About Central Mountain Air
Central Mountain Air (CMA) is a Canadian regional airline headquartered in Smithers, British Columbia. Founded in 1987, the airline has grown from a small charter operation serving the remote communities of western Canada into a well-established carrier connecting 18 communities across British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec. Central Mountain Air operates under the IATA code 9M and ICAO code GLR, with the callsign "Glacier." The airline focuses on providing reliable and affordable air transportation to communities that are often underserved by larger carriers, supporting industries such as mining, forestry, and tourism across northern and western Canada.
CMA operates a diverse fleet of turboprop aircraft suited for short-haul regional flights, including the Beechcraft 1900D, Dornier 328, and De Havilland Dash 8 series. With its main base at Smithers Airport and additional operational facilities in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Prince George, Kelowna, Winnipeg, Hamilton, Montreal, and Blanc-Sablon, Central Mountain Air plays a vital role in connecting remote areas to major Canadian hubs. The airline offers both scheduled passenger services and charter operations, including specialised services such as cargo, medevac, and mining crew transport.
Airline Overview and History
Central Mountain Air has a rich history spanning nearly four decades of service to Canadian communities. Below is a timeline of key milestones in the airline's development:
- 1987: Central Mountain Air was established in Smithers, British Columbia, as a privately owned charter airline targeting the remote areas of western Canada. The airline initially concentrated on providing essential air transportation to support the mining, forestry, and tourism industries in northwest British Columbia.
- Early 1990s: CMA transitioned from charter-only operations to scheduled passenger services, with initial routes connecting communities across British Columbia's interior and coastal areas, including Terrace and Prince George, to larger hubs like Vancouver.
- 2000s: The airline expanded its fleet and route network, adding the Dornier 328 and De Havilland Dash 8 aircraft to complement its original Beechcraft 1900D fleet. This allowed CMA to serve more passengers and reach additional communities in Alberta.
- 2017: Central Mountain Air launched non-stop service between Edmonton and Prince George, enhancing connectivity for travellers in western Canada.
- 2024: CMA partnered with the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) to introduce jointly branded aircraft and expand its fleet with the De Havilland Dash 8-400, the largest turboprop in its fleet, seating up to 76 passengers. The inaugural commercial flight of the co-branded Dash 8-400 took place on 17 September 2024.
- January 2026: The airline launched six-day-a-week scheduled passenger service to Quebec's Lower North Shore, marking CMA's first scheduled operations in eastern Canada. The new routes connect Montreal, Quebec City, Sept-Iles, Natashquan, La Romaine, Chevery, Saint-Augustin, and Blanc-Sablon.
CMA's hub airport is Smithers Airport (YYD), with secondary bases at Calgary International Airport (YYC), Edmonton International Airport (YEG), Prince George Airport (YXS), and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The airline's mission is to provide safe, reliable, and comfortable air transportation while connecting communities across Canada. CMA holds a Canadian Air Operator Certificate and maintains high safety standards across its fleet.
Fleet and Aircraft
Central Mountain Air operates a fleet of over 30 aircraft, comprising turboprop types well suited for regional and short-haul operations. The fleet is configured in various combinations for passenger, cargo, medevac, and combi operations. Here is an overview of the aircraft types in the CMA fleet:
- Beechcraft 1900D: A twin-turboprop aircraft with a 1-1 seating configuration, offering an executive-style experience with well-spaced, comfortable seats. The airline operates approximately 13 of these aircraft, which are ideal for flights to smaller airstrips and remote communities.
- Dornier 328-100: A turboprop aircraft with a 1-2 seating arrangement. CMA operates three of these aircraft, providing additional capacity on select routes with a comfortable cabin environment.
- De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100: A turboprop with a 2-2 seating layout accommodating up to 37 passengers. This aircraft type is used on routes with moderate demand.
- De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300: A larger variant of the Dash 8, offering increased range and passenger capacity for busier routes in the CMA network.
- De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 (Q400): The newest and largest aircraft in CMA's fleet, seating up to 76 passengers. Introduced in partnership with TNDC in September 2024, the Dash 8-400 features co-branded livery with a wolf and raven on the tail representing the Tahltan Nation. It supports the airline's charter services for mining operations and its expanding scheduled network.
- Beechcraft King Air 350i: A versatile twin-turboprop used for charter, medevac, and specialised flights requiring smaller aircraft capacity.
All aircraft in the CMA fleet undergo rigorous maintenance checks in line with Transport Canada regulations. The airline's commitment to safety is reflected in its well-maintained fleet and experienced crew of pilots and engineers.
Top Flight Routes
Central Mountain Air connects communities across British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec with a network of scheduled and charter routes. While CMA primarily serves Canadian domestic destinations, Malaysian travellers looking to explore western Canada can connect to CMA flights through major Canadian hubs. Here are some of the most popular routes in the CMA network:
- Vancouver (YVR) to Prince George (YXS): A key route connecting British Columbia's largest city to the central interior, popular with business travellers and those heading to northern BC communities.
- Calgary (YYC) to Prince George (YXS): Launched in 2025, this route offers convenient connections between Alberta and central British Columbia, operating four times per week.
- Edmonton (YEG) to Prince George (YXS): Non-stop service connecting Alberta's capital region with Prince George, ideal for business and leisure travellers.
- Prince George (YXS) to Terrace (YXT): An important route serving northwest British Columbia, connecting Terrace and the Kitimat industrial corridor to the rest of Canada.
- Prince George (YXS) to Fort Nelson (YYE): Providing connectivity to one of the most remote communities in northern British Columbia.
- Montreal (YUL) to Sept-Iles (YZV): Part of CMA's new Lower North Shore service launched in January 2026, serving Quebec's coastal communities.
- Sept-Iles (YZV) to Blanc-Sablon (YBX): Connecting communities along Quebec's remote Lower North Shore with stops at Natashquan, La Romaine, Chevery, and Saint-Augustin.
If you are planning a trip to Canada and wish to explore British Columbia, Alberta, or Quebec's remote north shore, you can search for connecting flights on Traveloka. Popular Canadian routes available on Traveloka include Vancouver to Calgary and Edmonton to Vancouver, which can serve as connecting points to CMA destinations.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Central Mountain Air provides a straightforward baggage policy for all passengers. Understanding the baggage rules before your trip helps ensure a smooth travel experience. Below is a summary of CMA's baggage allowance:
Checked Baggage
- Free allowance: Each fare-paying passenger may check up to 2 pieces of baggage at no additional charge.
- Maximum weight per piece: 23 kg (50 lb).
- Maximum linear dimensions: 158 cm (62 in), calculated by adding height, width, and length including wheels and handles.
- Absolute maximum per single piece: 32 kg (70 lb) for aircraft loading purposes. Items exceeding this weight will not be accepted.
Carry-On Baggage
- Standard article (Skycheck): Maximum dimensions of 23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm (9 in x 15.5 in x 21.5 in), maximum weight 10 kg (22 lb).
- Personal article: Maximum dimensions of 16 cm x 33 cm x 43 cm (6 in x 13 in x 17 in), maximum weight 10 kg (22 lb). Examples include a briefcase, laptop bag, diaper bag, or camera case.
Excess Baggage Fees
- Overweight (per piece exceeding 50 lb): CAD 1.00 per pound including GST.
- Additional pieces (beyond 2): CAD 26.25 per piece including GST.
- Overweight baggage (51-70 lb): CAD 25 to CAD 50 per piece.
- Oversized baggage (over 62 in linear): CAD 25 to CAD 100 per piece.
- Bicycles: Fixed charge of CAD 78.75 per direction.
- Ski/snowboard equipment: Boots (in a proper boot bag) and skis or snowboards count as one item together.
Excess baggage is carried subject to space availability. Passengers with additional, overweight, or oversized bags should arrive at the airport at least 120 minutes before departure. Prepaid baggage options are available up to 24 hours before departure through the CMA website, and airport fees may be higher than online rates.
Prohibited Items
As per Transport Canada regulations, the following items are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage: explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidisers, poisons, corrosive materials, and radioactive substances. Sharp objects, firearms, and certain tools must be packed in checked baggage and declared at check-in. Lithium batteries must be carried in the cabin and not placed in checked luggage.
Check-in Guide
Central Mountain Air recommends that passengers arrive at the airport well in advance of their scheduled departure to allow time for check-in and security screening. Here is a guide to the check-in process:
Airport Counter Check-in
- Arrival time: Passengers should arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure.
- Check-in deadline: Check-in counters close 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
- Boarding gate closure: Boarding gates close 20 minutes before departure. Passengers who are not at the gate by this time may be denied boarding.
Online Check-in
Central Mountain Air does not currently offer a widely available online check-in service for all routes. Passengers are advised to check in at the airport counter. For the most up-to-date information on check-in options, travellers should visit the CMA website at flycma.com or contact CMA reservations at +1 888 865 8585.
To track the status of your Central Mountain Air flight, you can use the Traveloka Flight Status tool for real-time departure and arrival updates.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Central Mountain Air operates a single cabin class across its entire fleet: Economy Class. While there is no business or premium class, the airline ensures a comfortable experience on its regional flights.
Seating Configurations
- Beechcraft 1900D: Features a 1-1 seating configuration, providing an executive-style experience with generous spacing between seats. This is one of the most comfortable regional aircraft in Canada.
- Dornier 328: Configured in a 1-2 seating layout, offering a good balance between capacity and passenger comfort.
- Dash 8-100: Features a 2-2 seating arrangement accommodating up to 37 passengers.
- Dash 8-300 and Dash 8-400: Larger cabin with 2-2 seating, providing more capacity for busier routes. The Dash 8-400 seats up to 76 passengers.
In-Flight Service
Due to the short duration of most CMA flights and the smaller aircraft types in the fleet, in-flight service is streamlined. On most scheduled flights, passengers are offered complimentary beverages including water, juices, soft drinks, coffee, and tea, as well as light snacks such as biscuits, crackers, and crisps. Full hot meals are generally not available on CMA flights. There is no in-flight entertainment system on board, so passengers are encouraged to bring their own devices and entertainment for the journey.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Central Mountain Air has clear policies in place for passengers with special requirements. Here is a summary of the key passenger policies:
Children and Infants
- Infants (under 2 years): May travel on the lap of an accompanying adult without a separate seat purchase. If one adult travels with two infants, one seat must be purchased for one of the infants.
- Children (2-11 years): Must have their own seat and a valid ticket. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult (18 years or older).
Unaccompanied Minors
- Age 5-11: Unaccompanied minor service is mandatory. The service fee is CAD 60 per direction (plus tax), payable at the time of booking. Travel is restricted to non-stop, point-to-point flights only.
- Age 12-17: Unaccompanied minor service is optional and can be purchased if desired.
- Requirements: The person dropping off and picking up the child must present valid government-issued photo identification. The person dropping off the child must remain at the airport until 15 minutes after the flight has departed.
Pregnant Passengers
Central Mountain Air generally permits pregnant passengers to travel on its flights. As the airline does not publish a specific pregnancy cutoff policy on its website, passengers who are in advanced stages of pregnancy are advised to contact CMA reservations at +1 888 865 8585 to confirm any restrictions or requirements, including whether a medical certificate is needed for travel close to the due date. As a general aviation guideline, it is advisable to consult a doctor before flying in the later stages of pregnancy.
Special Assistance
Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance, mobility aids, or medical equipment should notify CMA at the time of booking. The airline will make reasonable efforts to accommodate special needs, subject to aircraft limitations. Service animals are generally permitted on board with advance notice. For all special assistance requests, passengers should contact CMA reservations at least 48 hours before departure.
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
Central Mountain Air offers flexibility for passengers who need to change or cancel their bookings, depending on the fare type purchased. Here is an overview of the policies:
Rescheduling
- Changes to bookings can be made by contacting CMA reservations or through the managing travel agent.
- Depending on the fare type, a change fee of approximately CAD 75 to CAD 90 (tax inclusive) may apply.
- Changes are subject to seat availability on the new flight.
- Any fare difference between the original and new flights will also be charged.
Cancellation
- Within 24 hours of purchase: CMA will cancel your ticket and provide a full refund without penalty, provided the ticket was purchased at least 7 days before departure.
- After 24 hours: Cancellation policies vary by fare type. Some fares are fully refundable, while others may incur a cancellation fee or be non-refundable.
- Cancellation deadline: Cancellations can generally be made up to 2 hours before departure.
- No-show: Failure to check in for your flight will result in forfeiture of the entire segment.
Refund Processing
Refunds for eligible cancellations are processed back to the original form of payment. Processing times vary depending on the payment method used but typically take 7 to 14 business days. Passengers who booked through Traveloka can manage their rescheduling and cancellation requests directly through the Traveloka app or website for a seamless experience.
Why Book Central Mountain Air Flights on Traveloka
Traveloka makes it easy and convenient to search, compare, and book Central Mountain Air flights along with connecting flights to Canada. Here are the top reasons to book through Traveloka:
- Best price guarantee: Traveloka compares fares across multiple airlines so you can find the most affordable options for your trip to Canada.
- Flexible payment options: Pay using your preferred method, including credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and popular Malaysian e-wallets such as Touch 'n Go, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay.
- Instant e-ticket: Receive your booking confirmation and e-ticket instantly via email and the Traveloka app after completing your payment.
- 24/7 customer support: Traveloka's dedicated support team is available around the clock to assist with booking inquiries, changes, and cancellations.
- Comprehensive travel solutions: Beyond flights, Traveloka offers hotel bookings, airport transfers, and travel insurance, allowing you to plan your entire trip in one place.
- Traveloka Points: Earn Traveloka Points on every booking, which can be redeemed for discounts on future flights and travel products.
- Transparent pricing: All taxes and fees are clearly displayed upfront so there are no hidden charges at checkout.
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Traveloka
Getting the best deal on Central Mountain Air flights or connecting flights to Canada is easier when you use the right strategies. Here are some practical tips to help you save on your next booking:
- Book early: Flights tend to be cheaper when booked well in advance. For the best fares, try to book at least 3 to 4 weeks before your travel date.
- Fly midweek: Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically less expensive than weekend departures. Adjusting your travel dates by a day or two can lead to significant savings.
- Use Traveloka Price Alert: Set up a price alert for your preferred route and dates. Traveloka will notify you when fares drop, so you can book at the best time.
- Check for promos: Traveloka regularly features promotional offers and discount codes. Visit the Promos page before booking to see if any deals apply to your trip.
- Travel during off-peak seasons: Avoid peak holiday periods such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, and school holidays when demand drives fares up. Off-peak travel to Canada is typically cheaper during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November).
- Compare bundle deals: Traveloka offers flight and hotel bundles that can reduce your total trip cost. Check if a package deal is available for your Canadian destination.
- Be flexible with airports: If flying to western Canada, compare fares into Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton as connecting points, as prices may vary between airports.
How to Book Flight Tickets on Traveloka
Booking Central Mountain Air flights or connecting flights to Canada on Traveloka is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to complete your booking:
- Visit Traveloka: Open the Traveloka app or go to traveloka.com and select the "Flights" tab on the homepage.
- Enter your trip details: Input your departure city, destination in Canada, travel dates, number of passengers, and preferred cabin class. Tap "Search" to view available flights.
- Compare and select: Browse the search results to compare fares, flight times, and airlines. Use the filter options to sort by price, duration, or number of stops. Select the flight that best suits your schedule and budget.
- Review your booking: Check the flight details, baggage allowance, and fare rules on the booking summary page. Add any extras such as travel insurance or seat selection if available.
- Enter passenger details: Fill in the required passenger information including full name (as per passport), date of birth, and contact details. Ensure all details match your travel documents exactly.
- Choose your payment method: Select your preferred payment method. Malaysian travellers can pay using credit or debit cards, online bank transfers, or e-wallets such as Touch 'n Go, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay.
- Complete payment: Confirm your payment and wait for the booking to be processed. Once confirmed, your e-ticket will be sent to your registered email address and will also appear in the "My Booking" section of the Traveloka app.
- Manage your booking: Use the Traveloka app to view your itinerary, check flight status, or make changes to your booking at any time before departure.