Yukon – Airlines are a key driver of the Yukon economy. They provide skilled jobs, transport cargo, connect Yukoners to nearby communities and other Canadian cities and bring visitors to the territory, thus boosting local tourism.
Dr Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, on behalf of Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, announced that the Government of Canada is investing $6 million in Air North, Yukon’s Airline to renew its fleet and expand its infrastructure. This repayable contribution will support the airline to bring a modern and more fuel-efficient 737-800 airplane into its fleet, buy tools and spare parts for maintenance, and construct a larger 52,800-square-foot hangar. This project will enable Air North to stay competitive, save on maintenance costs and lower its fuel consumption per seat by up to 20 percent.
The Government of Canada supports the development of this Yukon-based business, headquartered in Whitehorse, to grow its capacity and adopt more fuel-efficient technology while continuing to serve Yukoners and visitors to the territory.
“Our government supports northern-based businesses to stay competitive and address the climate-related challenges communities are facing by reducing their reliance on fossil fuels. With this forward-thinking project, Air North is enhancing its capacity while striving to achieve its climate goals. The purchase of the aircraft and the construction of a larger hangar will help the airline meet the needs of Yukoners now and for many years to come.” – Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor