Air Inuit facts for kids
Air Inuit headquarters at the Montreal-Trudeau Airport
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| Founded | November 1978 |
|---|---|
| AOC # | Canada 2955, United States ILLF043F |
| Operating bases |
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| Frequent-flyer program | Isaruuk Reward Program |
| Fleet size | 36 |
| Destinations | 21 |
| Parent company | Makivik Corporation |
| Headquarters | Saint-Laurent, Quebec |
| Key people | Christian Busch (President, Air Inuit) |
Air Inuit is an airline based in Saint-Laurent, a part of Montreal, Canada. It helps people and goods travel across Nunavik, southern Quebec, and Nunavut. Its main airport hub is Kuujjuaq Airport. The airline is owned by the Inuit people of Nunavik.
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The Story of Air Inuit
Air Inuit started flying in 1978. Their very first airplane was a de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver. The airline was created to serve the communities in Canada's northern regions.
In 1984, Air Inuit grew by buying another company called Chaparal Charters. This added two Twin Otter planes and one Douglas DC-3 to their fleet.
In 2012, Air Inuit moved its main office to a new building. This new headquarters is located near the Montréal–Trudeau International Airport.
A special moment happened in 2016. Air Inuit pilot Melissa Haney became the first female Inuk pilot to become a captain. She was even honored on a special postage stamp!
In 2023, Air Inuit announced plans to stop using its Boeing 737-200 Combi airplanes. These planes are being replaced with three newer Boeing 737-800 Combi aircraft.
Where Air Inuit Flies
Air Inuit offers regular flights to many places. They also provide special charter flights.
Regular Flights
Air Inuit has scheduled flights to these places:
| Region | City or Community | Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Nunavut | Sanikiluaq | Sanikiluaq Airport |
| Quebec | Akulivik | Akulivik Airport |
| Aupaluk | Aupaluk Airport | |
| Inukjuak | Inukjuak Airport | |
| Ivujivik | Ivujivik Airport | |
| Kangiqsualujjuaq | Kangiqsualujjuaq (Georges River) Airport | |
| Kangiqsujuaq | Kangiqsujuaq (Wakeham Bay) Airport | |
| Kangirsuk | Kangirsuk Airport | |
| Kuujjuaq | Kuujjuaq Airport | |
| Kuujjuarapik | Kuujjuarapik Airport | |
| Montreal | Montréal–Trudeau International Airport | |
| Puvirnituq | Puvirnituq Airport | |
| Quaqtaq | Quaqtaq Airport | |
| Quebec City | Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport | |
| Radisson (La Grande) | La Grande Rivière Airport | |
| Salluit | Salluit Airport | |
| Schefferville | Schefferville Airport | |
| Sept-Îles | Sept-Îles Airport | |
| Tasiujaq | Tasiujaq Airport | |
| Umiujaq | Umiujaq Airport |
Special Charter Flights
Air Inuit also offers special flights that can go almost anywhere in North America. These are called charter services.
Air Inuit's Airplanes
Air Inuit has a fleet of 36 airplanes. These planes help them carry passengers and cargo.
Current Airplanes
Here are the types of airplanes Air Inuit uses:
| Aircraft | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beechcraft Super King Air | 3 | These planes can carry 11 passengers. |
| Boeing 737 | 5 | These are Combi aircraft, meaning they can carry both passengers and cargo. They can even land on gravel runways. They are being replaced by newer Boeing 737-800s. |
| Boeing 737 Classic | 1 | This plane can carry up to 130 passengers. |
| Boeing 737 Next Generation | 3 | These are newer models of the Boeing 737. |
| de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter | 7 | These planes can carry 19 passengers or a lot of cargo (about 3,200 pounds). |
| De Havilland Canada Dash 8 | 17 | Some are 100 Series and some are 300 Series. They can carry up to 45 passengers or a lot of cargo (up to 13,500 pounds). |
| Total | 36 |
Air Inuit can also use other aircraft through partnerships. These include a Eurocopter Écureuil helicopter and a de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter plane.
In 2016, Air Inuit was the first airline to order a special cargo version of the Bombardier Q300 plane.
Past Airplanes
Over the years, Air Inuit has also flown these types of aircraft:
- Beechcraft King Air
- Cessna 185 Skywagon
- Cessna 421
- Convair Liner 340 (580)
- Convair 440 (580)
- Grumman Gulfstream I (G-159)
- Hawker Siddeley HS 748
Past Events
- On March 16, 1981, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain plane was damaged. It broke through the frozen surface of Lake Bienville while getting ready to take off.
See also
In Spanish: Air Inuit para niños
