First Canadian Airline Founded by Indigenous Woman Officially Launches

The company will be operating out of Vancouver International Airport (Photo courtesy of YVR)

The company started operations out of Vancouver International Airport on Friday.

Iskwew Air, Canada's first airline founded and owned by an Indigenous woman, officially started operations today out of Vancouver International Airport.

CEO Teara Fraser says the launch was appropriate on International Women's Day given the companies desire to promote more female pilots in aviation and since the word "Iskwew" (Is-kway-yo) is the cree word for "woman".

Fraser says the new airline will aim to provide charter services and increase transportation in Canada's north, as well as bolder Indigenous tourism in Canada's remote communities.

The airline currently will start off by providing charter services in its  Piper Navajo plane, however is hoping to expand its fleet within a couple years. 

Fraser holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Road University and is currently a PhD student in Human Development at Fielding University. 

According to the company's website, there are currently five people employed in the business.

 

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