Mirabel, November 13, 2017 —Sarliaq Aviation, a Nunavut-based company, in partnership with Quebec transporter Nolinor Aviation, has signed a 10-year agreement with Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. to provide air transportation for employees and cargo from Montreal and Abitibi-Temiscamingue to the company’s mining projects in the Kivalliq region in Nunavut. The contract was secured through a rigorous bidding process, during which the partner companies demonstrated that they met the mining company’s extensive list of prerequisites for punctual and safe service.

“Sarliaq Aviation and Nolinor have worked together since 2010, and we are thrilled to continue our partnership through this new contract,” said Silu Panniuq, president of Sarliaq Aviation. “This 10-year agreement will solidify the company’s future, ensure long-term employment and expand our service offer through Agnico Eagle.”

“We already provide employee and cargo transport for Agnico Eagle’s Meadowbank open-pit gold mine, near Baker Lake. The new agreement will add flights to Rankin Inlet for their new mine, Meliadine, currently under construction. In all, Nolinor will provide 416 flights per year, or 8 flights per week, to Nunavut,” explained Jacques Prud’homme, president of Nolinor Aviation.

High-performance planes serving Northern Canada
Transportation will be provided using the largest Boeing 737-200 fleet in the world, operated by Nolinor Aviation, a Quebec company based in Mirabel. These airplanes offer the best load capacity, the fastest flights and the most flexible configuration on the market. They can takeoff and land on a gravel strip and are used by most mining projects in Canada. Nolinor can transport passengers, cargo or a combination of the two. Safe, high-quality service is a major factor in Nolinor Aviation’s reputation, and the company has an on-time departure rate of more than 97% year after year.

“Partner companies Sarliaq Aviation and Nolinor Aviation thank Agnico Eagle Mines Limited for their trust, and we are hoping for a long and prosperous partnership,” Mr. Prud’homme concluded.