First Air Is Now Canadian North
First Air no longer exists as a separate airline — it merged with Canadian North. Here’s what changed and how to book.
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or request an offerAbout First Air
First Air was a Canadian regional airline tracing its roots to 1946, historically serving Canada’s Arctic and northern territories from a base in Ottawa. In 2019, First Air merged with the original Canadian North (a separate airline despite the similar-sounding name) to form a single, unified carrier operating under the Canadian North brand, majority-owned by Inuit organizations.
First Air Route Network
First Air’s former northern Canadian routes are now flown by the merged Canadian North, which combined both airlines’ networks serving Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and northern Quebec.
Primary Hub
Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) — historical
First Air’s historical hub was Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW), which continues today as one of Canadian North’s two southern hubs alongside Winnipeg.
Alliance & Partner Airlines
As a merged-away airline, First Air has no independent alliance status today — its former operations are now part of Canadian North, which is not itself a member of Star Alliance, oneworld, or SkyTeam.
Baggage, Seating & Onboard Amenities
A quick reference before you pack — always confirm exact allowances on your fare rules at booking, since they vary by route and cabin.
Carry-On & Personal Item
Not applicable under the First Air name — search for your route under Canadian North, whose current fare rules now apply.
Checked Baggage
Not applicable under the First Air name — Canadian North’s current baggage policies now apply to all former First Air routes.
Excess Baggage Fees
Overweight, oversized, or extra bags typically incur a per-bag fee charged at check-in or online in advance — pre-paying online is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.
Seat Selection & Cabin Classes
Not applicable under the First Air name — Canadian North’s standard cabin configuration now applies across the combined fleet, including former First Air aircraft.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. First Air merged with the original Canadian North airline in 2019, and the combined company now operates as a single carrier under the Canadian North brand — First Air no longer exists as a separate airline.
First Air's IATA code was 7F, with ICAO code FAB.
The two airlines, which had long been competitors serving Canada's Arctic and northern territories, merged to create a stronger, more efficient combined carrier better able to sustain essential air service to remote northern communities.
Not exactly — the current Canadian North is the result of the 2019 merger between First Air and the pre-merger Canadian North, combining both companies' routes, fleets, and Inuit ownership structures into one airline that kept the Canadian North name.
The merged Canadian North directly absorbed First Air's routes and aircraft as part of the 2019 combination, continuing service to the northern communities First Air previously served.
No. Since First Air does not operate as a separate airline, you can't book tickets directly with it. Search for your route under Canadian North instead.
Yes, the merged Canadian North remains majority-owned by Inuit birthright organizations, continuing a key ownership structure both predecessor airlines shared.
Search for your origin and destination under Canadian North, which now operates all of First Air's former northern Canadian routes.
There's no indication of this — the 2019 merger was a deliberate, permanent consolidation of the two airlines rather than a temporary arrangement.
Yes, First Air historically operated combi aircraft carrying both passengers and cargo, a practice that continued into the merged Canadian North given how essential combined passenger-cargo capacity is for supplying remote northern communities.
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Ready to Book on Canadian North?
First Air merged with the original Canadian North in 2019 to form a single carrier. Search current Canadian North fares for the Arctic routes First Air used to fly.