About Us
Table of Contents
Who We Are
Commitment to Safety
At Perimeter Aviation, safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Every member of our team is dedicated to conducting business in a way that ensures the health and safety of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve.
We have implemented a comprehensive Safety Management System that is designed to meet our safety objectives by:
Proactively identifying hazards and minimizing risks
Strictly following company policies and procedures
Committing to continuous improvement
Meeting and exceeding all legislative, regulatory, and industry requirements
Employees are required to report any circumstances, hazards, accidents, incidents, or deficiencies that could impact the health or safety of anyone within our organization or those we serve.
We strive to provide a secure and reliable travel experience for our customers by:
- Regularly maintaining and inspecting our fleet to the highest standards
- Ensuring all staff receive ongoing safety training and certifications
- Implementing rigorous safety protocols and emergency procedures
At Perimeter Aviation, your safety is our priority.
Our History
Perimeter Aviation
Perimeter Aviation was founded in 1960 as Canada’s first private Instrument Flight Rating (IFR) School. Our journey started small but services quickly expanded to include charter flights and aircraft maintenance. In 1964, our first hangar was acquired at Winnipeg International Airport, marking a significant milestone in our ability to service aircraft. Growth was accelerated in 1976 when Perimeter Aviation acquired Transair’s northern interior flight routes and two Twin Otter aircraft. This acquisition increased the team from 25 employees to 100, catapulting Perimeter Aviation into a major regional airline virtually overnight.
Over the years, Perimeter Aviation continued to diversify its fleet and services, adding executive jets and specialized aircraft like the Lear 35 and King Air 100 to cater to corporate charters. In 1978, the Metro aircraft was introduced for scheduled passenger flights, connecting communities across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. One of our most notable achievements came in 1997 when Perimeter Aviation became the sole Canadian company authorized by Transport Canada to overhaul Garrett turbine engines to zero-time, a testament to our engineering capabilities.
The new millennium brought further expansion with the addition of larger Dash 8 aircraft, broadening our operational capacity. Our dedication to community service was exemplified in 2001 with the launch of Aeromed air ambulance services, providing critical medical transport across North America.
In 2004, our journey began anew when Perimeter Aviation was acquired by Exchange Income Corporation (TSX: EIF) as their first essential air service. The acquisition continues to strengthen our position as a leader in regional aviation, committed to excellence and community service.
Bearskin Airlines
Founded in 1963 by Otto John Hegland near Bearskin Lake, Ontario, Bearskin Airlines began with just two Cessna 180s, serving remote Indigenous communities with dedication and reliability. In 1972, a young pilot named Harvey Friesen joined the team, and his leadership transformed Bearskin Airlines. By 1977, Harvey had acquired a 50% stake in the company and became the President and CEO. Under his guidance, Bearskin Airlines expanded operations, introducing scheduled flights that connected Big Trout Lake, Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay, and Winnipeg, capitalizing on Ontario’s ‘highway in the sky’ to enhance regional accessibility.
Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Bearskin Airlines grew exponentially, expanding into Thunder Bay, Kenora, and northeastern Ontario, and later into northern Manitoba. The strategic vision and collective dedication of the team enabled Bearskin Airlines to evolve into one of Canada’s most successful commuter regional carriers. In 1994, Bear Country, our in-flight magazine was launched, showcasing the people, places, and events in the destinations we serve.
In 2003 Bearskin Airlines sold the bulk of our northern assets to Wasaya Group, in a drive to focus on core markets and enhancements to operational efficiency. Acquired by Exchange Income Corporation in 2011, Bearskin Airlines continued to expand our fleet of Fairchild Metroliner aircraft, supporting over 100 daily flights to 18 destinations across Ontario and Manitoba. Bearskin Airlines’ commitment to customer service and operational excellence remains unwavering, driven by a dedicated team and a legacy of community support initiatives.
Together to Connect Horizons
The merger of the northern icons Perimeter Aviation and Bearskin Airlines in 2018 marked a new chapter. Bearskin Airlines now operates as an integrated division of Perimeter Aviation which leverages a robust fleet with over 35 aircraft, a certified Approved (Aircraft) Maintenance Organization (AMO), Aeromed air ambulance services, custom charter flights across North America, and cargo shipping to over 30 destinations. Together, we offer decades of experience and enhanced connectivity across Manitoba, Northern Ontario, and beyond.
Looking ahead, we are committed to maintaining our legacy of excellence and community service. We continue to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of our passengers. Whether it’s enhancing our route network or introducing new fare options, our focus remains on delivering exceptional customer experiences.
As we celebrate our shared history and look towards a bright future. Perimeter Aviation and Bearskin Airlines reaffirm our commitment to safety, reliability, and the communities we serve. Together, we carry forward a tradition of aviation excellence, connecting northern Canada and beyond with efficiency and care.
Our Fleet
Dash 8-300
The Dash 8-300 commuter turboprop is our largest, most comfortable aircraft, capable of transporting up to 45 passengers per flight.
- With a cruising speed of 290 mph, and a range of 1600 statute miles, the Dash 8-300 is capable of efficiently flying non-stop to almost any destination in North America, including remote airstrips with short gravel runways in adverse weather conditions.
- Passenger amenities include full-leather interior, on-board lavatory, complimentary refreshments, and a flight attendant to help ensure your safety and comfort.
Capacity: 45
Cargo: 9,280 lbs
Crew: 3
Speed: 260 kts / 300 mph
Max Altitude: 25,000 ft
Engine: Turboprop, multi
Length: 84’3”
Wingspan: 90’
Height: 24’ 7”
Payload: 12,500 lb*
Runway Requirements: 3,500 ft min. length, 50 ft min. width
Dash 8 – 100
The Dash 8-100 commuter turboprop is our second largest aircraft, capable of transporting up to 37 passengers per flight.
- With a cruising speed of 290 mph, and a range of 900 statute miles, the Dash 8-100 is a smaller, more cost-effective version of the larger Dash 8-300. Just like the 300, the Dash 8-100 is fully capable of flying into short gravel runways in adverse weather conditions.
- Passenger amenities include full leather interior, on-board lavatory, complimentary refreshments, and a flight attendant to help ensure your safety and comfort.
Capacity: 37
Cargo: 7,500 lbs
Crew: 3
Speed: 250 kts / 290 mph
Max Altitude: 25,000 ft
Engine: Turboprop, multi
Length: 73’
Wingspan: 85’
Height: 24’ 7”
Payload: 7,800 lbs*
Runway Requirements: 3,000 ft min. length, 50 ft min. width
Fairchild Metro III
The Fairchild Metroliner III (Metro III) is capable of transporting up to 19 passengers per flight.
- With a cruising speed of 300 mph, and a range of 1,700 statute miles, the Metro III is the second fastest aircraft with the longest range in our fleet. It is easily capable of flying non-stop to any destination in North America, including airstrips with short gravel runways in adverse weather conditions.
- Passenger amenities include all-leather interior and new carpeting.
Capacity: 19
Cargo: 3,000 lbs
Crew: 2
Speed: 280 kts / 320 mph
Max Altitude: 25,000 ft
Engine: Turboprop
Length: 59’ 4”
Wingspan: 57’
Height: 16’ 8”
Payload: 3,800 lbs*
Runway Requirements: 3,500 ft min. length, 50 ft min. width
The Fairchild Merlin III
The Fairchild Merlin III (Merlin) is a shortened executive-class version of the Metroliner, capable of transporting up to 6 passengers per flight.
- With a cruising speed of 315 mph, and a range of 1700 statute miles, the Merlin is the fastest aircraft with the longest flight range in our fleet. It is easily capable of flying non-stop to any destination in
- North America, including airstrips with short gravel runways in adverse weather conditions. Passenger amenities include all-leather interior and full refreshment center (catering service is also available upon request).
Capacity: 6
Cargo: 700 lbs
Crew: 2
Speed: 275 kts / 315 mph
Max Altitude: 25,000 ft
Engine: Turboprop, multi
Length: 42’ 2”
Wingspan: 46’ 3”
Height: 16’ 10”
Payload: 1,770 lbs*
Runway Requirements: 3000 ft min 50 ft min width
Fairchild Metro II
The Fairchild Metroliner II (Metro II) is our second smallest aircraft with a flying (fuel) range of up to 4 hours. It is used exclusively for our Aeromed air ambulance division.
- With a cruising speed of 300 mph, and a range of 1100 statute miles, the Metro II is a smaller version of the larger Metro III and is fully capable of flying into short gravel runways in adverse weather conditions.
- Each Metro II is equipped with Spectrum Aero Med systems, a removable Ferno number 9 stretcher, 3,400 L built in oxygen tank, suction unit, 115 VAC power, Physio Control Life Pak 15 Cardiac monitors, IV pump, plus all other equipment and supplies required by Manitoba Health Emergency Services Basic Air Ambulance licensing.
- Includes a custom-made stretcher lift with electric winch capable of supporting up to 800lbs, with an extra large rear cargo door (53”X 53”) to provide for easy transportation of every body and over-sized wheelchairs.
Capacity:
Cargo: 2800 lbs
Crew: 2
Speed: 260 kts / 300 mph
Max Altitude: 27,000 ft
Engine: Turboprop
Length: 59’ 4”
Wingspan: 46’ 3”
Height: 16’ 8”
Payload: 3,000 lbs*
Runway Requirements: 3,000 ft min. length, 50 ft min. width
