Lockheed Martin Canada Commits Over $9.5 Million to Air Inuit B737 800 Combi Engine Overhauls, Strengthening Service to Kuujjuaq
Press Release
OTTAWA, Ontario, May 28, 2026 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Canada has invested over $9.5 million (CAD) towards Air Inuit, a Canadian airline wholly owned by the Inuit of Nunavik that helps to safely keep the people of 14 northern communities connected with essential passenger and freight service. This investment is enabled by Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits policy, fulfilling economic impact commitments related to Canada’s in-service support of the CC-130J Super Hercules aircraft fleet.
WHY IT MATTERS
In a region with no roads or rail, Air Inuit operates on gravel airstrips, through snow and on ice, providing daily essential passenger, freight and medevac services to numerous communities, promoting trade and preserving Inuit culture.
The investment supports Air Inuit's direct operations by providing funding for engine overhauls on B737-800 combi aircraft that service the Montreal to Kuujjuaq (YUL to YVP) route. These aircraft enable improved service by carrying more passengers and cargo while producing lower carbon emissions.
Aligned with Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and Industrial and Technological Benefits policy, this investment delivers long-term economic benefit, building on Lockheed Martin Canada’s measurable impact already achieved in Quebec. Over the last five years, an average of 1,509 jobs were supported each year, adding $1.1 billion in total value to the provincial economy, generating $820 million in labour income and supporting $40 million in government revenue.
EXPERT PERSPECTIVES
“This investment in Air Inuit shows that Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy is delivering results by strengthening our national security while driving economic growth at home,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “Through its partnership with Lockheed Martin Canada, Air Inuit can expand operations, create well-paying jobs and enhance essential services for northern communities.”
“This investment towards Air Inuit, headquartered in Saint-Laurent, is especially important because air transportation is essential for connecting northern communities to critical services, economic opportunity, and family connections across Quebec and Canada,” said Emmanuella Lambropoulos, MP for Saint-Laurent. “It also directly reflects the strength of our local aerospace and aviation ecosystem, while reinforcing its role in Canada’s broader aviation sector. It is a strong example of how national infrastructure investments can deliver real benefits both locally and in the North, supporting jobs, strengthening partnerships, and improving essential services for communities that depend on reliable air access.”
“Considering the uniquely challenging conditions in which we operate, our team is hyper focused on adapted aircraft and high maintenance standards,” said Christian Busch, president and CEO of Air Inuit. “This significant investment from Lockheed Martin Canada enables improved service on a critical route for our customers and communities in Nunavik.”
“With a long and proud history in Canada, our teams support a vast supply chain and partnership ecosystem, delivering economic benefits from coast to coast to coast,” said Kristen Leroux, vice president and regional executive for Canada and Latin America at Lockheed Martin. “This investment champion’s Air Inuit’s growth and supports long-term operations for key Canadian communities.
ADDITIONAL CONTEXT
For decades CC-130 and CC-130J Hercules aircraft have been the workhorse for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Through Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, over $4.7 billion (CAD) in economic benefits has been delivered to Canada by Lockheed Martin, as a result of Canada’s purchase and associated In-Service Support of 17 CC-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
About Lockheed Martin Canada
Headquartered in Ottawa, Lockheed Martin Canada is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation. Our 1000-strong Canadian workforce accelerates the delivery of all-domain mission solutions for Canada and allies, providing advanced software engineering, systems integration, manufacturing, training and sustainment services. More information at lockheedmartin.ca.
About Air Inuit
Founded by the Inuit of Nunavik in 1978, Air Inuit, a wholly owned subsidiary of Makivvik, was created to provide air connections between Nunavik’s 14 coastal villages and the South, to promote trade, and to preserve Inuit culture. With more than 1,250 employees and a fleet of 36 aircraft, Air Inuit is committed to the development of this vast territory and the prosperity of its people by supporting community organizations, cultural events, educational and sports programs, as well as employment access initiatives for Inuit people. For more information visit Air Inuit.
I thought they mostly flew 727s up north, there was a mentourNow video that explained that the 727 the last commercial passenger liner to be certified for gravel runways...