The Land of the Midnight Sun. Seward’s Folly. The Last Frontier. Alaska has many nicknames and just as many ways to explore this magical and remote land. From hiking to dogsledding to snowshoeing, Alaska’s beautiful and rugged country offers many ways to discover Alaska. But one mode of transportation figuratively and literally rises above the others when considering options for luxury travel to Alaska – the bush plane.
Exploring the Knik River; Photo by Arturo Polo
History of Alaskan Bush Planes
Not long after planes began delivering mail to Alaska in the mid-1920s, bush plane pilots followed course and were soon found taking guests and supplies into the heart of Alaska’s interior. These early flights were often fraught with peril as pilots lacked the advanced navigation systems present in the developing systems of the burgeoning aviation world. However, the brave and hardy souls of the Alaskan bush persevered and by the 1940s, commercial passengers were flying over and into the wilds of Alaska. Today, flight by bush plane is one of the most exhilarating and convenient avenues to explore a land not yet fully served by more traditional travel avenues.
Bush Access By Land Or By Sea
A Unique Glacial View; Photo By Arturo Polo
Interesting Facts
- Although Alaska has developed ground and water transportation corridors for many of the more popular tourist sites in the state, over half of Alaska remains accessible only to those willing to discover Alaska via bush plane.
- The “bush” in bush plane speaks to wilderness areas that are disconnected either via road or water from the rest of the state. Interestingly, Australians also use the term “bush” to refer to their own wild and remote places.
- Alaska has 6x as many pilots per capita as any other state in the U.S. and their collective impact on the avionics job market and financial accrual for the state measures in the billions of dollars.
- Approximately 1 out of every 40 Alaska citizens is a licensed pilot compared to 1 out of every 600 for the rest of the United States!
Cliffside Parking; Photo By Arturo Polo
Modern Use for Luxury Travel Experiences
One of the truly unique options available for discerning tastes looking for a unique Alaskan experience is the Alaskan bush plane. While most travelers to The Last Frontier are relegated to commercial aviation options centered in the southeast portions of the state, many luxury travelers have already discovered the benefit of using bush pilots and their skill and expertise to explore off-the-beaten-path options in this amazing land. Whether it is flying over volcanoes, glaciers or rugged coastline dotted with grizzly bears, the Alaskan bush plane experience reigns supreme as the most exciting way to explore this portion of our beautiful and varied country.
Sunset Over Knik Glacier; Photo By Arturo Polo
Let Us Take You!
If the options and logistics seem overwhelming, EXP Journeys can help you craft a once-in-a-lifetime journey to explore this truly wild frontier. Remember when planning your luxury trip to Alaska that many of the most luxurious and isolated lodges in Alaska are only accessible via bush plane. From securing flight options to discover Alaska to finding the most luxurious and seldom-visited sites, EXP Journeys is thrilled at the opportunity to help you craft a unique Alaskan experience that you and your friends and family will remember for years to come.
