The new "Salmon-Thirty-Salmon II" design is derived from an earlier version of the paint scheme Alaska Airlines unveiled on a 737-400 in 2005, which was re-painted with the carrier's traditional Eskimo livery last year.

The new design is about nine feet longer than the original 'salmon plane' and also features fish scales on the winglets and a salmon-pink colored "Alaska" script across the fuselage.

"This airplane celebrates Alaska Airlines' unique relationship with the people and communities of Alaska and underscores our air transport commitment to the state's seafood industry," said Marilyn Romano, Alaska Airlines' regional vice president of the state of Alaska.

Last year, Alaska Airlines flew nearly 25 million pounds of seafood from Alaska to markets in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

And it flew a lot of fishermen back and forth, too.

One of the unique elements of adventuring in Alaska is the flying. Without the luxury of road systems, Alaska has developed into an epicenter for bush planes and bush pilots. Air travel is essential to the 49th state, and it is a key componenet to the operations of many of our recommended lodges and adventures. These aircraft allow us access to some of the most remote and beautiful places on planet Earth. The bird's eye view that one gets over the vast tundra, glaciers, lake systems, and jagged peaks can be jaw dropping. See our gallery of featured aircraft that include De Havilland Beavers & Otters, Cessnas, Helios Couriers, AStar 350 Helicopter, and a Goose! Also, check out the POV videos of bush flights by Crystal Creek Lodge (Valley of 10,000 Smokes) and Tikchik Narrows Lodge (Wood-Tikchik State Park).

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Join two of Washington State's best known flyfishing winemakers for a spectacular week of fishing for silvers and rainbows at one of Fly Out's recommended lodges, Mission Creek Lodge on Lake Aleknagik in the famed Bristol Bay region. Chris Figgins and Rob Newson not only have a passion for making fine wines, but also have shared their love of flyfishing together. Each evening you will enjoy gourmet dinners featuring specialty meats and seafoods, including grass fed beef from Lostine Cattle Company, all perfectly paired with Chris & Rob's premier wines. They will each share with you some of the insights and stories behind each vintage.

2012 Wine Week Rate

$7500 per per person plus $1500 per person for wine and special pairing menu. Package includes 7 nights, 6 days of fishing, meals, lodging, all fishing equipment including waders and daily guided fly-outs. Click here to learn more about Mission Lodge.

Kyle Kolodziejski, owner/operator of Keen Eye Anglers, has built the perfect compliment package for those who have already booked a recommended fly out lodge or float trip. The serious angler can get the most out of their Alaska fishing vacation by planning a trip with Keen Eye Anglers prior to, or after your main fishing destination. The way we see it, you can either spend your layover day in Anchorage roaming the Dimond Center Mall, or book with Kyle and fish the beautiful Upper Kenai. Transport is included from Anchorage, and the accommodations are fantastic at the Kenai Riverside Lodge. Check out Keen Eye Anglers and email Kyle for the add-on package.  

This is the first of many interviews to come from Alaskaguidelist.com that will focus the spotlight on the movers and shakers on the Alaska Guide scene. This month, we discover Cory Luoma, the driving force behind Alaska Fly Out.

I first heard about Alaska Fly Out last June when Cory gave me a heads up on his project. It was an interesting and ambitious concept, I wished Cory the best of luck getting it going, not giving much thought to the idea of it actually coming to fruition.

Now here we are gearing up for the 2012 season and Alaska Fly Out has definitely arrived to the party. Whether you have found the site via social media or word of mouth, it isn't hard to miss. Read on to learn more about the project and it's creator Cory Luoma.