Yellowknife (Apr 13/05) - Arctic SunwestCharters is expanding.

The expansion to existing office space and hangars is taking the form of a 160' X 160' structure. Arctic Sunwest manager Thom Pilgrim wouldn't say exactly how much the expansion project is worth, but used the word millions.

The work, which began in late January, is being undertaken by Clark Builders. The hangar is tentatively booked for completion by July.

The new structure will be specially fitted with a compressed foam fire suppression system.

The expansion is being undertaken to address the growth of Arctic Sunwest.

"The existing lounge can't meet capacity. We're trying to address executive and passenger requirements. They will be able to sit in comfort in a newer lounge," said Pilgrim.

The new passenger area will be able to seat 50 to 60 passengers with another 15 seats in the executive passenger room, along with a new dispatch area on the main floor.

An administration room and a boardroom are also being added, said Pilgrim.

The company will now also have the capability to receive freight directly by having the trucks back up to the warehouse.

The structure will also house a crane, which will be used to lift Twin Otters off the ground for removal of floats and installation of runway landing gear.

The hangar will be large enough to house a Buffalo aircraft along with another two Dash 8s, Pilgrim said.

Arctic Sunwest Charters has one Buffalo de Haviland in operation.

The company is about to pick up a second one later this week, said Pilgrim.

The first Buffalo de Haviland aircraft represented a US$5 million investment for Arctic Sunwest, owner Marvin Robinson said at the time of the purchase.

The aircraft hauls 18,000 pounds worth of goods, with a take off capacity of 3,000 feet of ground as opposed to the 5,000 feet required by a Hercules, a larger transport aircraft.