Air Creebec Proud of the past, prepared for the future

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Air Creebec, a Cree-owned air carrier serving northern Quebec and Ontario, has taken on a new challenge as of March 31. Company president, Albert Diamond, announced that a $19-million agreement has been negotiated with the James Bay Energy Corporation. During the three-year contract, Air Creebec will transport workers from southern Quebec to a northern hydro project.

A new 50 seat Dash 8-300 aircraft has been acquired to handle the project.

The company's fleet also includes HS-748, Beech 1900D and Embraer 110 aircraft. They fly about 60,000 people annually.

Air Creebec maintains a head office in Val-d'Or, Que. and two bases in Ontario at Moosonee and Timmins.

The newly minted contract illustrates the solid position that Creebec has attained in the Canadian aviation industry. Company directors are still flying high from the success of their 20th anniversary celebration last summer.

The milestone anniversary was marked in July 2002, said Diamond. A celebratory dinner was also held in October with Cree leaders and government representatives in attendance.

"It was a very good turnout," Diamond said. "Letters of congratulation were received from Prime Minister [Jean] Chretien and transport Minister David Collenette."

"Staff members received track suits with the company logo and our aircraft were painted with the 20th anniversary logo as well," Anne-Marie Farrington, Air Creebec's marketing manager added. "Special draws were also held for customers."

The company started out in 1982 with one twin Otter aircraft, Albert Diamond said. Hiis brother, Billy, was the first part-time president of the fledgling enterprise. But by the summer of 1992, the board of directors decided a full-time president was needed to handle the company's growth.

Albert, a former teacher and band manager, has watched the company grow from humble roots to a dynamic business. As the former treasurer of the Grand Council of the Crees of Quebec and the Cree Regional Authority, he brought extensive background in financial management to the company.

In the beginning, the company had 17 employees, but over the years the workforce grew to 185.

Albert Diamond attributes the success of the venture to strong management and a team approach.

"The company is not run by one single person," he stressed. "Everyone on staff understands their role and their job since goals and objectives are all clearly defined."

There were some lean years in the beginning, he indicated.

"The company did well in the first seven years of operation. But then there were some setbacks in the aviation industry. We had to be adaptable and adjust to existing conditions. The support of the Cree people was always there though," he said.

"The Cree people take pride in the company; it is their airline," he emphasized. "There is very little turnover in staff and to me that indicates that people like working for the company.

Anne-Marie Farrington, Air Creebec's marketing and operations manager since 1990, echoed the president's tribute to the airline's staff.

"The major factor in our success is the dedication and enthusiasm of the staff to ensure a safe and successful operation," she said. "Team work is always critical to make sure things run smoothly."

There are other ingredients in their recipe for success, Farrington said. Air Creebec operates daily scheduled flights carrying air cargo and passengers to James Bay coastal communities. In addition, they work jointly with Air Canada and provide Aeroplan benefits. They have a toll free reservation line open seven days a week.

The idea for a Native-run airline was initiated as far back as 1976. The Cree Regional Authority entered a joint venture with Austin Airways in 1979. By 1982 the Cree owned 51 per cent of the shares. Later in 1988, they bought out their partner to become sole owner.

The company strives to abide by its mission statement: "We are one family committed to work together to provide a vital air link contributin to the social and economic development of the Cree nation by being the best regional airline, maintaining the highest safety standards and ensuring long-term viability by operating profitably."