Christian Busch becomes the third person appointed to run a Canadian airline during the pandemic

Northern Quebec carrier Air Inuit has recruited its next president from within. Christian Busch took over the airline April 1, in the midst of the pandemic.

Busch has been with the airline for 19 years, most recently serving as Air Inuit’s vice president and Chief Operating Officer. He takes over from Pita Atami, who resigned to take the reins of parent company Makivik, according to the Nunatsiaq News.

“I’m pleased to welcome and support Christian in his new role,” said Atami. “His dedication to Air Inuit as well as his knowledge of the airline industry were very apparent. I have no doubts that our airline will be in good hands.”

Busch takes over an airline with a wide network on Inuit lands in northern Quebec.

Air Inuit has played a lead role distributing coronavirus vaccines to remote and isolated communities. It operates a fleet of 26 aircraft, ranging in size from Boeing 737s to King Air 350s.

“His proven success in building long-term relationships with Nunavimmiut, our stakeholders, customers, and regulators hasn’t gone unnoticed,” sayd Noah Tayara, Chair of the Makivik board.

Makivik manages land claims and hydro electric development money for the province’s Inuit. Air Inuit is one of the corporation’s assets. “Over the years he has played a big role in growing and innovating the business, and most importantly his recognition of our dedicated Air Inuit employees make him the best choice to lead Air Inuit,” he said.

Fourth pandemic CEO

Busch is the fourth new CEO to take over a Canadian airline during the pandemic:

• Former Swoop head Steven Greenway left his post and returned to the United Kingdom in April 2020, just as the pandemic strangled Canadian aviation. He was replaced by Charles Duncan.
• Stephen Jones took the reins at ultra low-cost carrier Flair in October.
• And Michael Rousseau became the chief executive at Air Canada in February.

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