About Canadian North
Canadian North (IATA: 5T, ICAO: AKT) is a Canadian regional airline headquartered in Kanata, Ontario. As a 100% Inuit-owned carrier, Canadian North is jointly owned by Makivik Corporation and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. The airline operates scheduled passenger and cargo services across Canada's Arctic and northern regions, connecting remote communities in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Nunavik with southern hubs in Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal.
Canadian North plays a vital role in northern transportation, carrying over 350,000 passengers and more than 25 million kilograms of freight and mail annually across its extensive route network. The airline serves approximately 25 communities, many of which have no road access and depend on air service for essential goods, medical travel, and connectivity to the rest of Canada.
The airline's fleet is uniquely equipped for Arctic operations, with aircraft capable of landing on gravel and ice strips in some of the most remote locations in the world. Whether you are travelling for business, leisure, or community purposes, Canadian North provides a reliable lifeline to Canada's North.
Airline Overview and History
Canadian North has a rich history shaped by the unique demands of Arctic aviation. Below are key milestones in the airline's journey:
- 1989 – Canadian North was established as a subsidiary of Canadian Airlines International, launching on 29 October 1989 with nine Boeing 737-200C aircraft serving 10 communities in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut from bases in Edmonton and Montreal.
- 1998 – Following the dissolution of Canadian Airlines, ownership transitioned to Norterra Inc., an Inuit-owned holding company backed by the Inuvialuit Development Corporation and Makivik Corporation.
- 2014 – Makivik Corporation, representing the Inuit of Nunavik in northern Quebec, acquired a significant interest in the airline alongside the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.
- 2018 – Makivik Corporation and the Inuvialuit Corporate Group signed a definitive agreement to merge Canadian North with First Air, another major Arctic carrier.
- 2019 – The Government of Canada approved the merger on 19 June 2019. On 1 November 2019, First Air and Canadian North combined schedules under the Canadian North brand and IATA code 5T, creating a unified Pan-Arctic airline.
- 2024 – Canadian North began an interline partnership with Air Greenland, enabling timed connections between Nuuk, Iqaluit, Kuujjuaq, Montreal, and Ottawa.
Today, Canadian North operates from two primary hubs: Yellowknife in the west and Iqaluit in the east. As a 100% Inuit-owned airline, its mission centres on facilitating the safe and efficient movement of people and goods to, from, and within Inuit Nunangat.
Fleet and Aircraft
Canadian North operates a versatile mixed fleet of Boeing 737 jets and ATR turboprops, purpose-built for the demands of northern operations. The fleet comprises approximately 34 aircraft:
- Boeing 737-300 – Seven passenger aircraft configured with 136 seats, plus two Combi variants that can be set up with 136 seats, 80 seats with three cargo pallets, or as a full freighter.
- Boeing 737-400 – One dedicated passenger aircraft with 156 seats, two Combi models with 72 seats and four cargo pallet positions, and one dedicated freighter capable of carrying up to 48,000 pounds across 11 pallets.
- Boeing 737-700 – Four passenger aircraft, each accommodating 134 passengers.
- ATR 42-300 and ATR 42-500 – Turboprop aircraft used for shorter northern routes and smaller community airstrips.
- ATR 72-500 – Larger turboprop aircraft offering greater capacity on regional routes.
A distinctive feature of the Canadian North fleet is that all aircraft are equipped to land on gravel and ice strips, allowing operations into communities with unpaved runways. Many aircraft are Combi-configured, meaning they can carry both passengers and cargo on the same flight, an essential capability for delivering supplies to remote northern communities.
Top Flight Routes
Canadian North connects northern communities with major Canadian cities. Popular routes include:
- Edmonton to Yellowknife – One of the busiest routes, serving as the primary gateway between southern Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
- Ottawa to Iqaluit – A vital link between Canada's capital and the capital of Nunavut, used extensively for government, business, and personal travel.
- Yellowknife to Inuvik – Connecting the NWT capital with the western Arctic town of Inuvik, an important hub for the Beaufort Delta region.
- Iqaluit to Rankin Inlet – A key east-west Arctic connection linking the Baffin and Kivalliq regions of Nunavut.
- Montreal to Kuujjuaq – The main route connecting southern Quebec with the Nunavik region.
- Edmonton to Hay River – Serving the South Slave region of the Northwest Territories.
- Iqaluit to Ottawa via Montreal – Providing connections from eastern Arctic communities to the national capital region.
If you are a Malaysian traveller planning a trip to Canada's Arctic regions, you can connect through major Canadian airports. Popular routes from Malaysia include Kuala Lumpur to Sydney or Kuala Lumpur to London, from which you can connect to Canadian cities like Ottawa or Edmonton to begin your northern adventure.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Canadian North's baggage policy varies by fare type and aircraft. Understanding the allowances before you fly can help you avoid unexpected charges.
Carry-On Baggage
- Dimensions: Maximum 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm (including handles and wheels).
- Weight: Up to 10 kg per passenger.
- One carry-on item plus one personal item (e.g., handbag, laptop bag) are permitted.
Checked Baggage by Fare Type
- Saver Fare: One free checked bag. A second checked bag costs CAD 86.25 and travels on a standby basis. A third bag costs CAD 138.
- Flex Fare: First checked bag is free. A second checked bag costs CAD 86.25. A third bag costs CAD 138.
- Super Flex Fare: First and second checked bags are free. A third bag costs CAD 138. Fourth and fifth bags must be shipped via cargo.
Weight Limits
- Jet flights (Boeing 737): Maximum 70 lbs (31.75 kg) per checked bag.
- Prop flights (ATR): Maximum 50 lbs (22.68 kg) per checked bag.
Excess and Oversize Fees
- Overweight bag (over 51 lbs): Additional fee applies; a 75 lb bag costs approximately CAD 172.50.
- Oversized bag (over 158 cm linear dimensions): CAD 230 fee.
- If a bag is both overweight and oversized, only the lower of the two fees applies.
- Bags exceeding 100 lbs must be shipped via cargo and cannot be checked at the counter.
- A maximum of three bags may be checked at the counter; additional bags must be transported as cargo.
Check-in Guide
Canadian North offers both online and airport counter check-in options to make your travel experience as smooth as possible.
Online Check-in
- Available from 24 hours to 60 minutes before departure.
- Accessible via the Canadian North website for itineraries where the first or all flights are operated by Canadian North.
- Print or save your boarding pass digitally after completing online check-in.
Airport Counter Check-in
- Standard flights: Check in at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
- Flights with security screening (Edmonton, Ottawa, southbound from Yellowknife and Iqaluit): Arrive and check in at least 90 minutes before departure.
Ensure all travel documents, including valid government-issued photo identification, are ready at check-in. For international connections, carry your passport and any required visas.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Canadian North operates an Economy Class cabin across its fleet. While the airline does not offer a separate business or first class cabin, it provides three fare tiers that determine flexibility and included amenities:
- Saver: The most affordable option with one free checked bag and limited change flexibility.
- Flex: Offers greater flexibility for changes with one free checked bag and lower cancellation fees.
- Super Flex: The most flexible fare with no cancellation fees, two free checked bags, and priority benefits.
In-Flight Meals and Beverages
Canadian North provides complimentary in-flight dining on jet services departing from major hubs such as Ottawa and Edmonton. Meal options typically include breakfast, lunch, or dinner depending on the time of departure, with choices such as hot entrees, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Complimentary snacks and beverages, including coffee, tea, juices, and soft drinks, are served on most flights. Aurora Concierge members enjoy complimentary alcoholic beverages.
Seat Configuration
Boeing 737 aircraft feature a standard 3-3 Economy Class layout. ATR turboprops have a 2-2 configuration, offering window and aisle access for all passengers. Seats can be selected during booking or online check-in.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Canadian North is committed to ensuring all passengers travel comfortably and safely. The airline offers several special services:
Children and Infants
- Children under 2 years old may travel as lap infants free of charge.
- Children aged 2 and above require their own seat and ticket.
Unaccompanied Minors
- Available for children aged 5 to 17 travelling without a parent or guardian.
- Children under 5 cannot travel unaccompanied and must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or older.
- Children aged 5 to 11 must use the Unaccompanied Minor Service; it is optional for ages 12 to 17.
- A non-refundable fee of approximately CAD 52.50 to CAD 56.50 per flight applies.
- The service is available on non-stop or direct flights only.
Pregnant Passengers
- Passengers are welcome to fly up to the end of the 36th week of pregnancy.
- After the 36th week, a medical certificate from a doctor is required, confirming the number of weeks along and fitness to travel.
- The original, signed, and dated certificate must be presented at check-in.
Special Assistance
- Wheelchair assistance is available at all airports served by Canadian North.
- Passengers with mobility needs or medical equipment should contact the airline in advance to arrange assistance.
- Service animals are permitted in the cabin at no additional charge.
Frequent Flyer Programme
Canadian North's loyalty programme is called Aurora Rewards. Members earn points every time they fly on a scheduled Canadian North flight with a paid ticket, based on the distance flown and the fare purchased. New members receive a 200-point sign-up bonus.
Aurora Concierge Tiers
- Aurora Concierge Silver: Achieved after 12 flight segments (approximately 6 round trips) in a calendar year. Benefits include a 5% bonus on Aurora Rewards points earned and priority services.
- Aurora Concierge Gold: Achieved after 18 eligible one-way flights or 20,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. Benefits include an extra checked bag, priority check-in, priority baggage handling, and priority boarding.
- Aurora Concierge Diamond: Achieved after 30 or more flight segments in a calendar year. Includes all Gold benefits plus complimentary alcoholic beverages, no-fee changes, and a personalised membership card and baggage tag.
Redeeming Points
Aurora Rewards points can be redeemed for free flights starting from as few as 12,000 points for short-haul routes. Points can also be used for gift cards and merchandise. Additionally, Aurora Rewards members earn Aeroplan Miles on Canadian North flights, providing further redemption flexibility across the broader Aeroplan network.
Why Book Canadian North Flights on Traveloka
Booking your Canadian North flights through Traveloka offers several advantages for Malaysian travellers:
- Easy fare comparison: Traveloka lets you compare Canadian North fares alongside other airlines on a single platform, helping you find the best deal for your trip to Canada's Arctic.
- 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 confirmation: Receive your booking confirmation and e-ticket immediately after payment, with no need to visit a physical office.
- 24/7 customer support: Traveloka's support team is available around the clock to assist with booking enquiries, changes, and cancellations.
- Exclusive promotions: Access Traveloka-exclusive deals and seasonal discounts on Canadian North and other airline tickets.
- Seamless multi-leg bookings: Book connecting flights from Kuala Lumpur to Canadian cities and onward Canadian North flights to northern destinations in a single transaction.
Canadian North Promotions and Deals on Traveloka
Traveloka regularly features promotions that can help you save on Canadian North flights. Here are some tips for finding the best deals:
- Book early: Fares to northern Canadian destinations tend to be lower when booked well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Use Traveloka Price Alerts: Set up alerts for your preferred route and travel dates to be notified when prices drop.
- Check seasonal promotions: Traveloka runs periodic flash sales, holiday promotions, and voucher campaigns that may apply to Canadian North flights.
- Travel during off-peak periods: Avoid peak summer months (June to August) and holiday periods for more competitive fares.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday flights often offer lower fares compared to weekend departures.
- Bundle your booking: Combine your flight with hotel accommodation on Traveloka for potential package savings.
- Pay with e-wallets: Look out for cashback promotions when paying with Touch 'n Go, Boost, GrabPay, or ShopeePay on Traveloka.
How to Book Canadian North Tickets on Traveloka
Booking Canadian North flights on Traveloka is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Open the Traveloka app or visit the Traveloka website.
- Select "Flights" from the main menu.
- Enter your departure city (e.g., Ottawa or Edmonton), destination (e.g., Iqaluit or Yellowknife), travel dates, and number of passengers.
- Browse the available flights and use the filter options to select Canadian North (5T) as your preferred airline.
- Choose your preferred flight and fare type (Saver, Flex, or Super Flex).
- Enter passenger details, including full name (as per travel documents), date of birth, and contact information.
- Select any add-ons such as travel insurance or extra baggage if needed.
- Choose your payment method – credit card, debit card, bank transfer, or e-wallet (Touch 'n Go, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay).
- Confirm your booking and receive your e-ticket instantly via email and the Traveloka app.
With Traveloka, booking your Canadian North flight from Malaysia is quick, secure, and hassle-free. Start planning your journey to Canada's magnificent Arctic today.