Wisk Air Helicopters has added a lighter, faster and more durable utility bird to its fleet.
The Thunder Bay aviation company showcased its new Bell 412 helicopter to the local media on April 24.
The company claims the $4-million aircraft is one of 12 of its kind in Canada and available for firefighting operations, hydro servicing and First Response missions.
Wisk Air president Mark Wiskemann has eyes on using it to support remote mining operations.
Dubbed “Big Bird” because of its yellow paint job, the twin-engine aircraft can attain speeds of 140 knots (260 kilometres an hour), can carry 14 passengers, and can lift up to 4,500 pounds.
“It is huge investment for Wisk Air, and this helicopter will support both regional business needs and essential services related to community safety, emergency response, fire suppression, and power line construction and maintenance,” said Wiskeman in a news release.
As the largest helicopter in the northwest, Thunder Bay International Airport interim president-CEO Ed Schmidtke said it’s presence adds capacity to perform the “toughest jobs in our region.”
“Equipped with state-of-the-art Fast Fin technology, this helicopter clearly demonstrates Wisk-Air’s ongoing commitment to innovation and customer service,”
Wisk Air has agreements with 14 First Nation communities to provide rotary services along the James Bay and Hudson’s Bay coast.
