First Air crew deserves bouquets for professionalism during tough flight

On June 11, I received a call from a family member to tell me my brother, who lives in Oshawa, Ont., was seriously ill.

I started trying to get to Iqaluit from Resolute on June 13, but due to weather, flights were cancelled and I was unable to depart until June 15. The flight was to stop in Nanisivik and then on to Iqaluit, but we were unable to land in Iqaluit because of the weather.

Then the aircraft developed a mechanical problem and the crew had to shut down one of the engines. We were told that we were diverting to Hall Beach.

I must throw a bouquet to Captain John Millar, First Officer Kevin Heslop and Flight Attendant Sandra Oliviera for their professionalism in handling the situation. As soon as we arrived in Hall Beach, they were on the phone to arrange for another plane to take passengers to Iqaluit.

When the crew learned that I was trying to get out to see my sick brother they did everything possible to get me on a flight to Ottawa so I could make a connection to Toronto. I did arrive in time to spend the last three days of his life with my brother.

A sincere thank you to First Air and to Captain Millar and his crew.

Patrick Gaulton
Resolute Bay