Timbuktu Airlines
| |
| Main hub | Malton International, Kirkenes |
| Secondary hub | Mackenzie King International, Neorvins |
| Callsign | Air Kelssek |
| Airline codes | AK/AKA |
Air Kelssek is Kelssek's largest airline. Its corporate headquarters are in Outineau and its main hub is Malton International Airport in Kirkenes, with secondary hubs in Burnaby, Neorvins, Outineau, and Mazinaw. It was founded in 1937 as Trans-Kelssek Airlines. While it was a state enterprise for most of its existence, in 1998 it was sold to its employee unions and is now operated as a sovietised private corporation, in which employees fully own the company and their voting determines the board of directors and management.
Fleet
| Aircraft | Passengers (First/Economy) |
|---|---|
| Bombardier CRJ 705 | 75 (10/65) |
Service
Air Kelssek operates a two-class configuration throughout its fleet, with first and economy class branded as Executive First and Hospitality respectively. It is generally well-regarded for good service quality.
Retrofitting, begun in 2004 for its entire fleet and nearly complete, has introduced personal audio/video on demand (AVOD) and a seat pitch of 190cm (75") in Executive First, with seats reclining into a 180-degree fully flat bed. Hospitality class has been equipped with AVOD systems and personal digital screens, with seat pitch varying from 96-106cm (38-44") with a recline of 45cm (18").
Hot meals are offered on all international flights and on domestic flights over 4 hours in length, with a buy-on-board service for shorter flights.
Accidents
Air Kelssek has had three fatal accidents in its history, although none have occurred 1978, giving it a superb safety record.
- November 29, 1963: McDonnell Douglas DC-8 stalled on takeoff out of Outineau-Dorval International Airport (now Dorval Elliot Trudeau Airport). All 118 lives were lost on board. It was the first crash of an Air Kelssek flight and remains the worst air disaster in Kelssek's history.
- July 5, 1970: Flight 621 McDonnell Douglas DC-8 exploded from a fuel line rupture caused by engine 4 striking the runway in Kirkenes while attempting a landing. All 109 passengers/crew were killed.
- June 26, 1978: Flight 189 McDonnell Douglas DC-9 overran the runway in Kirkenes after a blown tire aborted the takeoff. 2 of 107 passengers/crew were killed.
