About Us

North Star Air began operations in 1997 in Pickle Lake. By 2005 NSA took over Canadadirect, providing NSA its first PC-12 aircraft. In 2012 Frank Kelner joined the team, bringing with him over 40 years of aviation experience in the North including 20,000+ hours flying time and running numerous airlines including Kelner Airways (present-day Wasaya Airways). Identifying the need for another carrier in the North, NSA then embarked on an ambitious expansion plan to improve reliability and competitiveness in the industry. This plan included the creation of Cargo North, the first operator in the world to use the Basler BT-67 for high-frequency, short-distance freight runs. In 2013 NSA partnered with Muskrat Dam and Sachigo Lake through a revenue-sharing agreement launching its Flex Flight service from Sioux Lookout. That same year a second Basler aircraft was added. In 2014 NSA relocated its Headoffice & expanded its Flex Flight network to Thunder Bay. Cat Lake, Deer Lake, Kashechewan, Neskantaga & North Caribou Lake partnered with the airline through revenue sharing agreements. In 2015 Bearskin Lake, Poplar Hill & Webequie joined the NSA team along with a third Basler and two additional Pilatus aircraft. That same year NSA was awarded the delivery contract for six North West Company (Northern) stores. Since awarded this contract, NSA has maintained a 95% or greater on-time performance. In 2016 NSA & Cargo North merged to create one airline capable of delivering both passenger & cargo services. In June 2017 NSA was acquired by The North West Company.