Canadian North (5T, Yellowknife) and First Air (Carp) could merge should talks between the airlines' respective parent firms, NorTerra Inc. and Makivik Corporation, succeed.
The potential merger is intended to create a single airline entity that builds on the strengths and identities of the two companies. The newly merged entity would then improve the sustainability of the two Inuit birthright enterprises and would also create better air services and new economic development opportunities across Canada's desolate north.
The airlines will continue to maintain independent flight operations and services for the duration of the negotiations and regulatory review phases.
Canadian North serves the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, via the southern gateways of Edmonton International and Ottawa International, using a fleet of B737-200s, B737-300s and Dash 8-100s. It is a subsidiary of NorTerra Inc., which is owned by the Inuvialuit Development Corporation, representing the Inuvialuit tribe of the Western Arctic.
First Air offers an extensive scheduled, cargo and charter network to Canada's remote northern regions using a fleet of 23 aircraft including ATR42s, ATR72s, B737-200s, B737-400s, a B767-200(F) and a pair of Lockheed Hercules.
