Air North Charter and Training was founded in 1977 by Joe Sparling and Tom Wood, with the intent to offer charter flights to the mining industry, and flight training services. In 2002, along with new branding, the airline changed its name to “Air North—Yukon’s Airline”.
Revised livery launched on Air North’s newest Boeing 737-500, 2014, copyright Air North.
Since its inception, Air North strives to provide friendly and helpful service, with a personal touch, at a fair price. Air North operates in a relatively small city; and while they are not a public company, their performance is highly visible in their community.
Douglas DC3 Aircraft, Copyright Air North.
From 1977 to the early 1980s, the fleet had grown from a single Cessna 206 to include a variety of aircraft on wheels, floats and skis. Then Air North acquired the famous Douglas DC-3 and DC-4 aircrafts. Having the DCs in the fleet opened up the opportunity to offer scheduled flights within Yukon and to Alaska.
Hawker Siddeley Aircraft. Copyright Air North.
In the early 1990s, Air North retired the Douglas DC-3 and DC-4 aircrafts in favour of the Hawker Siddeley 748 turboprops. At the same time, the Vuntut Development Corporation (VDC) invested in Air North.
The Vuntut Development Corporation (VDC) is the economic arm of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation of Old Crow. It is a for-profit company that owns a significant interest in Air North, a road and quarry construction company, several real estate holdings in Old Crow and Whitehorse, and an exciting eco-adventure company that provides for world class grizzly bear viewing opportunities in the northern Yukon.
Joe Sparling.
The investment from the Vuntut Gwitchin made it possible to purchase two Boeing 737 jets in 2002. In June of that year, Air North began flying between Whitehorse and Vancouver, and to Calgary and Edmonton. (On a side note: President and co-founder, Captain Joe Sparling, still pilots the Boeing 737s!)
Since 2002, Air North has bought more aircraft and modernized their fleet with Boeing 737-400 and -500 jets. They also expanded their scheduled flights to include Kelowna, in 2013, and Yellowknife and Ottawa in 2014.
Air North has won high praise from their passengers for their attention to detail, exemplary customer service and in-flight meals. Many Air North employees know their customers personally. This is what gives them the competitive edge in the market. One of their philosophies is that it does not cost anything to be nice!
Most of the food served on Air North flights is made fresh by the Whitehorse-based flight kitchen. This talented team works hard every day to serve special treats in-flight.
Air North is one of the largest employers in the Yukon Territory, with over 250 full- and part-time employees. Air North also employs more than 250 full- and part-time employees in their Vancouver base.
Yukoners are extremely proud to call Air North their own. In fact, one in fifteen Yukoners, including the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, hold an equity or employment stake in Air North.
Northern Lights over HVBB.
So when you’re making your plans to come stay at Hidden Valley Bed and Breakfast, book your flight with Air North if possible–you won’t be disappointed by either!
For more information about Air North, and to make a flight reservation, visit: http://www.flyairnorth.com/.
Air North airplane, 1977, copyright Air North