First Air evaluating new aircraft and implementing fleet changes
First Air stated (12-Mar-2015) it is actively looking to add new aircraft to its fleet, investigating both the ATR 42-500 as well as Bombardier Q400 as possible replacements for its turboprop aircraft. The carrier stated it aims to modernise its fleet while decreasing the number of aircraft types in use, thereby "reducing maintenance costs and complexity in its operations." The carrier noted management intends to present a fleet plan at its next board meeting, with hopes the first new aircraft could arrive before the end of 2015. First Air CEO and president Brock Friesen stated, "First Air has been impaired for years by maintaining a variety of aircraft. In a fleet of just over 20, we currently need to train personnel and stockpile parts for a total of six aircraft types. In the near future, First Air will concentrate on two aircraft types only." [more - original PR]