SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
First Air unveiled the first of six new aircraft on Feb. 9 to be introduced this year as part of its $110-million fleet replacement.
The new ATR 42-500, to fly scheduled service to Cambridge Bay and Kugluktuk from Yellowknife, will eventually replace the airline's 737 300-series jet aircraft and are the first to be used in Canada.
Faster and more fuel efficient, the turbo-prop is more comfortable for passengers and can carry 1,000 kilograms more weight, said First Air director of sales and marketing Rene Armas Maes.
Standing in the cabin of the new plane ahead of an introductory flight to Cambridge Bay Feb. 9, Armas Maes said the 42-seater is more comfortable than "any other aircraft flying out of Yellowknife" and will be ideal for the charter market.
"It might not be big news for some carriers but it's big news for the Northern carriers," he said. "You don't see that much investment being put into the market."
The plane was making its debut flight in the North last week, with stops in Kugluktuk, Cambridge Bay and Hay River. He said this particular model is ideal for First Air's Northern schedule.
"This is a more fuel-efficient aircraft, an aircraft that can take off on shorter runways than the other ones ... and is going to fly faster," he said. "Economically speaking, it makes more sense. It's going to help us have better economics in the routes and hopefully improve our margins and reduce our costs."
He said a low Canadian dollar means the cost of purchasing fuel and parts for planes has gone up. He said savings from better efficiency will help ensure the cost of flights for customers remains consistent.
"The problem we're having today is the currency has been depreciated 35 to 40 per cent," he said. "But it doesn't mean that the fare is going to be increased."
In terms of operation, Armas Maes said the 42-300 and 42-500 are essentially the same but pilots recently traveled to Houston, Texas for training.
"It's basically 95 per cent commonality," he said.
Although this first model will not be used for transporting cargo, Armas Maes says the company will be getting some combi-configuration planes as well, capable of transporting goods and people. Once in operation, the planes will have flights from Yellowknife to Cambridge Bay, Kugluktuk, Hay River, Fort Simpson and the mines.
