Wien Air Alaska holds a significant place in the history of aviation, particularly in the challenging environment of Alaska. Established in 1927, it was not only the first airline in Alaska but also one of the earliest in the entire United States. The airline's journey began with the vision and efforts of Noel Wien, a pioneering aviator who navigated the vast and often unforgiving Alaskan landscape. Over its decades of operation, Wien Air Alaska evolved
through mergers and technological advancements, leaving a lasting legacy in air transport until it ceased operations in 1984.
Early Beginnings and the Wien Brothers
The roots of Wien Air Alaska trace back to Noel Wien's early flights in Alaska. On July 6, 1924, Noel Wien flew an open-cockpit biplane, a Hisso Standard J1, from Anchorage's "Park Strip" to Fairbanks for the Alaska Aerial Transportation Company. This marked an early step in Alaskan aviation. In 1925, Noel purchased a Fokker F.III monoplane for the Fairbanks Airplane Company, which was shipped in pieces to Fairbanks and assembled there with his brother, Ralph Wien, who worked as a mechanic. However, both Noel and Ralph left the company in November 1925.In 1927, Noel and Ralph Wien partnered with Gene Miller, acquiring a used Hisso Standard. They established their business in Nome in June, providing services to Candle, Deering, Kotzebue, and Point Hope. By the end of that summer, Noel ventured out on his own, purchasing a Stinson Detroiter that allowed for year-round flying. His new venture, Wien Alaska Airways, initiated regular weekly round-trip flights between Fairbanks and Nome. Noel also secured contracts for special air mail flights during the spring and fall breakup periods, highlighting the critical role aviation would play in connecting remote Alaskan communities.
Incorporation, Expansion, and Challenges
Wien Alaska Airways, Inc. was formally incorporated on October 20, 1928, with Noel Wien as president, Ralph Wien as vice-president, and Granville (Grant) R. Jackson as secretary. The new company quickly built a hangar at Weeks Field and ordered a Hamilton Metalplane, signaling their commitment to growth. Tragically, Ralph Wien was killed on October 12, 1930, while flying a diesel-powered Bellanca Bush plane with two Catholic priests on board, a significant loss for the nascent airline.In 1929, Noel, Ralph, and Grant Jackson sold Wien Alaska Airways to Avco. Noel's company, along with Anchorage Air Transport and Bennett-Rodebaugh Company, were merged into a new entity called Alaskan Airways Inc. Noel continued to fly for Alaskan Airways from February 1931 until January 1932. After his non-compete clause expired in August 1932, Noel re-established his own airline, Wien Airways of Alaska, Inc. The company continued to expand, merging with Northern Air Transport of Nome in 1936. By 1936, Wien had pioneered air-to-ground radio links in Alaska, and by 1937, Noel oversaw a fleet of eight aircraft flown by three other pilots, supported by three mechanics including his brother Sigurd Wien, and three administrative staff in Fairbanks and Nome.
Mergers, Modernization, and the Boeing 737 Combi
A significant turning point for the airline occurred on April 1, 1968, when Wien merged with Northern Consolidated Airlines (NCA). NCA itself was formed in 1947 from an amalgamation of several smaller services, including Ray Petersen Flying Service. The newly merged entity was initially named Wien Consolidated Airlines. Sigurd Wien became chairman, Ray Petersen president, and Noel and Fritz Wien served as board members. On August 1, 1973, the company officially changed its name to Wien Air Alaska. Sigurd Wien retired, and Ray Petersen took on the roles of chairman, president, and CEO. By this time, the airline had grown considerably, employing over 800 people and operating a modern fleet that included five Boeing 737-200 jets, alongside various turboprop and prop aircraft such as Fairchild F-27s, de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otters, and Short Skyvans.Wien Air Alaska was a pioneer in aircraft technology and operations. It was the launch customer for the Boeing 737-200 Combi aircraft, a passenger/freighter configuration that allowed for mixed cargo and passenger loads on the main deck. Wien was one of the first U.S. operators to begin service with this aircraft in May 1968. Furthermore, on December 6, 1968, Wien received the first Boeing 737 certified with a gravel kit, enabling operations into remote Alaskan airfields with unpaved runways. This innovation was crucial for serving the diverse and often challenging terrain of Alaska, demonstrating the airline's commitment to connecting even the most isolated communities.
