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Calm Air is a Canadian regional airline providing essential air service to northern Manitoba and the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut. Founded in 1962 by Arnold and Gail Morberg (the name derives from Carl Arnold Lawrence Morberg's initials), the airline began as a charter service operating a single floatplane from Stony Rapids, Saskatchewan, serving the couple's remote fishing camp on Black Lake.

The airline has grown from its modest origins into a full-service carrier operating passenger, charter, and freight services across more than 22 communities. Calm Air moved its headquarters to Thompson, Manitoba ("Hub of the North") in 1985 before relocating to Winnipeg. Since April 2009, Calm Air has been owned by Exchange Income Corporation (EIC), which also owns Perimeter Aviation, Keewatin Air, PAL Airlines, and Bearskin Airlines.

Calm Air plays a vital role as a lifeline for remote First Nations communities, mining operations, and Arctic settlements. The airline operates from Winnipeg to Rankin Inlet on the Arctic Circle, providing the only practical transportation link for many communities inaccessible by road. In 2015, Calm Air secured the passenger and freight business for the entire Kivalliq region, establishing a hub-and-spoke operation from Rankin Inlet with twice-daily frequency to Winnipeg.

Carry-On Allowance

Each passenger is permitted two pieces of carry-on baggage with a combined weight limit of 20 lbs (9 kg).

Primary Carry-On:

• Dimensions: 16" x 12" x 10" (40 x 30 x 25 cm)
• Examples: Small rolling bag, backpack, briefcase

Secondary Item (Personal Item):

• Dimensions: 12" x 10" x 8" (30 x 25 x 20 cm)
• Must fit under the seat in front of you
• Examples: Purse, laptop bag, camera bag, diaper bag

Additional Permitted Items (when space allows):

• Small cameras, coats, and purses
• Medication bag
• Canes, urns, CPAP machines (life-sustaining items)
• Mobility aids (exempt from restrictions)

Important: E-cigarettes and vaporizers must be carried on and cannot be placed in checked baggage.

Checked Baggage

Calm Air offers four fare brands with varying baggage inclusions. Maximum three pieces accepted per passenger as standard allowance.

By Fare Type (all prices CAD, include taxes):

Fare Brand	1st Bag	2nd Bag	3rd Bag
FLY	$26.25	$52.50	$78.75
FLYflex	Included	$52.50	$78.75
FLYplus	Included	Included	$78.75
SOAR	Included	Included	Included

Size & Weight Limits:

• Maximum linear dimensions: 62 inches / 158 cm (L + W + H)
• Individual piece limit: 50 lbs (23 kg)
• Combined weight limit: 120 lbs (54 kg) per passenger

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Condition	Fee (CAD)	Fee (USD)
Combined weight over 120 lbs	$105.00	~$74
Individual bag overweight (51-70 lbs)	$105.00	~$74
Oversized bag (63-115 inches)	$105.00	~$74
Overweight + Oversized	$131.25	~$93

Excess Bags (beyond 3-piece allowance):

Excess Piece	Fee (CAD)	Fee (USD)
Extra piece (within limits)	$78.75	~$56
Extra piece overweight	$105.00	~$74
Extra piece oversized	$105.00	~$74
Extra piece overweight + oversized	$131.25	~$93

Maximum of 2 additional pieces per passenger. Items over 70 lbs or 115 linear inches must be shipped via Calm Air Cargo.

Note: Calm Air cannot interline tag baggage to partner airlines. Plan accordingly for connections.

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Wheelchair	Free	Mobility aids exempt from excess charges
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
CPAP machine	Free	Doesn't count as carry-on
Musical instruments	Contact airline	Fragile items in carry-on if fits; otherwise checked in hard case
Sports equipment	Check	Golf clubs, skates, baseball bats must be checked (not cabin)
Pets	Contact airline	Arrangements must be made in advance

Recommended for Carry-On:

• Medications and prescriptions
• Valuables and fragile items
• Essential documents

Fees as of January 2026. All prices include applicable taxes. Verify at calmair.com/baggage before traveling.

Fleet & Cabin Configuration

Calm Air operates a fleet of turboprop aircraft designed for northern operations, including gravel and ice strip capability essential for reaching remote communities.

ATR 72:

• Capacity: 22, 34, or 62 seats (depending on configuration)
• Max payload: 13,000 lbs
• Range: 1,000 miles
• Cruising speed: 320 mph
• Gravel and ice strip capable

ATR 42:

• Capacity: 22, 34, or 42 seats (depending on configuration)
• Max payload: 9,800 lbs
• Range: 700 miles
• Cruising speed: 270 mph
• Gravel and ice strip capable

Boeing 737-400 (via Canadian North codeshare):

• Capacity: 72 seats
• Used on Winnipeg-Rankin Inlet route
• Max payload: 34,000 lbs
• Ice strip capable only

ATR 72 Freighter:

• Cargo-only configuration with full roller floor
• Max payload: 16,000 lbs
• Supports essential goods supply to northern communities

Cabin Features

All passenger aircraft include:

• Lavatory facilities
• Flight attendant service
• Standard economy seating in 2-2 configuration (turboprops)

Food & Beverage

In-flight service varies by route and flight duration. Northern flights typically include basic beverage service. Bring your own food for longer journeys, as options are limited.

Entertainment

No seatback entertainment or WiFi. Bring personal devices and download content before departure.

Cargo Operations

Calm Air's mixed passenger/cargo capability is essential for northern supply chains. The airline transports:

• Fresh food and groceries to remote communities
• Medical supplies and equipment
• Construction materials and essential goods
• Mail and packages

This "combi" approach enables year-round supply of communities without road access.

Booking

• Book direct: calmair.com offers full fare options and easier changes
• Consider fare type: FLYplus or SOAR fares include checked bags if you're bringing luggage
• Flex Pay: Calm Air offers monthly payment plans to spread travel costs
• Gift cards available: Useful for frequent northern travelers

Packing for Northern Travel

• Carry-on size matters: Check dimensions carefully for turboprop aircraft
• Essential items in carry-on: Medications, valuables, and at least one change of clothes in case of delays
• Layer clothing: Arctic terminals may have variable temperatures
• Bring food: Limited dining options at small northern airports

At the Airport

• Winnipeg (YWG): Calm Air operates from the main terminal
• Thompson (YTH): Smaller facility, arrive early
• Northern airports: Expect basic facilities with limited amenities
• Valet Service: Available for checked baggage at select locations

Understanding Northern Operations

• Weather delays are normal: Build buffer days into travel plans
• No road alternatives: For many communities, Calm Air is the only practical transportation
• Cargo priority: The airline serves as a lifeline for essential supplies
• Gravel/ice strips: ATR aircraft are designed for remote runway conditions

Weather Preparedness

• Travel insurance: Highly recommended for northern itineraries
• Accommodation backup: Know hotel options at connection points
• Extra supplies: Pack medications, chargers, and snacks for potential delays
• Check flight status: Monitor frequently during winter months
• Flexible schedule: Avoid tight connections when traveling to/from the North

Common Issues

• Weather delays are routine: Plan accordingly and don't schedule critical meetings immediately after arrival
• Limited Wi-Fi: Download entertainment before departure
• No baggage interlining: If connecting to other airlines, collect and recheck bags
• Smaller cabin dimensions: Carry-on size limits are strict on ATR aircraft
• Cash useful: Some northern community stores and services may have limited payment options

Historical Note

Calm Air's origins trace back to Arnold and Gail Morberg's 1950s fishing camp on Black Lake, Saskatchewan. The airline was formally incorporated in 1962, expanded to Manitoba in 1969 with the acquisition of Fred Chupka's Lynn Lake operation, and moved its headquarters to Thompson in 1985. The 2009 acquisition by Exchange Income Corporation brought stability and fleet modernization while maintaining the airline's focus on serving northern communities. Today, Calm Air operates over 22 communities with a fleet that includes nine ATR 72s and five ATR 42s, plus access to Boeing 737s through its Canadian North codeshare partnership.