By Skies Magazine | July 4, 2023 Estimated reading time 4 minutes, 8 seconds.
Air Inuit, a Quebec-based airline serving Nunavik and beyond, has ratified an agreement to acquire three Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft in a move to modernize its fleet and better serve its customers. The aircraft are to be customized using the airline’s combi configuration solution — meaning the aircraft will be capable of carrying either passengers as an airliner, cargo as a freighter, or both simultaneously.
“The addition of these aircraft to our fleet enhances our capacity to efficiently transport passengers and deliver essential cargo to the communities we serve,” noted 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.”
The 737-800NGs will eventually replace Air Inuit’s aging fleet of five 737-200s that are currently in service. Once this transition takes place, the airline expects to reduce fuel emissions by nearly 40 percent.
Air Inuit operates a variety of aircraft in addition to its current 737-200s, including the 737-300 (combi), Dash 8-300 (combi and cargo), Dash 8-100 (combi), Twin Otter 300, and King Air 350 — which total 31 aircraft.
The three new 737-800NG aircraft are to join Air Inuit’s fleet gradually over the next two years. However, in order to enable the fleet modernization project as well as growth in the region, Air Inuit said substantial investments by the government will be necessary to upgrade Nunavik’s airstrips. Active discussions are currently underway with stakeholders to ensure that this plan aligns with the priorities of community members. Further details on these developments will be shared in the coming months, Air Inuit said.
In addition to a need for upgraded airstrips, the new 737-800NG aircraft will be equipped with main deck cargo doors “to meet requirements at hubs across Nunavik and beyond.”
“The modernization of Air Inuit’s fleet is part of a broader initiative to fulfill 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 737-800NG acquisition marks a significant milestone for Air Inuit, which has been serving the Nunavik region since 1978.
“We can all be proud of this vital service, which is celebrating 45 years of operation in 2023,” shared Noah Tayara, executive chairman of Air Inuit. “Once again, Air Inuit is demonstrating leadership as it grows and adapts to the changing needs of the communities it serves.”
