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INUVIK
The newest addition to Aklak Air's fleet took its first flight under the Aklak Air banner on Oct. 1, completing a run to Sachs Harbour and Ulukhaktok.

Ken Dalton, left, and Shawn Bernard stand in front of the Beech 1900, the newest acquisition for Aklak Air at the Inuvik Airport last week. - Danielle Sachs/NNSL photo

The new plane is a Beech 1900, an aircraft faster than the company's current planes, with more comfortable seats and a large passenger and freight capacity for routine flights.

So far, according to manager Ken Dalton, the plane seems to be making record time.

"On a longer flight it can shave 10 to 15 minutes off and on a shorter trip – like flying to Tuk, it can save five minutes," he said.

While five to 15 minutes might not seem like a lot, when there's no restroom on board it can make a big difference, said Dalton. So far, the passengers seem to be enjoying the flight, even without the comforts of a bathroom.

"Time is money and people like to get places on time," said Dalton.

There was an option to add a restroom, but it would have reduced the freight allowances on board, said Dalton.

"Right now it's in a 15-seat configuration but it could hold up to 19," he said.

Besides the new addition, the company's six-plane fleet is made up of two Twin Otters, each with a maximum capacity of 19 passengers; a Beechcraft King Air 100 and a Beechcraft King Air 200, each with a maximum capacity of 12 passengers; a Beechcraft Airliner 99 with a maximum capacity of 15 passengers; and a McDonnell DC-3, which is used mainly for cargo.

The Beech 1900 is sent out on an average of two flights per day. It's capable of flying to Tuktoyaktuk from Inuvik in 17 minutes, where previous trips averaged around 25.

Shawn Bernard, who was piloting the Beech 1900 on Oct. 5 on a routine trip to Paulatuk and back, is enjoying the new aircraft.

"It's pretty nice," he said. "It's a lot more comfortable for everybody."

The routine routes were previously flown by a Twin Otter or Beechcraft Airliner 99. The faster Beech 1900 gives the company a little bit more flexibility, said Dalton.

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