Installing an oversized cargo door on a Dash8-300 aircraft is not only a world first, but more importantly a practical way to enhance air Inuit’s essential day-to-day service. By possibly facilitating the transport of food and other goods on pallets, loading and unloading time can be reduced, while reducing the risk of damaging fragile goods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables.

Made possible thanks to the expert technical support of Rockwell Collins, this initiative is part of Air Inuit’s philosophy of always finding new solutions to meet the needs of its customers and residents of northern regions, while improving its environmental footprint.

Innovating to meet unique challenges

Air Inuit serves 14 communities across Northern Quebec by delivering essential products and oversized materials. In the absence of road access, Air Inuit establishes an essential link and thus ensures the reliable and efficient delivery of goods such as food and essential tools, such as all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles.

Air Inuit chose the Dash 8-300, a reliable model built in Canada, as it perfectly combines capacity and adaptability. The aircraft is well suited to locations served by a short gravel runway and has a proven track in the harsh weather conditions of Nunavik. With this unique addition, Air Inuit can more easily fulfill its mission to serve and develop communities in Nunavik and beyond.

Protecting the environment

The development of this new oversized cargo door for the Dash8-300 by Air Inuit was made possible in part thanks to a significant financial contribution from the Government of Quebec’s Green Fund. This support has been critical to innovation, as it has been possible to operate a more fuel-efficient aircraft, the Dash8-300, rather than continuing to use the HS.748 which consumes 30% more fuel and was removed from Air Inuit’s fleet several years ago.

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