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Here's how small airlines in Alaska are surviving the pandemic travel slow-down | Alaska Insight

A man sits in the cockpit of a small plane.
Owner of Ryan Air taxis a small aircraft on a runway in Anchorage. Jeff Chen/Alaska Public Media

Air travel came to a halt last year as the pandemic caused closures across the country. In rural Alaska, where planes are a lifeline for many communities, airlines had to pivot and adjust to the changes quickly.

Aviation journalist and author of the book, " The Map of My Dead Pilots: The Dangerous Game of Flying in Alaska" Colleen Mondor and commercial pilot Jamie Klaes join Lori Townsend to discuss the challenges companies face and the importance of a healthy aviation industry.

Lori Townsend is the news director and senior host for Alaska Public Media. You can send her news tips and program ideas for Talk of Alaska and Alaska Insight at ltownsend@alaskapublic.org or call 907-550-8452.