L E T T E R F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T
NEW AND OLD BEGINNINGS LOTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO , AND REFLECT UPON , AS WE ENTER 71 YEARS IN BUSINESS
If you ’ re flying with us for the first time , or the hundredth time , I ’ m excited to share a glimpse into what ’ s new , and what ’ s old . Each one is a beginning in its own way .
We ’ ve begun a new program called “ Fly and Stay ”, where we have formed partnerships with hotels and tour groups allowing you to choose an activity that best suits your interests . Located on our website , the Fly and Stay program helps arrange whale watching excursions , kayaking expeditions , museum tours , fishing trips , wine tasting
Todd Banks , President
OVER THE PAST SEVEN DECADES Kenmore Air has gone from a company with a fleet of one seaplane , to the largest float plane company in the United States . We now have 23 airplanes in operation , over 150 employees , and we service over 30 destinations . That type of growth doesn ’ t just happen by chance . It ’ s comes when you have a dedicated staff , and team of conscientious pilots and mechanics . It ’ s been a measured , diligent growth and it speaks to the culture of our company .
events , and a host of other activities . As time progresses more activities will be added and I ’ m excited about the possibilities . I ’ m equally excited to report the packages , which include your airfare , lodging and participating in the event , are very affordable . You ’ ll be hardpressed to find a weekend getaway that offers more for your money . Who needs Las Vegas when you have the San Juan Islands , Victoria and the Inside Passage . The Fly and Stay program is the very thing that embodies what we ’ re about at Kenmore Air . jorge cavello photo
One program that isn ’ t new is our Beaver Rebuild Shop . This is something I ’ ve always been proud to be part of . Our mechanics and fabricators do an outstanding job of restoring and rebuilding deHavilland Beavers . We ’ ve had the honor of rebuilding planes for people like John Nordstrom and actor Harrison Ford , not to mention countless other pilots . Most recently , our team completed a restoration of a Beaver for Seattle Seahawk tight end Jimmy Graham . It was a labor of love for both Graham and our staff . Graham ’ s plane , a 1957 DHC-2 , is featured on page 32 . I encourage you to read the story . I think you ’ ll understand why we ’ re all excited about the project . And I ’ m hoping you ’ ll have a greater appreciation for the airplanes we fly and the dedication from our mechanics .
And while restoring older airplanes is one hallmark of our company , I ’ m also proud of the fact that other seaplane companies seek out our pilots to help train them . Working with Setouchi Sea Planes in Japan , several of our pilots ( John Gowey , Larry Graff , Herb King , Michelle Cowan , and Sean Brady ) have been working closely with our Japanese friends in Onomichi , Hiroshima . John , Larry and Herb have been there training their pilots and helping them establish Setouchi Sea Planes as the first touring seaplane company to operate in Japan for nearly a half-century . Using Kenmore Air as a model , it speaks volumes for our company ’ s reputation . We take great pride in that .
As you can probably tell pride is a prevailing them with us at Kenmore Air . As we enter our 71st year of operation I ’ m every bit as excited about the opportunities that await as I am proud of what we ’ ve accomplished since we hung out a shingle in 1946 . While there ’ s much to be thankful for , we have a lot to look forward to and I ’ m glad that you ’ ve chosen to be part of it . Thank you for flying with us .