Northern Pacific Airways Changes Name
New Pacific
Northern Pacific Airways announced September 9 that, effective upon approval of federal regulators, the company intends to operate under the name New Pacific Airlines.
New Name, Same Commitment to Exceptional Travel
“This decision is in response to pending trademark litigation and is the right strategic move for our business, customers, the communities we serve, and most importantly, the more than 400 employees of our company,” says Rob McKinney, CEO of New Pacific.
BNSF Railway in 2020 sued Northern Pacific’s parent company, FLOAT Alaska (which also owns Ravn Alaska), claiming trademark infringement. The railroad owns the former Northern Pacific Railway, which operated from Minnesota to Washington until 1970, when it became part of the Burlington Northern Railroad, which then merged with the Santa Fe Railway in 1996. BNSF claims that it still uses the Northern Pacific name in its branding, which it argues should prevent the airline from registering the name as its own trademark.
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May 2026
“New Pacific’s updated name symbolizes our brand’s bold and decisive pivot. The word ‘new’ speaks to modern-day navigators driven by both purpose and aspiration, where the romance and grandeur of the Pacific Ocean meet the heart of exploration and discovery. Our home is in the majestic landscapes of Alaska and we continue to draw inspiration from the people of our great state. We would like to welcome you to New Pacific, where every flight is an opportunity to experience the world anew,” says McKinney.
“Our operations will proceed uninterrupted, and our customers can rely on us as their steadfast airline partner. Our airline has always strived to provide exceptional service, and we will continue to do so,” he says.
New Pacific is an Anchorage-based airline committed to providing passengers with exceptional travel experiences. The company currently flies a weekend route from Ontario, California to Las Vegas, Nevada and back, while arranging trans-oceanic flights to Asia and/or the South Pacific via Anchorage as early as next year. With a focus on customer satisfaction, safety, and comfort, New Pacific takes pride in connecting people to their dream destinations. For more information, visit www.np.com.
