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Tripadvisor has named Air North, Yukon’s Airline the Travellers’ Choice Best Airline in Canada 2020, as well as the Travellers’ Choice Specialty Airline in North America 2020.
Air North is the first Indigenous-owned northern airline to win this award, making it a major accomplishment for their staff and the local community. Air North is 100 per cent locally owned, including a 49 per cent Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation ownership, and one in 15 Yukoners hold an equity or employment stake in the airline.
Air North believes air travel should be both memorable and enjoyable. Passengers especially appreciate the generous luggage allowance of two complimentary checked bags, as well as locally sourced and freshly-made light snacks and meals served on-board.
The airline’s COVID-19 response has kept the care of their passengers, staff and community at the forefront of all of their decisions. Their Air North Care First program includes not selling middle seats (other than to members of the same social bubble) in order to facilitate physical distancing, hospital grade sanitization practices and a flexible booking policy. More information can be found here
The awards are given based on positive Tripadvisor reviews the company received throughout 2019. Award winners are known for consistently receiving great flyer feedback, placing them among travellers’ favorites around the globe. This is the first time the company has been awarded Travellers’ Choice Best Airline in Canada, and the second year in a row it has been awarded Travellers’ Choice Specialty Airline in North America.
Joseph Sparling, Air North’s president and chief executive officer said, “We are honoured to receive these awards, proud of our great team for earning them, and thankful to our loyal Yukoners and travellers from around the world for recognizing our product and taking their time to provide a review to Tripadvisor. I am especially pleased to see these awards go to a northern air carrier as it provides a great illustration of the role they play in the North, not only providing essential air services, but also strengthening the northern economy through Indigenous and non-Indigenous employment and investment.”
“Winners of the 2020 Travellers’ Choice Awards should be proud of this distinguished recognition,” said Kanika Soni, chief commercial officer at Tripadvisor. “Although it’s been a challenging year for travel and hospitality, we want to celebrate our partners’ achievements. Award winners are beloved for their exceptional service and quality. Not only are these winners well deserving, they are also a great source of inspiration for travellers as the world begins to venture out again.”
Congratulations to Air North employees and the indigenous ownership. Canada must support more indigenous entrepeneurs and indigenous employees and reduce mass immigrations that this government has encouraged over the last few years. Bravo.