Chrono Aviation was founded in 2012 by Vincent Gagnon and Dany Gagnon with a single Pilatus PC-12 and two pilots.[10] Later in that same year, the company purchased its second aircraft.[11]
In 2016 they obtained the authority to conduct Canadian Aviation Regulations Part 705 operations with more than 37 passengers allowing for the operation of their first Dash 8-100 in 2017. The airline immediately upgraded the Dash 8 with brand new avionics worth $1.5 million and the cockpit was also upgraded with 3-D terrain vision.[11]
In 2018, the company unveiled its first Boeing 737-200 airliner with a second following shortly thereafter.[12] These aircraft can carry passengers or various combinations of passengers and cargo, and are able to operate to and from unpaved runway gravel strips.[13]
In 2019, Chrono Aviation and Arctic Co-operatives Limited (ACL) Announced the awarding of a contract from Baffinland Iron Mines Corp for the provision of air transport services to the Mary River Mine.[14] Chrono Aviation was to fly three to five flights a week from their base at MET – Montreal Metropolitan Airport.[15]
In October 2019, the company announced the groundbreaking of their 6,100 m2 (66,000 sq ft) hangar project being constructed at the MET – Montreal Metropolitan Airport which the ACL contract supported.[16][14] that same year, the airline also outfitted their aircraft with SKYTRAC's ISAT-200A SATCOM terminals for real-time flight following, voice communications, and weather tracking capabilities. Operating on the Iridium Communications network, this system allows the airline to track every flight, send weather data, and remain in direct communication with the flight crew.[17]
In 2020, Chrono Aviation was ranked 213 out of 400 of the fastest growing companies in Canada based on a report published by The Globe and Mail.[18] In 2021, Chrono Aviation was again recognized and ranked 167 out of 400 of the fastest growing companies in Canada.[19]
Chrono Aviation had previously announced that it had added a Boeing 737-800, formerly belonging to Air Transat to its fleet.[20] However, on July 6, 2021, the aircraft was deregistered by Chrono Jet.[21] On December 7, 2021, Chrono Aviation announced that it would commence exclusive dedicated cargo operations utilizing a Boeing 737-800SF starting January 2022. Chrono will be first operator of the type in Canada.[22] In the fall of 2021, the airline also began to use its new state of the art 6,100 m2 (66,000 sq ft) hangar.
Chrono Aviation is focused on the non-scheduled charter business in Quebec (primarily in Northern Quebec and Nunavik), Nunavut, the rest of Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.[10]
Livery
Chrono Aviation's livery is very distinct. Almost all their aircraft are painted matte black. Their accent colour is red.
Chrono has also done wraps for special occasions such as Canada's 150th birthday and Star Wars.[11]
Chrono Aviation Inc. is owned by Dany Gagnon, Vincent Gagnon and Larga Capital Inc.[23]
Chrono Jet Inc., the operator of Chrono's Dash-8 100 and 737-200 fleets, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chrono Aviation Inc.[23]
In addition, the company owns the following partnership companies with northern Quebec First Nations.[11][23]
Chrono Aviation Nemaska Inc.
Chrono Aviation Wemindji Inc.
Chrono Aviation Waswanipi Inc.
Waasheshkun Chrono Aviation Inc.
WAAS Aerospace and Lux FBO are sister companies of Chrono Aviation Inc.[24]
iFlyCollege, a flight training school based at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport, is a sister company and the primary feeder school for Chrono Aviation.[25]
Fleet
As of 13 May 2024 Chrono Aviation and Chrono Jet had the following aircraft:[7]
