Wasaya Airways
Wasaya Airways LP, the 100% First Nations-owned domestic airline, began as a small float-plane operation in Pickle Lake, Ontario.
For two decades the airline has connected the north by providing small and remote communities with safe, reliable and cost-effective passenger and cargo service. With a versatile fleet of 25 aircraft, Wasaya has main hubs at the Thunder Bay International Airport and the Sioux Lookout Airport. It also offers service out of its Red Lake base, Pickle Lake base and, most recently, its Timmins base.
“Wasaya has a proud history of service and a solid reputation,” said Tom Morris, President and CEO, “We would not be where we are today without the strength of our partnership agreements and strategic initiatives that benefit First Nations communities.”
Other than two federal government grants – one for $500,000 in 1992 and another for $2.5 million in 2003 to help with the acquisition of Bearskin Airlines’ northern routes and assets, Wasaya is self-sustaining.
“Our biggest achievement is that we have thrived for 20 years as a First Nation business,” said Morris, “Last year we made $60 million plus.”
As a corporate citizen, Wasaya is a champion of aviation and the prosperity of the north. The company has partnered with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce to host Networking North, a successful annual event that brings First Nation communities and businesses from Thunder Bay and the region together to foster business relationships. Every year, the company funds 10 Aboriginal youth for the Lakehead University Hockey Schools. They also bring in 30 Aboriginal youth from across the north annually for aviation training in partnership with Confederation College and the Aviation Centre of Excellence.
“I’m proud to celebrate Wasaya’s 20th anniversary with our current team, the many retired employees who paved Wasaya’s history and all of the people of the north.” Morris said. “We’re looking forward to continuing our commitment to building a stronger north.”
