$10M, 37,000-sq-ft hub consolidates cargo, maintenance and passenger services at YQT
THUNDER BAY – BUSINESS/AVIATION – North Star Air has officially cut the ribbon on its new multi-purpose hangar and flight centre at Thunder Bay International Airport, marking a major investment in Northern aviation and supply chains that serve fly-in First Nations across Northwestern Ontario.
North Star Air has been working in the region to build a better service model, they initiated COVID-19 Rapid testing during the pandemic, ensuring the health and safety of Northern communities. They have instituted partnership agreements with Northern First Nations that have seen millions of dollars flow back into the partner communities.
The facility opened with a community celebration, and tours on Aug. 16, 2025
Inside the new facility
The $10-million, 37,000-square-foot complex brings a full-size hangar, integrated cargo warehouse, on-site parking and a passenger terminal (to open at a later date) under one roof. Previously, the airline’s maintenance, cargo, passenger services and administration were spread across seven different buildings at the airport.
The move streamlines operations and is designed specifically for northern service, with walk-in cooler/freezers, an expanded passenger lounge, and maintenance on site.
North Star Air began construction in December 2023 and transitioned into the new space in June 2025. “We’re really excited to be in our new hangar. This is our new home in Thunder Bay…a serious investment in the North,” shared President & COO Jeff Stout, who emphasized the facility will handle well over a thousand people weekly once fully ramped.
Food Security and North Star Air
Shipping freight to northern communities is one of the key components for North Star Air. Now for frozen foods and foods needing refrigeration, NSA has ample room ensuring that what is frozen and needs to stay frozen will do just that.
Strengthening lifeline service to the North
Community leaders joined the opening, including Chief Cornelius Wabasse (Webequie First Nation), underscoring the airline’s role in year-round passenger travel and essential goods delivery to remote communities.
Stout noted that flying in the North is “a necessity, not a luxury,” and the new hub showcases the airline’s capacity to serve regions with challenging airport infrastructure and weather conditions.
Where to find it & what’s moved
North Star Air Thunder Bay headquarters is at 2051 Derek Burney Drive. The company has been relocating cargo and PC-12 charter operations to the new hangar as the facility comes online, with the passenger terminal to follow.
Why it matters for Northwestern Ontario
Consolidating operations at YQT should shorten turnaround times, improve cold-chain reliability for perishables and medicines, and add resiliency for “flex” passenger and charter services that tie Northern communities to Thunder Bay’s health care, education and retail hubs.
The expansion also aligns with the airline’s growth under parent company The North West Company, a major northern retailer and logistics player.
