Air Tindi was established by two families, Alex Arychuk and his wife Sheila, and his brother Peter Arychuk and his wife Teri.[7] It began operations on 1 November 1988, with four float/ski aircraft. In 1990, it purchased its first de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin OtterSTOL capable turboprop with the help of the Rae-Edzo Development Corporation, allowing the airline to expand and provide more services to the growing mining exploration industry. In 1991, Air Tindi merged with Latham Island Airways and acquired a further four aircraft in the process.[6] By mid-1992, Air Tindi was operating four Twin Otters on floats. In 1993, its first large aircraft was purchased, a DHC-4 Caribou for re-supply work with the mining industry. A DHC-7 Dash 7STOL capable turboprop was acquired in 1996.
On 19 December 2006, Air Tindi was sold to Discovery Air (Toronto Stock Exchange at DA.A), a publicly traded holding company based in London, Ontario.[8] The founders originally maintained their positions with Air Tindi, but various corporate disagreements led to Alex Arychuk leaving as president, and departing the Discovery Air board.[9]
In August 2011 the Government of Nunavut announced that it had awarded a contract to Air Tindi and its partner Aqsaqniq, owned by Dennis Lyall, to provide medivac services to the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut. The previous holder of the contract, Adlair Aviation, appealed to the Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti and a decision was expected by 11 October 2011.[10][11] The decision to dismiss the appeal was made 29 October 2011 and the news released 31 October. Adlair was given an extension on their contract until the end of November 2011.[12] Air Tindi also provides medivac services for the entirety of Northwest Territories.[13]
Combi aircraft (freight and passenger configuration) & 46 passengers (in all passenger configuration)[17]
Total
25
16
Accidents and incidents
On 4 October 2011, a Tindi owned Cessna Caravan en route from Yellowknife Airport to Lutselk'e Airport crashed about 25km (16mi) west of the community. There were, including the pilot, four people on the aircraft and two were reported killed. The condition of the two survivors was not disclosed but they had been sent to Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife.[18][19][20]
On 30 January 2019, a Tindi King Air 200, C-GTUC, was en route from Yellowknife to Whatì Airport in instrument meteorological conditions, and crashed about 21 nautical miles (39km; 24mi) east southeast of the community of Whatì. The two crew, who were the sole occupants, were killed. The investigation determined that both attitude indicators had failed, one prior to departure and one in-flight.[21]
On 1 November 2021, a Tindi Twin Otter, C-GNPS, en route from Yellowknife to Fort Simpson Airport ran out of fuel, and was forced to make a landing on muskeg14km (8.7mi) from Fort Providence Airport. All five occupants, consisting of three passengers and two pilots, survived the landing and were rescued four hours after. The investigation found that the captain incorrectly assumed that the plane was refuelled in Yellowknife due to a fuel slip from three days prior being observed on the door, and was interrupted during the "Before Start" checklist, resulting in the fuel quantity check to be missed.[22]
On 27 December, 2023, a Tindi Twin Otter, C-GMAS, was conducting a flight from Margaret Lake, Northwest Territories, to Lac de Gras, Northwest Territories, in support of winter road construction with two crew members and eight passengers on board. On approach to Lac de Gras, the aircraft collided with terrain. Two people sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft was significantly damaged. Search and rescue technicians from Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Trenton (JRCC) and the Royal Canadian Air Force parachuted into the area to provide medical and survival support overnight. In addition, emergency personnel from the Diavik Diamond Mine were deployed and arrived on scene the evening of the accident. All personnel were recovered from the site the following day and received appropriate medical attention. As of 11 June 2024, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating.[23]
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