Massive Antonov cargo plane delivers Sikorsky helicopter to Iqaluit

ASikorskyS-64 Skycraneheavy-lift helicopter is expectedfly in equipment needed restore full power to Pangnirtung, says the community'ssenior administrative officer.

The helicopter arrived in IqaluitMondaynight in the payload of an Antonov124cargo aircraft.

"That helicopter is going to be used to fly in heavy equipment such as generators over the next few days, weather depending," he said.

Crews are now working to put the helicopter together.

The weather in both Pangnirtung and Iqaluitwas notsafe for flying today Tuesday,but the helicopter could start flying by Wednesday, Trepaniersaid.

It will carry at least four loads with one or two flights a day.

Until then, the hamlet is still runningon back-up generators. Trepaniersaidthere is no definitive timeline until the hamlet is off emergency power and back on a more stable source.

The community has been in a state of emergency since a fire damagedthe hamlet's power plant earlier this month.