North Star Air vs Summit Air | Find the best Airline for Northern Flyers

Are you thinking of a Northern traveling adventure? Discover the best airline among North Star Air vs Summit Air in this guide.

North Star Air and Summit Air are in debate when it comes to Canadian Airlines. These are two popular small domestic airlines. So, explore the beauty of the Northern side and unreachable remote areas with hassle-free flights.

This article will give a detailed comparison of services, routes, and the review. Also, the pros and cons of the airlines will help you in making the right decision.

So, let’s get started.

Overview: North Star Air vs Summit Air

North Star Air is a Canadian airline that provides Northern Flyers services. It connects the difficult areas on the north side of Canada. Its headquarters is located in Thunder Bay, Orlando. 

Also, in 2019, it combined with Cargo North to start its cargo services. North Star Air has made its strong name by providing reliable services. The main bases are present in:

• Thunder Bay
• Sioux
• Pickle Lake
• Kapuskasing
• Thompson
• Red Lake

Summit Air is Canada’s domestic airline. Its headquarters is also in the northwest territories. The main focus of Summit Air has been the remote areas in Northern Canada. The slogan and motto of Summit Air:

“The Summit Air has the best fleet, which can serve a few travelers who weigh 18,000 pounds.”

Summit Air is famous in the Airline industry due to its unique fleet. It uses ATR 72, Dornier 228, and Avro RJ85 jets. Summit Air also plays an important role in the mining and energy areas. Moreover, it provides the best cargo services across Canada.

Both airlines work within the boundaries of Canada. A comparison of North Star Air vs Summit Air will tell which airline you should choose, especially on the challenging northern side.

Key Differences: North Star vs Summit Air

1. Service Comparison: In-Flight Experience, Flexibility, and Scheduling

North Star Air

North Star Air mostly takes shorter flights. That’s why there are minimal services on this airline. However, people believe in the reliability of the airline. Moreover, it provides Cargo services to far away remote Northern areas. 

If you are traveling with North Star Air, then be happy with its flexible flights. Also, there is a great record of on-time performance at 95%. Therefore, it has won many awards like: 

• 2019 Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Large Business Excellence Award.
• 2019 NOBA Company of the Year (51+) Award.

Summit Air

Summit Air is a more comfortable airline when you take long-hour flights within Canada. The reason is that they use a unique fleet. For example, ATR 72 has been used by the airline. This ATR 72 plane is more flue efficient with double engines. 

In addition, Summit Air started providing excellent cargo services for mining and agriculture. Moreover, the airline claims to have any kind of planes for all kinds of services. Also, Summit Air has flexible flight timings, which mostly depend on the services it provides.

2. Destinations and Routes: Which Airline Serves More?

North Star Air

North Star Air covers 54 destinations, mostly in Northern Canada. So, you can explore the beauty of Thunder Bay, Red Lake, Pickle Lake, or Red Lake. However, the main focus of the airline is on:

• Northern Ontario
• Manitoba
• Nunavut

However, the North Star Air will also provide charter and cargo services to the difficult Northern side. Thus, their reliable services have made it a trustworthy airline. The main hubs for cargo are:

• Pickle Lake
• Red Lake
• Kapuskasing
• Thompson Manitoba

Summit Air

The main headquarters is in Yellowknife, Canada. The airline’s main destinations are located on the Northwest side. For Example, Yukon and Nunavut. However, you can travel to the following areas while traveling with Summit Air:

• Lukla
• Kathmandu
• Jomsom
• Dolpa
• Rara
• Simikot
• Pokhara
• Ramechhap
• Phaplu
• Nepalgung
• Jumla
• Dhungadi

3. Which is a Suitable Airline for you?

Every person has different travel needs. Some are budget-conscious. In contrast, others make no compromise on the comfort. So, let’s look at the suitable passengers while comparing North Star Air vs Summit Air.

North Star Air is the best choice for:

• Passengers who prefer reliable short-hour flights.
• Someone who flies to remote northern areas like Ontario and Manitoba.
• A traveler needing transportation for cargo services.
• Clients who look for the lower rates

Summit Air is the best choice for:

• Industrial clients.
• A traveler who would like to have a mining or exploration camp.
• Someone who needs charter or cargo services in Northern remote areas.
• Passengers of long-hour flights in Northern areas.

4. Check-In, Customer Support, and Flight Status: North Star Air vs Summit Air

North Star Air is known for its quick services. Also, you can easily book the flights online. A passenger can either check in from the airport or through an online website.

Moreover, their customer support service is responsive and helpful. People can contact them or email them to solve any query. For example, booking, canceling or rescheduling a flight. In addition, passengers can check their flight status and track their cargo. 

Summit Air has very quick customer service. Hence, you can resolve any query by visiting their website. There, you will find a form of inquiry. First, fill out the form and enter inquiries about the flight schedules or any other services. This way, you’ll receive an email from Summit Air.

Moreover, you can track the flights of Summit Air by using the live maps on their website. Also, this is very helpful when you are an industrial client. So, you can keep an eye on the important cargoes.

5. Airport Locations and Accessibility

Are you looking for a gate or window to the far and rural areas of Northern Canada? The North Star Air has made it easy for you.

The major airports of North Star Air are Thunder Bay and Red Lake. Therefore, it is very easy for travelers to reach the airport by road. Hence, this is an ideal location for someone who lives in Ontario and Manitoba. Also, the local Canadians can easily use the airline service for cargo to far smaller areas.

On the other hand, Yellowknife is the main hub for the Summit Air. The airports and bases are located more toward Northwestern Canada. So, this area covers the companies and the industrial area. Thus, the airports are more accessible to industrial people in faraway Canada. 

6. Reputation and Safety Records: North Star Air vs Summit Air

North Star has faced a lot of criticism in the past for some bad incidents. For example:

1. A few incidents were reported, such as the engine shutting down at Thompson, Pickle Lake, and Sachigo Lake.
2. One accident involving contact with trees was also reported.

However, the SMS (Safety management system ) of North Star Air has been working hard to provide safe and reliable flights in Northern Canada.

In North Star vs Summit Air, the latter has a cleaner past safety record. Thus, they have designed an SMS (Safety Management System) that identifies unsafe actions and monitors flight operations. This is especially helpful in difficult Northern conditions.

The Safety management system of Summit Air consists of:

1. Reactive Report
2. Proactive Report
3. Investigation
4. Analysis of situation
5. Risk Management 
6. Corrective Action Plan

7. Passenger Preferences and Customer Reviews

North Star Air 

The North Star Air has positive feedback. People appreciated seat comfort, check-in, and other services, especially on short-hour flights. But there are limited meals and drinks options. Also, there is no inflight entertainment like movies, music or wifi. Here is the review rating.

Summit Air

Summit Air is more popular among the industrial people in Northwest Canada. That’s why it is more appreciated by those people.

However, there is positive feedback regarding the importance of regional flight services. However, there is limited food and beverages served. Also, there is very little rating for in-flight entertainment. Let’s have a look at it.

8. Price Comparison: Which one is more expensive?

North Star Air generally has lower rates. So, the locals mostly prefer it for short-hour flights to rural areas. Also, the services are basic due to low pricing.

On the other hand, Summit Air has slightly higher rates. The reason is that the airline provides services mostly to corporate and industrial clients. Therefore, there would be a need for flexible flight timing. That’s why the rates are higher.

9. Pros and Cons: North Star Air vs Summit Air

North Star Air Pros:

• Lower affordable costs.
• Provides services to the hard-to-reach Northern side of Canada.
• Large network for cargo services.

North Star Air Cons:

• Minimal Services.
• Smaller planes.
• Limited comfort and services for longer flights

Summit Air Pros:

• Larger planes like ATR 72.
• Provides services for industrial and corporate sectors.
• Flexible flight schedules.

Summit Air Cons:

• Higher costs.
• Less focus on the services for non-industrial routes.

Final verdict

The North Star Air vs Summit Air is a battle until you know your travel needs. So, the best airline for Canadian North would be your personal choice. The North Star Air is more suitable for budget-conscious people. However, a mine worker or corporate employee will definitely choose Summit Air. In a nutshell, both airlines work best in the difficult northern conditions of Canada.

FAQS

Can I track flights for North Star Air?

Yes, a passenger can track the flight from the website. You can check the flight status. Also, you can track your North Star Air Cargoes.

Does Summit Air offer regular flights?

Yes, Summit Air provides regular flights along with the other charter flights. Hence, the flight schedules may be flexible due to the industrial clients. 

Is North Star Air part of the North Star Alliance?

The North Star Air is a Canadian Airline. While North Star Alliance is not an airline but a non-profit organization related to healthcare. So, North Star Air is not part of it.