Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Inuvik (July 29/02) - Northern Canada's largest expediting company -- Braden-Burry Expediting Ltd. -- has acquired a long-time Inuvik air service business.

The resulting company -- Aurora Expediting Services Limited -- is a joint venture between Braden-Burry Expediting and the Inuvialuit Development Corporation.

Stuart Russell, managing director of AES, said the company will absorb Marine-Air Cargo Limited's existing staff and spruce up the facility.

"There's lots of work to do to bring the business up to our standards," he said. "The equipment is a little long in the tooth."

He said there's also lots of "junk" that people have collected over the years in the company's yard.

"To us, if it's not making money, it's of no value -- it's just junk. We're doing a lot of spring cleaning."

The Inuvialuit Development Corporation is a half owner in Canadian North, Aklak Air, Canadian Helicopters and the Northern Transportation Company Limited.

"For them, this company is a nucleus to fill out their transportation facilities," said Russell.

AES does cargo, handling and service for several airlines and itinerant traffic in Inuvik.

"If the development of the North around the Mackenzie area comes to pass, it's a really good opportunity for us to be there," said Russell.

Braden-Burry Expediting also has a warehouse in Edmonton and Yellowknife. It is the primary expeditor for BHP Billiton.