Air Inuit launches new aircraft modified for passengers, cargo

Air Inuit has a new aircraft that promises to deliver better service to Nunavik, says CEO and president Christian Busch.

The Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft will go into service Tuesday on the airline’s Montreal-Kuujjuaq route.

“The aircraft itself will be a great addition to Air Inuit to modernize its fleet and also give a better service, a more comfortable service to the Kuujjuaq-Montreal route,” Busch said.

The twin-engine aircraft is the world’s first 737-800 NG modified to transport both passengers and cargo, according to a news release issued by Air Inuit on Monday.

The Inuit-owned airline took over the route linking Kuujjuaq and Montreal in August as part of a deal when Canadian North, which operated the route, was purchased by Winnipeg-based Exchange Income Corp.

The new aircraft has 90 passenger seats and a cargo compartment for five pallets. Free in-flight Wi-Fi and entertainment will be available, Busch said.

Since taking on the new route, Air Inuit has experienced consistent delays that the airline said were due to “complex scheduling realities” and climate change.

Busch said the new aircraft will allow for more passenger and freight capacities.

Another Boeing 737-800 NG will be launched in February. Air Inuit also services the Hudson Bay coast, flying routes from Montreal and La Grande, Que., to Puvirnituq and within Nunavik.

Busch said the runway in Puvirnituq is being renovated and the older 737-200 aircraft will continue flying that route before they are eventually replaced.

“Eventually, our plan is to possibly fly a modern aircraft on that runway. So that’s what we’re working toward,” he said.