Ariel Tweto lives in Anchorage, Alaska, where she directs her non-profit organization, Popping Bubbles, while maintaining her pilot's license for advocacy flights to rural villages.
Does Ariel Tweto still fly?
Ariel Tweto still flies and holds an active pilot's license, though her public role has shifted from commercial piloting to media and advocacy work.
She uses those flying skills regularly now—just not for commercial routes. Tweto flies for Popping Bubbles, making trips to remote Alaskan communities for mental health outreach. While Flying Wild Alaska wrapped up in 2012, she popped up again in 2024 as host of Discovery Channel’s Alaska Daily. Her flying’s now mission-driven, not career-driven. Honestly, this is the kind of work that suits her best.
How old is Ariel Tweto now?
Ariel Tweto was born in 1987 and is 39 years old as of 2026.
She started flying with her family’s Hageland Aviation Services in her early 20s—that gig became the basis for Flying Wild Alaska. As a public figure, Tweto’s used her platform to talk about generational change in rural Alaska and how women are reshaping aviation and media. You’ll often hear her credit her upbringing for her resilience.
Does Tweto still own Era Alaska?
The Tweto family never owned Era Aviation; the “Era Alaska” brand was used for marketing during the Discovery Channel series featuring regional carriers including Era Aviation, Hageland, and Frontier Flying Service.
Those carriers later merged into the Ravn Air Group, which filed for bankruptcy in 2020. The Twetos ran Hageland Aviation separately until it was folded into Ravn. The branding helped put bush aviation on the map, but ownership stayed with the individual companies. It’s a common mix-up—even the show’s title didn’t help!
Is John Ponts still flying?
There is no publicly available information confirming John Ponts’ current aviation status as of 2026.
Ponts became a fan favorite on Flying Wild Alaska for his steady hand in tough bush flying situations. After the show, he kept flying and teaching, but Alaska doesn’t make pilot records public. If you’re curious about certifications, check the Alaska Department of Transportation—though don’t expect a quick answer.
What nationality is Ariel Tweto?
Ariel Tweto is American and of Inupiaq (Alaska Native) heritage.
Her family’s from Unalakleet, a coastal Inupiaq village on Norton Sound. Tweto’s spoken openly about how her Indigenous roots fuel her advocacy, especially around mental health and cultural preservation in rural Alaska. As of 2026, she’s still pushing for Alaska Native communities through Popping Bubbles.
How much did Era Alaska sell for?
Era Aviation, which used the “Era Alaska” brand, was sold for $118.1 million in cash in 2004.
The deal closed on December 30, 2004, to SEACOR Marine (now SEACOR Holdings), according to Reuters. It was a big moment for Alaska’s regional aviation scene—right before Flying Wild Alaska even aired. Sometimes timing makes all the difference.
When was Ariel Tweto on Wipeout?
Ariel Tweto competed on Wipeout in 2011 during Season 4, Episode 5 titled “Hotties vs. Nerds.”
Her appearance was pure fun—showcasing her athleticism and humor in a way that felt worlds away from Alaskan bush flying. The episode aired in October 2011 and became a memorable pop culture moment for fans of Alaskan aviation. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more unexpected crossover.
Who owns Ravn?
Ravn Alaska is owned by FLOAT Alaska, a coalition of Alaskan investment groups formed to restore essential air service after Ravn Air Group’s 2020 bankruptcy.
FLOAT Alaska picked up Ravn’s assets and relaunched in 2021, focusing on connecting remote communities. The company’s based in Anchorage and runs on a community-first model. For the latest updates, Ravn’s website is the place to go.
How old is John Ponts?
John Ponts was born in 1967, making him 59 years old as of 2026.
He left Northern California for Alaska to join the Tweto family’s flight team, and fans instantly loved his calm, steady vibe on Flying Wild Alaska. His experience was a big part of what made the show feel authentic. These days? His whereabouts and career status aren’t public—Alaska’s a big place to disappear.
How much do Era Alaska pilots make?
As of 2020 data, regional bush pilots in Alaska earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, with senior pilots at carriers like Era Aviation reaching up to $110,000.
Pay varies like the Alaskan weather—experience, aircraft type, and seasonal demand all play a role. Pilots in remote areas often get hazard pay on top of that. For current rates, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has the numbers. Just remember, these figures are from before 2026.
Era Aviation’s pilots during the Flying Wild Alaska era fell into this range, though exact salaries from the 2000s aren’t public. Bush flying’s never been about the money anyway.
Is Buffalo Airways still in operation?
Yes, Buffalo Airways is still in operation as of 2026 and remains one of the most famous bush carriers in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
They’re still flying DC-3s and other vintage aircraft, serving remote communities and supporting tourism. The company got its claim to fame through Ice Pilots NWT on History Channel. Want to book a flight or check schedules? Hit up Buffalo Airways’ website.
Who is the CEO of Era Alaska?
As of 2026, Ravn Alaska does not list a CEO publicly; the airline operates under FLOAT Alaska’s leadership team, led by President Andrew J. Swiderski.
Swiderski’s been at the helm since Ravn’s 2021 relaunch, guiding the airline through its restructuring. Ravn’s the successor to Era Aviation, but the original company dissolved in 2020. For leadership updates, Ravn’s leadership page is your best bet.
What shows has Ariel Tweto been on?
Ariel Tweto was on Flying Wild Alaska (2011–2012), Wipeout (2011), and Alaska Daily (2024).
Her breakout role was on Flying Wild Alaska, which followed her family’s Hageland Aviation Services. Then came Wipeout, where she brought her trademark energy to a totally different kind of challenge. In 2024, she returned to TV as a correspondent on Alaska Daily, an ABC drama series diving into Alaskan life and aviation culture. Not bad for a career that started in bush flying!
Where is the pole?
The geographic North Pole is located in the Arctic Ocean, at 90°N latitude, and is not situated on solid land.
Most people mean the Magnetic North Pole when they say “the pole.” As of 2026, it’s near Ellesmere Island, Canada, according to National Geographic. Ariel Tweto’s flown missions near the Arctic Circle—Brooks Range, Kotzebue Sound—but she’s never touched down at the pole itself. (That takes serious ice-breaking skills.)
