Stories

Wings Airways was just highlighted in USA Today’s Top 7 adventure travel vacations for thrill-seekers! “Century-old Taku Glacier Lodge is just a short 15-minute flight from Juneau, but seaplane pilots at Wings Airways opt for the 25-minute route, passing over a handful of massive glaciers before splashing down at the historic lodge. Once on the …

Once upon a summer, there comes a moose to the Taku Lodge. Mrs. Storfold was a Lodge manager during the 1950’s and her son recalls the days when a young calf became a part of the lodge family. A game warden, who lived in a cabin not far up river from the lodge rescued this …

In 1934, after being a nurse to Hack Smith for four years and an unexpected heart attack that took his life, Mary Joyce was deeded the Taku Glacier Lodge. With the camp, she also inherited 15 sled dogs and three head of cattle[1]. Turning the private lodge into a tourist resort that could accommode up …

On May 20th, 1988 the Taku Glacier Lodge became 1 of 23 Juneau locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This official list contains historic places worthy of preservation around the country. It was authorized in 1966 by the National Historic Preservation Act and is overseen by the National Park Service. This national …

Five years ago, Don Bach, Director of Maintenance for Wings Airways, received “The Tony Cestnik Maintenance Award” from the Alaska Air Carriers Association. Mr. Bach continues to lead with the highest standards in aviation safety. Please read below from the original 2014 Press Release to learn more! The Alaska Air Carriers Association Awards the 2014 AACA …

July 26, 2019– Juneau-based Wings Airways & the Taku Lodge announced today that they have been designated as an Adventure Green Alaska (AGA) Certified Business.  AGA is a voluntary certification program of the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) for tourism businesses operating in Alaska that meet standards of economic, environmental and social sustainability. “Our team …

“Be a part of the Juneau Icefield ~ past and present ~” A donation to the Juneau Icefield Research Program will be made in your honor when you fly with Wings Airways! This year, we are THRILLED to announce a new partnership with the Juneau Icefield Research Program (JIRP)! Our goal in supporting this program is …

A new chapter begins, taking Wings Airways to new heights! With great excitement we share the news of enriched leadership and support through new ownership. The new ownership group is made up of former Alaska Airlines executives Bill Ayer and Joe Sprague. Ayer previously served as chairman and CEO of Alaska Airlines. Also part of …

Six months ago, we were featured in Food Network Magazine’s Special 10th Birthday Issue. We thrill at being a part of any and all celebrations at the Taku Glacier Lodge; birthday dinners, family reunion adventures and surprise marriage proposals that last a lifetime. Dining across a glacier is just one perk to this outing! Continue …

We are proud to be a part of Juneau’s Tourism Best Management Practices (TBMP) organization which is highlighted in this month’s Alaska Journal of Commerce. The TBMP program’s mission is to create “a cooperative effort of Juneau tour operators, cruise lines, transportation providers and the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ). Begun in 1997, Tourism …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Holly Johnson Office: 907-586-6275 Cell phone: 907-723-4774 Email: Holly@WingsAirways.com TAKU LODGE NAMED “TOP ALASKA ATTRACTION” IN PORTHOLE CRUISE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AWARDS Juneau, AK– Holly Johnson, President of Wings Airways, announced today that the Taku Glacier Lodge was named as Alaska’s Top Attraction by Porthole Cruise Magazine.   “For those of us from the Lower …

Built in 1953, this 7th DHC-­‐3 Otter built, hence the N753AK.  It was the first Otter delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) on March 28, 1953.     Allocated to the Central Experimental & Proving Establishment (CEPE) at Rockcliffe, Ottawa, for the purposes of evaluation of this new type of aircraft to enter RCAF service. …

Built in 1965, the 454th DHC-­‐3 Otter was purchased by the Tanzanian Air Force on April 12, 1966. It remained in Canada under the care of the RCAF until May 1967, when it was crated and shipped to Tanzania, where it was re-­‐assembled and entered service, based at Dar Es Salaam. Of eight Otters in …

Built in 1958, the 262nd DHC-­‐3 Otter on the line was delivered to Petroina SA of Luanda, Angola on June 26, 1958, then the colony of Portuguese West Africa. It was later registered to Compagnie de Petroleos de Angola. Having served the oil industry in Angola for 12 years, the Otter was purchased by Bannock …

Continuing on through the fleet our N337AK was the 418th DeHavilland Otter built and has quite the stamps in her passport! From Ontario, to Gana West Africa, back to New Brunswisk, onto SanDiego on her way to Mexico, and back up to Saskatchewan. She became Alaska bound in 1983 with about 10 years in Ketchikan …

All of our airplanes have colorful pasts and flew unique routes to get to us today.  Lets start with N336AK.   She has been a shining star in our fleet but had a full life before joining the Wings Airways fleet. Built in 1958, it was the 333rd DHC-3 Otter built was delivered to the …

Summer of 2017 is kicking off in sunny style!     Holland Americas MS Oosterdam is coming in for their first call at the new and improved Alaska Steamship Dock in the heart of downtown Juneau.  Accompanied of course by one of our beautiful DeHavilland Otters!