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Santa in the North 2025
The 25th Annual Santa in the North Program is just around the corner, with the event being held for the first time in NOVEMBER!!
Rise Air and Snowbird Aviation Services are thrilled to announce the dates when Santa and his helpers will once again bring joy to the students in the Athabasca Basin!
Mark your calendars:
Nov 24: Black Lake (AM) & Stony Rapids (PM)
Nov 25: Wollaston Lake (AM)
Nov 26: Fond du Lac (AM)
Dec 5: Uranium City (AM)
Santa's Partners
We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from our partners.
Cameco Corporation has made a considerable investment in the gifts for the students this year and is our official Gift Partner for Santa in the North!
Alongside Cameco, we're proud to announce Kelly Panteluk Construction Ltd, Graham Construction, Orano Canada, Uranium Energy Corporation, Saskatoon Co-op, Athabasca Basin Development, The Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation, and Uranium City Bulk Fuel as sponsors of this program, bringing joy to the north.
Indigenous Book Program
At the heart of our program is the annual Indigenous-authored and illustrated book program, driven by Athabasca Basin Development. This initiative, promoting representation and literacy, returns once again, offering a wide selection of age-appropriate books. Students and adults alike will enjoy stories and characters that reflect life in the north and that of Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Thank you to the partners in the Indigenous book program: Athabasca Basin Development, Athabasca Basin Security, Points Athabasca, Points North, Arctic Beverages, Flyer Electric, Team Drilling, Long Lake Insurance, Optek Solutions and Tru North.
What to Expect
Not only is this a chance for the children to spend time with Santa, but the reusable gift bag will also include a healthy snack and other treats in addition to the main gift.
And...The Saskatchewan Roughriders are sending a player to join Santa's team once again!
Sunday flights to resume in Prince Albert
Rise Air is pleased to announce the return of Sunday flights between Prince Albert and the northern communities of Fond du Lac, Stony Rapids/Black Lake and Wollaston Lake/Hatchet Lake after an absence of four years.
Flights will begin on May 5, 2025, and are available to be booked from today via riseair.ca or by calling our reservations team on 1-800-667-9356.
"I know first-hand from listening to our passengers that they will be relieved and delighted that we are going to be open on Sundays," said Brian Ertman, Prince Albert Base Manager, Snowbird Aviation Services, Rise Air’s sister company. "Growing our ability to help people get to and from appointments, connect with family and travel for work is a positive step forward."
"We've maintained a positive dialogue with the City of Prince Albert, and we appreciate their leadership in reopening the airport on Sundays," said Derek Nice, President and CEO, Rise Air.
“Our Airport Operations team, led by the Airport Coordinator and Airport Manager, has made important improvements to enhance efficiency and expand operating hours”, said Jeff Da Silva, Director of Public Works. “These changes reflect our commitment to rethinking how we deliver services, which wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of the entire airport team. We look forward to continuing to improve Airport services in the future.”
“Prince Albert is emerging as the hub for Northern Saskatchewan. The expansion of Rise Air’s services and our involvement as a stakeholder in this initiative show that industry and government can work together to accomplish substantial achievements,” said Mayor Bill Powalinsky.
Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte expressed his gratitude to the City of Prince Albert and Rise Air. “Our member communities in the Athabasca Basin have been asking for this Sunday service. They are happy to see its return.’
Rise Air’s Tracy Young-McLean named one of Canada’s Most Admired CPCOs™ for 2024.
Tracy Young-McLean
Rise Air and Snowbird Aviation Services are delighted to announce that Tracy Young-McLean, our Vice President and CHRO has been named one of Canada’s Most Admired CPCOs™ for 2024.
This recognition honours leaders who drive people and culture-centered initiatives to ensure their organizations attract and retain the high-performance leaders and team members needed to foster culture and achieve exceptional growth and performance.
“I’m proud of this well-deserved recognition for Tracy and for what she has achieved during a very challenging period for Rise Air, Saskatchewan businesses, and the global airline industry,” said Derek Nice, Rise Air's President and CEO. “Her accomplishments will be well-remembered as we continue to build on the foundations she has laid for our success.”
Tracy’s commitment to fostering a positive culture has been a driving force behind our organization’s success. Her vision and leadership have created an environment where every team member can thrive.
Earlier this year, we announced internally that we will be celebrating Tracy’s retirement at the end of 2024. Next month, we will publicly share news about her successor.
We celebrate this incredible recognition of Tracy, her leadership, and her values, and we will embrace her legacy across Rise Air.
ATR -600 Series Makes Canadian Debut With Rise Air
Rise Air pioneers ATR -600 series entry into Canada
With three new ATR 72-600, Rise Air becomes Canada’s launch customer, boosting its fleet and enhancing year-round remote connections.
ATR, the world’s leading regional aircraft manufacturer, is proud to announce that Rise Air, a 100 per cent Indigenous-owned airline providing essential services across Saskatchewan, is upgrading its fleet with three new 68-seat ATR 72-600, becoming the Canadian launch customer for the latest generation ATR -600 series. The first aircraft is a firm order with ATR, set to be delivered by the end of 2025. The company plans to lease two others for delivery in 2026.
ATR’s turboprops are flying in 100 countries, often in challenging conditions, providing vital connectivity to the local communities. They are known for their low operating costs and ability to operate on unpaved and short runways in extreme weather conditions, including temperatures as low as -45°C. While earlier generations of the ATR 42 and ATR 72 are operated by Rise Air and eight other Canadian passenger and cargo airlines, totalling over 50 aircraft, this landmark agreement represents a significant milestone for both Rise Air and ATR, bringing the newest version to Canada.
The latest ATR 72-600 is fitted with new PW127XT engines produced by Pratt & Whitney Canada in Montreal, which offer high reliability, lower maintenance costs, and a remarkable 45% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to similar-sized regional jets. The ATR 72-600 also brings an enhanced passenger experience thanks to its modern cabin with large overhead bins, comfortable 18-inch-wide seats, and upgraded air conditioning and heating system. The aircraft’s fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, increased availability, and improved reliability make it an ideal choice for operators looking to replace ageing fleets.
Derek Nice, President and CEO at Rise Air, said: "We are thrilled to be introducing the ATR 72-600 to Canada, bringing our customers more comfortable, more reliable air service at remote work sites and communities across the north. The ATR 72-600’s outstanding performance and low environmental footprint make it the perfect choice for operating in the diverse and challenging conditions where we operate. We look forward to continuing to enhance regional connectivity and support economic growth in the areas we serve."
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, commented: "We are delighted to support Rise Air as they introduce the first ATR 72-600 in Canada, marking a double milestone as it also represents the debut of the -600 series in the country. This agreement not only reinforces the strength of our aircraft in the regional market but also demonstrates the growing interest in the ATR -600 series for markets like Canada, where replacing older aircraft with efficient, high-performance alternatives and enhancing year-round connectivity in extreme weather conditions are crucial. We look forward to working with Rise Air to deliver exceptional service to Canadian communities."
Rise Air’s commitment to the ATR -600 series is the largest investment the airline has made in its 69-year history and is the biggest step to date in its fleet renewal programme. The agreement with ATR represents generational change, positioning Rise Air to operate the most modern regional aircraft fleet in Canada.
Rise Air is a 100 per cent Indigenous-owned airline, operating 25 aircraft, and employing 300 skilled professionals to provide scheduled flights, workforce transportation and medevac services, connecting 27 communities and remote work sites across Saskatchewan’s north to Saskatoon, Prince Albert and beyond. Its affiliate Snowbird Aviation Services provides terminal services, ramp handling, fueling, de-icing and cargo handling for Rise Air and other customers at 12 airports throughout the region.
ABOUT ATR
ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72, the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the company is to accelerate sustainable connections for people, communities and businesses, no matter how remote. Flown by some 200 airlines in over 100 countries, ATR aircraft opened 160 new routes in 2023, facilitating the development of territories and enabling access to crucial services like healthcare and education. Thanks to ATR’s focus on continuous innovation and the intrinsic efficiency of the turboprop technology, ATR aircraft are the most advanced, versatile, cost-effective and lowest-emission regional aircraft on the market, emitting 45% less CO2 than similar-size regional jets.
In January 2022, we flew the first-ever commercial aircraft using 100% SAF in both engines. ATR is a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo. Visit us on www.atr-aircraft.com
MEDIA RELATIONS
Charlotte GIURIA
+33 (0)6 80 48 20 96
charlotte.giuria @atr-aircraft.com
Our $100 Christmas Card Colouring Contest
Calling all young artists!
Are you someone who likes to draw or paint? We’re holding a contest to find the design for the 2024 Rise Air Christmas Card. Rise Air is looking for art from children and youth showing the beauty and culture of life in the north of Saskatchewan.
Use a single piece of letter-sized paper in the wide or horizontal orientation. Complete the artwork ready for submission and then on a second piece of paper complete the following details:
- Name of the artist.
- Age of the artist.
- Community name.
- Full name of parent or guardian giving consent to enter the contest.
- Email address and telephone number of the parent or guardian.
If you have the ability to scan the image and details above, please email the contest entry to communications@riseair.ca (PDF, JPG, PNG format. Maximum file size 6MB) or drop it off at any Rise Air check-in desk across Saskatchewan.
The winner of the contest will receive a $100 VISA gift card and a Rise Air gift pack. There is no cash alternative to this prize. Full terms and conditions below.
RISE AIR COLOURING CONTEST RULES
Rise Air is offering this contest and is referred to as the “Contest Organizers”. By participating in this contest, the person or child’s legal parent/guardian is agreeing to the Contest Rules and Terms and Conditions as outlined below.
CONTEST DATES
The Christmas Card Colouring Contest begins October 4, 2024 and closes at 11:59 pm Central Standard Time on October 30, 2024.
ELIGIBILITY
Contest open to persons ages under 18. Consent from a parent or guardian must be given to validate entries. One (1) entry per person.
HERE’S HOW TO ENTER
Create an original drawing, painting or other form of flat image using one piece of letter-sized paper with the long side along the bottom that can be scanned and submitted to the Contest Organizers. Entries can be scanned and then emailed to communications@riseair.ca or safely dropped off at any Rise Air base.
Do not write on the back of the picture but include a second piece of paper with the following information.
- Name of the artist.
- Age of the artist.
- Community name.
- Full name of parent or guardian giving consent to enter the contest.
- Email address and telephone number of the parent or guardian.
By entering the contest you agree to let Contest Organizers post your artwork on social media channels, in print on the Christmas cards for public distribution, and within other marketing materials (your name, age and location will be displayed only with your consent) and you accept the terms and conditions of the contest.
Be sure to include with your entry the artist’s name and age, plus a parent or guardian’s phone number, or e-mail address so that winners may be notified. At this point we will also ask for consent to publish the name of the winning artist along with their location.
JUDGING
Entries will be judged at contest end, and $100 prize will be awarded then. Decisions are at the discretion of the Contest Organizers and are subject to change at any time.
We reserve the right to award multiple winners and prizes, or no winners and prizes.
WINNERS & PRIZES
Winners will be notified by email, or phone. The winner will receive a Rise Air gift pack and $100 in the form of a pre-paid VISA gift card Contest ends 11:59 pm Central Standard Time on October 30, 2024, or as otherwise posted on Contest webpage.
GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS
By entering the Contest, all entrants agree to be bound by the rules of the contest and release the Contest Organizers and all parties associated with this Contest from any liability with respect to the contest and the redemption of any Prize. Contest Organizers reserve the right to withhold the Prize or disqualify any Contestant’s entry in the event that any Contestant fail or refuse to comply with these contest rules. By entering this contest, Contestants and their legal parent(s) or guardian(s) consent to the Contest Organizers publishing or announcing any Prize winners’ name and photograph(s), in future publicity, without permission or compensation to the Contestant or any other party. The Contest Organizer shall not be held liable if the contestant’s entry is lost or damaged before submission by employees or agents of the Rise Air and Snowbird Aviation Services. Damaged submissions will not be valid entries.
This shall include unlimited reproduction, publication, use and distribution in all forms and media, and in all manners including advertising, trade, display, editorial, art, video production, exhibitions and website content.
If for any reason, in the opinion of the Contest Organizers, in its sole discretion, the contest is not capable of running as planned or if the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of the contest is corrupted or adversely affected, including by reason of infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures or other causes beyond its control, Contest Organizers reserve the right to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the contest including any method of entry.
All entries become the property of the Contest Organizers and none will be returned.
As per the privacy policy of each of the contest entries, the Contest Organizers do not sell or redistribute any personal information to any third party. All decisions made by the Contest Organizers with respect to the contest will be final.
Contest Organizers will not enter into correspondence with any Contestant except with the selected entrants and at the Contest Organizer’s own initiative. Any inquiries or concerns relating to the contest should be addressed to Rise Air via communications@riseair.ca.
This contest is subject to all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations and is void where prohibited.
INDEMNIFICATION AND RELEASE
By entering the contest and participating in any promotions relating thereto, each entrant agrees to release and hold Sponsor, their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, parent companies, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents, and any other companies participating in the design, administration or fulfillment of this sweepstakes and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents, harmless from any and all losses, rights, claims, injuries, damages, expenses, costs or actions of any kind resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from participation in this sweepstakes or any sweepstakes-related activity, or acceptance, possession, use or misuse of the prize or parts thereof, including without limitation personal injuries, death and property damage and claims based on publicity rights defamation or invasion of privacy.
E&OE October 8, 2024.
Girls Take Flight
A team from Rise Air participated in the annual "Girls Take Flight" event at the Mitchinson Flight Centre on Saturday, aiming to inspire women and girls to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace.
The free event offered participants the chance to take a flight with a certified female pilot and meet with women established in the industry.
Rise Air's team, including Gail Fox, Jen Makowski, Tanisha Natomagan, Jaden White, Audrey Lin, and Alicia Ard, spent time on board their flagship ATR 42-500 aircraft and in Mitchinson's hangar, speaking with visitors about opportunities and careers in aviation.
"It's important to get more women into aviation," said Jaden White, Operations Coordinator. "It's really important that we have representation, and that young girls can say 'Hey, I have a female pilot today…or I have a fully female flight crew.'"
Jaden, along with nine colleagues from departments across Rise Air and Snowbird Aviation Services, went through a stringent application process to become beneficiaries of Rise Air's new internal "Take Flight" program.
Recipients will receive financial assistance of up to $30,000 each to help them complete their commercial flight training. This financial support comes with the benefit of mentoring from senior colleagues to help them on their journey to becoming a fully-fledged commercial pilot with Rise Air.
Aviation Superfan Celebrates 19th Birthday at Rise Air
Alex Adams, a lifelong aviation enthusiast, celebrated his 19th birthday by making a special trip to Rise Air in Saskatoon.
Adams, who grew up in Uranium City, Saskatchewan, has been fascinated by flying since he was a young child. He estimates that he has traveled on Rise Air flights more than 1,000 times.
“I love everything about flying,” said Adams. “I love the feeling of being up in the air, and I love seeing the world from a different perspective.”
Adams moved to Saskatoon three years ago to complete his schooling. He is currently a student at Mount Royal Collegiate and is set to graduate in June 2024.
After graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in aviation. His dream is to become a pilot for Rise Air.
“I know it will take a lot of hard work to qualify, but I’m willing to put in the time and energy to make my dream a reality,” said Adams.
“I’ve been flying virtual aircraft on Microsoft Flight Simulator for years, and I even run my own virtual version of Rise Air.”
Tracy Young-McLean, Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Services, said that Adams would be a welcome addition to the Rise Air family regardless of his position.
“Alex is passionate and knowledgeable,” said Young-McLean. “He has volunteered at the aviation museum and was part of our summer student program working in our facilities department in 2023. Young-McLean added, “We are excited to see what he accomplishes in the future.”
Rise Air is 100 per cent Indigenous-owned by the communities it serves across northern Saskatchewan. The airline is committed to increasing Indigenous employment and representation across the organization.
Our $100 Christmas Card Colouring Contest
Calling all young artists!
Are you someone who likes to draw or paint? We’re holding a contest to find the design for the 2023 Rise Air Christmas Card. Rise Air is looking for art from children and youth showing the beauty and culture of life in the north of Saskatchewan.
Use a single piece of letter-sized paper in the wide or horizontal orientation. Complete the artwork ready for submission and then on a second piece of paper complete the following details:
- Name of the artist.
- Age of the artist.
- Community name.
- Full name of parent or guardian giving consent to enter the contest.
- Email address and telephone number of the parent or guardian.
If you have the ability to scan the image and details above, please email the contest entry to communications@riseair.ca (PDF, JPG, PNG format. Maximum file size 6MB) or drop it off at any Rise Air check-in desk across Saskatchewan.
The winner of the contest will receive a $100 VISA gift card and a Rise Air gift pack. There is no cash alternative to this prize. Full terms and conditions below.
RISE AIR COLOURING CONTEST RULES
Rise Air is offering this contest and is referred to as the “Contest Organizers”. By participating in this contest, the person or child’s legal parent/guardian is agreeing to the Contest Rules and Terms and Conditions as outlined below.
CONTEST DATES
The Christmas Card Colouring Contest begins October 27, 2023 and closes at 11:59 pm Central Standard Time on November 3, 2023.
ELIGIBILITY
Contest open to persons ages under 18. Consent from a parent or guardian must be given to validate entries. One (1) entry per person.
HERE’S HOW TO ENTER
Create an original drawing, painting or other form of flat image using one piece of letter-sized paper with the long side along the bottom that can be scanned and submitted to the Contest Organizers. Entries can be scanned and then emailed to communications@riseair.ca or safely dropped off at any Rise Air base.
Do not write on the back of the picture but include a second piece of paper with the following information.
- Name of the artist.
- Age of the artist.
- Community name.
- Full name of parent or guardian giving consent to enter the contest.
- Email address and telephone number of the parent or guardian.
By entering the contest you agree to let Contest Organizers post your artwork on social media channels, in print on the Christmas cards for public distribution, and within other marketing materials (your name, age and location will be displayed only with your consent) and you accept the terms and conditions of the contest.
Be sure to include with your entry the artist’s name and age, plus a parent or guardian’s phone number, or e-mail address so that winners may be notified. At this point we will also ask for consent to publish the name of the winning artist along with their location.
JUDGING
Entries will be judged at contest end, and $100 prize will be awarded then. Decisions are at the discretion of the Contest Organizers and are subject to change at any time.
We reserve the right to award multiple winners and prizes, or no winners and prizes.
WINNERS & PRIZES
Winners will be notified by email, or phone. The winner will receive a Rise Air gift pack and $100 in the form of a pre-paid VISA gift card Contest ends 11:59 pm Central Standard Time on November 3, 2023, or as otherwise posted on Contest webpage.
GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS
By entering the Contest, all entrants agree to be bound by the rules of the contest and release the Contest Organizers and all parties associated with this Contest from any liability with respect to the contest and the redemption of any Prize. Contest Organizers reserve the right to withhold the Prize or disqualify any Contestant’s entry in the event that any Contestant fail or refuse to comply with these contest rules. By entering this contest, Contestants and their legal parent(s) or guardian(s) consent to the Contest Organizers publishing or announcing any Prize winners’ name and photograph(s), in future publicity, without permission or compensation to the Contestant or any other party. The Contest Organizer shall not be held liable if the contentant’s entry is lost or damaged before submission by employees or agents of the Rise Air and Snowbird Aviation Services. Damaged submissions will not be valid entries.
This shall include unlimited reproduction, publication, use and distribution in all forms and media, and in all manners including advertising, trade, display, editorial, art, video production, exhibitions and website content.
If for any reason, in the opinion of the Contest Organizers, in its sole discretion, the contest is not capable of running as planned or if the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of the contest is corrupted or adversely affected, including by reason of infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures or other causes beyond its control, Contest Organizers reserve the right to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the contest including any method of entry.
All entries become the property of the Contest Organizers and none will be returned.
As per the privacy policy of each of the contest entries, the Contest Organizers do not sell or redistribute any personal information to any third party. All decisions made by the Contest Organizers with respect to the contest will be final.
Contest Organizers will not enter into correspondence with any Contestant except with the selected entrants and at the Contest Organizer’s own initiative. Any inquiries or concerns relating to the contest should be addressed to Rise Air via communications@riseair.ca.
This contest is subject to all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations and is void where prohibited.
INDEMNIFICATION AND RELEASE
By entering the contest and participating in any promotions relating thereto, each entrant agrees to release and hold Sponsor, their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, parent companies, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents, and any other companies participating in the design, administration or fulfillment of this sweepstakes and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents, harmless from any and all losses, rights, claims, injuries, damages, expenses, costs or actions of any kind resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from participation in this sweepstakes or any sweepstakes-related activity, or acceptance, possession, use or misuse of the prize or parts thereof, including without limitation personal injuries, death and property damage and claims based on publicity rights defamation or invasion of privacy.
E&OE October 26, 2023.
Air Transport Association of Canada recognizes Carla Wayman
Carla Wayman, Rise Air’s Director of Flight Operations was awarded ATAC’s Paul Mulrooney Memorial Award of Excellence.
Demonstrating outstanding organizational skills, and commitment to excellence in everything she undertakes, Carla has repeatedly proven able to work under pressure and to motivate others to contribute to the team effort.
This award is bestowed to employees of ATAC operator member companies who have demonstrated excellence in their professional advancement, achieved steady progression up to management from their entry-level positions, demonstrated leadership in team management, have honored the highest ethical standards, have maintained the highest industry safety standards, and who must be willing to act as an ambassador in the promotion of our industry and show compassion by supporting the pathways through education for youth choosing aviation as a career.
