Tag Archives: Air Inuit

Delta Air Lines Orders up to 60 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to Grow, Modernize Widebody Fleet

  • Global carrier orders 787-10 airplanes for international expansion
  • Ultra-efficient, spacious widebody jets will also support fleet modernization
  • Latest purchase brings Delta’s order book to 130 Boeing airplanes as it builds future fleet

SEATTLE, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Delta Air Lines today announced the U.S. carrier placed its first direct order for up to 60 787 Dreamliners to support long-haul international growth and renew the airline’s widebody fleet. Delta’s purchase of 30 787-10 jets – with opportunity for up to 30 more of the largest 787 variant – will enable the airline’s expansion and modernization plans on high-demand transatlantic and South American routes.

Delta Air Lines orders up to 60 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to grow and modernize widebody fleet.
Delta Air Lines orders up to 60 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to grow and modernize widebody fleet.

“Delta is building the fleet for the future, enhancing the customer experience, driving operational improvements and providing steady replacements for less efficient, older aircraft in the decade to come,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive officer. “Most importantly, these aircraft will be operated by the best aviation professionals in the industry, providing Delta’s welcoming, elevated and caring service to travelers worldwide.”

With capacity for up to 336 passengers and 25% lower fuel use than the airplanes it replaces, the 787-10 offers the lowest operating cost per seat of any widebody airplane. Delivering superior comfort for passengers, the 787 Dreamliner features the largest windows of any widebody airplane flying today and air that is pressurized at a lower cabin altitude, which will help Delta’s customers arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed.

“We are excited that Delta Air Lines has selected the 787-10 to join its fleet of the future. The 787 Dreamliner’s unmatched efficiency, range, and passenger comfort make it a perfect fit for Delta’s international expansion and fleet modernization,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Our team looks forward to delivering new Dreamliners to Delta and supporting their commitments to provide an exceptional passenger experience and advance sustainability in aviation.”

With more than 460 Boeing airplanes currently in service, Delta has flown most Boeing single-aisle and widebody models across its domestic and international networks over the decades. This new widebody order further strengthens that partnership and supports U.S. aerospace manufacturing jobs across Boeing’s production system and supply chain.

Today’s purchase brings Delta’s firm order book to 130 Boeing airplanes, including the airline’s order for 100 737-10 jets. The efficiency and flexibility of the 787-10 and 737-10 will enable Delta to fly more passengers on more routes as the airline expands and diversifies its network.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.  

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Air Inuit puts the world’s first Boeing 737-800 Combi into service

Air Inuit, which is wholly owned by the Inuit of Nunavik through Makivvik Corporation, today announced that its first newly re-engineered Boeing 737–800NG combi aircraft (C-FTUW) has been certified by Transport Canada, marking the arrival of the world’s first 737–800NG configured for both passengers and freight. The aircraft will officially enter service on Air Inuit’s Montréal-Kuujjuaq route on January 13, 2026.

Boeing 737 800NG combi (CNW Group/Air Inuit)

The Boeing 737–800NG combi represents a major advancement in multi–role aircraft capability to address Northern realities. Converted by KF Aerospace, the aircraft features a forward cargo compartment with space for five pallets and a 90–seat passenger cabin in the aft section.

This world-first is part of Air Inuit’s broader fleet–modernization strategy, which began with the acquisition of three Boeing Next–Generation 737–800s to eventually replace its 737–200 fleet.

The new aircraft offer improved passenger comfort, inflight wifi powered by Starlink, better fuel efficiency, modern avionics, and increased passenger-cargo capacity to respond to the essential needs of communities in Nunavik and beyond.

Combi conversion of the third of three 737-800s acquired by Air Inuit in 2023 is scheduled for completion in February 2026.

Founded by the Inuit of Nunavik in 1978, Air Inuit, a wholly owned subsidiary of Makivvik, was created to provide air connections between Nunavik’s 14 coastal villages and the South, to promote trade, and to preserve Inuit culture. With more than 1,175 employees and a fleet of 36 aircraft, Air Inuit is committed to the development of this vast territory and the prosperity of its people by supporting community organizations, cultural events, educational and sports programs, as well as employment access initiatives for Inuit people.

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Air Inuit puts into service the world’s first De Havilland Dash 8-300 with an oversized cargo door

Air Inuit announced today that it has added the world’s first oversized cargo-door Dash8-300 to its fleet. After more than 36 months of planning, design, modernization, and safety testing, the specially modified aircraft finally received its Supplemental Type Certificate from Transport Canada on February 3.

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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Hydro-Québec and Air Inuit sign a new 12-year contract

Operated by Air Inuit

Hydro-Québec and Air Inuit have entered into a new agreement to ensure the maintenance and operations of Hydro-Québec’s fleet. Valued at approximately $28 million a year, the contract runs until 2032.

Hydro-Québec relies on three aircraft—two Dash 8 Q400 and one Dash 8 300—to transport employees to locations in Saguenay, Abitibi, Côte-Nord and Baie-James.

Under the agreement, Air Inuit consolidates 78 cabin crew, pilot and maintenance and operations specialist positions. Hydro-Québec uses Air Inuit’s facilities at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) for its flights to and from its main remote work sites.

Air Inuit was founded by the Inuit in 1978 and owned by Makivik Corporation, Air Inuit was created to provide air connections between Nunavik’s 14 coastal villages and southern Québec, to promote trade and to preserve Inuit culture. The company has become a major player in air transportation in Québec and is one of Nunavik’s most significant economic drivers.

Top Copyright Photo: Hydro Québec Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) C-GHQP (msn 4004) YUL (Gilbert Hechema). Image: 903904.