With the news that rail line to Churchill will be closed until winter, Calm Air is stepping up to help bring much needed tourists, and supplies, to the remote northern community.

Calm Air President Gary Bell spoke to 102.9 CHTM and said that the company will be scheduling two flights a week, currently on Mondays and Fridays, from Thompson to Churchill to bring people north.

Bell added that Calm Air will be meeting with Via Rail and the Town of Churchill today, and that the flights might change to accommodate the existing Via Rail schedule. Bell said that if the flights are changed, passengers would arrive in Thompson on the train Monday and Friday, then spend the afternoon exploring Thompson before catching their flight to Churchill the next morning.

Bell added that the airline will be increasing cargo shipments to Churchill. He said that Calm Air is currently up to three freight shipments a week, and will add more if the demand is there.