The company is hoping to take advantage of a window left by air charter Arctic Wings. The troubled carrier has been out of commission since Oct. 3, when its air operators certificate was suspended by Transport Canada because of bookkeeping discrepancies. Before the suspension, Arctic Wings was offering regular flights to Fort McPherson, Aklavik, and Tuktoyaktuk.

The seeming demise of Arctic Wings was not the reason for Hodgson's move North, but "it just made the decision more obvious," he says.

Hodgson is currently leasing a Cessna Caravan from Knee Lake Air Service of Winnipeg. The turbine-engine aircraft seats nine passengers and is equipped for instrument flight rules, allowing for travel in inclement weather. "It's warm inside, and it's extremely reliable," Hodgson says.

Excell Air is a first business venture for the 39-year-old pilot, who has been flying commercially for 14 years, including three years in the Mackenzie Delta and Sahtu with now defunct Stage Air.

"The aviation industry is always in the state of change, so the opportunity to answer for myself and set my own hours was very appealing," Hodgson says. "We're looking to run a good clean show, safe, reliable and professional."