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For the first time in over a decade, restored Air North DC-3 takes flight
A message from Air North President and CEO Joe Sparling
Employee and Stakeholder Information Update
We held both our annual general meeting and a board of directors meeting on June 28, and I would like to take the time to share highlights from both for our employees and other stakeholders. I know there is a lot of interest among all of you as to how the company fared in 2021, as well as a sense of what is ahead.
The First Direct Flight from Whitehorse and Yellowknife Lands at Toronto Pearson Airport
Air North, Yukon’s Airline, celebrates new direct connection to Toronto, making way for new economic opportunities and travel for the Yukon and the Northwest Territories
TORONTO, May 11, 2022 /CNW/ – Last night passengers aboard Air North, Yukon’s Airline, flight number 4N823, landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport, becoming the first to enjoy Canada’s first-ever scheduled direct service between Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Toronto. To mark this milestone occasion for Canadian aviation, passengers were met by a special event at Toronto Pearson International Airport, celebrating its cultural and economic significance.
The seasonal route is expected to not only expand tourism and business travel to the territories, but holds particular significance to the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, from Old Crow, Yukon, who own 49 per cent of Air North, Yukon’s Airline. As the Yukon’s only community accessible exclusively by air, this route will be a necessary means for economic growth, and an important cultural and personal link. As Canadians seek to better understand each other, the flight unlocks unprecedented opportunities for more people than ever before to explore both Territories and immerse themselves in the cultures of Indigenous peoples who call the Yukon and Northwest Territories home.
To celebrate the inaugural flight, Premier of the Yukon, Sandy Silver, and the Yukon’s Minister of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture Ranj Pillai, attended the Toronto Pearson Airport event along with Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Councilor Bonnee Bingham. Attendees were treated to a special performance from the Teechik Dancers, a Vuntut Gwitchin group from Old Crow, Yukon.
“By providing direct flights between Whitehorse and Toronto, we are in turn connecting Yukon businesses to the country’s biggest economic hub and creating a pathway for people around the world to visit our territory,” Ranj Pillai Minister of Tourism and Culture and Economic Development. “We are thrilled Air North, Yukon’s Airline is able to offer this new service and I look forward to welcoming more visitors to the Yukon and sharing the economic benefits that come with this additional air access.”
“Air North, Yukon’s Airline owes our success to key Indigenous and community partnerships, which have allowed us to navigate the many challenges we have encountered during the past 20 years,” said Joe Sparling, President and CEO of Air North, Yukon’s Airline. “We are pleased to have added Toronto to our network, ensuring residents of the Yukon’s regional communities have seamless and affordable access to the rest of Canada and the world. This will broaden education, sports and cultural horizons for youth, and facilitate regional economic development. We are proud to make the North a better place to live and work.”
As part of last night’s celebrations Premier Sandy Silver, Minister Ranj Pillai, and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Councilor Brenda Bingham, spoke to the airline’s history and future, noting their mutual excitement for the opportunities that grow from this new development.
The twice-weekly service from Toronto, operating via Yellowknife, is now available to book at flyairnorth.com.
About Air North, Yukon’s Airline
Air North, Yukon’s Airline was founded in 1977 and is 49% owned by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation. One in 15 Yukoners have an equity or employment stake in the airline. Air North, Yukon’s Airline, operates a fleet of Boeing 737 jets and ATR 42 turboprops on routes throughout Yukon and to the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, and seasonally to Ontario. In 2020 it was the recipient of the Travellers’ Choice Award for Best Airline in Canada and Best Airline (Specialty and Leisure) in North America based upon glowing reviews from its passengers.
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
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.
Air North announcing Service to Toronto, Ontario
WHITEHORSE, YUKON | 25 November 2021 – Air North, Yukon’s Airline today announced that it is adding Toronto, Ontario to its route network.
“As we look towards economic recovery in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories over the coming years, it has become evident to us that another connection to central Canada is going to be essential,” said Joe Sparling, Air North’s President and CEO. “Having a direct flight to Canada’s economic hub will kickstart opportunity for both territories.”
This sentiment was echoed by Garry Njootli, President of the Vuntut Gwitchin Development Corporation and a member of Air North’s board of directors.
“We’re very excited about the possibilities this route opens up,” said Njootli. “We are looking to grow opportunities for the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to secure our future, and shepherd opportunities for the Yukon and our partners in the Northwest Territories as well. Having this direct connection opens a lot of doors for growth for all of us.”
“Our investment in Air North over 20 years ago was made to guarantee affordable access to our community and create an economic opportunity for our people,” said Greg Charlie, a Vuntut Gwitchin member and member of Air North’s board of directors for the past 21 years. “We have seen this airline spread its wings since our investment. A new route like this one can only benefit Air North, the Vuntut Gwitchin, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. We’re very excited to see what grows from the seed we’re planting today.”
This will mark the first time Toronto has ever had a direct scheduled connection to Whitehorse or Yellowknife. Flights to Ontario aren’t new to Air North, however, as the airline began operating seasonal service to Ottawa in 2014 and has flown numerous charter flights to Toronto.
“The launch of this service marks a historic milestone for Toronto Pearson and Air North,” said Craig Bradbrook, Chief Operating Officer, Greater Toronto Airports Authority. “Aviation drives economies and strengthens bonds by connecting businesses and people, and we look forward to the mutual benefits that this route will bring about, both for the Yukon and the Northwest Territories, and for Ontario.”
“We are a distinct airline in Canada in terms of our product and the inspiration and resilience we draw from our partners,” said Sparling. “Every move towards growth we have taken has been measured. Never more so than as we look towards the future following such economic challenges for our industry and the country. We’re convinced this is a step that will do a lot for the Yukon and Northwest Territories.”
Service to Toronto, operating via Yellowknife, will begin in May 2022 and operate for the season until the end of September. The flights are available for booking now.
Service Details
Air North will operate twice weekly service between Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Toronto as of 10 May 2022.*
- 4N823 will depart Whitehorse on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 0800, arriving in Yellowknife at 1045. It will depart Yellowknife at 1130 and arrive in Toronto at 1740.
- 4N834 will depart Toronto on Wednesdays and Fridays at 1045, arriving in Yellowknife at 1325. It will depart Yellowknife at 1410 and arrive in Whitehorse at 1505.
- Passengers will be served a complimentary snack between Whitehorse and Yellowknife, and a complimentary light meal between Yellowknife and Toronto.
- All passengers are entitled to two pieces of checked baggage (up to 23 kg each) at no extra charge.
About Air North, Yukon’s Airline
Air North, Yukon’s Airline was founded in 1977 and is 49% owned by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation. One in 15 Yukoners have an equity or employment stake in the airline. Air North operates a fleet of Boeing 737 jets and ATR 42 turboprops on routes throughout Yukon and to the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, and seasonally to Ontario. In 2020 it was the recipient of the Travellers’ Choice Award for Best Airline in Canada and Best Airline (Specialty and Leisure) in North America based upon glowing reviews from its passengers.
Airline Updates Summary
From Travel Week – link to source story
Air Canada, WestJet, Transat, Sunwing and more: The latest updates amid the coronavirus pandemic
As of 15 July 2021
By: Travelweek Group
TORONTO — Canada’s airlines took swift action amid border closures and travel restrictions in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Here’s the latest from Canada’s airlines. This list is updated as we receive new information from each company. The latest information can always be found at the company’s website.
LATEST UPDATE: July 9, 2021 – Flair Airlines; July 6, 2021 – Porter Airlines
AIR CANADA
UPDATED JULY 6, 2021: Air Canada’s domestic schedule for summer 2021 includes 50 airports across Canada and 3 new routes. Air Canada has also announced details about its international schedule for summer 2021; click here for more details.
AIR NORTH
Air North, Yukon’s Airline is currently flying with a reduced schedule due to COVID and offering flights between Whitehorse and Vancouver, Kelowna, and Victoria. Effective May 5 Air North will be resuming flights between Whitehorse and Calgary & Edmonton as well. For more information on Air North’s schedule go to https://www.flyairnorth.com/flights/flight-schedules
FLAIR AIRLINES
UPDATED JULY 9, 2021: Flair is adding to its network and the airline now has flights scheduled to 20 and counting Canadian cities, plus 6 U.S. cities. The airline’s latest change policies are at https://flyflair.com/travel-info/customer-service/covid-19-updates.
PORTER AIRLINES
UPDATED JULY 6, 2021: Porter Airlines will resume domestic operations on Sept. 8, followed by the U.S. on Sept. 17, to select destinations. Porter is making all fares purchased by July 20, for travel through December 15, 2021, fully refundable, with no fees. This also applies to Porter Escapes vacation packages. The aim is to provide flexibility and give travellers peace of mind when purchasing for future travel.
SUNWING
UPDATED JUNE 24, 2021: Sunwing plans to resume partial service to select sun destinations from Toronto and Montreal, starting July 30, 2021. Sunwing’s initial lineup of destinations includes Cancun, Punta Cana, Varadero and Montego Bay. Sunwing’s domestic summer program is also open for bookings. Flights started in May 2021and run until the beginning of September 2021. Customers or their travel agents impacted by cancelled flights are being contacted by Sunwing directly to review their options. For the most up to date information see https://www.sunwing.ca/en/promotion/packages/important-travel-advisories.
SWOOP
UPDATED JUNE 10, 2021: Swoop will operate all nine of its aircraft domestically during summer 2021. The airline’s winter schedule will offer flights across Canada, as well as to sun destinations including Montego Bay, Las Vegas and Mesa/Phoenix and Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán.
TRANSAT
UPDATED JUNE 16, 2021: Transat is gearing up to restart operations on July 30, 2021. Air Transat’s winter 2021-2022 flight program features flights to nearly 50 destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, the U.S and Europe. Transat’s FTCs are fully transferable, with no expiry date. More information for Transat can be found here.
WESTJET
UPDATED JUNE 25, 2021: WestJet is ready for summer 2021 with a long list of resumed flights. Complete details can be found here.
Air North, Yukon’s Airline appoints APG as its GSA in 12 countries worldwide
13 May 2021 – Air North, Yukon’s Airline has chosen APG as its General Sales Agent in Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Austria, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, Switzerland and the UK.
Under the agreement, APG will be providing wide ranging sales and marketing services throughout the countries to bring greater awareness of Air North and the Yukon region to travel agents and customers alike.
Recognised by Tripadvisor as the Best Airline in Canada in 2020, Air North has also signed with APG to join its interline e-ticketing solution allowing over 100,000 travel agents worldwide to issue Air North tickets on APG’s own validating code, GP.
About Air North
Joseph Sparling and Tom Wood founded Air North Charter and Training in 1977 to service the mining industry. Over the following 44 years, that original vision expanded into Air North, Yukon’s Airline, now connecting two territories and three provinces with scheduled air passenger and cargo service. Operating a fleet of Boeing 737 and ATR42 aircraft, Air North is today among the largest employers in the Yukon, in addition to having a team in Vancouver. Air North is proud to be a partly Indigenous-owned airline with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation’s 49% equity ownership. One in 15 Yukoners hold an equity or employment stake in Air North.
Air Canada, WestJet, Transat, Sunwing and more: The latest updates amid the coronavirus pandemic
From Travelweek Canada – link to source story
TORONTO — Canada’s airlines took swift action amid border closures and travel restrictions in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Here’s the latest from Canada’s airlines. This list is updated as we receive new information from each company. The latest information can always be found at the company’s website.
LATEST UPDATE: April 28, 2021 – Air North; April 15, 2021 – WestJet; April 7, 2021 – Sunwing
Additional updates below from Canadian Aviation News.
AIR CANADA
UPDATE from Canadian Aviation News: 14 April 2021 – Air Canada is extending its suspension of most sun destination flights through the end of May 2021.
UPDATED JAN. 29, 2021: Air Canada, along with Canada’s four other major carriers, has suspended its winter season sun flights effective Jan. 31 through April 30, upon request from the federal government. Impacted passengers can opt for future travel credits or refunds. More details are here: https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/travel-news-and-updates/2020/covid-19.html.
AIR NORTH
Air North, Yukon’s Airline is currently flying with a reduced schedule due to COVID and offering flights between Whitehorse and Vancouver, Kelowna, and Victoria. Effective May 5 Air North will be resuming flights between Whitehorse and Calgary & Edmonton as well. For more information on Air North’s schedule go to https://www.flyairnorth.com/flights/flight-schedules
FLAIR AIRLINES
UPDATED MARCH 31, 2021: Flair Airlines is expanding its network starting May 1 with service being added to Ottawa, Kitchener-Waterloo, Halifax and Saint John, plus service starting in June to Thunder Bay and Charlottetown. Service to Victoria is set to begin in July, and to Abbotsford in August. Flair will also add Montreal to its network effective July 1. The airline’s latest change policies are at https://flyflair.com/travel-info/customer-service/covid-19-updates.
PORTER AIRLINES
UPDATE from Canadian Aviation News: 12 April 2021 — Porter Airlines sets tentative restart date to 21 June 2021.
UPDATED MARCH 2, 2021: Porter Airlines has pushed back its planned restart date to May 19, 2021. Further updates will be provided this winter based on the status of the pandemic and government measures, said President and CEO Michael Deluce.
SUNWING
UPDATED APRIL 7, 2021: Sunwing’s domestic summer program is now open for bookings. Flights start in May 2021 and run until the beginning of September 2021. Sunwing, along with Canada’s four other major carriers, suspended its winter season sun flights effective Jan. 31, upon request from the federal government. Originally suspended through April 30, on April 1 Sunwing announced it was extending the suspension through June 23. Sunwing has also cancelled domestic flights to/from B.C. and Newfoundland from May 1 to June 23, 2021. Customers or their travel agents impacted by cancelled flights are being contacted by Sunwing directly to review their options. For the most up to date information see https://www.sunwing.ca/en/promotion/packages/important-travel-advisories.
SWOOP
UPDATED JAN. 29, 2021: Swoop, as part of the WestJet Group of companies, has suspended its winter season sun flights effective Jan. 31 through April 30, upon request from the federal government.
TRANSAT
UPDATED JAN. 29, 2021: Transat, along with Canada’s four other major carriers, has suspended its winter season sun flights effective Jan. 31 through April 30, upon request from the federal government. Impacted passengers can opt for future travel credits or refunds. Transat’s FTCs are fully transferable, with no expiry date. More information for Transat can be found here.
WESTJET
UPDATE from Canadian Aviation News: 14 April 2021 – WestJet is extending its suspension of most sun destination flights to 4 June 2021.
UPDATED APRIL 15, 2021: WestJet, along with Canada’s four other major carriers, suspended its winter season sun flights effective Jan. 31 through April 30, upon request from the federal government. On April 13 WestJet advised that it was extending that suspension until June 4, 2021. More details are at https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/travel-info/advisories.
Canadian Aviation News 
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