Altura Airlines, Canada's first Indigenous-owned airline, officially launched commercial flights on July 20, 2026. The airline, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is owned by the Fisher River Cree Nation and aims to improve air connectivity for remote Indigenous communities in northern Manitoba and Ontario.
The inaugural flight departed from Winnipeg to Thompson, Manitoba, with a stop in Grand Rapids. The airline plans to serve routes that are often underserved by major carriers, focusing on reliable and affordable service to remote areas.
Altura Airlines operates a fleet of small aircraft, including Beechcraft 1900D and Saab 340 models, to accommodate the shorter runways and lower passenger demand typical of northern communities. The airline has partnered with local health authorities to facilitate medical travel and cargo transport.
