Air Inuit (3H, Kuujjuaq) has taken delivery of C-FTUZ (msn 40855), its first of three B737-800(SF)s, as it looks to enhance its cargo capacities and replace its older B737-200C fleet.

C-FTUZ was ferried from Kelowna to Montréal Trudeau on July 7, ADS-B data shows. The aircraft, which previously operated for Comair (South Africa), was converted into a freighter by Aeronautical Engineers, Inc.

The other two airframes, C-FTUW (msn 40852) and C-FTUY (msn 40853), remain in Kelowna. They are being converted and delivered as combis, allowing Air Inuit to use them interchangeably for cargo and passenger operations.

Cargo Facts reported that C-FTUZ will be introduced into commercial service as soon as next week. The airframe will be based in Montréal, according to the Canadian aircraft registry.

The ch-aviation fleets module shows that Air Inuit’s fleet comprises 31 aircraft, including four B737-200Cs (aged 44.5 years on average), one B737-300(QC), seven DHC-6-300s, four DHC-8-100s, two DHC-8-300s, three DHC-8-300(F)s, seven DHC-8-Q300s, and the three B737-800s.

ch-aviation has reached out to Air Inuit for comment.

Last year, Air Inuit said introducing the three new aircraft would take place gradually over two years and require “important governmental investments to upgrade Nunavik’s airstrips.” The planes would also allow it to cut fuel emissions by nearly 40% by retiring the older B737-200s.