SeaPort Airlines, former owner of Wings of Alaska, is closing its Haines terminal doors Friday. But Fjord Flying Service, which purchased Wings Oct. 10, is opening its doors Saturday.

Fjord Flying Service owner Richard Cole said this week Haines residents may see diminished service in the first couple weeks of operation – meaning fewer flights per day – but more flights will be added as the transition continues.

“The intent is we will run a very similar service into Haines as Wings currently does,” Cole said in an interview Wednesday. “We hope to be at a normal service level in just a matter of weeks, ideally.”

Cole said the Haines terminal will maintain the same number of local, year-round employees and continue to handle freight.

SeaPort Airlines announced the sale of Wings to the Gustavus-based Fjord Flying Service Monday. SeaPort is based in Portland, Ore.

Robert McKinney, CEO and president of SeaPort, said in a press release that though the decision to sell was difficult, it was the best choice for the company, employees and customers.

“Air service to rural Alaska communities has many unique challenges and aspects to it that contrast significantly with our Lower 48 operations. We believe that a company, such as Fjord Flying Service, that exclusively serves Southeast Alaska will be able to better meet the needs of the communities and customers,” McKinney said.

SeaPort is contacting customers booked for travel after Oct. 16 and providing full refunds. Customers must pick up any cargo that remains unclaimed at Wings airport locations no later than 5 p.m. Friday.

Cole said Fjord Flying Service will continue to operate regular flights under the Wings name, but will also offer its charter and on-call services under the Fjord Flying name.

The sale included buildings and equipment at various Wings stations, computers, vehicles and ground support equipment. Fjord Flying Service will use its own planes.

At first, the company will use its five-seater Cessna 206 and 207 to offer direct flights to and from Skagway and Juneau. It is in the process of acquiring more planes, including a nine-seater Najavo Chieftain, Cole said.

The Chieftain will operate with Instrumental Flight Rules, or IFR, which means it will be able to fly in inclement weather.

The company also plans to seasonally offer a direct flight from Haines to Gustavus.

Cole said the biggest change the sale means is that Wings will now be operated out of Southeast, rather than the Lower 48. “The biggest difference will be that operational and service decisions will be made here in Southeast. Everything will be decided here on a local level,” he said.

Cole worked for SeaPort between 2010 and 2014 as the Alaska regional manager. He purchased Fjord Flying Service in 2014.