Bearskin Airlines and Wasaya Airways have entered into negotiations to allow Wasaya Airways to acquire the Sioux Lookout northern routes and operations presently operated by Bearskin Airlines. By rationalizing routes and entering into joint commercial agreements, it is the expectation of both airlines that the traveling public will be better served, according to an official with Wasaya Airways.
Negotiations are ongoing and if the anticipated agreement is reached, changes may be in place by year end.
Wasaya has been operating for 12 years in cargo and charter operations from bases in Pickle Lake, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, and Thunder Bay. Recently, they have been operating a charter operation with limited passenger services to selected Northern Ontario locations. Wasaya Airways employs over 170 people.
Bearskin Airlines is one of Canada's largest privately owned commuter airlines. Founded in 1963, and named after the Northern Ontario community of Bearskin Lake, the company maintains major bases of operation in Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout and employs over 400 people.
