Canada’s Air Inuit clinches long term Hydro-Québec contract

Air Inuit (3H, Kuujjuaq) has clinched a long-term contract worth CAD28 million Canadian dollars (USD22.3 million) annually to operate and maintain the fleet of state-owned power utility Hydro-Québec (APZ, Montréal Trudeau), the companies announced. Hydro-Québec relies on three of its own aircraft – two DHC-8-Q400s and one DHC-8-300 – to transport employees to locations in Saguenay, Abitibi, Côte-Nord, and Baie-James. The contract, which runs until 2032, provides stability during the coronavirus pandemic and the continuation of its business relationship with a major customer for at least the next decade, commented board chairman Noah Tayara. The sentiment was echoed by Hydro-Québec, which said the deal ensured the performance and safety of its vital flight operations. Air Inuit will consolidate 78 cabin crew, pilot, maintenance, and operations specialist positions under the agreement. Hydro-Québec will use Air Inuit’s facilities at Montréal Trudeau for its flights to and from its main remote worksites. Owned by Makivik Corporation, Air Inuit was created to provide connections between Nunavik’s 14 coastal villages and southern Québec, promote trade, and preserve Inuit culture. The company has become a major player in air transportation in Québec and is one of Nunavik’s most significant economic drivers. It operates domestic passenger services and charter and cargo services in Nunavik, Labrador, and Nunavut from its main base at Kuujjuaq and secondary bases at Kuujjuarapik and Montréal Trudeau. According to the ch-aviation fleets advanced module, Air Inuit’s fleet comprises 23 aircraft, all owned, including six DHC-6-300s, two DHC-8-100s, two DHC-8-300s, three DHC-8-300(F)s, six DHC-8-Q300s, three B737-200(C)s, and one B737-300(QC).