From Florida to the Far North, Silver Airways’ turboprop legacy finds a second life in Alaska
January 22, 2026
Silver Airways may have disappeared from the skies in mid-2025, but its turboprop legacy is quietly taking on a second life far from Florida. On 20 January 2026, Alaska-based Argentum Airways operated its first revenue flight, launching scheduled services between Anchorage (ANC) and Kenai (ENA) with an ATR 42-600 previously associated with the defunct US regional carrier.
Branded as a fresh entrant to Alaska’s regional market, Argentum is in many ways a continuation rather than a clean break. The airline sits within the Aleutian Airways group and traces its origins directly to Silver Airways, whose ATR 42-600 fleet and operating know-how were acquired by Wexford Capital following Silver’s collapse.
Even the name is a deliberate nod to that lineage, with Argentum being the Latin word for silver.
Argentum Airways takes on Silver Airways’ ATR 42-600
Argentum Airways is a brand within the Aleutian Airways stable, and a subsidiary of Sterling Airways following Wexford Capital’s acquisition of key assets from Silver Airways.
Silver Airways, formerly operating primarily in the southeast United States, was the country’s only airline to operate the ATR-600 series in passenger service. The Florida-based regional operator ceased flying in mid-2025, but one of the carrier’s ATR 72-600s was acquired by Wexford Capital and earmarked for use in launching the new Alaska-based brand.
The name “Argentum” is the Latin word for “silver”, an apparent nod to the defunct airline.
Its expansion in the Alaska market fills gaps left by Ravn Alaska’s own unexpected shutdown last August.
While Argentum will be presented as a distinct airline brand to passengers, operations are conducted within the Aleutian Airways framework.
The company said in a LinkedIn post: “We are thrilled to announce this long-awaited milestone for the Aleutian Airways family and the Alaskan communities we serve.
“Operating under the Aleutian Airways brand, this modern turboprop is bringing a new level of comfort and reliability to one of Alaska’s most vital corridors. We are honoured to serve the state of Alaska in providing safe, reliable transportation, as the ‘Strongest Link in the Chain’.”
Argentum Airways’ ATR 42-600 enters Alaska service
The arrival of N406SV introduces the first ATR42-600 to Aleutian’s fleet and to Argentum’s initial scheduled services.
The ANC–ENA route is among Alaska’s most important regional corridors, serving both commuter and leisure demand. The town sits on the Kenai Peninsula, surrounded by glaciers, with a population of around 7,800.
Although no further routes or fleet additions have yet been disclosed, the introduction of the ATR42-600 provides Aleutian and Argentum with a platform for potential expansion.
The aircraft’s range and economics allow for flexibility in serving both established and underserved markets, should demand justify additional services.
Argentum Airways will operate shorter, high-frequency routes using the ATR-600, while Aleutian Airways, operated by Sterling Airways – a joint venture between Wexford Capital and McKinley Alaska Private Investment – will continue to serve the Aleutian chain with its Saab 2000 fleet.
Wayne Heller, president and CEO of Aleutian Airways, said last year that Argentum Airways’ team included “seasoned professionals with extensive experience operating the ATR-600”.
He added: “This expansion isn’t just about aircraft – it’s about people, access, and resilience. Together, these two experienced teams of airline professionals will continue to make Aleutian the ‘Strongest Link in the Chain’ and one of Southwest Alaska’s best travel options.”
Featured image: Sterling Airways / Kyle Martin- To The Heights Adventure Photography – @lookingatplanes
