Thunder Bay Ontario-based Wisk Air Helicopters has taken delivery of a new Bell 407GXi at Bell Textron’s Mirabel factory – a move that takes the operator’s fleet to 12 aircraft as part of its fleet renewal and expansion programme, which is itself part of a long-term investment initiative that is intended to drive aviation innovation, infrastructure in Northwestern Ontario, the Far North and Manitoba. The new aircraft will be tasked with a variety of critical services including power line and utility infrastructure projects, mining sector operations, wildfire response, remote access transportation, and support for First Nation communities.
“For us, this investment is about more than just adding another helicopter, and even more next year,” said Mark Wiskemann, founder and President of Wisk Air Helicopters. “It is about building Northern capacity with modern, state-of-the-art aircraft supported by an experienced and highly skilled team right here in Northwestern Ontario. We believe operators and communities in the North deserve world class aviation services, equipment, and support.”
In addition to the fleet programme, Wisk Air is also strengthening its long-term aviation support capabilities in Northwestern Ontario with investment in its avionics, maintenance, repair, and component overhaul departments which are available and accessible to other operators across the region. The company’s growth plans include offering support services to help ensure other regional operators have access to high quality maintenance and technical expertise closer to home.
Jackie MacDonald, Director, Business Development and Revenue Management at Thunder Bay International Airports Authority, said: “Today’s announcement is also a powerful example of the importance of fleet modernisation and continued private-sector investment at our airport. Investments in modern aircraft, equipment, and aviation infrastructure strengthen our airport community and help ensure we remain positioned to support economic growth and connectivity across the North.”
The investment reflects the type of northern innovation and industrial growth encouraged across Ontario through organisations like the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, with Wisk Air continuing to lead in advanced aviation services, fleet modernisation, and regional economic development.
Wiskemann added: “The vision is to advance and modernise aviation solutions for businesses and people looking to promote development in remote and underserved regions.”
Image: Wisk Air
