Air Inuit to be 1st to own new freighter version of Bombardier Q300

Air Inuit will be the launch customer for a cargo version of Bombardier's Q300 planes, the companies announced this week.

The freighter-converted Q300 turboprop aircraft is expected to have a cargo capacity of 12,500 pounds, with a large cargo door.

The airline says it expects the changes will make its cargo services faster and cheaper.

"We have no choice during the winter months [but] to use the cargo planes to bring our goods," said Pita Aatami, president and CEO of Air Inuit.

The airline currently has a fleet of 25 aircraft that includes Boeing 737-200C, Bombardier Q300 and Q100 turboprops, Hawker Siddeley 748, Twin Otter and King Air.

Aatami says he expects the new cargo planes in the spring of 2017.

Air Inuit, owned by Makivik Corporation, flies out of Montreal and serves the Inuit communities of Northern Quebec.