AirSuite will develop a new Ground Management System with Wisk Air Helicopters to improve coordination between air and ground operations, with support from the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN).
Thunder Bay, Ontario (August 12, 2026) – AirSuite is proud to announce that the company has been selected as one of the innovative companies receiving support through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) R&D Partnership Fund, helping drive the next generation of Ontario-made mobility technologies. The project represents a total investment of over $383,000, including $100,000 through OVIN and over $283,000 in industry contributions from AirSuite and Wisk Air Helicopters.
Through this OVIN supported project, AirSuite will work with Wisk Air Helicopters, a Thunder Bay based helicopter operator with 40 years of experience supporting mining, forestry, emergency response, wildfire suppression, utility operations, and specialized aerial services throughout Northwestern Ontario and across Canada.
AirSuite’s project will develop a new Ground Management System (GMS) within Cirro’s aviation operations software platform, addressing one of the aviation industry’s most significant operational gaps: the lack of integrated digital coordination between all air and ground operations in one platform.
While pilots and aircraft are supported by increasingly sophisticated operational software, many ground activities, including fueling, vehicle maintenance, staging area coordination, ground crew scheduling and certifications, fuel testing, movement of aircraft parts and equipment readiness, temporary worksite management, and safety reporting, all continue to rely on disconnected or manual processes. The new Ground Management Module will sync these activities within a single platform, improving operational visibility, regulatory compliance, efficiency, and, most importantly, communication between air and ground crews.
By connecting operational data in real time, the system will help ensure that flight crews and ground personnel have access to the same critical information, helping reduce miscommunication and improve coordination across remote transportation, full ground fleet situational awareness and helicopter and fixed-wing operations. This will support safer, more efficient operations in demanding aviation environments.
Wisk Air Helicopters will provide operational expertise, testing environments, and real-world validation for the project, contributing to workflow testing, safety expertise, and operational feedback to ensure the technology reflects the realities of day-to-day helicopter operations.
Through this project, AirSuite is advancing made-in Ontario aviation technology that strengthens safety and efficiency while supporting economic growth, skilled employment, and sovereign, cybersecure technology development in Northern Ontario. The project also reinforces the region’s growing role as a dynamic hub for aerospace innovation, bringing together software developers and Northern aviation operators to solve real-world operational challenges.
Quotes:
“One of the biggest gaps in aviation technology today is the disconnect between what happens in the air and what happens on the ground. Pilots and flight operations teams often have access to sophisticated operational data, while ground crews continue to rely on disconnected systems, paper documents, and radio communications. By bringing ground operations into the same digital environment as flight operations, we’re creating a shared operational picture that helps operators make faster, better-informed decisions.”
Michael Kleywegt, Chief Executive Officer at AirSuite
“Our partnership with AirSuite allows us to help develop a solution designed by operators in real work scenarios. Ground crews play a vital role in every flight, yet their work has historically been managed completely separately from flight operations. Having one view of all ops plans and positioning between air and ground within the same system will vastly improve overall operational awareness and safety.”
Mark Wiskemann, President of Wisk Air Helicopters
“Ontario’s automotive and mobility sector continues to demonstrate the innovation, talent and ambition needed to lead in a rapidly evolving global market. Through OVIN, we are helping Ontario companies accelerate the development of transformative technologies, strengthen strategic partnerships, and bring made-in-Ontario solutions closer to commercialization. Investments like these play an important role in reinforcing Ontario’s supply chain and ensuring the province remains competitive in the industries of the future.”
Raed Kadri, Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) at OCI
“Ontario’s continued leadership in automotive and mobility innovation is built on the strength of collaboration. By bringing together innovative SMEs, industry partners, researchers, and government, OVIN is creating the conditions for made-in-Ontario technologies to move from concept to commercialization faster. These investments are helping build a more resilient, competitive automotive ecosystem—one that creates high-value jobs, attracts investment, and ensures Ontario remains a global leader in the future of mobility.”
Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation
About AirSuite
AirSuite is a Canadian aviation technology company headquartered in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Its flagship software platform, Cirro, provides commercial helicopter and fixed-wing operators with an integrated suite of operational tools including flight operations management, a Safety Management System (SMS), regulatory compliance, scheduling, crew management, and operational reporting. Built for demanding aviation environments, Cirro delivers user-friendly, cybersecure solutions and bilingual in-person support. For more information: air-suite.com
About Wisk Air Helicopters
Wisk Air Helicopters is a Thunder Bay-based helicopter operator with more than 40 years of experience providing aerial support services across Northwestern Ontario and beyond. The company specializes in charter operations, wildfire suppression, utility support, mining, forestry, emergency response, medevac, and specialized helicopter services, maintaining a strong reputation for operational excellence. For more information: wiskair.com
About OVIN
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), designed to reinforce Ontario’s position as a North American leader in advanced automotive technology and smart mobility solutions such as connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles and electric and low-carbon vehicle technologies.
Through resources such as research and development (R&D) support, talent and skills development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, OVIN provides a competitive advantage to Ontario-made automotive and mobility technology companies. For more information: ovinhub.ca