Nolinor Aviation Reinforces Commitment to Boeing 737-200s for Northern Canada Operations

Nolinor Aviation, a prominent Canadian carrier based in Montréal Trudeau, has reaffirmed its dedication to the Boeing 737-200 fleet, planning to restore it to its full pre-pandemic size. This decision underscores the airline’s strategic focus on serving the northern Nunavut territory, a region experiencing a mining boom and where the unique capabilities of the 737-200 are particularly valuable.

Marco Prud’Homme, President of Nolinor Aviation, highlighted the aircraft’s unparalleled suitability for the demanding conditions of Canada’s North. The pandemic led to a temporary reduction in fleet size, but the airline is now poised to return to its original capacity, signaling strong confidence in the 737-200’s performance and reliability.

Currently, Nolinor operates four 737-200s, including one dedicated freighter and three convertible Quick Change (QC) models, with a base of operations extending to Yellowknife. Two additional aircraft are undergoing maintenance in Montréal Mirabel, slated to rejoin the operational fleet soon. Prud’Homme has shared specific timelines for these aircraft, with one expected back in service by mid-March 2024 and the other by the end of February 2024.

Nolinor’s B737-200s are instrumental in supporting the mining sector, providing combi flights that cater to destinations equipped with gravel runways—a necessity in the remote and rugged landscapes of northern Canada. Over CAD3 million (USD2.2 million) has been invested in refurbishing these aircraft, with Boeing’s full support, ensuring their airworthiness for the foreseeable future. Prud’Homme expressed a desire to keep the B737-200s operational through the 2040s, highlighting their critical role in accessing unpaved runways in areas experiencing a surge in demand for rare earth minerals.

The 737-200’s unique gravel-kit capability makes it the largest aircraft of its kind capable of serving Canada’s northern communities, where air transport is the lifeline for both passengers and cargo. This commitment by Nolinor Aviation not only supports the burgeoning mining industry but also ensures continued connectivity for remote territories reliant on aviation.

While Canadian North retired its last 737-200C in May 2023 due to rising maintenance costs, Nolinor Aviation’s ongoing investment in the 737-200 fleet illustrates its long-term commitment to serving Canada’s North, balancing operational efficiency with the unique demands of Arctic aviation.