CONSOLIDATION UP NORTH - JUST THE BEGINNING?

摘要

First Air and Canadian North are in talks to form a single northern airline. The two Inuit-owned airlines have confirmed they are discussing a "merger of equals, subject to the successful conclusion of negotiations and regulatory review." Both airlines serve communities in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, and link the north to southern gateways in Edmonton and Ottawa. Canadian North recently added a seasonal route from Iqaluit to Halifax and St John's. The potential merger is expected to build on the strengths and identities of First Air and Canadian North, which have been flying for 65 years and 80 years respectively. "A merger would improve the sustain-ability of these critical Inuit birthright enterprises and would also create better air services and new economic development opportunities across the north," the airlines' shareholders, Makivik Corporation and NorTerra Inc., said in a joint statement.