Terminal Conditioning: Upgrades at ANC airport welcome a new intercontinental carrier.

• Author: Rhode, Scott

"It's not as easy as you might think to start a global airline," says Rob McKinney.

Not that the CEO of Northern Pacific Airways is complaining. Progress has been swift in the nearly two years since the upstart airline was a glimmer in his eye, and not yet three years have elapsed since McKinney's California commuter carrier bought Ravn Alaska at a bankruptcy auction.

While reviving Ravn's routes to rural Alaska communities, McKinney has been busy acguiring a fleet of jets to connect Japan and China with the Lower 48, using Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) as a hub. Each 757, retired after service with American Airlines, cost about $10 million, and Northern Pacific bought four by the end of 2022 with eight more on order.

For somewhat less than the cost of an airliner, Northern Pacific invested in another start-up cost: refurbishing part of ANC's North Terminal to welcome international passengers.

Across from Gate N5, glass doors automatically slide apart at the entrance to the Navigators Club, a lounge reserved for first-class flyers. A wall-sized abacus hangs above the bar, and wood paneling and black countertops suggest a sophisticated atmosphere.

The adjoining mini-theater is meant for all classes flying on Northern Pacific. Fifty chairs face a floor-to-ceiling movie screen in a space little larger than a conference room. The minimalist chairs have ultra-thin seats that fold completely into the rectangular backs. The airline intends to show a movie with scenes of other Alaska destinations.

The idea came from IcelandAir, which promotes tourism in its home country for trans-Atlantic travelers. "For all these connecting people who are making a tight connection, we want them to see, This is what you missed because you didn't stay here.' And next time they come through, they'll book a couple extra days," McKinney explains.

Northern Pacific plans to use all the gates in the terminal for its flights, including the international side for passengers screened by US Customs and Border Protection. Currently, travel between Alaska and Asia must pass through Seattle or other West Coast airports to clear customs.

Altogether, the $6 million refurbishment covers 20,000 sguare feet of leased space, including a crew area and ticket counter.

"We're proud to say that Alaska's North Terminal now looks the best it ever has," McKinney says. "Visitors will be inspired to stay and explore Alaska, and Alaskans will have easier access to...