Our story began in the mid‑1970s, when brothers George & Gene Halley turned their passion for flying, fishing, and exploring the rugged north into a business.
Today, that tradition continues with Rob Halley (Gene’s son) at the helm, together with longtime pilots James Hendy and Jamie Clemmens, each having flown with River Air for over 20 years.
Our fleet is built for the north
From agile seaplanes to powerful turbine aircraft, each plane is maintained to the highest standards for safety, comfort, and reliability. Whether it’s a quick sightseeing trip, a lodge transfer, or a gear‑heavy fly‑in, we have the right aircraft to get you there — by water or by airstrip.
Cessna 185
- Up to 3 passengers & light gear
Compact and versatile, the Cessna 185 is ideal for sightseeing, aerial photography, and quick flights to remote northern Ontario locations.
De Havilland Beaver
- Up to 6 passengers
Reliable and rugged, the Beaver is a northern workhorse, well‑suited for carrying passengers and gear into hard‑to‑reach destinations.
Cessna 208 (Caravan )
- Up to 8 passengers & gear
The amphibious Caravan offers convenience and flexibility. Airport landing strip pick-ups and water drop-offs are simple and efficient.
De Havilland Otter
- Up to 9 passengers & gear
Powerful and dependable, the Otter delivers outstanding performance and is notable as the first in Canada equipped with the 900‑horsepower Garrett Turbine Engine.
Our Maintenance Facility —
Minaki Aircraft Repair
River Air Ltd. also operates a dedicated maintenance facility, Minaki Aircraft Repair, located just 1 km from the Minaki base for fast and efficient service.
The facility is fully equipped for a complete range of aircraft maintenance and includes a 2,700‑foot paved airstrip, providing convenient access for wheeled aircraft. Situated near Pistol Lake, the airstrip is well‑positioned for operations throughout the region.