully completed proving tests.

Phase 5 involves administrative functions, with an airline obtaining a license once the CPM and Certification Project Team (CPT) are satisfied that the carrier meets US regulations.

Earlier, Northern Pacific Airways had planned to launch flights on June 23, 2023. However, those plans were derailed and the airline delayed the start until July 14, 2023.

“It’s been a long road, but we are truly excited about welcoming our guests onboard on the 14th of July,” said Rob McKinney, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the airline at the time. McKinney added that the carrier has completed many of the challenging regulatory milestones, with Northern Pacific Airways now being “in the home stretch”.

In March 2023, the airline abandoned its plans to fly between mainland US and Asia, instead focusing on the domestic market first with flights between ONT and Las Vegas International Airport (LAS).