First Air hikes rates for cargo, air fares

IQALUIT Northern Canada’s biggest airline has just announced that it plans to hit its customers with passenger fare and cargo rate increases.

In a news release issued Nov. 18, First Air said pasenger fares will go up by 6 per cent next year 3 per cent on Jan. 1 and by another 3 per cent on March 1.

As well, cargo rates will go up by 10 per cent 4.5 per cent on Jan. 1 and 5.5 per cent on March 1.

But First Air said it will also cut its 7 cents per kilo fuel surcharge as of Jan. 1.

The airline blamed NAV Canada’s new navigation fees, along with “overall economic conditions” in the North for the increases.