Russian carrier Yakutia Airlines has announced plans to expand its scheduled air service between Alaska and the Russian Far East. In June 2013, the airline will resume seasonal passenger and air cargo service from Anchorage to signature destination Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, on the Kamchatka Peninsula, and will extend the service to include Khabarovsk, one of Eastern Russia’s most important transportation hubs. Flights will operate for 14 weeks (June 27 to September 26) utilizing Boeing 737-700 aircraft; flight time from Anchorage to Kamchatka is less than 4 ½ hours. The flights are welcomed by outdoorsmen, business people, tourists and families with ties in both the US and Russia. Tickets are now on sale and available through InterPacfic Aviation and Marketing/AirRussia.US, and will be available to travel agents using the Amadeus computer reservations systems in the near future. Outfitters and tour operators are taking advantage of the flights to offer a broad range of travel opportunities to Kamchatka and Eastern Russia.
The newest city in the Alaska-Russia service, Khabarovsk, is an important crossroads of river, train and air transportation just a few miles from the Chinese border. Travelers may connect here to the Trans-Siberian Railroad or to flights throughout Russia. Named for Cossack Yerofey Khabarov who explored the Amur River in 1651, the city of Khabarovsk is one of the region’s oldest and most picturesque cities.
Tour operators and outfitters experienced in travel to Eastern Russia offer trips to accommodate a wide range of interests, ranging from wildlife and cultural tours to fishing, volcano-climbing and scientific expeditions. Major fly-fishing outfitters include The Best of Kamchatka and The Fly Shop. Tours to view wildlife, experience Kamchatka’s indigenous cultures, and explore its geologic wonders first hand include Kamchatintour, MIR Corporation, 50 Degrees North, Explore Kamchatka and Ultimate Rivers. Planet Yakutia offers a diverse range of tours to Yakutsk and the Republic of Sakha. Klondike Travel offers trip packages for Russians traveling to Alaska, Hawaii, Seattle, and other US travel destinations. Most operators are pleased to arrange custom trips upon request. Links to operator sites may be found at AirRussia.US.
In May 2012, Yakutia Airlines received authorization from United States authorities to serve Alaska, and successfully provided passenger and cargo service on the Anchorage – Petropavlovsk route for ten weeks that year. In 2013, the schedule and routing for the Anchorage-Petropavlovsk-Khabarovsk route will allow for convenient connections to Yakutsk, Irkutsk, Vladivostok, and others cities throughout Russia. Flight time from Anchorage to Kamchatka is 4 hours, 20 minutes, and from Kamchatka to Khabarovsk is an additional 2 ½ hours. The airline will also offer nonstop service from Kamchatka to Tokyo, Japan, in July 2013. Details about Yakutia Air’s service, including schedules, traveler information, and tours are available at AirRussia.US.
InterPacific Aviation and Marketing, Inc (Seattle, USA) represents Yakutia Airlines in North America, and provides travel, air cargo, and promotional services. It specializes in travel between North America and the Russian Far East. For more information, see its web portal AirRussia.US.