WHITEHORSE, YT, July 22,
2024 /CNW/ - Airlines are a key driver of the
Yukon economy. They provide
skilled jobs, transport cargo, connect Yukoners to nearby
communities and other Canadian cities and bring visitors to the
territory, thus boosting local tourism.
Today, Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member
of Parliament for the Yukon, on
behalf of the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs,
and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, announced that
the Government of Canada is
investing $6 million in Air North,
Yukon's Airline to renew its fleet
and expand its infrastructure.
This repayable contribution will support the airline to bring a
modern and more fuel-efficient 737-800 airplane into its fleet, buy
tools and spare parts for maintenance, and construct a larger
52,800-square-foot hangar. This project will enable Air North to
stay competitive, save on maintenance costs and lower its fuel
consumption per seat by up to 20 percent.
The Government of Canada
supports the development of this Yukon-based business, headquartered in
Whitehorse, to grow its capacity
and adopt more fuel-efficient technology while continuing to serve
Yukoners and visitors to the territory.
Quotes
"Our government supports northern-based businesses to stay
competitive and address the climate-related challenges communities
are facing by reducing their reliance on fossil fuels. With this
forward-thinking project, Air North is enhancing its capacity while
striving to achieve its climate goals. The purchase of the aircraft
and the construction of a larger hangar will help the airline meet
the needs of Yukoners now and for many years to come."
-
The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, and
Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor
"Airlines connect our communities together, transport Yukoners
to larger centres and bring visitors to our territory to experience
its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures and unique
attractions. Investing in Air North is an investment in the
communities it serves. This project will support the airline to
grow and flourish while also providing wide-ranging benefits to
other communities and industries in the Yukon."
-
Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of
Parliament for the Yukon
"Our jet fleet renewal is a significant step that ensures we can
continue to provide a great product at a fair price for years to
come. This project will strengthen the Yukon's economy, contribute to making the
territory a better place to live and work, and help to address
environmental goals. We are extremely grateful to CanNor for
providing financing to help us move forward with this important
initiative."
-
Joe Sparling, President and CEO, Air
North, Yukon's Airline
Quick Facts
- In certain situations, CanNor provides repayable contributions
to Northern businesses for expansion, enhancing productivity and
competitiveness, and accelerating business growth.
- Air North, Yukon's Airline was
founded in 1977 and partnered with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
in 1998. Over the past 47 years, it has grown from one single
six-seat airplane to a mixed fleet of Boeing 737 jets and ATR 42
turboprop aircrafts. Currently, it provides scheduled flights to
three northern communities and connects the Yukon with eight gateway cities in
Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario.
- Funding support is provided through the Canadian Northern
Economic Development Agency's Inclusive Diversification and
Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth) program. IDEANorth
makes foundational investments in economic infrastructure, sector
development and capacity building to help position Northerners in
the territories to take advantage of Canada's innovation economy.
Associated Links
- Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
- Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North
(IDEANorth)
- Air North, Yukon's
Airline
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SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
(CanNor)