Air North, Yukon’s Airline is Celebrating Three Million Jet Passengers Today

WHITEHORSE, YUKON - September 21, 2022 - Air North, Yukon's Airline welcomed its 3 millionth passenger today aboard their Boeing 737-500 C-FANF operated by Yukon- based crew including Captain Corie Faulkner, First Officer Ricardo Espinosa, and Flight Attendants Susan Gregory-Allen, Nona Faulds and Janmae Valdez. Congratulations go to Yukon resident Anton M., who boarded Air North Flight 540 this morning from Kelowna to Vancouver and Whitehorse. He was presented with a complimentary round-trip airfare as a thank-you.

Air North began Boeing jet service 20 years ago in 2002, and in the first 10 years saw its first millionth passenger. Another 10 years, and today we see that number has tripled. Air North thanks its staff who have been instrumental in achieving this milestone. The flight crews, passenger service agents, reservations, flight kitchen, cargo crew, IT and administrative staff have all contributed to this moment.

“This milestone is incredible for the company,” said Joe Sparling, Air North's President. “Three million passengers is a relatively small number for a big airline, but for a small airline like us, it is huge. Over our 20 years providing jet service based in the Yukon, this represents the equivalent of about 20 round-trips ‘outside’ for every Yukoner, plus about 1.5 million flights for visitors to the Yukon. By transporting 3 million passengers on our 100% Yukon-owned air service, about $600 million has either remained in our economy or has flowed into our economy, providing employment, supporting Yukon businesses, broadening the horizons of our youth, and making the Yukon a better place to live and work.”

“Three million passengers in 20 years is a remarkable achievement and one which provides real meaning to reconciliation” said Greg Charlie, a Vuntut Gwitchin member and member of Air North’s Board of Directors for the past 21 years. “Prior to 2002, aviation was an imported product for the Yukon. Now it is a locally produced product with a major First Nation ownership stake and it not only ensures affordable travel out of and into the Territory, but it also ensures affordable travel within the Yukon. We are proud to be able to facilitate connectivity between the traditional territories of Yukon First Nations and the traditional territories of First Nations throughout Canada.”

Today’s milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Yukoners, shareholders, and passengers over the past 20 years. Thank you. Merci. Mahsi’ choo.

Quick Facts
  • Air North was founded on February 1, 1977. It acquired its first jets and began connecting the Yukon with southern gateway cities in 2002, beginning with Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton.
  • Air North now counts Victoria, Kelowna, Toronto and Ottawa among its other gateway connections—with Yellowknife on both the Ottawa and Toronto routes (seasonal service).
  • In the North, the airline offers ATR 42 turboprop service between Whitehorse and Dawson City, Old Crow and Inuvik.
  • Air North also flies charter services for both passengers and cargo across North America.
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.

Press Contacts

Ben Ryan, Chief Operating Officer
Air North, Yukon’s Airline
ryanb@flyairnorth.com

Allison Camenzuli, Director of Marketing and Communications
Air North, Yukon’s Airline
camenzulia@flyairnorth.com