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Category: Air Inuit

  • World’s first 737-800NG combi goes into service for Air Inuit

    SAINT-LAURENT, QC , Jan. 12, 2026 /CNW/ – Air Inuit, which is wholly owned by the Inuit of Nunavik through Makivvik Corporation, today announced that its first newly re-engineered Boeing 737–800NG combi aircraft has been certified by Transport Canada, marking the arrival of the world’s first 737–800NG configured for both passengers and freight. The aircraft will officially enter service on Air Inuit’s Montréal-Kuujjuaq route on January 13th, 2026.

    Boeing 737 800NG combi (CNW Group/Air Inuit)

    “Our investment in this next–generation combi reflects Air Inuit’s commitment to innovation that directly serves the unique passenger and freight needs of the communities and the people we serve,” said Christian Busch, President and CEO of Air Inuit. “This aircraft allows us to modernize northern jet service while preserving the flexibility that is essential to our mission.”

    The Boeing 737–800NG combi represents a major advancement in multi–role aircraft capability to address Northern realities. Converted by KF Aerospace, the aircraft features a forward cargo compartment with space for five pallets and a 90–seat passenger cabin in the aft section. This world-first is part of Air Inuit’s broader fleet–modernization strategy, which began with the acquisition of three Boeing Next–Generation 737–800s to eventually replace its 737–200 fleet. The new aircraft offer improved passenger comfort, inflight wifi powered by Starlink, better fuel efficiency, modern avionics, and increased passenger-cargo capacity to respond to the essential needs of communities in Nunavik and beyond.

    “Air Inuit plays a vital role in connecting and supporting the communities of Nunavik, and this new aircraft strengthens our ability to fulfill that mission,” said Noah Tayara, Executive Chairman of Air Inuit.

    “This achievement is another example of the people of Nunavik demonstrating the ingenuity that has been part of our story for millennia, ensuring our region continues to thrive and remain connected.” said Pita Aatami, President of Makivvik Corporation.

    Combi conversion of the third of three 737-800s acquired by Air Inuit in 2023 is scheduled for completion in February 2026.

    About Air Inuit

    Founded by the Inuit of Nunavik in 1978, Air Inuit, a wholly owned subsidiary of Makivvik, was created to provide air connections between Nunavik’s 14 coastal villages and the South, to promote trade, and to preserve Inuit culture. With more than 1,175 employees and a fleet of 36 aircraft, Air Inuit is committed to the development of this vast territory and the prosperity of its people by supporting community organizations, cultural events, educational and sports programs, as well as employment access initiatives for Inuit people.

  • Air Inuit Pilots Approve New Collective Agreement

    17 Sepember 2025

    MONTREAL, PQ— Earlier today, the pilots of Air Inuit, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), ratified their first collective agreement between Air Inuit and ALPA. With an impressive 92% of eligible pilots who voted, 94% did so in favor of the agreement. The four-year contract establishes a strong foundation that reflects the realities of operating in Nunavik and northern Quebec, while supporting pilot retention and long-term stability for the airline.

    “This contract is the result of more than a year of determined and focused negotiations, supported every step of the way by a united and engaged pilot group,” said Capt. Louis-Philippe Desmarais, chair of the Air Inuit ALPA Master Executive Council. “It delivers meaningful progress on salaries, benefits, paid leave, and career progression, while directly addressing the retention challenges to the reliability of northern air service.”

    The new collective agreement also acknowledges the demanding and unique operating environment of Nunavik by introducing significant improvements to scheduling that enhance pilots’ quality of life and align more closely with industry practices. To support long-term career development and retention, pilots will receive a fixed amount as retroactive compensation, benefits tied to experience, as well as modernized contract language to ensure stability and operational continuity.

    “This is a pivotal moment for the more than 230 Air Inuit pilots,” added Desmarais. “This agreement strengthens the airline’s future by ensuring experienced pilots can build sustainable careers here. It is not only about fairness for pilots—it’s about guaranteeing reliable air service for Nunavik communities.”

    The pilots and Air Inuit’s management team have agreed to immediately begin working together to implement a plan to ensure all aspects of the new agreement are in place as soon as possible.

    Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 43 US and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on X @ALPAPilots.

  • New Partnership Offers Travelers Opportunity to Accumulate Aeroplan Points on Air Inuit Flights

    AINT-LAURENT, QC, Aug. 28, 2025 /CNW/ – Air Inuit has partnered with Aeroplan®, Canada’s leading travel loyalty program, giving travellers the opportunity to earn Aeroplan points on Air Inuit flights. Launching October 1, 2025, this partnership marks an important milestone in improving the travel experience and delivering more benefits for Air Inuit customers.

    The new ability to earn Aeroplan points on Air Inuit flights offers travellers a wide range of benefits. Members can redeem their points for travel with Air Inuit, Air Canada, Star Alliance, and many other partner airlines, as well as for hotel stays, vacation packages and merchandise. Redemption for Air Inuit flights will be available beginning in 2026.

    “This exciting new partnership is meant to deliver additional value when people travel with Air Inuit,” said Christian Busch, President and CEO of Air Inuit. “Aeroplan gives our passengers new ways to benefit from travel, including access to a broader travel network. This collaboration reflects our commitment toward continuously improving the travel experience, including benefits, for the people of Nunavik.”

    Aeroplan was recently recognized with multiple awards, including Airline Program of the Year at the prestigious Freddie Awards, recognizing loyalty programs that demonstrate excellence in customer service, value, and innovation.

    “We are deeply proud and very excited to welcome Air Inuit into Aeroplan,” said Scott O’Leary, Vice President, Loyalty & Product at Air Canada. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to creating more rewarding travel opportunities. By adding another way to earn, we’re adding more flexibility and value for Aeroplan members, while elevating the travel experience for Air Inuit customers and the communities they serve.”

    With more than 9 million active members worldwide, Aeroplan helps members travel more and offers the ability to earn or redeem points on all Air Canada flights as well as 45 airlines serving more than 1,300 of destinations across the globe.

    To learn more about earning Aeroplan points on your next Air Inuit flight, visit https://www.airinuit.com/en/book/programs/en/aeroplan

    About Air Inuit

    Founded by the Inuit of Nunavik in 1978, Air Inuit, a wholly owned subsidiary of Makivvik, was created to provide air connections between Nunavik’s 14 coastal villages and the South, to promote trade and to preserve Inuit culture. With more than 1,100 employees and a fleet of 36 aircraft, Air Inuit is committed to the development of this immense territory and the prosperity of its people by providing support to various community organizations, cultural events, educational and sports programs, as well as the implementation of employment access programs for Inuit people.

  • Air Inuit Pilots Enter Conciliation Phase

    23 June 2025 – Montreal, P.Q.— After a year and a half of negotiations, the pilots of Air Inuit, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), have officially filed a Notice of Dispute with the Minister of Labour requesting conciliation assistance. This decision marks a major milestone in the negotiation process for their first collective agreement as ALPA members. 

    “While progress has been made over the course of several meetings, disagreement remains over financial and salary-related issues,” explains Louis-Philippe Desmarais, chair of the Master Executive Council for Air Inuit. “Pilots believe that management’s proposals fall well below current industry standards and fail to reflect the evolving realities of the aviation sector, particularly the unique challenges of operating in the North.” 

    ALPA’s request for conciliation was filed with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service on June 18. The Minister of Labour has 15 days to appoint a conciliator. Once appointed, the conciliator will have 60 days to assist the parties in their discussions and work toward a resolution. 

    The pilots’ key demands focus on wages and improving quality of life, including predictable schedules. According to the pilots, fair compensation, predictable schedules, and basic benefits are crucial to retaining experienced crew members, especially given the demanding nature of northern routes. 

    Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 79,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org 

  • Fleet Modernization – Newly Acquired Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 Aircraft Makes Inaugural Freight Delivery to Nunavik

    SAINT-LAURENT, QC, July 16, 2024 /CNW/ – Air Inuit today announced the first of three Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s acquired in 2023 entered into service, arriving at Kuujjuaq Airport today with its inaugural delivery of essential freight to be distributed in communities across Nunavik.

    The B737-800 has been outfitted to serve exclusively as a freighter aircraft with a main deck cargo door, operating primarily between Montreal and Air Inuit’s cargo hubs  in Kuujjuaq and La Grande. The newly added aircraft has a capacity of 23,000 kilograms.

    Air Inuit B737-800 NG arrives in Kuujjuaq on July 16, 2024 (CNW Group/Air Inuit)
    Air Inuit B737-800 NG arrives in Kuujjuaq on July 16, 2024 (CNW Group/Air Inuit)

    As part of its ongoing fleet modernization program, Air Inuit will eventually phase out its B737-200s which are being replaced with three B737-800 NG aircraft to improve passenger experience, ensure reliable freight delivery and reduce fuel emissions by nearly 40 per cent.

    “By equipping these aircraft with customized features based on Air Inuit’s unique requirements and knowhow, we are ensuring the perennity of our fleet as we fulfill our mission as an essential service,” said Christian Busch, president and CEO of Air Inuit.

    “Air Inuit serves as a critical infrastructure for the people of Nunavik, and today is a powerful demonstration of how we are continuously improving the quality of our service in ways that meet customer needs while acting as a responsible company when it comes to environmental considerations,” said Executive Chairman, Noah Tayara.

    The two other B737-800 NG aircraft will operate using an innovative combi configuration pioneered by Air Inuit to provide  comfortable passenger service and reliable freight delivery simultaneously. Both are scheduled to go into service in 2025.

    “Seeing the first of three Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s begin operating is a moment of pride on behalf of the Inuit of Nunavik, and a reminder of our never-ending goal to always seek new ways to improve while also doing our part to reduce our ecological footprint,” said Pita Aatami, President of Makivvik.

    About Air Inuit

    Founded by the Inuit of Nunavik in 1978, Air Inuit, a wholly owned subsidiary of Makivvik, was created to provide air connections between Nunavik’s 14 coastal villages and the South, to promote trade and to preserve Inuit culture. With more than 1,175 employees and a fleet of 36 aircraft, Air Inuit is committed to the development of this immense territory and the prosperity of its people by providing support to various community organizations, cultural events, educational and sports programs, as well as the implementation of employment access programs for Inuit people.

  • AEI to Provide Air Inuit with Three B737-800SF Freighter Conversions

    Miami, Florida – October 25th, 2023 – Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) is pleased to announce that Canadian-based Air Inuit has ordered three (3) AEI B737-800SF freighter conversions with two of the aircraft being converted as combi aircraft. The first aircraft, (MSN 40852) is slated to begin modification in November of this year and will be redelivered in late March 2024. Touch labor and maintenance will be performed by the authorized AEI Conversion Center, KF Aerospace in Kelowna, BC, Canada. AEI is the only conversion company that can convert any line number 737-800 aircraft, including these three aircraft which are all 2012 vintage. The second and third aircraft are slated to commence modification in March 2024 and July 2024 respectively.

    “We are honored that Air Inuit has selected the AEI B737-800SF freighter and combi as part of their fleet modernization plans,” stated Robert T. Convey, AEI senior vice president of sales and marketing.

    “We welcome Air Inuit to the AEI family of customers and look forward to a successful relationship.” “We are pleased to partner with AEI for our freighter conversion needs for both our B738 freighter operations as well as for our soon to come innovative world’s first B738 combi aircraft,” stated Christian Busch, Air Inuit’s president and CEO.

    The AEI converted B737-800SF freighter offers a main deck payload of up to 52,700 lbs. (23,904 kg) and incorporates eleven full height 88” x 125” container positions, plus an additional position for an AEP/AEH. The conversion also incorporates new floor beams aft of the wing box, a large 86” x 137” Main Cargo Door with a single vent door system.

    AEI’s forward-thinking design allows for containers to be loaded into the aircraft a full 16.5” aft of the forward door jamb, ensuring ground operators have sufficient maneuvering room which minimizes potential door and aircraft strikes. Additionally, the AEI B737-800SF includes a flexible Ancra Cargo Loading System, a rigid 9g barrier, five supernumerary seats as standard, a galley, and full lavatory.

    About AEI Aeronautical Engineers, Inc.

    (AEI) is the global leader in the aircraft passenger-to-freighter conversion business and is the oldest conversion company in existence today. Since the company’s founding in 1958, AEI has developed over 130 Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) and has modified over 600 aircraft with the STCs. AEI helps its customers extend aircraft life and increase the overall value of aircraft assets by continuously focusing on dependable and flexible product offerings. AEI currently offers passenger-to-freighter conversions for the Boeing 737-800, 737-400, 737-300, MD-80 series, and CRJ200 aircraft. https://www.aeronautical-engineers.com/

    About Air Inuit

    Founded by the Inuit of Nunavik in 1978, Air Inuit, a wholly owned subsidiary of Makivik Corporation, was created to provide air connections between Nunavik’s 14 coastal villages and the South, to promote trade and to preserve Inuit culture. With more than 1,100 employees and a fleet of 33 aircraft, the Company is also committed to the development of this immense territory and the prosperity of its people by providing support to various community organizations, cultural events, educational and sports programs, as well as the implementation of employment access programs for Inuit people. https://www.airinuit.com

  • Fleet Modernization – Air Inuit Ratifies an Agreement to Acquire Three Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 Aircraft to Better Serve the People of Nunavik and Beyond

    SAINT-LAURENT, QC, July 3, 2023 /CNW/ – Air Inuit today announced the ratification of an agreement for the acquisition of three Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft to be added to its fleet as part of its mission to provide world-class passenger and freight service to the people of Nunavik, its Network and beyond. The aircraft will be customized using Air Inuit’s innovative combi configuration solution to provide safe and comfortable passenger service and reliable freight delivery simultaneously.

    Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 Combi (CNW Group/Air Inuit)

    “The addition of these aircraft to our fleet enhances our capacity to efficiently transport passengers and deliver essential cargo to the communities we serve,” said Christian Busch, President and CEO of Air Inuit. “Acquiring these modern aircraft also supports our airline’s goal of reducing carbon emissions and doing our part in the fight against climate change.”

    By eventually replacing the venerable Boeing 737-200 aircraft currently in service, fuel emissions will be cut by nearly 40 per cent.

    The three Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft will be fitted with main deck cargo doors to meet requirements at hubs across Nunavik and beyond, which in turn service each of the communities of Air Inuit’s network.

    This addition to Air Inuit’s fleet marks a milestone for the airline which was founded in 1978. “We can all be proud of this vital service which is celebrating 45 years of operation in 2023. Once again, Air Inuit is demonstrating leadership as it grows and adapts to the changing needs of the communities it serves,” said Noah Tayara, Executive Chairman of Air Inuit.

    “The modernization of Air Inuit’s fleet is part of a broader initiative to fulfil its mission as an instrument of economic and social development which is wholly owned by the Nunavik people,” said Pita Aatami, President of Makivik Corporation. “This is made possible thanks to important investments by the Inuit of Nunavik.”

    The introduction of the three new aircraft will take place gradually over the next 24 months. This fleet modernization project and the growth of the region will require important governmental investments to upgrade Nunavik’s airstrips. Discussions are currently underway with stakeholders to ensure this vision is developed in accordance with the priorities of community members. Further details will be provided in the coming months.

    About Air Inuit

    Founded by the Inuit of Nunavik in 1978, Air Inuit, a wholly owned subsidiary of Makivik Corporation, was created to provide air connections between Nunavik’s 14 coastal villages and the South, to promote trade and to preserve Inuit culture. With more than 1,000 employees and a fleet of 30 aircraft, the Company is also committed to the development of this immense territory and the prosperity of its people by providing support to various community organizations, cultural events, educational and sports programs, as well as the implementation of employment access programs for Inuit people.

  • Air Inuit’s new cargo facility in Kuujjuaq

    23 September 2022

    From Canadian North

    Our Executive Chairman, Johnny Adams and President and CEO, Michael Rodyniuk recently attended the opening of Air Inuit’s new cargo facility in Kuujjuaq this week. Air Inuit’s new facility will bring many benefits to the community and to Nunavik as a whole.

    Congratulations to our sister company, Air Inuit on this important day.

    https://www.facebook.com/CanadianNorthAirlines/posts/pfbid0jg3p54zkGUTcVPao71eMDDu1wDo37BKasMK1g8EFLtmbtUXSxXCgyxhxRL3MiorYl

  • Transat secures $100 million in additional funding

    Maturity dates for debts totalling $198 million are deferred from April 2023 to April 2024

    MONTRÉAL, July 29, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Transat A.T. Inc. (“Transat” or the “Corporation“) announced today that it has reached an agreement with Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporation (“CEEFC”), a federal Crown corporation, to obtain $100 million in additional liquidity. In connection with the establishment of such additional funding, through the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF), Transat has reached an agreement with all lenders to defer the April 2023 maturities to April 2024, as well as to defer from October 2022 to October 2023 the date by which the Corporation must meet certain financial covenants.

    Such liquidity is in addition to initial financing secured on April 29, 2021, through LEEFF to help the Corporation overcome the effects of the pandemic. On March 10, 2022, Transat also received an additional $43.3 million for traveller refunds and negotiated favourable 20-month deferrals for certain key terms of the unsecured LEEFF financing agreement.

    As stated by Annick Guérard, President and CEO, “This complementary financing and the changes to the existing agreements strengthen our treasury position and reinforce our financial resilience. This important financing milestone, combined with sales that have been doing well in recent months, will give us the financial flexibility to deploy our strategic plan with optimism and confidence.”

    The additional credit facility made available by the Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporation, which Transat will use as needed over the next few months, is for an amount of $100 million of which 80% is under the terms and conditions of the non-revolving and unsecured credit facility amended this past March, and 20% is under the terms and conditions of the revolving and secured credit facility.

    Under the LEEFF financing, Transat issued a total of 4,687,500 warrants for the purchase of an equivalent number of Transat shares at an exercise price of $3.20 per share over a 10-year period1. The warrants are to vest in proportion to the drawings that will be made, but 50% of vested warrants will be forfeited if the loan were to be repaid in full by December 31, 2023.

    The financial arrangement also provides Transat with an additional credit facility for a maximum amount of $50 million, subject to certain conditions that must be met no later than July 29, 2023, including securing additional funding from a third party. This demonstrates the Crown corporation’s renewed commitment to Transat in the implementation of its recovery plan.

    About Transat

    Founded in Montréal 35 years ago, Transat has grown to become a travel reference worldwide, particularly as an air carrier under the Air Transat brand. Voted four times since 2017 as the World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, it flies to international and Canadian destinations and strives to provide its customers with service that is enthusiastic, friendly and entirely safe. Transat has been Travelife-certified since 2018. As part of its commitment to a healthier environment, it has been renewing its fleet with aircraft considered the greenest in their category, knowing that this is essential to the integrity of its operations and the destinations it serves (TSX: TRZ).

    www.transat.com