Wasaya Airways: Lighting the Skies Over Northern Ontario Founded in 1989 as Kelner Airways and renamed to Wasaya in 1993—meaning “it is bright” in Oji-Cree—Wasaya Airways LP is a First Nations–owned airline headquartered in Thunder Bay, Ontario. It operates from hubs at Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout, with bases in Red Lake and Pickle Lake. The airline serves 24 remote communities in Northwestern Ontario and Northern Manitoba via scheduled, charter, cargo, and fuel services. Community-Driven and Purpose-Built Owned collectively by 12 First Nations communities, Wasaya began by acquiring Kelner Airways in 1989 and achieved full Indigenous ownership by 1998. It stepped into scheduled passenger services in 1995 and expanded in 2003 after acquiring routes from Bearskin Airlines, strengthening its regional role Versatile Fleet for Northern Conditions Wasaya operates a modern fleet of 17 aircraft, including ATR 42/72, Beechcraft 1900Ds, Cessna 208B Caravans, Dash 8 turboprops, Hawker Siddeley 748 freighters, and Pilatus PC‑12s. All are equipped for gravel runways and tough northern weather—perfect for connecting isolated communities. Cargo, Charter & Essential Services Beyond passengers, Wasaya plays a vital role transporting food, fuel, medical supplies, and building materials to more than 25 communities lacking road access. Specialized cargo aircraft like the HS 748 and Caravan ensure reliability under rugged conditions. Safety & Connectivity The airline utilizes SkyTrac GPS tracking for real-time flight monitoring—key for operations across vast, remote regions. Though it’s faced challenges—past incidents include a 2003 Caravan crash and a 2012 HS 748 fire—these events have driven improvements in safety protocols. Why Choose Wasaya? Rooted in Indigenous ownership and community service Well-suited fleet for gravel runways and northern climates Comprehensive services: passenger flights, cargo, charter, and fuel delivery Technologically enabled safety via GPS tracking For travellers, Wasaya offers dependable access to the North. For communities, it’s an essential partner. Whether flying for business, family, or essential freight, choose Wasaya for reliable, community-based aviation.