Bradley Air Services Limited

Canadian aviation pioneer, Russell (Russ) Bradley, started his pilot training centre and flying school in Ottawa in 1946. From the outset, Russ proved an innovator. He and legendary pilot and partner, Weldy Phipps, revolutionized Arctic flying capability by developing the large balloon-like "tundra tires" in response to the Geological Survey of Canada contract awarded to Bradley Air Services in the late 1950s. No longer were their growing number of clients going to be as limited to where and when they could land in the High Arctic.

In a few short decades, Bradley Air Services Ltd. has evolved to become Canada's foremost Arctic and remote region air carrier, operating under the trademark name - FIRST AIR. Today, First Air, The Airline of the North, is owned by Makivik Corporation, the body responsible for administering the land claim settlement of the Inuit of northern Quebec. Through a series of prudent acquisitions in recent years (Ptarmigan Airways and NWT Air), First Air has expanded its fleet, its route system, and already extensive range of air carrier capability.

For over 40 years, government agencies, the military, scientists, researchers, the resource sector and also adventure seeking tourists from around the world, have all looked to First Air over the years to make the northern reaches of Canada more accessible. Our reputation for reliability and unsurpassed expertise is the progressive culmination of more than 55 years of experience gained primarily in Arctic and High Arctic operations.