Bearskin Airlines unveils new Saab passenger aircraft

Bigger is better sometimes.

On Friday Bearskin Airlines proved the point, unveiling the latest addition to its fleet, a $3 million, 34-passenger Saab 340 aircraft that will be used on routes between Thunder Bay and Winnipeg, with stops in Red Lake, Dryden and Sioux Lookout.

Cliff Friesen, the 48-year-old company’s executive vice-president, said the plane gives the airline increased capacity on the route and the added comfort it brings for passengers.

“It’s going to have a stand-up cabin. There’s going to be a little more comfort than we had in some of the other airplanes. This just makes it a little more convenient,” Friesen said.

It also makes solid business sense, he added.

“We want to grow and expand the airline. We have the ability to do it now. We’re involved with a corporation now that has the aircraft, so we’re really excited about it,” he said.

The plane, equipped with twin turbine engines, a flight attendant and a washroom – a feature not found on Bearskin’s other plane, the 19-passenger Fairchild Metroliner.

The aircraft was part of Bearskin’s parent company, Calm Air’s, existing fleet.

Bearskin Airlines staff are being trained on the use of the plane by Calm Air staff, and when training is complete, likely by the fall, a second Saab 340 will be added to provide service between Thunder Bay and Ottawa.

“In our program right now we are expecting to have another one operating between Thunder Bay and Ottawa. That’s going to be starting this fall,” Friesen said.”