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Pacific Western Airlines

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Pacific Western Airlines
Company typePrivate (formerly government-owned)
IndustryAirline
PredecessorCentral British Columbia Airways
FoundedJuly 8, 1945; 81 years ago (1945-07-08) in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
FounderRuss Baker, Walter Gilbert, Karl John Springer (investor)
Defunct1987 (1987)
FateMerged with Canadian Pacific Air Lines to form Canadian Airlines International
Headquarters
Calgary
,
Canada
Area served
Western Canada, Northern Canada, international charters worldwide
Key people
Russ Baker (founder), Peter Lougheed (Alberta Premier during government ownership)
ProductsScheduled passenger air services, international charter flights, cargo services
OwnerGovernment of Alberta (1974–1983), private thereafter until merger
Number of employees
~3,000 (1986)

Pacific Western Airlines (PWA) provided scheduled air services throughout western Canada and operated international charter flights from the 1950s through the 1980s. In 1987, PWA merged with Canadian Pacific Air Lines to create Canadian Airlines International.

History

Pacific Western Airlines was instrumental in establishing profitable short-distance air routes, accumulating financial strength that ultimately contributed to the founding of Canadian Airlines in 1987. The airline's legacy continued when Air Canada incorporated its aviation assets in 2001.

The airline's origin traces back to Central British Columbia Airways, established by aviators Russ Baker and Walter Gilbert. Funding came from prospector Karl John Springer, who recognized the importance of aviation for mining expansion. Headquartered in Prince George and Fort St. James, British Columbia, the company was officially registered on July 8, 1945. Springer invested $150,000 at a 6% interest rate, secured by aircraft and other assets, after Baker secured a contract with the BC Forest Service for aerial wildfire patrols.

The airline focused on serving distant mining sites and logging camps, facilitating the transport of workers and supplies to these remote areas.

In 1949, Central B.C. Airways carried out aerial reconnaissance missions supporting aluminium and hydroelectric developments at Kitimat and Kemano, handling nearly all air freight and personnel movements during these projects.

From 1949 to 1952, Central B.C. Airways grew by acquiring seven smaller carriers—including Associated Air Taxi, Kamloops Air Service, and Whitehorse Flying Services—significantly expanding its operational footprint amid rapid industry growth.

1950s to 1970s

The company rebranded as Pacific Western Airlines in 1953. Its acquisition of Queen Charlotte Airlines and Associated Airways in 1955 broadened its scheduled route network and secured a vital contract for constructing the Distant Early Warning Line in Northern Canada.

After Russ Baker’s passing in 1958, Pacific Western took part in the most extensive transfer of scheduled routes in Canadian aviation history during 1959 by acquiring licensed services from Canadian Pacific Air Lines spanning roughly 7,000 miles across Western and Northern Canada.

Known for innovation, the airline introduced distinctive freight and passenger offerings. In 1963, it launched the Calgary-Edmonton Chieftain Airbus shuttle featuring onboard ticketing and streamlined baggage handling. Originally expected to carry one million passengers over a decade, this target was achieved within eight years.

In 1964, Pacific Western initiated Inclusive Tour Charter programs with flights from Vancouver to the Grand Cayman Islands, later expanding group charters to destinations in the UK. Preparing for anticipated regional air policy changes in Canada, the airline began ordering jets and turboprops in 1966. By 1968, its routes extended from the U.S. Pacific Northwest up to the Arctic Archipelago.

The fleet grew with the addition of Boeing 707 aircraft in 1967, enabling year-round Inclusive Tour charters to Mexico, Hawaii, and Europe. The introduction of cargo-configured Boeing 707s established Pacific Western as an international air freight carrier serving more than 90 countries until it retired its last 707 in 1979.

Pacific Western became the first commercial operator of the Lockheed L-100 Hercules turboprop freighter in 1967, supporting northern resource exploration efforts as well as global cargo missions. Among its notable shipments were dimes, Christmas cake, and electronic gear—the first commercial air cargo delivered to China.

Scheduled jet service commenced in November 1968 with delivery of its inaugural Boeing 737-200, making Pacific Western the first Canadian airline to acquire this model. The "Stampeder Service" connecting Alberta and British Columbia was launched that December.

An additional transfer of route licenses from CP Air in 1969 expanded Pacific Western’s network across British Columbia’s Interior. The purchase of B.C. Air Lines in 1970 further extended coverage on Interior and coastal routes within B.C., introducing Nord 262 turboprop aircraft into its fleet.

Operating a diverse fleet that included Douglas DC-4, DC-6, Convair 640, Lockheed L-188 Electra, Boeing 727-100C, and Boeing 737-200 aircraft, Pacific Western offered comprehensive scheduled services throughout British Columbia, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories. By 1969, its "Chieftain Airbus" shuttle utilized both jets and turboprops.

Throughout the 1970s, Pacific Western concentrated its mainline operations around the Boeing 737-200 with a seating capacity of 117 while also operating Boeing 727-100Cs alongside its jet fleet. By the end of the decade, it maintained an exclusively jet-powered mainline operation.

Government of Alberta ownership

In 1974, under the leadership of Progressive Conservative Premier Peter Lougheed, the Government of Alberta secretly purchased Pacific Western Airlines for $37.5 million. This acquisition aimed to promote development in Northern and Western Canada and was accelerated due to concerns that British Columbia Premier Dave Barrett had similar intentions.

After the takeover, Pacific Western Airlines shifted its headquarters from Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, British Columbia, to Calgary, Alberta, designating Calgary International Airport as its primary hub.

The Lougheed administration divested the airline in 1983 for $37.7 million, honoring a pledge made during the 1982 Alberta general election.

By 1976, Pacific Western was operating its "Chieftain Airbus" shuttle service between Calgary (YYC) and Edmonton City Centre Airport (YXD), offering up to fourteen daily round trips utilizing Boeing 737-200 aircraft.

In 1978, Pacific Western expanded by acquiring regional carrier Transair based in Winnipeg, thereby inheriting its fleet of Boeing 737-200 jets. In February 1979, Transair discontinued scheduled flights east of Winnipeg and between Calgary/Edmonton via Regina and Saskatoon, effectively connecting Pacific Western and Transair’s networks ahead of a merger. On December 1, 1979, all Transair operating certificates and routes were transferred to Pacific Western, marking the end of Transair as an independent regional airline.

Transair’s origins trace back to 1947 with Central Northern Airways. In 1956, Central Northern Airways merged with Arctic Wings under the Transair banner. A significant consolidation occurred in 1969 when Transair combined operations with Midwest Airlines, broadening its regional coverage across the Canadian prairies to Toronto and the Arctic. Its fleet consisted of Boeing 737-200s and Fokker F28 jets for scheduled services alongside Boeing 707s deployed for charter flights.

1985 labour disputes

Labour conflicts involving Pacific Western began on November 20, 1985, with strikes initiated by the International Union of the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, the International Association of Machinists, and the Canadian Air Line Flight Attendants' Association. In December, picketing escalated to between 90 and 125 demonstrators moving through terminal areas.

These unions challenged a December 24, 1985 ruling by Justice Dixon that imposed an interim injunction restricting picketing activities and limiting the number of picketers at various sites. Justice Dixon noted that although the protests were intended for legitimate purposes, certain actions had crossed boundaries that affected public interest and disrupted Pacific Western’s operations. Consequently, he permitted only restricted picketing.

The labour unrest persisted until April 1986.

1980s and merger

By 1986, Pacific Western had become the largest airline in Western Canada, transporting over three million passengers annually. That year marked the launch of joint marketing agreements with regional airlines Calm Air and Time Air under the Pacific Western Spirit Program. The company employed close to 3,000 staff across Western Canada and Ontario.

In 1986, organizational restructuring formalized the relationship between holding company Pacific Western Airlines Corporation and its operating subsidiary Pacific Western Airlines Limited.

On December 2, 1986, PWA Corporation revealed plans to purchase Canadian Pacific Air Lines for $300 million, with the transaction taking effect on February 1, 1987.

From its early days operating small floatplanes in the 1950s to a varied fleet including Convair 640 turboprops and Douglas propliners throughout the 1960s, Pacific Western played a vital role in servicing Arctic communities. The airline also operated Boeing 707 aircraft for passenger and cargo charters. Its fleet featured Lockheed L-100s supporting oil exploration activities in the High Arctic. Subsequent fleet expansions introduced Boeing 727-100s, Boeing 737-200s, and Boeing 767-200 jets—the latter being the largest aircraft used by PWA on scheduled routes connecting Vancouver, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, and Seattle. By the mid-1980s, these larger Boeing 767s were phased out in favor of smaller Boeing 737-200 models.

Following retirement of the Boeing 767s, Pacific Western's fleet consisted solely of Boeing 737-200 and Boeing 737-200C jets. The airline emerged as one of Canada's most forward-thinking carriers along the West Coast while serving communities throughout western Canada and beyond.

In 1987, PWA Corporation completed its acquisition of Canadian Pacific Air Lines (previously CP Air), resulting in the formation of Canadian Airlines International. This consolidation continued in 1989 with the purchase of Wardair, uniting major Canadian airlines under Canadian Airlines International alongside Air Canada. Both Pacific Western Airlines and Canadian Airlines maintained headquarters in Calgary. Ultimately, Air Canada acquired Canadian Airlines International in December 1999.

Incidents and accidents

  • On July 16, 1969, pilot Dean Maclagan was involved in a crash of a Lockheed L-100 Hercules cargo aircraft into the Peruvian jungle during a foggy go-around maneuver; the aircraft's wing made contact with the terrain.
  • January 2, 1973, saw the crash of Pacific Western Airlines Flight 3801, a Boeing 707-321C freighter (registration CF-PWZ), at Telford Lake, Canada, amid a severe blizzard near Edmonton. The accident resulted in the deaths of all five crew members and 86 cattle onboard, attributed to pilot error.
  • On November 21, 1976, Dean Maclagan and four other crew members perished when another Lockheed L-100 Hercules crashed close to Kisangani, Zaire. The crash was caused by low fuel and an emergency night landing in fog conditions; the airfield lights were not illuminated upon arrival. There was one survivor.
  • On February 11, 1978, Pacific Western Airlines Flight 314, a Boeing 737-200 at Cranbrook Airport in Canada, crashed after its thrust reversers failed to retract following an aborted landing intended to avoid a snowplow. Four crew members and 38 out of 44 passengers lost their lives.
  • March 22, 1984, involved Pacific Western Airlines Flight 501, a Boeing 737-200 operating between Calgary and Edmonton, which caught fire during takeoff. There were no fatalities; however, 27 individuals sustained injuries, five of which were serious. The aircraft was destroyed.
  • On July 14, 1986, Pacific Western Airlines Flight 117, a Boeing 737-200 arriving at Kelowna from Calgary via Kelowna, veered off the runway and came to rest roughly 1,300 feet beyond it. No deaths occurred; five crew and 76 passengers suffered minor injuries.

Destinations in 1985

According to the Pacific Western system route map dated April 28, 1985, the airline offered scheduled passenger flights to numerous Canadian cities along with a single U.S. destination: Seattle.[1] By this period, the fleet consisted exclusively of Boeing 737-200 jets:[1]

  • Brandon
  • Calgary - Hub and corporate headquarters
  • Cambridge Bay
  • Campbell River
  • Castlegar
  • Comox
  • Churchill
  • Cranbrook
  • Dawson Creek
  • Edmonton - Hub (servicing both Edmonton City Centre Airport and Edmonton International Airport)
  • Flin Flon
  • Fort McMurray
  • Fort Simpson
  • Fort Smith
  • Gillam
  • Hay River
  • Inuvik
  • Kamloops
  • Kelowna
  • Lynn Lake
  • Norman Wells
  • Penticton
  • Port Hardy
  • Prince George
  • Quesnel
  • Regina
  • Resolute
  • Sandspit
  • Saskatoon
  • Seattle - sole U.S. destination
  • Smithers
  • Terrace
  • The Pas
  • Thompson
  • Thunder Bay
  • Toronto
  • Vancouver - Hub
  • Victoria
  • Whitehorse
  • Williams Lake
  • Winnipeg - Hub
  • Yellowknife - Focus city

Fleet

See also

General

Further reading

External links

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named index
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