Air Inuit

Air Inuit. Air Inuit is a regional airline based in Dorval, Quebec, providing scheduled passenger, charter, and cargo services primarily to communities across Nunavik and other regions of Northern Quebec. Founded in 1978 by the Makivik Corporation, the Inuit-owned development corporation established following the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, it is a critical transportation link for the Inuit population. The airline operates a diverse fleet of turboprop and jet aircraft from its main hubs at Kuujjuaq Airport and La Grande Rivière Airport, connecting remote settlements to major centers like Montréal–Trudeau International Airport.

History

The airline was established in 1978 by the Makivik Corporation, an entity created to administer the funds and obligations from the landmark 1975 James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. This agreement between the Government of Quebec, Hydro-Québec, and the Inuit of Nunavik fundamentally altered the region's governance and economic landscape. Initial operations were modest, focusing on essential services to isolated communities using small aircraft, but the airline expanded significantly after acquiring the assets of Austin Airways in 1988, a move that greatly increased its route network and fleet. Throughout its history, Air Inuit has played a vital role in community resupply, medical evacuations, and supporting resource development projects like those in the Raglan Mine area, solidifying its status as a socio-economic pillar of Nunavik.

Fleet

The Air Inuit fleet comprises over 30 aircraft, tailored for the demanding conditions of the Canadian Arctic. Its workhorse is the de Havilland Canada Dash 7, a STOL-capable turboprop ideal for short, unpaved runways common in communities like Puvirnituq and Kangirsuk. The airline also operates several Boeing 737 variants, including the Boeing 737-200 combi and Boeing 737-300 models, which handle longer-haul cargo and passenger routes to Montréal–Trudeau International Airport. For specialized cargo and charter work, the fleet includes Boeing 767 freighters and smaller utility aircraft such as the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter and Hawker Siddeley HS 748. This diverse mix allows the carrier to serve everything from scheduled community flights to support for mining camps and government contracts.

Destinations

Air Inuit serves over 25 destinations, with the vast majority located within the Nunavik region of Northern Quebec. Key communities on its network include Kuujjuaq, which acts as a central hub, along with Inukjuak, Salluit, Akulivik, and Quaqtaq. The airline provides a vital air bridge from these remote villages to the southern hub at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport. Beyond Nunavik, scheduled and charter services extend to other parts of Quebec, such as Sept-Îles and Schefferville, as well as into the neighboring territory of Nunavut, with flights to Iqaluit. Its routes are essential for passenger travel, delivery of perishable goods, and transport of critical supplies, effectively connecting the Inuit homeland to the rest of Canada.

Services

The airline's services encompass scheduled passenger flights, dedicated cargo operations, and on-demand charter services. Scheduled routes connect Nunavik communities with each other and with southern gateways, often utilizing combi aircraft that carry both passengers and freight on the same flight. Its cargo division, utilizing aircraft like the Boeing 767, is crucial for moving everything from construction materials and mining equipment to fresh food and mail. Charter services are extensive, supporting tourism ventures, Hydro-Québec projects, and operations for companies like Glencore at the Raglan Mine. Furthermore, Air Inuit holds contracts with the Government of Quebec and the Kativik Regional Government to provide emergency medevac and community resupply flights, underscoring its role as an essential service provider.

Corporate affairs

Air Inuit is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Makivik Corporation, the legal representative of the Inuit of Nunavik established under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. This ownership structure ensures the airline's profits are reinvested into the socio-economic development of the Inuit communities it serves. The company's head office is located in Dorval, Quebec, near Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, with major operational bases at Kuujjuaq Airport and La Grande Rivière Airport. As a significant employer in the North, it actively promotes Inuit employment and training. The airline maintains commercial alliances and interline agreements with major carriers like Air Canada and Canadian North to facilitate seamless travel for passengers connecting through southern hubs.

Category:Airlines of Canada Category:Companies based in Montreal Category:Aviation in Quebec