Cree communities on the Ontario side of the James Bay coast can now fly in comfort all the way to Montréal via Timmins.
Air Creebec is opening new routes this summer and replacing its KIng Air aircraft with Dash-8 100 service on all regular flights.
Beginning July 9, the west coast of James Bay will be connected to the other air routes on the east (Quebec) side, with a stop in Rouyn-Noranda.
From Timmins, passengers will be able to travel to Montréal with Air Creebec.
The new stop planned in Rouyn-Noranda will offer two flights per day to Montreal-Trudeau every week day and once a day on the weekend.
"We are delighted to be able to connect all the Cree communities along James Bay shores to the new stop in Rouyn-Noranda," said Air Creebec president-CEO Matthew Happyjack in a June 5 news release.
"We understand the challenges of remote areas, and we are proud to participate in the economic and social development of the Cree communities and the Abitibi region."
The First Nation-owned regional air carrier said the Dash-8 aircraft can accommodate more passengers and freight and offers better service on all its air routes originating in the James Bay area.
On the Ontario side of the James Bay coast, Air Creebec flies to Peawanuck, Attawapiskat, Kashechewan, Fort Albany, Moosonee and Timmins.
"We believe that this project will improve issues related to travel for the people of the outlying regions, and Air Creebec will remain attentive to travellers from all the regions that it serves," added company COO Tanya Pash.
Founded in 1982, Air Creebec is a regional airline based in Waskaganish, Que. but is based principally principally at the Val-d'Or, Montreal and Timmins airports, with hubs in Waskaganish, Chisasibi and Moosonee.
