For Thunder Airlines pilot Marc Morin, soaring over the vast skies of northern Ontario is more than a job — it’s become a way of life.
Now, as the northwestern airline celebrates 30 years of serving clients across the north, Thunder’s Chief Pilot reflects on his decade flying with the airline, and the connections he’s formed with the remote communities they serve.
"This is home," Morin said. "The North is where I feel I’m making a difference. Flying here isn’t just about transporting people – it’s about serving the needs of these communities."
From his first day in the cockpit to his current role mentoring young pilots, Marc’s commitment to both his profession and his company has become an emblem of Thunder Airlines’ family-first culture.
And now with three full decades of service behind them, it’s clear that Marc’s dedication has played a significant role in its success. Thunder Airlines, known for servicing Northern Ontario’s remote communities with passenger and cargo flights, has built a reputation for reliability and trust.
"There’s something special about flying into a remote area and knowing you’re bringing something the community needs,” Morin said. “Whether it’s medicine, food, or just getting people home."
Getting people home safely is something Marc knows a lot about.
A pilot’s job sometimes takes them into hazardous conditions, where one wrong decision could have a major impact on both the passengers and crew.
One flight in particular stands out in Marc’s memory.
"It was Christmas Eve," Morin said. "We were first tasked to do a trip, but halfway through, we got diverted to London for a pediatric transfer – a medical call to pick up a young kid.”
Medevac operations make up a good portion of Thunder Airways’ flights. Those calls can arrive at any time, in any kind of weather.
This flight, Morin said, involved transporting a child from Thunder Bay to London, some 1,200 kilometres away. But once they learned the details of this flight, Morin knew it was “something important, a serious situation.”
“I felt like I had accomplished something really great, bringing that kid back to London from Thunder Bay to get the care they needed,” he said. “It was a great Christmas present.”
For Marc, the emotional moments that come with the job are part of why he continues flying.
"It’s not always easy, especially when family time is affected," he admitted, "but moments like that remind me why I’m here."
And he’s not above taking a moment or two to count his blessings – not to mention the spectacular sights – that come from being a Thunder Airlines pilot.
“I always say the sunsets and sunrises l are the best things that you get to experience,” Morin said. “Not everyone can see the sunset from 20,000 feet, but I do.”
While flying, Morin also had the opportunity to witness that iconic northern phenomenon – the Northern Lights.
“At altitude, in the middle of the night, you get to see them dance and we sit there for hours on end, watching it, as it follows us in the sky.” he said. “It's pretty incredible.”
He’s also witnessed a few summer thunderstorms develop on the distant horizon, he said.
“One time when flying from Timmins to Thunder Bay there was a thunderstorm,” he said.
“It was nighttime, and there were all different colours coming out of these clouds, every time there was a flash they’d light up – some red and some green every time there was a flash of lightning,” he said. “
“It was very, very unique and weird. You see it coming from miles and miles away,” he said. “Not that it's near the aircraft, or it's going to hurt the aircraft, or anything like that, but you get to see fireworks shows like that throughout the summer.”
“It’s incredible.”
Christa Calabrese, President of Thunder Airlines, attributes much of the company’s culture to pilots like Marc.
“Having Marc stay with us is part of the key to Thunder Airlines’ success, that’s for sure,” Calabrese said. “He’s a mentor to the other pilots and has really helped change mindsets here. He recently started something called ‘Morin’s Monthly Memos,’ where he not only shares important company updates but also life tips.”
“It’s things like that— his ability to connect — that keep pilots here longer than they might otherwise.”
Serving the North
Thunder Airlines isn’t just about the aircraft or its pilot — it’s about serving the communities that depend on them..
“We service a lot of fly-in communities,” Calabrese said. "It’s not just about getting from point A to point B, but it’s about getting essential supplies to communities that rely on us.”
“Whether it’s bringing contractors up north or working with government agencies, Thunder Airlines is a lifeline."
As Thunder Airlines looks ahead to the next 30 years, Calabrese said she’s hopeful about the future.
“The needs of the North aren’t going to change,” she said. “I’d like to see us grow and build on our relationships even more with these communities. We’ve been here for 30 years, and I hope we’re here for 30 more.”
"I don’t need the biggest planes or the longest flights," Morin added. "I just want to serve the North — and do it well."
Thunder Airlines, with headquarters in Thunder Bay, operates cargo, medical and scheduled flights seven days a week in Northern Ontario along the James Bay coast. Timmins, Moosonee, Fort Albany, Kashechewan and Attawapiskat are serviced daily.
With inexpensive fares, and friendly service, there is no better time to book your flight!
For more information or to schedule a flight to one of Thunder Airlines’ service locations, visit Thunder Airlines online.