The Homer Airport may be welcoming a third airline, joining Ravn Alaska Airlines and Kenai Aviation in offering daily flights between Homer and Anchorage.

The City of Homer is considering a lease application received from Aleutian Airways to operate in the Homer Airport, according to port director/harbormaster Bryan Hawkins.

Homer’s Port and Harbor Department oversees lease administration in the city.

“The process takes about a month and a half to get through,” Hawkins told Homer News on Friday, Aug. 11. The City of Homer owns the airport terminal building, but the land that it sits on is leased from the state, he said — therefore every business that leases space in the terminal is in fact a sublease.

“Those subleases must be approved by not only our city council but also by the state,” Hawkins said. “So we’re just walking through that process; everything’s looking good so far.”

If approved, Aleutian Airways will begin scheduled service to Homer on Sept. 19 with 40-minute flights utilizing Saab 2000 aircraft that can seat up to 50 passengers, according to a press release dated Aug. 1. The initial schedule will offer two round-trip flights Monday through Friday and one round-trip flight per day on Saturdays and Sundays.

According to the release, flight departure and arrival times — though subject to change pending approval from government authorities — will be as follows:

Depart Anchorage at 7 a.m.

Arrive in Homer at 7:40 a.m.

Depart Homer at 8:10 a.m.

Arrive in Anchorage at 8:50 a.m.

Depart Anchorage at 4 p.m.

Arrive in Homer at 4:40 p.m.

Depart Homer at 5:10 p.m.

Arrive in Anchorage at 5:50 p.m.

Hawkins said they hope to bring Aleutian Airways’ application before city council at their next meeting on Aug. 28 for approval. The State of Alaska will also need to approve the company’s application.

President and CEO of Aleutian Airways Wayne Heller announced in the Aug. 1 release, “We are thrilled to unveil our new service plans to Homer, Alaska – a treasured travel destination and a vibrant hub of activity. We are prepared to answer the demand for additional travel options that promise safe, reliable, and unforgettable guest experiences. Our best-in-class fleet, built on a foundation of unwavering commitment to safety and excellence, is spreading its wings to bring travelers closer to the heart of Homer’s charm.”

For more information, visit flyaleutian.com.