Perimeter Aviation's terminal expansion draws rave reviews from Manitoba's First Nations
Perimeter Aviation has opened its expanded Winnipeg airport terminal, saying it will improve connectivity between freight networks and remote First Nations communities in northern Manitoba.
The airline's 21,743 square-foot terminal expansion boasts two new gates to host multiple flights departing at the same time, an upgraded outbound baggage system, and improved security through electronic scanners, the company says in a news release.
"When I think about aviation, it is a necessity for northern remote First Nations," Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs' said at Thursday's launch event.
"It is essential for health care, food security as well as economic opportunities, and so this is why this work is important … these improvements directly benefit First Nations," said Wilson.
The expansion features custom artwork by Indigenous artists, and includes upgraded amenities including a new restaurant, power-charging seating, and accessibility features such as visual paging, the company says.
The airline, which has provided service for the past 65 years, provides a link to more than 28 destinations, primarily in remote and isolated communities around northern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario, the company's website says.
Perimeter has been criticized for its service in the past.
A Perimeter plane crash in 2020 sparked criticism of the airline's safety, its service contract practices and its treatment of Indigenous customers in northern First Nations.
Chiefs from the Island Lake region also slammed the airline in 2023, condemning the airline's high fares, excess baggage fees and the serious delays they say created undue hardship to the fly-in communities.
Wilson says the new upgrades represent a shift in how Perimeter provides services to First Nations communities, and will provide accessible, safe and affordable air transportation.
"Every flight connects our people to care and opportunity, and to their families … this is definitely reconciliation in action," Wilson said.
"This is an important investment … we need to continue to invest in infrastructure when it comes to connectivity to our First Nations communities in the north. Migwetch [Thank you]," Wilson said.
Garrison Settee, grand chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc., says he appreciates how the new space will make taking travel easier for people leaving home for medical attention.
"This is a lifeline for our First Nations … there's a lot of space for our people to be able to be comfortable, especially when they're travelling for medical reasons, "Settee said.
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