Airborne Logistics
Adapting to challenging conditions
Many mining and exploration operations in Québec and Atlantic Canada are remote, particularly in Canada’s far north, where overland access routes often simply do not exist, or are seasonally limited – making travel by air to the site an unavoidable part of the mining process. So-called ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) operations are thus a common feature in this region. Some operations bring all personnel, equipment and supplies by air, while others may supplement a limited local labour pool with flown-in workers from other areas.
Examples of FIFO at producing operations in eastern Canada include Vale’s Voisey’s Bay mine in Labrador and Glencore’s Raglan mine in Nunavik. FIFO can be yet more relevant for explorers, with their penchant for seeking out untouched terrain, and with limited budgets to build out transport infrastructure to reach it. It can offer greater flexibility to reach far-flung areas of James Bay or the Labrador Trough and bring heavy machinery like drilling equipment to remote sites.
Remoteness often comes hand-in-hand with a high level of exposure to harsh and changeable weather conditions. By their very nature, exploration sites are largely undeveloped, meaning runways or landing areas may be of poor quality, short in length, or otherwise unfamiliar to pilots. Moreover, although around one-third of Québec, particularly in its northern Nunavik region, has remained for millennia in a state of continuous permafrost, climate change has begun to significantly impact ice and ground conditions for landing planes in recent decades. Winters have shortened and weather is less consistent, adding further unpredictability. On top of all of that, remoteness itself presents dangers due to limited communication infrastructure and distance from any potential source of assistance in the event of an accident or unexpected problem.
Rigorous training of pilots for these unique and challenging conditions is essential. At Panorama Helicopters, which marks its 25th anniversary in 2025, maintenance of the company’s reputation for reliability and pilot skill necessitates an intensive multi-year training program, followed up with weeks of continuous refresher training every year. “New pilots begin with lighter tasks and gradually progress under the guidance of experienced mentors, often requiring 3-5 years before advancing to complex operations like drill moves. Simulators play a key role in safely preparing pilots for high-risk situations,” explained Patrick Coté, Panorama’s general manager.
Rising commodity prices have delivered rising demand for Panorama’s services, including transporting drill equipment and conducting electromagnetic surveys, which require complex, precise helicopter maneuvering. It is work that Coté called “inherently dangerous,” making ensuring safety the company’s number one priority.
Nolinor Aviation, which operates FIFO, cargo and other charter services from hubs in Québec, Alberta, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories, has made its pilot training program a value-adding component of its business. The company’s ‘Become a Pilot’ scheme has trained more than 25 pilots, with its employees able to undertake the program alongside their day job. “The program attracts young talent to Nolinor, operates at low marginal cost, boosts performance, and supports strong retention – our pilot turnover rate is under 10%,” said Marco Prud’Homme, Nolinor’s president.
At its hub in Mirabel, Nolinor’s cockpit simulator integrates the latest virtual reality technology into traditional pilot training, with a full-scale, extremely detailed virtual model of its aircrafts’ controls, enhancing trainees’ muscle memory of critical flight procedures and preparing them for more advanced work in its Miami-based flight simulator.
Still, even the most highly-trained pilots will almost inevitably face disruptions due to adverse weather conditions, unanticipated maintenance issues or regulatory constraints. For both airlines and mining operations, unexpected time spent with airplanes on the ground is costly. To help address this, Octant Aviation, an air logistics consultancy, launched its new Cardinal Aéro division in early 2025. “Cardinal’s role includes organizing flight schedules, managing crew rotations, adapting to last-minute changes, and keeping track of performance and costs. Our deep understanding of mining realities help ensure that air transportation supports the rhythm of operations,” explained Octant and Cardinal’s president, Nathalie Tousignant.
Cardinal accounts for production schedules, workforce requirements and cost controls to design efficient airborne logistics programs for its clients, generating contingency plans to ensure smooth, continuous operation.
Technological enhancements
Nolinor’s pursuit of technologies extends beyond just its virtual reality training systems. The company is the first in northern Canada to place an order for the Natilus Kona, a blended wing aircraft with a space-age visage which Prud’Homme assured will bring a range of benefits to its fleet: “The Kona is a relatively small aircraft, capable of landing on shorter runways than the Boeing 737-200, which could open new markets for us. It offers improved fuel efficiency, longer range, and greater autonomy,” he said.
Natilus, the Kona’s manufacturer, is also developing a larger aircraft which may serve as a potential challenger to the 737-200 within Nolinor’s operations in years to come.
Panorama, meanwhile, has embraced a range of digital tools for the upkeep of its fleet of helicopters. As well as an entirely digital aircraft maintenance system, Coté said: “We have implemented application-based tools like Helitrends to monitor engine health through regular power checks, and Helicloud to automate flight reporting via smartphone GPS and sensors. These innovations improve data accuracy, align maintenance with actual flight time, and streamline service delivery.”
Québec and Atlantic Canada’s mix of remoteness, climatic conditions and demand for top-quality services makes it a unique hub for airborne logistics for the mining industry. As demand for critical minerals continues to push mines further north and further from population centers, the relevance of FIFO operations and their facilitators will likely only be reinforced. This region’s airborne logistics providers therefore find themselves at the leading edge of innovation in the sector, pushing the boundaries of possibility on their pilots’ skills and their equipment’s efficiency.
Article header image by Ross Parmly at Adobe Stock