note

Scheduled passenger regional airline based at Sioux Lookout in Nortwestern Ontario. Company was founded by John Heglund in 1963. Upon its foundation, company operated air taxi service throughout Western Ontario using float equipped aircraft and serving mainly First Nation communities. Company was acquired by one of its pilots Harvey Friesen who changed the business model to scheduled airline in 1977. Big Trout Lake and Thunder Bay were served from its base at Sioux Lookout. After the government developed many remote airfields, company was able to start feeder service for Air Canada connecting at Thunder Bay and Winnipeg. In 2003 Bearskin sold its First Nation communities service to Wasaya Airways which is owned by First Nation communities. Bearskin continues serving 17 destinations throughout Ontario plus Montreal and Winnipeg. Company employes circa 270 people. On January 1, 2011 Exchange Income Corporation (TSX: EIF) acquired the airline. EIC also owns Perimeter Airlines, Calm Air and Keewatin Air.

founded - demised (age)

July 17 1963 - present  (62years)

headquarters

PO Box 1447, Sioux Lookout, ON

web

www.bearskinairlines.com

base airports

CYXL Sioux Lookout	home base
CYSB Sudbury	hub
CYQT International Thunder Bay	hub

related operators

Perimeter Airlines	sister co.
Calm Air International	sister co.
Keewatin Air	sister co.