A New LGBTQ-Friendly Airline Heads to Alaska

Northern Pacific Airways recently unveiled the livery design of their new fleet in San Bernardino, California. The aircraft’s black hues, gray tones, and sharp turquoise wingtips are meant to reflect the mountains, ice, snow, and northern lights of Alaska, the airline’s hub for travel connecting the U.S. with Asia.

CEO Rob McKinney explained in a statement that the design “captures the Northern Pacific brand and our affection for our Alaskan home.”

The airline hopes to provide travel to Asia at a savings of 10 to 15 percent over other airlines’ prices by initially purchasing an older fleet of 757-200s and connecting through Alaska rather than the continental United States. McKinney believes passengers will appreciate going through customs at Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage rather than at their final domestic destination. NPA is looking at Las Vegas, San Francisco, New York City, Orlando, and Ontario, California, as their initial U.S. gateways, and connecting to Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya in Japan, and Seoul in South Korea.

Long term, NPA plans on purchasing newer and larger jets, and offering no-cost, multi-day stopovers in Alaska for travelers who want to visit more of the state than its airports. No word yet on whether the fledgling airline plans on offering LGBTQ+ packages, but McKinney tells Out Traveler the carrier is excited for queer tourists to experience Alaska and the Northern Pacific.

“Northern Pacific Airways is the perfect way for the LGBTQIA+ community to fly and enjoy adventures inspired by the Alaskan traditions of freedom, friendship, appreciation, and exploration,” says McKinney. “Northern Pacific, alongside partners like Gaingels, a leading LGBTQIA+/Allies investment syndicate…supports the LGBTQIA+ community and is committed to providing a safe space to travel.”

This piece originally ran in Out Traveler print magazine. The Spring 2022 issue is now available on newsstands.