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ARCTIC BAY/IKPIARJUK - While First Air had planned to have its new aircraft flying in the High Arctic by March, the airline says it is still on the way and will help alleviate cargo and passenger congestion in the region.

"We're expecting to have the aircraft flying up there in July," said Chris Ferris, vice-president of marketing and sales for First Air.

In December, Ferris told Nunavut News/North the company had purchased two ATR 72 aircraft from Alitalia, and the first would be flying the route between Iqaluit, Resolute, Arctic Bay and Pond Inlet by March 2011.

The plane can carry 60 passengers or can be used as a combi aircraft with 34 passengers, leaving the rest of the room for between 3,600 and 4,000 kilograms of cargo. Cargo is put from the wing forward and the rear part of the plane is for passengers.

Ferris said the modification made to the plane was a huge project and starting at the end of May, it was undergoing ground and flight tests for Transport Canada in Ottawa.

Part of the delay, Ferris said, was installing the C class cabin, which has a sophisticated smoke and fire detection system in the cargo area.

The airline plans to fly the intended route.

"Those are the communities with larger movements and cargo needs. (The plane) is going to deployed where it is most needed," he said, adding it could also occasionally fly to Iglulik, Hall Beach and Cape Dorset.

Once in flight, from May to September the ATR 72 will make five trips a week to Resolute.

Despite the delay, residents in the High Arctic said they are hoping this will help ease congestion at the airport.

"Anything that can be done to do that is always welcome, but if it's a delay, it's disappointing," said Clare Kines, economic development officer for Arctic Bay.

For years, residents in these communities have said they have been bumped off flights for cargo. They also have been complaining about the high prices. A round-trip ticket from Arctic Bay to Iqaluit starts at about $1,450.

Kines said often government officials and others who might bring business to the community cannot make it in because there are no seats available.

Quttiktuq MLA Ron Elliott, who has been a proponent of getting better air service for the High Arctic, said the airline may still have time to change their plans.

"We're hoping they don't change the routing," he said.

A second ATR 72 purchased by the airline will be in service in January 2012 in the Kitikmeot.

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