
Merle K (Mudhole) Smith Airport is the premier private aviation gateway for Cordova and Alaska’s spectacular Prince William Sound. Located on the edge of untamed wilderness and the Gulf of Alaska, PACV caters to discerning travelers seeking swift, exclusive access to one of the region’s most breathtaking destinations. With no commercial airline congestion and a focus on premium private jet movements, Merle Mudhole Smith offers a seamless, comfortable, and discreet arrival for those who demand more from their travel experience.

Airport Identifiers:
Location:
Cordova, Alaska 99574 | Chugach Census Area, Alaska
Owner and Operator:
Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
Airport Classification:
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Operations:
N
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Limited to airport operating hours
Annual Flight Operations:
Approximately 22,000 (private, charter, and general aviation)
Longest Runway



PACV's infrastructure supports a maximum takeoff weight of up to 140,000 lbs, allowing for a wide array of aircraft from agile turboprops to large-cabin jets, ensuring flexible options for private aviation clients.

Merle Mudhole Smith Airport does not operate under a formal slot system. However, advance notice is highly recommended, especially during peak fishing and tourism seasons. The Jettly operations team coordinates all landing permissions and ensures seamless ground arrangements for every charter.

There is no official noise curfew in place at PACV. However, all private jet operations adhere to strict noise abatement procedures to preserve the tranquility of the Cordova community and surrounding natural environment. Jettly incorporates these guidelines into every flight plan.
Private travelers at Merle Mudhole Smith Airport are welcomed by dedicated Fixed Base Operators providing VIP arrival and departure services, attentive ground handling, and personalized hospitality. The principal FBOs at PACV include:
Expect standard executive amenities such as private lounges, conference facilities, Wi-Fi connectivity, gourmet catering, and direct access to luxury ground transportation. Your Jettly advisor will confirm the specific FBO and arrange all details prior to your arrival.
King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12, and Cessna Caravan are ideal for short-field operations and regional flights to remote lodges, fishing camps, and national parks across Alaska.
Very light jets like the Phenom 100 and Eclipse 550 are perfect for quick flights between Cordova and Anchorage, Juneau, or Kenai, typically with 3-4 passengers.
Light jets, including the Citation CJ3+, Phenom 300E, and Learjet 75, are the aircraft of choice for Cordova travelers who need rapid access to Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Seattle, seating 6-8 passengers in comfort.
The Citation XLS+, Hawker 800XP, and Learjet 60XR provide stand-up cabins, extra baggage space, and nonstop range to destinations like Portland, San Francisco, and Vancouver for groups of 7-9 passengers.
Super-midsize jets such as the Challenger 350, Citation Longitude, and Gulfstream G280 deliver direct, nonstop service from Cordova to California, Denver, or Dallas with full-size luxury and amenities.
While PACV’s runway accommodates most large-cabin jets, Gulfstream G450, Falcon 900, and Challenger 604 series are available for longer-range missions and group travel, seating 10-16 passengers in private comfort.

For select ultra-long-range missions, departures from Anchorage (ANC) may be required to maximize aircraft range and payload. Jettly’s team will recommend the ideal airport for your specific itinerary and aircraft type.
Cordova attracts high-volume private charter traffic from across Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and the West Coast. Popular private jet routes from PACV include:

Empty-leg charter opportunities from Merle Mudhole Smith are available, particularly during peak fishing, adventure, and resort seasons. These repositioning flights can offer significant savings—often 25-75% off standard charter rates—when your schedule aligns with an aircraft’s existing movements.
Merle Mudhole Smith Airport serves a uniquely discerning clientele: business executives, adventure travelers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts who value privacy, efficiency, and direct access to remote wilderness. Every journey is tailored for those who demand the ultimate in comfort and exclusivity.
travel between Cordova and Anchorage, Seattle, and Vancouver for site visits, client meetings, and investment opportunities in Alaska’s thriving natural resource sectors. Flexible same-day return charters are common, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
firms utilize PACV for rapid access to Cordova’s fisheries, energy projects, and environmental initiatives. Light jets and turboprops enable teams to visit multiple remote sites and communities in a single day.
choose Merle Mudhole Smith for discreet arrivals at private lodges and for exclusive filming projects in Alaska’s wilderness. Direct tarmac access ensures all movements remain private and secure, far from the public eye.
base long-range and midsize jets at PACV to support executive travel and group movements for regional operations. On-site aircraft management and hangar services ensure readiness for urgent and scheduled missions alike.
depart from Cordova to luxury fishing lodges, remote eco-resorts, and seasonal retreats across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Jettly arranges bespoke ground transfers, floatplane connections, and onward adventure logistics.
Jettly is a DOT-regulated charter broker operating under Parts 295 and 298, providing access to FAA-certified air operators. Every aircraft available through Jettly's platform is sourced from independently verified, safety-audited carriers.
Deep local operator relationships
Slot coordination handled for you
Transparent, all-inclusive pricing
Fleet access without constraints
Same-day and last-minute service


PACV’s 7,500-foot runway supports a versatile range of aircraft: turboprops, very light jets, light jets, midsize jets, and super-midsize jets such as the Challenger 350, Citation Excel/XLS+, and Gulfstream G280.

Reach out to Jettly by phone at 866-448-2358 or through our online portal. Short-notice charters are possible, but booking 24-72 hours in advance ensures optimal aircraft selection and pricing for Cordova departures.

Contact Jettly directly via our online platform or by phone at 866-448-2358. We can typically arrange flights in as little as 3-6 hours, though we recommend booking at least 24-72 hours in advance for the best aircraft availability and pricing.

Merle Mudhole Smith Airport does not operate under a formal slot system. However, advance notice is highly recommended, especially during peak fishing and tourism seasons. The Jettly operations team coordinates all landing permissions and ensures seamless ground arrangements for every charter.

Primary FBOs at Merle Mudhole Smith include Cordova Air Service and Copper River Aviation. Each provides private lounges, VIP catering, ground transportation, and attentive passenger handling. Your FBO is confirmed at booking to ensure a seamless arrival and departure.

PACV is the premier choice for direct access to Cordova and Prince William Sound. Anchorage (ANC) offers wider commercial connections and higher slot capacity, while Valdez (VDZ) is ideal for nearby destinations and shorter hops. For private charters, PACV provides unmatched convenience, privacy, and proximity to Cordova’s top resorts and wilderness experiences.
Whether you’re planning a last-minute executive mission to Anchorage, an adventurous charter to a private lodge, or a bespoke family journey across Alaska, Jettly ensures your Merle Mudhole Smith private jet experience is effortless and refined. Every detail, from ground transfers to gourmet catering, is arranged for you—so the only question is where your next Alaskan adventure begins.

Jettly operates as a charter broker under the U.S. DOT Parts 295 and 298 regulations. Jettly is not a direct air carrier and does not own or operate aircraft. All charter flights are conducted by FAA-certified Part 135 or Part 121 operators. Jettly does not carry additional liability insurance.
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