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Chrono Aviation announces new Iqaluit-Quebec flight to begin in August
April 23, 2024 By Kira Wronska Dorward, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News
As of May 16, Chrono Aviation will be offering tickets for sale directly from the Chrono Aviation website for trips from Iqaluit to St. Hubert, Que., aboard the new Boeing 737-800 series. (NNSL file photo) A new Iqaluit-Quebec flight is set to be in service through Chrono Aviation in August with tickets going on sale in May.
Arctic Co-op and Chrono Aviation have an exclusive contract with Baffinland Iron Mines to bring employees in and out of Iqaluit from Saint Hubert, Que., previously aboard Boeing 737 200 series aircraft, which can seat up to 120 passengers. After opting for the 800 series aircraft, which offers an additional 67 seats, the airline has decided to offer the general public access to the extra available seats in and out of the territory.
“It’s all for the general public who need flights into Iqaluit, as long as we can fulfill the scope of work Baffinland requires,” said Chrono Aviation vice-president Dany Gagnon.
Flights on the new jet will begin Aug. 6, with the airline offering four round-trip flights a week to Nunavut’s capital.
Flight time will be just shy of three hours, offered at a single fare of $699 one-way per person, which includes all fees and services. This includes a carry-on bag, one checked bag, and a hot meal during the flight.
“We have invested over $30 million [in the Saint Hubert airport] since 2019. There will be a lot of cheap and available parking on site, with a new shuttle service to and from [Trudeau] airport, so if anyone needs to [make a] connect[ion] it will be super easy,” Gagnon said of the half-hour drive between airports. “It’s going to feel as if people are renting a private jet — a personal and comprehensive airport experience without the hassle of major airport lines and aggravation. All at a very reasonable price.
“Our company is part-owned by Arctic Co-operatives Limited, and one of our shared missions is to promote accessibility to Northern Canadian communities and businesses. Chrono Aviation has real expertise in flying to these harder-to-reach destinations, and our new aircraft now give us the opportunity to offer seats at affordable fares to meet a demand for direct flights to the Montreal region.”
Duane Wilson, vice-president of stakeholder relations for Arctic Co-operatives Limited, added, “Co-ops in Canada’s Arctic have been committed leaders to community economic development for over 65 years. This new service will help promote economic development by improving access to Nunavut for business and vacation travel while also providing Nunavummiut a convenient connection to the Montreal region, an important gateway for commerce and maritime shipping.”
Chrono Group operates a fleet of 16 aircraft, including five Boeing 737s.
