by Mark Sproxton
Northern News Services

NNSL (DEC 13/96) - Canadian North is trying to remake its tarnished image after the financial troubles of its parent corporation got national attention for the last six weeks.

"Now it's just nice to carry on and have that focus again," said Kelly Kaylo, the airline's regional director of sales and government relations. "The plan's in place. It's challenging, now we have to make it work."

Late last week Canadian Airlines International finalized plans for the three pillars of its reorganization plan.

One part, and the only one directly affecting Northern employees, involves workers from its six unions accepting wage rollbacks of up to 10 per cent.

Another part of the plan will see flight changes in the south.

The third part of the plan includes going to creditors and asking for a new payment structure.

As a part of the plan to win back consumer confidence, the airline is offering a double frequent-flyer point promotion to thank those who supported the airline between Nov. 1 and Dec. 13, Kaylo said.

The promotion also extends to bookings from Jan. 1 to Jan. 31.

During the six-week period when many wondered if Canadian would survive, Kaylo said she received much support from staff and customers of the airline.

"There's an obvious need for air travel services in the North, but that's not to say it's not competitive," she said.

That competition is now more evident in the promotion just launched by NWT Air.

NWT Air is offering a fourth-flight-free deal to those who fly from Yellowknife to Edmonton or Vancouver this winter as well as draws for a trip for two to the Bahamas.

This is just as Canadian's frequent-flyer promotions are under way.