About Air North
A Quick Overview of Air North
Air North, Yukon's Airline, is a Canadian regional carrier based in Whitehorse, Yukon. Founded in 1977 by Joe Sparling and Tom Wood, the airline began as Air North Charter and Training, offering charter flights to the mining industry and flight training services. Over the years, it has grown significantly, expanding its fleet and services to become a vital part of northern Canada's transportation landscape.
In the early 1980s, Air North's fleet expanded from a single Cessna 206 to include various aircraft on wheels, floats, and skis, such as the Douglas DC-3 and DC-4. By the 1990s, the airline transitioned to more modern turboprop aircraft, including the Hawker Siddeley 748.
History
Air North was founded by Joe Sparling and Tom Woods, starting with a single Cessna 206 for flight training and general-purpose charters. Over the decades, the airline evolved significantly:
- 1980s: Expanded its fleet with aircraft like Douglas DC-3s, DC-4s, and various Cessnas and de Havillands, growing its charter operations.
- 1990s: Transitioned from piston-powered aircraft to more reliable turboprops, including the Beechcraft Model 99 and Hawker Siddeley 748 Series 2As. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation of Old Crow became an investor, strengthening community ties.
- 2002: Acquired two Boeing 737-200 jets, enabling competition with mainline carriers on routes to Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.
- 2008–2017: Modernized its fleet with a Boeing 737-200 Combi, Boeing 737-400, 737-500s, and ATR 42 combi aircraft, phasing out older aircraft like the Hawker Siddeley 748s. The Combi aircraft, with a large cargo door and moveable bulkhead, supported mixed passenger and cargo operations, ideal for northern routes.
- 2024: Introduced two Boeing 737-800s with winglets, short-field performance packages, and updated interiors, marking further fleet modernization.
Operations
Air North operates from its main base at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport, with secondary bases in Vancouver, BC. Its operations include:
- Scheduled Passenger and Cargo Flights: Connects Whitehorse to destinations like Vancouver, Kelowna, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Dawson City, Old Crow, Mayo, and Inuvik, with seasonal services to Yellowknife, Ottawa, and Toronto.
- Charter Services: Offers passenger, cargo, combi, and fuel-haul charters across North America, serving clients like mine operators, cruise ship tour operators, fishing lodges, and sports teams. The airline’s gravel kit-equipped Boeing 737 Combi supports operations on northern gravel runways.
- Ground Services: Provides ground handling and fuel services to other airlines at Yukon airports and major hubs like Calgary, Vancouver, and Edmonton International Airports.
