Air travellers heading east will be happy with an announcement by Air North that is will be offering expanded services between Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Toronto next spring/summer.

In a news release Thursday, Air North announced it will add Toronto to its route network.

Air North president Joe Sparling said today the decision was made to offer the flights because there was a demand for them, and because he had been unable to strike up a partnership with larger airlines.

“So we decided to do it ourselves,” he said.

Many of the passengers who had taken advantage of Air North’s Whitehorse to Ottawa flights were actually wanting to travel to Toronto, Sparling added. He expects there will be quite a demand for the flights beginning in the spring.

“It will help with developing the Yukon tourist industry,” he said. “Many people like to deal with just one airline.

“As we look towards economic recovery in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories over the coming years, it has become evident to us that another connection to central Canada is going to be essential,” said Sparling.

“Having a direct flight to Canada’s economic hub will kickstart opportunity for both territories.”

This sentiment was echoed by Garry Njootli, president of the Vuntut Gwitchin Development Corp. and a member of Air North’s board of directors.

“We’re very excited about the possibilities this route opens up,” said Njootli.

“We are looking to grow opportunities for the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to secure our future, and shepherd opportunities for the Yukon and our partners in the Northwest Territories as well. Having this direct connection opens a lot of doors for growth for all of us.”

The Vuntut Gwitchin, who are partners in Air North, also was enthusiastic about the idea.

“Our investment in Air North over 20 years ago was made to guarantee affordable access to our community and create an economic opportunity for our people,” said Greg Charlie, a Vuntut Gwitchin member and member of Air North’s board of directors for the past 21 years.

“We have seen this airline spread its wings since our investment. A new route like this one can only benefit Air North, the Vuntut Gwitchin, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories.

“We’re very excited to see what grows from the seed we’re planting today.”

This will mark the first time Toronto has ever had a direct scheduled connection to Whitehorse or Yellowknife.

Flights to Ontario aren’t new to Air North, however, as the airline began operating seasonal service to Ottawa in 2014. The route’s regular service was suspended after the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

The airline has flown numerous charter flights to Toronto.

It plans to arrange its schedule so that passengers can fly from Toronto to Dawson City on the same day.