Air North’s popular food menu is set to land in the Whitehorse airport restaurant in February 2024.

The Yukon government has signed an agreement with the airline to offer food services at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport.

Air North’s new airport restaurant is scheduled to open on Feb. 1.

Air North’s flight kitchen has been recognized over the past two decades for the quality of the in-flight meals, catering services, and the products sold through Whitehorse retailers.

Chef Michael Bock and his team plan to offer a varied menu with both grab-and-go and sit-down options for the approximately 400,000 passengers travelling through the airport each year.

“I’m delighted about our upcoming restaurant at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport,” Bock said Monday.

“I’ve always thought about the possibilities there, and I’m grateful to our partners in Highways and Public Works for the opportunity to make some of those a reality.

“Like many Yukoners, I have great memories of the airport restaurant and enjoying the panoramic view before a trip or waiting for someone to arrive,” the chef added

“I hope our new space will welcome Yukoners and travellers as they embark on their adventures.”

The space has had a variety of operators since the current terminal opened in 1986.

Renovations are underway “to create an inviting space for Yukoners and travellers,” the government said in a statement.

“This collaborative effort aims to improve the overall customer experience at the airport, aligning with the Government of Yukon’s commitment to invest in the Yukon’s aviation infrastructure and services.”

A request for proposals for food services at the airport was released to tender, and Air North emerged as the highest-ranking proponent.

During the renovations, food and beverages will still be accessible through the airport gift shop, vending machines and nearby hotel restaurants. There are no anticipated impacts to travellers during renovations.

“The Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport is the aviation gateway to the Yukon, welcoming people from across the world,” said Highways and Public Works Minister Nils Clarke.

“When people are travelling to and from the Yukon, we want them to have an excellent travel experience while at our airport. By working with Air North, I am excited to say we will be able to provide Yukoners and travellers alike with high-quality food services.”

Air North president Joe Sparling called the airport restaurant “a great fit with our flight kitchen operations.

“Ensuring an exceptional passenger experience is our top priority at Air North, Yukon’s Airline, and this is a practical, cost-effective and unique opportunity to extend that commitment to all Yukoners and travellers.”

In 2022, Air North welcomed its three millionth Boeing 737 passenger, coinciding with the airline’s 20th anniversary of operating Boeing 737s.

The flight kitchen team prepares up to 1,600 meals each day for the airline’s flights and bakes more than 260,000 cookies annually to serve to its passengers.

The kitchen’s retail offerings launched in 2018 with cheesecakes.

It later expanded to include a diverse range of entrées that are available through six Whitehorse retailers.