The proposed merger of First Air and Canadian North has received all necessary regulatory approvals, according to the Inuit-led proponents behind the deal.

Transport Canada set the following terms:

• No price increases for both passenger travel and cargo delivery beyond those related to operating costs
• No reductions to the weekly schedule options on all routes of the airlinesSA国际影视传媒� combined network
• Access to northern infrastructure (facilities and equipment) for new airlines entering the market
• A commitment to increasing Inuit representation across the merged entitySA国际影视传媒檚 operations
• Several transparency and accountability measures, such as providing quarterly financial updates and yearly financial statements to the minister of Transport Canada.

Quebec-based Makivik Corporation and Inuvik-based and the Inuvialuit Corporate Group (ICG) proposed the combining of the two dominant airlines last July.

SA国际影视传媒淭his is good news,SA国际影视传媒� said Charlie Watt Sr., MakivikSA国际影视传媒檚 president. SA国际影视传媒淚n 1990 we bought a troubled airline, First Air, and made it sustainable. At the time, we promised to create an airline owned by all of the Inuit of Canada and we are now much closer to making that a reality.SA国际影视传媒�

The Competition Bureau warned Transport Canada in February of likely fare and cargo rate increases and reduced routes if the merger proceeded.

A new release from Makivik and ICG rejects that notion: SA国际影视传媒淭ravellers can be confident that there will be no degradation in service during the merger process, nor following its completion. The parties are committed to ensuring that the merger creates a sustainable airline which provides exceptional customer experience at the best possible prices.SA国际影视传媒�

The new, Pan-Arctic airline will operate under the name SA国际影视传媒淐anadian NorthSA国际影视传媒� and aircraft will use First AirSA国际影视传媒檚 colours and inukshuk logo. Headquarters for the merged airline will be in Ottawa.

SA国际影视传媒淭he North, more than any other region in Canada, relies on air transportation to maintain quality of life. We carefully examined the public interest, financial and competition aspects of the proposed merger,SA国际影视传媒� stated Transport Canada Minister Marc Garneau. SA国际影视传媒淎 strong, financially stable northern air carrier, taking advantage of operating and network efficiencies of a merger, will best serve the North by leading to greater reliability of service as well as environmental sustainability. The strict terms and conditions will keep costs low and ensure northern and remote communities have the access they deserve, while at the same time protecting northern jobs.SA国际影视传媒�