Inaugural Air North, Yukon’s Airline Boeing 737-800 Flight Takes Off

Whitehorse, Yukon — July 25, 2024 — Air North, Yukon’s Airline announced that the inaugural flight of its Boeing 737-800 took off from Whitehorse at 7:12 am this morning, marking the launch of the newest member of its fleet.

Flight 4N509, flown by captains Evan and DJ and flight attendants Robert, Roxanne, Mara, Michelle and Christiane, ushers in a new era for Air North. Passengers were welcomed into a spacious new cabin where up to 174 passengers enjoy an average 32-inch seat pitch, roomy and easy to access overhead bins, and state-of-the-art LED lighting that creates an inviting atmosphere. And, of course, there are ovens aboard so that the airline can offer its famous warm cookies.

Outside, newer engine technology and a refined wing design make for a quieter cabin and offer significant improvements in fuel efficiency. Compared to Air North’s first jets, Boeing 737-200s, the 737-800s offer fuel savings per seat of more than 35 percent. These improvements allow Air North to take a big step in reducing emissions associated with air travel.

“These newer, larger and more fuel-efficient aircraft will be well-received by our passengers,” said Joe Sparling, Air North’s President and CEO. “In addition, the fuel and other cost savings they offer will allow us to provide a great product at a fair price for years to come.”

The aircraft features some changes to Air North’s well-known livery. The tail now includes a caribou, an animal that has been a symbol of survival, pride and strength for the Vuntut Gwitchin for thousands of years. In addition, “Jidii nakhwats’oo gogwijiłcheii nakhwadrii ts’at tr’agwanah’in” is painted below the flight deck windows, Gwich’in for “Vision the heart sees.” The phrase was selected by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, which owns 49 percent of the airline. The partnership between Air North and the Vuntut Gwitchin exemplifies successful collaboration, cultural pride, and a commitment to shared values.

“The message on the aircraft really highlights a true partnership,” said Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Chief Pauline Frost, who is also on the airline’s board of directors. “Our community’s objective is always putting more Vuntut Gwitchin culture into Air North, and language is a critical part of culture.”

Air North anticipates its second Boeing 737-800 will enter into service this fall.

Quick Facts

  • Air North’s first Boeing 737-800 arrived in Whitehorse on July 10 after being ferried by up by captains Evan and Ryan.

  • The two Boeing 737-800s, along with a new 52,800-square-foot hangar, tools and spare parts, are the largest capital investment in Air North’s history.

  • To assist with financing the aircraft acquisition and hangar development, Air North raised funds through two Yukon share offerings. The aircraft financing is being handled via separate leasing firms for each aircraft.

  • On July 22, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) announced $6 million in the form of a repayable contribution towards Air North’s jet fleet renewal program and the assets required to support the new aircraft, including tooling and a larger hangar, as part of their goal of improving northern infrastructure, productivity and competitiveness.

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 ten 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 Contact

Media questions and requests for high-resolution images should be directed to:

Maria Kostaras, Director of Marketing and Communications
Air North, Yukon’s Airline
kostarasm@flyairnorth.com‬