Trouble with jet fuel truck in Taloyoak
Airlines say issue is not affecting flights
Miranda Scotland
Northern News Services
Published Monday, April 28 2014
TALOYOAK/SPENCE BAY
Airlines say flights to Taloyoak are running as scheduled despite issues with the fuel truck used to service the community's airport.
Workers noticed a problem with the truck's fuel dispenser April 11, according to Hillary Casey, a spokesperson with the Department of Community and Government Services.
The government's Petroleum Products Division issued a Notice to all Airmen (NOTAM) shortly after to advise airlines of the issue.
Although there are other fuel trucks in Taloyoak, there is only one used to dispense jet fuel.
The government sent a technician in early last week to work on the truck and take fuel samples from the vehicle to ensure it's "up to par," said Casey.
Casey couldn't give a definitive date for when the truck would be up and running but said the department would have to wait a week for the sample results to come back.
Despite rumours, Canadian North hasn't cancelled any flights to Taloyoak as a result of the fueling issue, according to company spokesperson Scott Weatherall.
"We did decide not to use this airport as an alternate airport for another destination but that is only because were we to actually have to land there as an alternate we would have been unable to refuel," stated Weatherall in an e-mail to Nunavut News/North. "That happened Monday, April 21."
When flying to Taloyoak, the airline fuels up in Cambridge Bay or Gjoa Haven to ensure it has enough jet fuel to return from the community.
Canadian North is in constant contact with the GN to stay apprised of the situation, said Weatherall.
"Despite the issue, Canadian North has always maintained service to Taloyoak in spite of additional flight/fuel costs, which are incurred while this problem is resolved," he stated.
First Air is also operating as normal, stated Kevin Kablutsiak, spokesperson for First Air, in an e-mail to Nunavut News/North.
"There are currently no cancellations and neither are any being planned for the foreseeable future," he stated.
