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| Founded | 2000 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceased operations | 2008 | ||||||
| Hubs | Thunder Bay International Airport | ||||||
| Fleet size | 11 | ||||||
| Destinations | 26 | ||||||
| Headquarters | Thunder Bay,Ontario,Canada | ||||||
| Key people | Tom Meilleur (COO), Dino Armenti (CFO)[1] | ||||||
| Website | http://www.nacair.ca/ | ||||||
NAC Air was a Canadianregional airline that began operations in 2000. Its main base was at theThunder Bay International Airport. NAC Air was a 100%First Nations-owned company, owned by the communities ofEabametoong (Fort Hope),Neskantaga (Lansdowne House),Webequie,Sachigo Lake, andSandy Lake[2]
NAC Air ceased operations indefinitely in early 2008 due to financial difficulties.[3]
North American Charters (NAC) was established in 2000 to provide cheaper and more frequent airline services to First Nations communities inNorthwestern Ontario. NAC's airfares were 40-50% lower than its competitors' existing fares[citation needed] and it also offered daily services with the possibility of same-day returns for business travellers. It commenced services with twoPiper PA31-350 Chieftains and quickly added aFairchild SA226-TC Metro II as well. The two Chieftains were soon replaced by the firstPilatus PC-12s and the Metro was also retired at the end of 2001.[4] NAC grew steadily, evolving from the early two aircraft operation serving four communities to an eleven aircraft operation connectingSioux Lookout, Ontario;Winnipeg;Thunder Bay;Red Lake, Ontario;Thompson, Manitoba and 21 First Nations communities.[5] In 2006 NAC changed its name toNAC Air, this coincided with the company moving into a new three-storey office and hangar complex at the Thunder Bay International Airport. In 2007 a base was opened in Winnipeg, Manitoba, it serviced 2 aircraft which flew out of Winnipeg and 1 which flew out of Thompson, Manitoba.
On 13 January 2008 NAC Air ceased operations indefinitely due to financial difficulties, they claim, stemmed from a lawsuit with rivalWasaya Airways. The shut down forced 150 employees off the job.[3]
As of November 2007, NAC Air had a fleet of 11 aircraft.[5]
