Buffalo Airways offering discount cargo as water levels impact barge shipments

An N.W.T.-based airline is offering discounted rates to fly cargo to Sahtu communities, as low water levels impact barge shipments.

On Friday, Buffalo Airways issued a news release stating it would be launching a "Sahtu Air Barge."

"While the Air Barge program won't solve all the challenges shippers are faced with this year, it is designed to provide the most cost effective alternative to barge freight, for those that can't wait until the next winter road season to move their cargo," the release says.

The communities in the Sahtu rely on barge shipments to bring cargo and fuel in the summer months, along with the winter road. But last year some barge shipments were cancelled due to low water levels, and with the Mackenzie River at extreme low levels, there's a risk it could happen again this summer.

The territorial government announced last week that all cargo destined for communities north of Norman Wells will be directed to the Tuktoyaktuk terminal because of low water levels south of Fort Good Hope.

Danny Gaudet, chief (ekw'ahtı̨dé) of the Délı̨nę Got'ı̨nę Government, says he's thankful to Buffalo Airways for offering the service.

"They know that the Sahtu is going to have problems," he said.

"I always say it's the northern businesses that are going to step up in hard times."

The Buffalo Airways release advertised 60 cents per pound for general cargo with a minimum shipment of 2,000 pounds from Yellowknife to Norman Wells.

Then from Norman Wells to Deline and Tulita, it will charge 50 cents a pound and 75 cents a pound for flights from Norman Wells to Colville Lake and Fort Good Hope.

The news release says Buffalo Airways will use its new 737 freighter to fly from Yellowknife to Norman Wells with a capacity of nearly 42,000 pounds per flight.

Air Barge flights will take off on Saturdays throughout the summer, but will be "subject to demand, and will continue as long as required."

A spokesperson with the Department of Infrastructure wrote in an email that it appreciates "any existing or new initiatives assisting residents to get cargo delivered to their communities."

"We understand that the current record low water levels may cause uncertainty and we recommend customers to consider all shipping options."

The spokesperson said the Marine Transportation Services, which operates the barges, will continue monitoring water levels and provide updates when they are available.