You and I are both surprised that ACE did not bid.
In light of McGrath's cargo needs, AAT can assure you that our Pilatus PC-12's (we have 4 now) can offer 2500-pounds available payload to accommodate the combined passenger and cargo weights to McGrath (the payload offered is with 9-passenger seats installed). That is approximately 500-pounds more payload than the King Air.
Speaking of capacity for cargo and pricing, during the last public EAS McGrath meeting, several community members voiced concern for ability to carry their important cargo like boat motors and children's bicycles, and AAT can do that either on a space available rate or priority per pound rate. The concern was for the ability to carry the items and to avoid the high freight charges with all sorts of confusing fuel surcharges and such from the mainline carrier. AAT has never done fuel surcharges and won't do it. We like to quote our pricing tax inclusive to avoid surprising folks.
AAT will carry useful cargo for the communities we serve, and those large items will definitely go if they can fit into the aft door of the Pilatus PC-12 (the aft door can fit palletized items). You probably remember that all passengers board at the front of the plane and all cargo in the aft - similar to ACE's planes.
Turning at the Magnuson ramp will also help AAT provide better cargo service since there is a good crew who know how to operate forklifts and help offload in McGrath or load heavier pieces for backhaul to Anchorage.
Best,
Josie & Team AAT
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