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Tag: Whitehorse YXY

  • Government of Canada invests in key infrastructure at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport

    WHITEHORSE, YT, July 2, 2026 /CNW/ – Canadians, international tourists, and businesses rely on safe and well-maintained airports to stay connected and keep our economy moving. International tourists and businesses benefit from safe and well-maintained airports. Local and regional airports provide critical benefits by supporting safer, healthier, and more connected communities.

    Today, Member of Parliament for the Yukon and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, Dr. Brendan Hanley, on behalf of the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, announced that the Government of Canada is strengthening air safety at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport.

    Through the Airports Capital Assistance Program, the federal government is providing over $2 million to the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport to purchase an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle.

    The airport serves over 475,000 passengers each year, and the current ARFF is critical in providing rapid and effective response to aircraft emergencies. The existing vehicle was purchased by the Government of Yukon 20 years ago and it has reached the end of its lifecycle.

    In addition to enhancing safety measures, this project will improve safety and increase airport capacity, supporting economic growth and connectivity across Yukon.

    Quotes

    “For northern and remote communities, reliable air service is essential. This investment will strengthen the airport’s ability to provide safe, dependable operations while supporting regional economic growth and keeping communities connected. Through investing in our airports and our transportation network, we are creating a stronger and more united Canada.”
    The Honourable Steven MacKinnon
    Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

    “The Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport is essential to Yukoners, supporting both our communities and local businesses. This investment will help ensure the airport continues to safely connect us with family and friends, open doors to new destinations, and serve as a vital economic driver for our region for years to come.”
    Dr. Brendan Hanley
    Member of Parliament for the Yukon and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs

    “Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport is a vital part of Yukon’s transportation network and keeping it safe is one of our top priorities. Replacing our 20-year-old Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle ensures our crews have the equipment they need to respond quickly and effectively when it matters most. We appreciate the Government of Canada’s partnership in helping us maintain safe, reliable airport operations for Yukoners and everyone who travels through our territory.”
    The Honourable Linda Benoit
     Minister of Highways and Public Works for the Government of Yukon

    Quick Facts

    • Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program provides federal funding to help eligible airports finance capital projects and equipment that will help them maintain safety.
    • Eligible projects include the purchase/replacement of heavy airside mobile equipment (snow blowers, snowplows, runway sweepers, loaders and material spreaders) and aircraft rescue firefighting vehicles; associated equipment and shelters; the rehabilitation of runway, taxiway and apron pavements; airfield lighting and electrical systems; and the installation of wildlife fencing.
    • Since its launch in 1995, the Airports Capital Assistance Program has committed over $1.3 billion for 1,288 projects at 201 local and regional airports across the country.
    • Since the Airports Capital Assistance Program started in 1995, Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport has received more than $12.3 million in funding for 8 safety projects, including today’s announcement.

    Associated Link

    Visit Transport Canada’s website.

  • Minister of Transport announces airport improvements in Whitehorse

    WHITEHORSE, YT, Jan. 12, 2024 /CNW/ – An efficient and reliable transportation system is essential to making life more affordable for Canadians. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring our supply chains support economic growth and create good, middle-class jobs, while making them resilient and adaptable to the effects of climate change.

    Today, the Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, announced an investment of up to $186.2 million under the National Trade Corridors Fund for a project that includes major upgrades at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport.

    The airport infrastructure requires improvements to maintain existing essential services such as passenger and charter flights, as well as cargo handling activities.

    The project consists of four main improvements:

    • upgrading the parallel runway;
    • reconstructing the main runway;
    • replacing the Whitehorse air maintenance facility, and
    • building a new rotary operations (helicopter) area.

    In addition to upgrading the airport’s critical infrastructure, the project aims to enhance safety measures and increase operational capacity to better support Yukon’s mining and tourism sectors. The project will also work to increase the airport’s resilience against the impacts of climate change.

    The Government of Canada continues to make investments to strengthen the country’s supply chains, promote economic growth and enhance the opportunities for our businesses to expand into global markets. This represents another long-term commitment to work with stakeholders on strategic infrastructure projects to address transportation bottlenecks, vulnerabilities, and congestion along Canada’s trade corridors.

    Quotes

    “We’re investing in the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport to support the growth of the tourism and economic sectors in Yukon. Strengthening our supply chains also means Canadians in Northern communities can more easily have access to the goods they need, when they need them and at fair prices.”

    The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez
    Minister of Transport

    “This investment by our government is a vote of confidence in one of the key economic sectors of the Yukon. It will also ensure our infrastructure is resilient and will be able to withstand the disruptive effects of climate change. With these runway upgrades, Erik Nielsen Airport will be able to better serve our community.”

    Brendan Hanley
    Member of Parliament for Yukon

    “As the largest airport in the Yukon, the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport is critical to our transportation network. Our government is committed to making investments in our aviation infrastructure to help provide safe and reliable air travel for all. These upgrades will continue to ensure the airport meets the needs of the territory now and into the future.”

    Nils Clarke
    Minister of Highways and Public Works
    Government of Yukon

    Quick Facts 

    • An efficient and reliable transportation network is key to Canada’s economic growth. The Government of Canada, through the National Trade Corridors Fund, is making investments that will support the flow of goods across Canada’s supply chains.
    • The National Trade Corridors Fund is a competitive, merit-based program designed to help infrastructure owners and users invest in the critical transportation assets that support economic activity in Canada. A total of $4.6 billion over 11 years (2017-2028) has been allocated to the program.
    • Through the National Trade Corridors Fund, Transport Canada is supporting improvements to Canada’s roads, rail, air, and marine shipping routes to foster domestic and international trade.

    Related Product

    National Trade Corridors Fund Backgrounder 

  • Judge orders Yukon contractor to pay $2.3M for botched Whitehorse airport apron replacement

    Web News • 21 November 2022

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  • Weather forces large Alaska-bound cargo plane to land in Whitehorse

    From CBC News – link to source story

    Airport staff accommodated the aircraft that had been traveling from Seoul

    Luke Carroll · CBC News · December 27, 2021

    Bad weather conditions forced a Western Global cargo airplane to land at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport on Dec. 26. (Submitted by Simon Blakesley.)

    Whitehorse residents passing the airport on Boxing Day afternoon may have noticed a large and unusual visitor. 

    This was a Western Global cargo aircraft that was forced to divert from its route to Alaska due to poor weather and land at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport.

    Simon Blakesley is an aviation photographer who was about to go for his annual Boxing Day walk around 1 p.m., when he heard the aircraft would be arriving on a radio scanner. 

    “I heard the Western Global call … on the airport tower frequency, which, Western Global? I don’t think they’ve ever come to Whitehorse before for any reason,” he said. “So that just made my ears prick, that ‘why would a Western Global freighter aircraft like that be talking to our control tower?’ “

    Western Global Airlines is a Florida-based air cargo transportation service. 

    Blakesley said once he realized the plane would be landing, he grabbed his camera gear — which he always keeps close — and headed straight to the airport. He said he missed the landing, but arrived in time to take some photos of the aircraft on the tarmac. 

    “It is one of the biggest that I’ve seen here,” Blakesley said of the cargo plane. 

    Nigel Cripps, the airport manager, said Nav Canada was notified of the arrival about 30 minutes before the aircraft landed. 

    The cargo aircraft, known as McDonnell Douglas MD-11, was traveling from Seoul to Anchorage, Alaska. 

    Cripps said bad weather around Alaska meant it needed a different place to land. 

    As the aircraft was arriving internationally, Cripps notified border services. He said Air North ramp staff then assisted the arriving airplane with its landing.

    Josh Clark is Air North’s director of charter, fixed base operations, and corporate. 

    Clark said Air North has a fixed base operation at the Whitehorse airport that offers supports, including de-icing and refueling, to planes landing for whatever reason.

    “They’re northern based, they’re highly trained,” he said. “Their key goal every day is to ensure safe and reliable operations… whether it’s a scheduled or unscheduled arrival. They marshal the aircraft in and make sure it’s on the ground safely and basically tuck it in.”

    As Whitehorse is on a popular flight path, Cripps said these types of situations can happen every few years.   

    “Generally as an airport, we’re well equipped to handle most situations,” he said. 

    The international status of the airport has added benefits for pilots who find themselves in any sort of emergency situation in the North, as it has a large runway that can accommodate bigger aircraft — like the Western Global one. 

    Cripps said the arrival did make for an eventful Boxing Day and credited everyone who helped with the situation, which included the airfield maintenance staff who braved blowing snow and cold temperatures. 

    “I think all the people involved handled it really well,” he said. 

    Cripps said the aircraft was still at the Whitehorse airport as of Monday morning, but he expects it will depart by the end of the day. 

  • Whitehorse airport’s secondary runway to get extended and upgraded

    From CBC News – link to source story – Thanks to CW

    Changes will allow large planes to land and take off when main runway is under maintenance

    Mike Rudyk · CBC News · December 14, 2021

    The secondary runway at Whitehorse’s Erik Nielson International Airport will be extended and receive some other upgrades next year. (Murray Lundberg)

    The secondary runway at the Eric Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport will be extended and get some upgrades next year.

    The improvements will allow the secondary runway to have large passenger planes use it when maintenance, such as paving, snow removal or de-icing, is being done on the main 2,900-metre runway “without interruption of service.”

    The upgrades are scheduled to start in March 2022 and be completed by the following September, according to a government of Yukon news release. It also stated construction at the secondary runway will not cause delays for passengers at the airport.

    The 1,620-metre runway is not “currently long enough or strong enough and it doesn’t have the proper lighting either [for the larger passenger planes],” said Clint Ireland, director of aviation land development with the Yukon government.

    He said the runway, which was built in 1941 and is used mostly for small planes now, will be extended 390 metres and get new pavement, modern airfield lighting and a precision approach path indicator system.

    Ireland said being able to get 737-size jets into Whitehorse, along with the types of services they can provide, including medical is “really important.”

    “This runway will allow us to do that even if there is something going wrong on the main runway,” said Ireland. 

  • WestJet reconnecting Alberta routes

    Airline to restart 10 routes across province and inaugurate new service from Edmonton to Penticton, Kamloops and Nanaimo

    Non-stop service between Calgary-Charlottetown to launch on July 29

    CALGARY, AB, June 25, 2021 /CNW/ -WestJet is further restoring Alberta’s domestic and interprovincial connectivity with the restart of 10 routes to and from destinations across British Columbia, the Yukon, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia from Calgary, Edmonton and Medicine Hat. The airline will also start operation of three new routes to and from Edmonton and begin non-stop service between Calgary and Charlottetown. Full schedule details and resumption dates are outlined below.

    “We continue to work towards the restoration of our pre-COVID domestic network to ensure that when our guests are ready to travel, we are there for them,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “WestJet remains committed to building back stronger for the betterment of all Canadians, and as we look ahead to reconnecting friends, family and loved ones, the safe restart of travel is essential to Canada’s economic recovery.”

    Connecting Alberta to Prince Edward Island non-stop

    After being delayed due to the pandemic, WestJet will bridge new domestic connections between the east and the west with the introduction of new twice-weekly, non-stop service between Charlottetown, P.E.I., and Calgary, beginning July 29. The service connecting the two provinces was previously scheduled to start in June 2020.

    WestJet’s investments are critical to ensuring Alberta’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and this July, WestJet will offer non-stop service from Calgary to 42 cities and from Edmonton to 16 cities. 

    “This week’s meeting with more than 70 Northern Alberta industry partners demonstrates the value of listening to our partners as we enter the recovery phase of the pandemic. We thank Premier Kenney and his government for leading the safe restart of travel for Albertans. While progress has been made in Alberta, we continue to advocate for a safe travel framework from the Government of Canada,” said Angela Avery, WestJet Executive Vice-President.

    Love Where You’re Going Again – WestJet’s Latest Video

    For more than 17 months, Canadians from coast-to-coast have been separated from the people and places they love. WestJet’s latest brand moment is a reminder to Canadians that it’s time to love where they’re going, again.

    Alberta route restarts between now and July 6, 2021

    RoutePeak FrequencyRoute restart date
    Edmonton – Nanaimo*2x weeklyJune 25, 2021
    Edmonton – Regina 6x weeklyJune 25, 2021
    Edmonton – Comox 5x weeklyJune 25, 2021
    Calgary – Prince George4x weeklyJune 25, 2021
    Calgary – London, Ont.4x weeklyJune 25, 2021
    Edmonton – Winnipeg 6x weeklyJune 30, 2021
    Calgary – Windsor2x weeklyJune 26, 2021
    Calgary – Whitehorse2x weeklyJune 27, 2021
    Calgary – Medicine Hat5x weeklyJune 27, 2021
    Edmonton – Halifax 2x weeklyJuly 1, 2021
    Edmonton – Penticton*2x weeklyJuly 3, 2021
    Edmonton – Kamloops*2x weeklyJuly 4, 2021
    Edmonton – Saskatoon 6x weeklyJuly 6, 2021
    Calgary – Charlottetown *2x weeklyJuly 29, 2021
    *New route

    About WestJet 

    In 25 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.

    Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline’s Safety Above All hygiene program. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium.

  • Federal government funding repairs to Whitehorse airport

    From Yukon News – link to source story

    An Air North flight sits on the apron at the Whitehorse airport. (Mike Thomas/Yukon News file)

    An Air North flight sits on the apron at the Whitehorse airport. (Mike Thomas/Yukon News file)

    Upgrades are needed on the tarmac

    HALEY RITCHIE | May. 26, 2021

    The federal government is contributing $3.8 million toward upgrades at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport.

    “This investment will help ensure continued safe and reliable airport operations for Yukoners, many of whom depend on their air travel not only for personal travel, but also for access to routine and emergency medical care in larger centres,” said Yukon MP Larry Bagnell in a statement.

    The funding will allow for the rehabilitation of the taxiway, which is the path an aircraft uses in transit to the takeoff runway. The funds will also help with concrete apron paving, in order to refresh the area where airplanes are parked when not flying.

    The project is one of 86 projects at 63 Canadian airports selected for funding in 2021.

    Other projects include over $17 million dollars to rehabilitate a runway in Fort Nelson, British Columbia, more than $1.1 million in Manitoba to install wildlife control fencing and $58,000 for airfield drainage improvements at the Prince Albert Airport in Saskatchewan.

    The funding is part of the Airports Capital Assistance Program, which recently received a top-up of funding and expansion of eligible airports for a two year time period.

    The fund is meant to support airports with rehabilitating surfaces, improving lighting and electrical systems and purchasing snow and ice removal equipment.

    “These investments will improve access to safe, reliable and efficient air transportation options, and will help us deliver our promise to build safer, healthier and stronger communities across Canada. This is more important than ever as we reopen our economies affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra.

    In 2014 the Yukon Government awarded a $3.5 million contract to Norcope Enterprises in order to replace 250 concrete apron panels at the airport. A year later defects in the job prompted the government to launch a lawsuit seeking the cost of the work.

    Norcope countered with a lawsuit of their own which blamed permafrost shifting for cracked pavement.

  • Air traffic control services to continue for Canadian communities

    OTTAWA,ON, April 15, 2021 /CNW/ – NAV CANADA confirmed today that it will maintain air traffic control service to Canadian communities, including Fort McMurray AB, Prince George BC, Regina SK, Saint-Jean QC, Sault Ste. Marie ON, Whitehorse YT and Windsor ON.

    Last fall, NAV CANADA launched 29 aeronautical studies in an effort to safely streamline its operations, ensuring that air navigation services align with market demand. After considerable consultation with airlines, airports, industry associations, local officials and internal stakeholders, NAV CANADA has elected to limit changes to services across the country. 

    NAV CANADA is committing that there will be no site closures at air traffic control towers or flight service stations across the country. In addition, the Company will suspend aeronautical studies currently underway related to remote or northern locations until further notice.

    “Stakeholder engagement is at the heart of NAV CANADA’s aeronautical study process. The valuable input we have received indicates that a balanced approach is warranted as the industry navigates the ongoing pandemic. We are proactively taking these steps to maintain a consistent level of service as the aviation industry and our many partners shift their focus to recovery,” said Ray Bohn, President and CEO.

    The aeronautical studies, which are still in progress, will consider other alternatives to safely streamline operations, including changes to hours of operation. Aeronautical studies that were related to hours of operation from the outset or that are related to Remote Aerodrome Advisory Services will also continue, except for those pertaining to remote or northern locations.

    To enhance stakeholder awareness and input, NAV CANADA will be undertaking a Notice of Proposal process that will afford stakeholders an additional opportunity to provide feedback on NAV CANADA’s specific recommendations.  

    NAV CANADA remains unwavering in its commitment to safety, and any changes to the delivery of our services will be first and foremost evaluated in this context. The Company will continue to provide the air navigation services required to support industry today and throughout recovery.

    Quick Facts

    • A private, non-profit corporation, NAV CANADA provides air traffic control, airport advisory services, weather briefings and aeronautical information services for more than 18 million square kilometers of Canadian domestic and oceanic airspace.
    • Under the Civil Air Navigation Services Commercialization Act, NAV CANADA recovers its operating expense through service charges from its customers on a breakeven basis. Its customers include airlines, air cargo operators, air charter operators, air taxis, helicopter operators, and business and general aviation.
    • Aeronautical Studies consider all relevant factors, including traffic volume, mix and distribution throughout the day; weather; airport and airspace configuration; surface activity; and the efficiency requirements of operators using the service. Formal consultation with stakeholders is central to all Aeronautical Studies.
    • NAV CANADA’s safety record is irrefutably one of the best in the world amongst air navigation service providers. We have achieved this record based on a regulated decision-making approach with safety at the very core of all that we do.

    About NAV CANADA

    NAV CANADA is a private, not-for-profit company, established in 1996, providing air traffic control, airport advisory services, weather briefings and aeronautical information services for more than 18 million square kilometres of Canadian domestic and international airspace.

    The Company is internationally recognized for its safety record, and technology innovation. Air traffic management systems developed by NAV CANADA are used by air navigation service providers in countries worldwide.

  • Sault Airport one of seven under review by Nav Canada

    From SooToday – link to source story

    Study of air traffic service and aviation weather requirements expected to be presented to Transport Canada for safety review this spring

    By: SooToday Staff | 23 Febrauary 2021

    20200301-Sault Ste. Marie Airport, winter, stock-DT-01Sault Ste. Marie Airport file photo. Darren Taylor/SooToday

    Nav Canada, the non-profit body that runs the country’s civil air navigation service, is currently reviewing seven airport towers in small Canadian cities, including Sault Ste. Marie.

    Others under review are those located in St-Jean, Que.; Windsor, Ont.; Regina, Sask.; Fort McMurray, Alta.; Prince George, B.C.; and Whitehorse, Yukon.

    At the heart of each review is whether air traffic at the airports warrants having a control tower as opposed to an advisory service for pilots, reports the Canadian Press.

    In a Terms of Reference (TOR) issued in November of last year, Nav Canada explained that “the total annual aircraft movements have ranged from 55,225 to 65,228. These movements are either below or are at the lower levels of the established guidelines for the provision of Airport Control Services based on the Nav Canada Policy Delivery of Air Navigation Services.”

    “We have to operate the right service, at the right place, at the right time,” Jonathan Bagg, Nav Canada’s director of stakeholder and industry relations, told the Canadian Press. “The COVID-19 pandemic does give us additional stimulus because of the financial environment; however, the studies are warranted regardless of COVID-19.”   

    The aeronautical study to review air traffic service and aviation weather requirements at the Sault Airport is expected to be presented to Transport Canada for safety review this spring.

    “A strong system of airports is essential to supporting recovery from COVID-19 for our travel and tourism sector, as well as our trade-based regional and national economies,” Terry Bos, the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation’s president and CEO, said in a news release issued on Feb. 9. “Canada’s airports and our air sector partners want to play a leading role in this recovery but may not be able to effectively do so without intervention by government.”

    Earlier this month, the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation reported record low passenger levels.

    Passenger traffic dropped by more than 89 per cent in January from the previous year.

    Also in January of this year, the airport announced a 41 per cent reduction in staff as flights were cut due to the ongoing pandemic.

    Today, the Canadian Press reports that aviation is among the hardest hit industries as federal travel restrictions continue and public health officials discourage travelling.

  • NAV CANADA looks to streamline operations

    OTTAWA, Nov. 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NAV CANADA continues to take steps to safely streamline its operations to help preserve the sustainability of the country’s air navigation system. The Company is moving forward with additional adjustments to its services and will be launching level of service reviews for six air traffic control towers. This includes completing a rigorous, safety-focused review of air traffic to determine whether airport advisory services should be offered in lieu of air traffic control.

    NAV CANADA must continue to fulfill its commitment to efficiently run Canada’s air navigation system, ensuring that the services supplied align with market demands. The following sites were identified for review as a result of long-term air traffic levels, including prior to the pandemic:

    • Fort McMurray Tower, AB
    • Prince George Tower, BC  
    • Regina Tower, SK   
    • Sault Ste. Marie Tower, ON  
    • Whitehorse Tower, YT  
    • Windsor Tower, ON

    Aeronautical studies apply a safety-focused and Transport Canada regulated process, which NAV CANADA has followed in support of its globally recognized safety record for more than 20 years. This rigorous, systematic approach provides for full consultation with all affected stakeholders, with the key factor being safety.

    Quick Facts

    • A private, non-profit corporation, NAV CANADA provides air traffic control, airport advisory services, weather briefings and aeronautical information services for more than 18 million square kilometers of Canadian domestic and oceanic airspace.
    • Under the Civil Air Navigation Services Commercialization Act, NAV CANADA recovers its operating expense through service charges from its customers on a breakeven basis.
    • NAV CANADA’s provides services to airlines, air cargo operators, air charter operators, air taxis, helicopter operators, and business and general aviation.
    • Aeronautical studies consider all relevant factors, including traffic volume, mix and distribution throughout the day; weather; airport and airspace configuration; surface activity; and the efficiency requirements of operators using the service. Formal consultation with stakeholders is central to all aeronautical studies.
    • NAV CANADA’s safety record is irrefutably one of the best in the world amongst air navigation service providers. We have achieved this record based on a regulated decision-making approach with safety at the very core of all that we do.