Michigan-based Ascent Global Logistics has acquired the stock of bankrupt Hageland Aviation Services in Alaska—including its assets and operating certificate—and will launch Rambler Air, which will provide scheduled air service along with passenger and cargo charter. Rambler’s launch is scheduled for early 2021 using eight Piper Navajo Chieftains and two Beechcraft 1900Ds.
“Rambler Air will provide a much-needed service to Alaskan communities and businesses,” said Ascent president and CEO Tom Stenglein. “We enter Alaska with more than four decades of running USA Jet, a [Part] 121 and 135 certified airline in the lower 48 states."
The new Anchorage-headquartered company builds on Ascent’s Arctic On-Demand charter brokerage started earlier this year exclusively for Alaska. “Alaska’s economy relies on air services more than any state in the Lower 48, making it perfect for Ascent’s proprietary air charter bid-board technology, which powers Arctic On-Demand,” said Ascent executive chairman Chris Jamroz.
As a result of the acquisition, the company expects to create up to 45 aviation jobs in Alaska. Hageland was one of several airlines in Alaska owned by RavnAir Group and operating under the name Ravn Connect, according to media reports. RavnAir filed Chapter 11 reorganization bankruptcy earlier this year and later converted to a liquidation bankruptcy.