About Kenai Aviation
Who We Are
In order to meet the needs of Alaskan adventurers, travelers, workers, and students, Kenai Aviation has been serving the Kenai Peninsula since 1961. Known for unparalleled safety, service and flexibility, many have trusted Kenai Aviation to get them where they need to be.
Fleet
Our History
Bob Bielefeld, came to Alaska in 1959 to work in the oil field with Coastal Drilling. He saw a need for an air service in Kenai to support the development and expansion of the energy industry in the Cook Inlet. Bob safely transported thousands of passengers across the Inlet, trained many local pilots, and built a reputation for dependability which continues to drive our company.
In 2018 Joel Caldwell purchased Kenai Aviation with a vision to continue Bob’s legacy. Within a year the fleet grew to seven planes and counting. Kenai Aviation added training and long distance charters to their offering, fulfilling Bob’s dream of operating a King Air.
Bob’s commitment to quality service and his “go anywhere” mentality still drives Kenai Aviation today.
Joel Caldwell
Owner
Joel’s dream of building the perfect airline started for his home community has always been with him, and continuing the legacy Bob Bielefeld started in 1959 was the perfect fit in 2018 when he bought Kenai Aviation. Joel began flying in Alaska in 1997, serving native communities throughout rural Alaska, Far-East Russia, and Western Canada, flying for various non-profit organizations. This led to flying for multiple commercial operators as a line pilot, instructor, and check airman. Joel is currently a captain for Alaska Airlines on the Boeing 737. Along with his over 15,000 hours of flight experience throughout his career, Joel also has his airframe and powerplant mechanic certification and aircraft inspector authorization.
Jacob Caldwell
CEO & Owner
Jacob’s passion is operation. He loves seeing Kenai Aviation grow from the community he was raised in into a staple of Alaskan travel. Jacob began his career in station operations at Grant Aviation in Anchorage, AK. He studied aviation management at University of Alaska – Anchorage where he earned his Aircraft Dispatcher certification. He went on to manage multiple stations for Grant Aviation. Jacob graduated from the Developing Emerging Leaders program at Alaska Airlines while working for the company and managing station operations in Alaska, Colorado, and Texas.
Matthew Barnes
Chief Pilot
Matthew Barnes transitioned from instructing at the Kenai Aviation Training Academy to overseeing the pilots of Kenai Aviation and is loving the role. He is passionate about maintaining a safe and positive environment for our pilots and works hard to constantly improve the pilot experience.