The Alaska Aviation System Plan

Planning for a Sustainable Statewide Aviation System

Aviation is the lifeline of Alaska’s transportation network. From Anchorage to the smallest villages in the Aleutian Islands, air service provides the essential connection linking Alaskans to each other, the Lower 48, and the rest of the world. RESPEC led the Alaska Aviation System Plan (AASP), a 5-year effort funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to strengthen and modernize Alaska’s extensive airport network.

The work has spanned a series of evolving tasks—public engagement, inventory and needs analyses, project cost estimates, and special studies—all building a clearer picture of how Alaska’s aviation infrastructure can meet current and future demands.

RESPEC’s team of aviation engineers and planners provided expertise across all aspects of airport design, construction, and maintenance, basing every task in FAA standards. Through ongoing communication and collaboration with agencies, private organizations, and stakeholders statewide, RESPEC ensured that each phase of work builds on the last, creating a plan grounded in data and community insight.

A Clear Path for Smarter Decisions and Safer Landings

The AASP creates a consistent framework for evaluating needs, understanding future demand, and aligning investments across Alaska’s vast airport network. It supports agencies and communities in making informed, defensible decisions that balance safety, operations, and long-term stewardship. By combining data-driven analysis with local insight, the plan strengthens Alaska’s ability to manage a system that remains essential to public safety, economic health, and year-round mobility.