RavnAir Group begins selling planes as part of auction after filing for bankruptcy

Alaska aviation companies bought dozens of planes sold at auction by RavnAir Group, three months after the regional carrier filed for federal bankruptcy protection.

The company, at auction Tuesday, sold 15 Cessnas to Grant Aviation, which serves the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Bristol Bay and the Aleutian Islands. Bethel-based Yute Commuter Service bought 14 Cessnas as well as two buildings, in Bethel and St. Mary’s. Fairbanks-based Wright Air Service bought four planes and buildings and equipment, Alaska’s Energy Desk reported.

Anchorage-based ACE Air Cargo bought RavnAir Group's Beechcraft fleet.

The auction was expected to continue Wednesday with the largest planes and operating certificates. A federal bankruptcy judge must approve the winning bids.

The smaller planes that were sold Tuesday generally were used for shorter flights between hub communities and smaller villages.

RavnAir Group, in seeking bankruptcy protection, cited a steep drop in bookings and revenue associated with the coronavirus pandemic.