Inaugural Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Toronto flight takes off
Whitehorse, Yukon — May 10, 2022 — Air North, Yukon’s Airline flight 4N823 took off just after 8 am this morning with the airline’s President and CEO, Joe Sparling, at the controls. It will arrive in Toronto this afternoon after a brief stop in Yellowknife, marking the launch of the first-ever scheduled service between these capital cities.
“This route, as well as the other gateway destinations we serve, offer Yukoners seamless and affordable access to the rest of Canada and the world,” said Sparling. “These flights keep families connected, open doors to educational and sports opportunities for our youth, make tourism and cultural experiences available to many more Canadians, and serve as an invaluable economic link.”
In the North, it’s clearly understood how vital connection is personally, economically and culturally. Scale is redefined when moose outnumber people, there’s 0.09 Yukoners per square kilometre and the closest provincial capital is 1,500 kilometres away. It takes an airline with its roots in the territories, one that pulses with the resolve of those who live North of 60, to take on a route like this.
“The Vuntut Gwitchin made a decision just over 20 years ago to invest in Air North,” said Greg Charlie, a Vuntut Gwitchin member and member of Air North’s board of directors. “Our home is the Yukon’s sole community that’s accessible only by air. Securing reliable and affordable transportation was necessary for our community and to provide opportunities for our youth.”
The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation own 49% of Air North. More than 1,500 Yukoners also invested in the airline, which gives the company a mandate based around the needs of Yukoners.
“As northerners, we know importance of resilience, self-determination and charting our own course to secure our future. Air North’s intention with this service is based on that, just as it has been with our other routes and our partnerships,” said Sparling. “We’re here to provide the best service for Yukoners, to connect the territory and our friends and partners in the Northwest Territories with southern destinations, to create economic opportunities. We’re proud to know that we’re helping make the North a better place to live and work.”
Seasonal service to Toronto will operate until early October, 2022.*
Quick Facts
- Air North has been in operation since 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, and Ottawa among its other gateway connections—with Yellowknife on both the Ottawa and Toronto routes.
- 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
* Schedule details are accurate as of the date of publication but are subject to change without notice.