Thunder Airlines and the City of Timmins have inked a new five-year lease.
Tuesday, Timmins council approved the new agreement for the airline that flies into communities on the James Bay coast.
The agreement is for the counter, office and baggage hold areas at the Victor M. Power Airport.
Although Thunder Airlines flights do not require passengers leaving to undergo baggage security screening, the city report notes that Mushkegowuk Council has asked for it.
"Transport Canada has agreed to this request and passenger screening for all flights will be implemented later this year. This lease includes secured baggage hold space," reads the report.
The lease is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2021.
The base lease amount is $12,940 per year, plus taxes, for the first year. There is a two per cent increase in year two and three, and a 2.5 per cent increase in years four and five.
Timmins airport manager Dave Dayment noted that Thunder Airlines hasn't gone back to its scheduled service because communities have been locked down due to the pandemic.
“It’s been very difficult the last year, as you can imagine, there’s still a couple of other outstanding leases that I’m chasing some people for,” he said.
