Ward Air | A Southeast Alaska Aviation History

Ward Air is a Juneau-based air charter company with deep roots in Southeast Alaska aviation. The company was founded in 1974 by Ken Ward, beginning with a small fleet that included Cessna 185s and a Beaver. In its early years, Ward Air built a reputation for dependable charter service in one of Alaska’s most demanding flying environments.

In 1993, Ward Air entered a new chapter when it was purchased by pilots Ed Kiesel and Randy Kiesel. Together, the Kiesel brothers brought decades of Southeast Alaska flying experience to the company. Today, they collectively hold more than 50,000 hours of flight time in the region, a depth of experience that continues to shape Ward Air’s operations.

Operating under FAR Part 135, Ward Air provides on-demand charter service using both wheeled and float-equipped aircraft. The modern fleet includes Turbine Otters, a Turbine Beaver, piston Beavers, and Cessna aircraft, allowing the company to support a wide variety of missions—from remote access and logistics to custom charters and flightseeing.

Over the years, Ward Air has built long-standing relationships throughout Southeast Alaska. These include contracts with the U.S. Forest Service, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and the Alaska Department of Transportation, as well as private and industrial clients. Greens Creek Mine has relied on Ward Air for employee and supply transport for more than three decades. Alaska Electric Light & Power also depends on Ward Air to move personnel to the remote Snettisham Hydroelectric Facility southeast of Juneau.

One of Ward Air’s distinctive capabilities is its certification to carry external loads on amphibious aircraft during cargo-only flights. This specialized work has included transporting canoes, lumber, drill steel, piping, and other oversized materials—operations that reflect the traditions of classic Alaska bush flying.

Seasonal adaptability has always been key to Ward Air’s success. During warmer months, aircraft operate primarily on straight floats from the Juneau float pond. In winter, select aircraft convert to amphibious floats, allowing the company to continue flying year-round even as seasonal traffic slows.

Today, Ward Air operates throughout Alaska and Canada, supporting charter transportation, remote cabin access, flightseeing, wildlife viewing, fishing and hunting trips, yacht support, and logistical supply flights. Still locally owned and operated, the company remains committed to the same principles that defined its early years: experience, reliability, and deep local knowledge.

March 2026 marked 33 years of service under the Kiesel family, continuing Ward Air’s role as a cornerstone of Southeast Alaska aviation.