Belleville’s Ascent Global Logistics has acquired Alaska’s Hageland Aviation Services and launched Rambler Air, a new air service provider focused on safe, reliable travel within Alaska. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but service is expected to launch early next year.
“Rambler Air will provide a much-needed service to Alaskan communities and businesses,” says Tom Stenglein, president and CEO of Ascent Global Logistics. “We enter Alaska with more than four decades of running USA Jet, a 121 and 135 certified airline, in the lower 48 states. We look forward to bringing our track record of safety, operational excellence, and reliable service to Alaska.”
Rambler will serve commuter flights and passenger and cargo charters. It will have eight Piper Chieftain Navajos and two Beechcraft 1900Ds. Rambler will be headquartered in Anchorage.
“Alaska’s economy relies on air services more than any state in the lower 48, making it perfect for Ascent’s proprietary air charter bid-board technology, which powers Arctic On-Demand,” says Chris Jamroz, executive chairman of ascent. “Now supported by our launch of Rambler Air and our acquisition of Hageland Aviation, Ascent will have one of the most comprehensive and customer-focused air offerings in Alaska. This is the first acquisition for Ascent as a stand-alone company, and we hope to make many more like this.”
The air service is an expansion of Ascent’s Arctic On-Demand service launched earlier this year, an Alaska-focused air charter brokerage for cargo and passengers. It covers even the most remote Alaskan locations.
“With the impact of COVID-19, potential capacity in Alaska air service is down 45 percent,” says Rebecca Clark, managing director for Arctic On-Demand. “Rambler Air will be a critical part of the solution in meeting future demand of the Alaskan market.”
The new service is expected to create up to 45 professional aviation jobs in Alaska, according to Luke Hickerson, director of operations for Rambler. More information on career opportunities at Rambler for aviation professionals is available here or by emailing info@ramblerair.com.
Ascent Global Logistics focuses on simplifying logistics and offers transportation and supply chain logistics.
