Cameco and Orano sign historic 15-year agreement with Rise Air 

October 3, 2025 in News
Explorer: Fall 2025

Cameco Corporation and Orano Canada Inc. have signed a landmark 15-year agreement, worth approximately $500 million with Rise Air, an Indigenous-owned airline, to provide workforce transportation services for northern Saskatchewan operations. 

This long-term partnership represents the most significant commitment to date between the companies, building on a relationship that began in 1993 with Orano (then COGEMA) and shortly after with Cameco. Previous agreements with Rise Air have typically spanned three years or less. 

“Securing a 15-year agreement is truly transformative for Rise Air,” said Derek Nice, CEO of Rise Air. “It means we can plan for the future with confidence — investing in modern equipment, upgrading our facilities, and expanding hiring and training. Most importantly, it allows us to focus on building long-term careers for residents of northern Saskatchewan.” 

The agreement underscores Cameco’s and Orano’s confidence in Rise Air as the right partner to meet their workforce transportation needs, which are essential to continued growth in the North. 

“We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with Rise Air, a business owned by the Indigenous communities in the Athabasca Basin and dedicated to serving the North. Air transportation is critical to our operations in northern Saskatchewan. Without the ability to fly workers to our remote sites, we cannot operate. This contract ensures continued access to our sites through an exciting new fleet of aircraft. We are jointly committing to a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership focused on providing safe, reliable transportation for our workforce,” said Tim Gitzel, president and CEO of Cameco. 

Orano Canada is committed to maintaining successful operations in northern Saskatchewan, and that is not possible without strong, reliable partnerships in the supply chain. 

“For years we have entrusted Rise Air to support our northern mines by safely moving our most precious resource: our people,” said Jim Corman, President and CEO of Orano Canada. “The renewal of this long-standing partnership through the signing of a new contract signifies our confidence in Rise Air and our commitment to continuing to work together, as we prepare for the bright future ahead for the Saskatchewan uranium industry.” 

As Saskatchewan’s largest regional airline, Rise Air plays a vital role in connecting northern communities and supporting regional economic development. This new agreement ensures stability, growth, and continued collaboration for decades to come. 

“Cameco and Orano have been partners for our communities and for our regional airline for many years,” says Coreen Sayazie, Chief of Black Lake First Nation. “All three of these companies provide job opportunities and economic benefits into the North. By signing this 15-year agreement, it demonstrates a continued long-term investment, and as both a community leader and a community member, I am happy to see this type of long-term commitment formalized in this way.” 

Rise Air is 100% Indigenous owned, with Athabasca Basin Development and Prince Albert Development Corp as owners. The ownership collectively impacts 12 First Nations and four municipalities. 

“As an investor in Rise Air, Prince Albert Development Corporation is pleased to see this agreement take place,” says Vice Chief Joseph Tsannie, Prince Albert Grand Council. “All three companies have demonstrated a commitment to investing in our people through creative initiatives such as the Dziret’ai Pilot Training Program. Signing this agreement today is the next phase in what has been an ongoing example of companies working together with our northern communities and investing in the North. We greatly appreciate the relationship with Cameco and Orano over many years and look forward to many more to come.” 

“Athabasca Basin Development (ABD) has been working together with Cameco and Orano since ABD started over twenty years ago,” says Anne Robillard, Chair of Athabasca Basin Development. “They are both valued partners for many of our investments, and Rise Air is one of them. A 15-year commitment like this helps our companies plan important things like workforce training and strengthens one of our largest investments. When our investments are strong, it helps improve service and build wealth for our communities – a huge win for the Athabasca.”