In a bid to bolster northern businesses, the Government of Canada has announced a $6 million investment in Yukon-based airline, Air North. The funding, a repayable contribution provided by the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), will support the carrier’s jet fleet renewal plan and infrastructure expansion, which includes a larger hangar.
Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon, made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, during a July 22 event at Air North’s headquarters in Whitehorse.
The investment will support the addition of a modern and more fuel-efficient Boeing 737-800 to Air North’s fleet; allow the airline to acquire essential tools and spare parts for maintenance; and enable construction of a new 52,800-square-foot hangar in Whitehorse.
“This project will enable Air North to stay competitive, save on maintenance costs, and lower its fuel consumption per seat by up to 20 percent,” stated Minister Vandal. “Our government supports northern-based businesses to stay competitive and address the climate-related challenges communities are facing by reducing their reliance on fossil fuels. With this forward-thinking project, Air North is enhancing its capacity while striving to achieve its climate goals.”
Over the past 47 years, the airline has expanded from a single six-seat airplane to a mixed fleet of Boeing 737 jets (-400s and -500s) and ATR 42 turboprops. The introduction of the 737-800 to the fleet marks the most significant upgrade in Air North’s history.
The new aircraft (C-FNYU) arrived in Whitehorse on July 10, 2024, after being ferried from Kelowna, B.C., by captains Evan Coty and Ryan Kinney. Air North is leasing the new-gen airliner from Aircraft Engine Lease Finance (AELF) — an announcement that was first made in April this year.
Air North unveiled changes to its iconic livery with the arrival of the new 737-800 jet. Painted below the cockpit windows are the words “Jidii nakhwats’oo gogwijiłcheii nakhwadrii ts’at tr’agwanah’in,” which is Gwich’in for “vision the heart sees” — a nod to the airline’s partnership with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, which began in 1998. As well, the aircraft’s midnight sun orange tail now includes a caribou, which is the Vuntut Gwitchin symbol of survival, pride, and strength.
“Our jet fleet renewal is a significant step that ensures we can continue to provide a great product at a fair price for years to come,” said Joe Sparling, president and CEO of Air North. “This project will strengthen Yukon’s economy, contribute to making the territory a better place to live and work, and help to address environmental goals. We are extremely grateful to CanNor for providing financing to help us move forward with this important initiative.”
Air North provides scheduled flights to three northern communities and connects the Yukon with eight gateway cities across Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. The airline said it will share details about C-FNYU’s first flight in the coming weeks.
