MEDIA RELEASE: Yukon First Nations Air Leasing LP Secures Three New Medevac Aircraft
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
For Immediate Release:
March 24, 2026
Yukon First Nations Air Leasing LP Secures Three New Medevac Aircraft
Whitehorse, Yukon – The Yukon First Nations Air Leasing Limited Partnership (YFNAL LP) has purchased three ‘new to the fleet’ King Air 350 aircraft, which it will lease to Alkan Air Ltd. (Alkan) to enhance the local aviation company’s air ambulance capabilities on behalf of the territorial government and as a result, all Yukoners’ health and wellbeing.
The YFNAL LP owns 75 per cent of the aircraft, while Alkan Air owns the remainder and serves as the operating company and medevac service provider.
Established in 2022, the YFNAL LP is 100-per-cent Yukon First Nation owned comprised of: Carmacks Development Corporation; Copper Nissuu LP (White River First Nation); Da Daghay Development Corporation (Ta’an Kwäch’än Council); Kluane Dana Shaw LP (Kluane First Nation); Haa Chali LP (Carcross/Tagish First Nation); Na-Cho Nyak Dun Development Corporation; Dena Nezziddi LP (Ross River Dena Council); and, Selkirk Development Corporation.
The planes were unveiled today at Alkan’s medevac hangar in Whitehorse; celebrated by a fly by at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY), a Yukon First Nation Elder prayer and blessing and remarks by representatives of the YFNAL LP, Alkan Air, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the funder and the Government of Yukon.
“Eight of the Yukon’s 14 First Nations are partners in this critical - and often life-saving - relationship that serves both our citizens and all Yukoners,” said Tiffany Eckert-Maret, YFNAL LP representative. “It reflects the vision of our grandparents when they drafted Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow, building a stronger future through partnership, opportunity, and self-determination. This is Yukoners caring for Yukoners while creating real economic opportunity for First Nations communities.”
Alkan has provided the territory’s air ambulance service for decades. A publicly-tendered, 10-year contract from the Government of Yukon, announced last July, will take effect on April 1, 2026 with an option to extend for an additional two years. The new fixed wing aircraft will continue to operate from Whitehorse airport and feature updated medical interiors while providing a uniform fleet and faster local response times.
“The entire Alkan Air team extends its sincere appreciation to the Yukon First Nations Air Leasing Limited Partnership for its vision and trust in the medevac services we provide,” said Alkan CEO Lacia Kinnear. “These three King Air 350 aircraft represent the next chapter for air ambulance services in the Yukon. They bring faster response times and a
modern medical cabin allowing our crews and the Emergency Medical Services team to deliver the highest level of care to patients across our vast territory. Just as importantly, they represent a partnership model in which Yukon First Nations are directly invested in the infrastructure which supports the health and wellbeing of all Yukoners.”
The number of patients transported by the Yukon’s air ambulance program increased from 988 in 2020 to 1,489 in 2024; representing an increase over 50 per cent.
“Today’s unveiling of the new King Air 350s represents not only where we are today, but where we are going,” concluded Eckert-Maret. “This is Yukon First Nations stepping forward as partners in the territory’s success - delivering essential services, creating opportunity, and building a future where Yukoners care for Yukoners. It was an exciting day, and one that will benefit our communities across the Yukon for decades to come.”
Media Inquiries:
Amanda Leslie
Mosaic Communications for Alkan Air Ltd.
867.334.4770
Mellisa Kwok
Nacho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation for the YFNAL LP
867.335.5606
Attachment: Yukon Medevac King Air 350:
