Thank you to everyone who participated in our “Rarely Seen Airlines” photo contest! We were truly impressed by the incredible images you captured—your photos brought to light some of the most unique and lesser-known airlines from around the world. Each entry offered a fascinating glimpse into the hidden corners of aviation, and we’re grateful for the passion and effort you put into sharing them. After our public vote, we’re thrilled to announce the winners—congratulations to all!
Thank you to our sponsors!
Grand Prize Winner
Don’t Nok It ’til You Try It!
Austin W.
As a U.S. Army Apache pilot deployed overseas, aviation has always been more than a career—it’s an obsession. While in Phuket, Thailand, I was determined to capture photos of airlines I had never seen before. Enter Nok Air. I meticulously planned my vantage point near the airport, renting a scooter to scout the area. My spot was close to a military checkpoint, so I kept a low profile while snapping photos for hours, waiting for the perfect moment. Just as I was lining up another shot, a military patrol approached. They weren’t thrilled about my presence and insisted I delete my photos and leave. With a mix of quick thinking, Google Translate, and a bit of luck, I explained my passion for aviation photography. Eventually, they let me stay, and I got the shots I came for. Plane spotting is in my DNA—so much so that I even have an ADS-B antenna on my roof. Sometimes, I even manage to drag my wife along for the adventure. But this moment in Phuket, dodging military scrutiny to capture a rare airline, remains one of my most unforgettable aviation encounters.
First Runner-Up
The Polar Express
Jamison M.
I actually shot that photo on the DHL ramp in CVG and combined it with a background photo I captured on a Northern Lights tour north of Anchorage.
Second Runner-Up
Dreamlifting
Jamison M.
Taken in the early AM on the Polar Ramp in Anchorage. I laid the camera on the wet tarmac to get the water effect on the ground. Chris R’s needs a period, too.
Third Runner-Up
The Best of the West!
Thomas A.
Denver Air Connection over Telluride, CO and that’s me in the cockpit.
Honorable Mentions
Skies aren’t so “friendly”
Dylan H.
While waiting for a storm to pass before departure, I was able to capture a lightning shot of Southern Airways Express/Mokulele Airlines Cessna Grand Caravan.
Penguin touching down in Antarctica
Photo by Chris R.
A DAP Antartica Airlines Avro RJ100 seconds from touchdown at King George Island’s gravel runway in Antartica
Kenmore Air Orca Livery
Nathan L.
I was on a layover in Seattle and took the opportunity to fly with Kenmore Air from their Lake Union seaplane terminal. This DHC-3 Otter has a special “Wild Orca” livery. Photo taken from the terminal deck with a Samsung phone.
Clear Prop!
Ramon A.
Florida Air Cargo getting ready to begin his day to dispatch cargo to Bahamas.
Ravn Alaska Dash-8 in Valdez
Brian R.
Taken during a turn in Valdez, the proximity to the beautiful terrain makes this a unique and challenging airport to get into.
Ravn and Aleutian sharing the ramp on a beautiful December day in Dutch Harbor
Joe D.
This was taken in December 2022, shortly after Aleutian began flying to Dutch. I was just about to head back to Anchorage as FO on the Ravn flight.
Papa Smurf the Global X Airbus in Sunny San Diego
Amber R.
I took this photo after just receiving a job from Global X Airlines. It gave me hope and inspiration after being furloughed from my previous airline. What’s even better was the shot was taken in my hometown of San Diego, I think it was a sign it was all going to be okay. I get to fly Papa Smurf all the time now!
Air Annobon
Matthew O.
This is a rarity. Try to find this small island in the Atlantic. Owned by Equatorial Guinea, this airline started up to add service to this small island. I was flying for the EG Government at the time, and took this photo in Malabo, E.G. back in 2014. Annobon was largely isolated until around 2010 when EG worked on extending the runway.
Air Niugini Fokker 70
Cameron B.
This photo was taken at Hoskins Airport AYHK, New Britain, Papaua New Guinea in February 2020. While working in Papaua New Guinea I came across this Fokker 70 parked on the ramp for the night. It was taken in the late afternoon. The backdrop of the clouds and volcanoes really made the phot for me.
McCall Aviation
Andrea E.
McCall Aviation’s Kodiak 100 pilot, Andrea Eldridge, picking up passengers from the Flying B Ranch on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho
Kenn Borek Air
Kurt S.
Kenn Borek Air is an airline based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It operates regional passenger and cargo services, plus contract operations in the Arctic and Antarctic. I took this photo in 2017 working out of the South Pole station for the U.S National Science Foundation. The photo was taken on a fuel-cache stop on the way to pickup data from a rashed science balloon. Estimated elevation 8,000’; outside air temperature … I’ve blocked that part out of my memory. Thanks for the submission opportunity—love the site.
Congratulations to our top 15 and all who showcased their talent in the Aero Crew News 2025 Photo Contest.
