Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter
Since 1995 Saturday, June 28, 2025
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Air Canada C-GAGL Boeing 747-400
London, England - October 21, 1995
"Yves and I are going to Hong Kong"
Photo courtesy of Fergal Goodman |
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Dear Welcome to The NetLetter, established in 1995 as a dedicated newsletter for Air Canada retirees.
We have evolved into the longest running aviation-based newsletter for Air Canada, TCA, CP Air, Canadian Airlines and all other Canadian-based airlines that once graced the skies. The NetLetter is self-funded and is always free to subscribers. It is operated by a group of volunteers and is not affiliated with any airline or associated organizations. The NetLetter is published on the second and fourth weekend of each month. If you are interested in Canadian aviation history, and vintage aviation photos, especially as it relates to Trans-Canada Air Lines, Air Canada, Canadian Airlines International and their constituent airlines, then we're sure you'll enjoy this newsletter. Please note: We do our best to identify and credit the original source of all content presented. However, should you recognize your material and are not credited; please advise us so that we can correct our oversight. Our website is located at www.thenetletter.net Please click the links below to visit our archives and for more info about The NetLetter. |
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 We have welcomed 102 new subscribers so far in 2025.
We currently have 4508 subscribers.
We wish to thank everyone for the continuing support of our efforts.
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 Back issues of The NetLetter are available in both the original newsletter format and downloadable PDF format.
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We always welcome feedback about Air Canada (including Jazz and Rouge) from our subscribers who wish to share current events, memories and photographs.
Particularly if you have stories to share from one of the legacy airlines: Trans-Canada Air Lines, Canadian Airlines, CP Air, Pacific Western, Maritime Central Airways, Eastern Provincial, Wardair, Nordair, Transair, Air BC, Time Air, Quebecair, Calm Air, NWT Air, Air Alliance, Air Nova, Air Ontario, Air Georgian and all other Canadian based airlines that once graced the Canadian skies.
We will try to post your comments in the next issue but, if not, we will publish it as soon as we can.
Thanks!
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From Al French -
Hi Guys,
I always enjoy The NetLetter. As a retired pilot, I stay active in the aviation community by volunteering at the Canadian Museum of Flight in Langley, British Columbia so I appreciate the plug and the great photos of our Firecat, "Tanker 64" in NetLetter #1559.
We count about a dozen Air Canada/Canadi>n retirees amongst our volunteers. The S2F Tracker was nicknamed the "STOOF" by the Navy crews that flew and serviced them in military service. Rattling along scant feet off the waters of the Atlantic and later enduring the brutal environment of firefighting, these airplanes did not have an easy life. Thank you for helping us tell their story.
Cheers,
Al French
Director, Canadian Museum of Flight
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Subscriber Bruce Harris sends in this request -
I’m trying to locate people who may have known Captain Harry Gammon or any of his descendants. I found the attached portrait (frame included) below in a thrift shop. I would like to pass it along to a relative of Captain Gammon.
NetLetter #1503 contains a reference to Captain Gammon's last flight. An interesting read. If anyone has any information I would love to receive it. This picture belongs with his family not with me.
Thanks so much.
Editors' Note: Our policy at the NetLetter is that we do not publish personal email addresses. If you wish to contact Mr. Harris, send an email to feedback@thenetletter.net and we will forward it on your behalf.
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The photo from Louise Garneau submitted for NetLetter #1559 , of YVR Cargo in the 1960s, brought back some pleasant memories for a few of our readers.
Thanks again Louise!
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From Scott Slade -
My father, Doug Slade, is in this picture and I was wondering if anyone has any information as to the reason for this photo or could add some context?
Regards,
Scott Slade
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From Garth Caron -
I was astounded by the article on Air Canada Cargo/Freight at YVR submitted by Louise Garneau. My airline mentor was in the photo, Al Holden, and during my high school years I spent many hours, there.
In the days of pre-security, on the ramp, commissary, cargo was an education. I later joined Pacific Western Airlines, Northwest Territorial Airways and Air BC working in the industry for 20 years.
Thanks to Al Holden, and the staff. Also George Twells who was always available for a ride to the airport. It was nice to see those faces again after so many years! Funny how I later worked at Air BC Res when they had the same hanger for maintenance in the 1990s.
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From Les Ashton -
Relative to Issue #1559 and the photo submitted by Louise Garneau of the YVR Cargo staff, the name was missing for the individual standing behind and between G. Singh and Louise. His name was Art Prior and he was a Cargo Agent.
FYI, YVR Cargo occupied half of the Harrison Airways hangar in the South Terminal area for a number of years and eventually moved to new facilities in its present location on Miller Road just south of the present Passenger Terminal.
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Doug Russell, Manager; Bill Vandermere, Accountant; G. Singh, Cargo Agent; Art Prior, Cargo Agent; Louise Garneau, Clerk; Fred McDonald, Cargo Agent;; Shirley Wells, Clerk; Al Holden, Assistant Manager and Doug Slade, Cargo Agent.
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Submitted by Kevin Carey -
Director Leisure Sales, USA, Caribbean, Latin and South America (retired).
The first flight to Houston (and Dallas) started on July 1,1975. The flight was greeted by the Houston Highlanders Drum and Bugle Corps and the passengers received Texas hats as a welcome.
Unfortunately as time has passed I don’t remember properly the names of the staff in the picture except the guy on the top left with the white jacket (myself).
The flight operated with a brand new B-727 on the YYZ-DFW-IAH route. There was no local traffic allowed between the two USA cities unless you had a return ticket to and from Canada.
Gordie Howe (Mr. Hockey) was on the first flight. He was playing for the Houston Aeros at that time with his sons. Hard to believe that was 50 years ago.
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Submitted by Pierre Gillard
Thirty-three year old Air Canada A320-211 C-FKPT (fin #225) visiting Saint-Hubert, QC (YHU) on June 13, 2025. This aircraft was delivered in June 1992.
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The Annual Girls Aviation Day was held at London International Airport meant to empower the next generation of women in aviation, aerospace and STEAM.
June 3, 2025 - It was a day of hands-on learning for 800 young women, who took over a portion of the tarmac at London International Airport (YXU).
The Great Lakes Aviators Canada hosted its second annual Girls in Aviation Day, in hopes of showing young girls that the sky is the limit.
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Air Canada Named Best Airline in North America at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards Presented at the Paris Air Show
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 for the latest posts at the Air Canada Media Centre. |
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 Click the logo to open the Air Canada YouTube channel. |
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1942 May 1 - Trans-Canada Air Lines began passenger services to Gander, Newfoundland.
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- 1950 April - Inaugural service Montreal to New York and Tampa respectively with North Star equipment.
- 1987 - Air Canada was the first major North American carrier to introduce the non-smoking concept on flights to the United States during 1987.
- 2025 June - Inaugural service between Montreal and Porto, Portugal (OPO).
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Found in 'Horizons' magazine
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Issue dated September 1987
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 Anniversary afterglow.
All the festivities of Air Canada's golden jubilee are but memories now and the company honoured some of the employees who helped to make the 50th anniversary celebrations a success. Below, Montreal employees are shown with the Company President Pierre Jeanniot .
Editors' Note: Photos digitally enhanced by subscriber Bob Lynch with our thanks.
At the Cafeteria - from the left are: Bob Cléroux, Pierre Jeanniot, Angele Seguinot, Nicole Scott, Derrick Murphy, Heidi Frauenhoff, Darren Deshover, Felice Smeets, Gusset Morrison, Marc Boudreau, Gary Ainscow, Paul Klein, Alex Gal and David Nisbet.
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At Supply & Stores clockwise beginning with the Jeaniott are: Vince Newsome, Gillion Greaves, Rolland Cadieux, Alex Duncan, Jacques Gauthier, Gilles Mayrand, Claude Descent, Guy Turpin, Don Ross, Tarmo Saloranta, André Gauthier, Bob Monks, Sam Dedes, Gerry Galat and Bob Cragg (with his back turned).
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At the Printing Bureau are, back row from the left: Edward Thurston, David Burns, Gordie Bonner, Mike Robinson, Piedro Ferreira, Ralph Beffert, Roy Cadden, Ed Brochu, Moreau Forcucci, Don Lowe and Angie Stevens.
In front with Jeanniot, in the same order: Brenda Bartram, Carie Lennon, Merv Hernandez, Rena Brunelle, Monique Stonehouse and Josephine Farkas.
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CP Air / Canadi>n People Gallery |
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Special 'Speedbird' edition dated October 1980
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Two members of the Boeing Company’s Promotional Division were recent visitors of Pacific Western’s system. Ken Kennedy and Harold Carr conducted a photo shoot of Pacific Western in its new colours for the purpose of updating Boeing’s promotional photography.
Harold and Ken accompanied aircraft #750 for one entire day. Coincidentally, all three aircraft in the new paint scheme were lined up at the Calgary terminal that afternoon...ready for the cameras!
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Aircraft #750 and #751 enter the fleet
George Ropcean, an Aircraft Inspector from Edmonton Maintenance officially accepted the keys to Aircraft #750 on June 20. Another Boeing 737 in the Company's new corporate colour scheme, is a passenger model airplane. Mr. Rapcean has been employed by Edmonton Maintenance since November 12, 1957. Aircraft #751, delivered to Ken Gray, Vice President, Central Region, entered the company fleet in July.
Aircraft 782, a Boeing 737 "C" model was scheduled to be delivered to Ernie Caron, Vice President Eastern Region in late September. Aircraft #731 and #732 have been leased to Guinness Peat Aviation Ltd. of Ireland for a five year term.
Seated, left to right are: Harry Powell, PWA; Dick Pearson, Boeing Contracts Manager; George Ropcean and Maureen Ropcean.
Standing: A. Scott Gilson, Boeing Regional Sales Manager; Joe Childs, PWA; Lee Vaughn, Boeing Sales Support Manager.
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YouTube hosts a multitude of 'Top Ten' channels. One of which dedicated to aviation is ' Top 10 Aviation' who post fun trivia videos that are both entertaining and informative.
The video linked to the image below is entitled ' Top 10 Cargo Airlines That Secretly Run the World'. Number one should be obvious!
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 Exploits Valley Air Services, operating as EVAS Air, started with a single aircraft in 1992. It is a Canadian aviation services company, based in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador.
It provides a variety of services, including a flight school, sightseeing flights, and maintenance.
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Turkey to fine airline passengers who stand up before plane stops.
Airline passengers to Turkey will be fined if they stand up before the seatbelt sign turns off after landing, regulators have said.
The Turkish civil aviation authority said it imposed the order after receiving complaints from passengers. The rules came into effect earlier this month.
Turkish media said fines are around US$70 (£50), although no amount is mentioned in the authority's guidance. The authority warned that there was a "serious increase" in such incidents, with many complaints about passengers grabbing overhead baggage before their plane had been parked.
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Rampaging raccoons add to Airbus factory headaches.
A family of raccoons recently broke into an Airbus factory in Mirabel (YMX), Canada, adding an unusual headache to the plane maker's more familiar troubles with parts shortages and supply chain snags.
Five of the baby mammals were found inside the plant near Montreal, which produces A220 airliners, after their mother was spotted climbing the landing gear of a jet being produced for a European airline.
Recent delays include missing engines, late arrivals of components and delayed interiors, Airbus has said. But rarely have its contingency plans had to deal with stray omnivores at the rural plant.
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Air Canada's Boeing 747-400s revisited
While researching a story for one of our past issues, I came across an item in the February 22, 1989 issue of Horizons regarding AC's decision to purchase the Boeing 747-400.
I first wrote about these aircraft in the NetLetter #1340 in April 2016, I decided to have a look at the three aircraft which flew for Air Canada from 1991 to 2004.
I have a personal fondness for these aircraft because I flew on them frequently between 1994 -95 while I was commuting between YYZ & YVR. In the combi configuration, the bubble seats were economy and I always enjoyed sitting up there.
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- Fin #341 - C-GAGL -
- In 2016 was flying for MyCargo Airlines under registration TC-ACH.
- Registered OM-ACB in November 2016 for ACG Air Cargo Global of Slovakia.
- Registered ER-BBC in October 2020 for Aerotranscargo of Moldova.
- Registered G-ONEE in September 2023 for One Air of the United Kingdom (leased from Aerotranscargo).
- Incident July 2024 at HKG when a ground handling mishap resulted in a dent in the cargo door. Returned to service August 2024.
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G-ONEE departing Hong Kong February 2024
Photo in Public Domain
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- Fin #342 - C-GAGM -
- Leased by Air India 2005-2008, registered VT-AIM (See www.jetphotos.com)
- Registered A6-COM for Dubai Royal Air Wing since November 2008 in VIP/Cargo configuration.
- Showed in storage in 2016 but has been returned to service and is currently active.
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A6-COM at LHR August 2009
Photo by RHL Images
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- Fin #343 - C-GAGN -
- Lifecycle similar to Fin #341, they have flown for the same airline for most of their 33 year history.
- In 2016 was flying for MyCargo Airlines under registration TC-ACJ.
- Registered OM-ACJ in June 2017 for ACG Air Cargo Global of Slovakia.
- Registered ER-BBB in September 2020 for Aerotranscargo of Moldova.
- Registered G-UNET in May 2022 for One Air of the United Kingdom (leased from Aerotranscargo).
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G-UNET at Frankfurt-Hahn Airport April 23, 2023
Photo by MarcelX42
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| Terry's Trivia
& Travel Tips |
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Terry Baker, co-founder of the NetLetter scours the internet for aviation related Trivia and Travel Tips for you, our readers, to peruse.
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A British Airways Concorde that has been parked at Heathrow (LHR) for years made a rare and discreet move onto the taxiway.
Concorde G-BOAB has been under the care and ownership of British Airways ever since the airliner was retired in 2003. Since then, it has led a slower life, being kept out of the limelight at Heathrow, although the airline still looks after the last Concorde it owns.
Footage recently emerged on social media showing the jet being towed out across the taxiway at Heathrow, the first time it has done so since November 2015. This one took place on May 24, 2025.
It never returned to flight after Concorde’s upgrades and refits following the Paris crash in 2000. It was used as a testbed for the new interiors, and following Concorde’s 2003 retirement, it was left at Heathrow as an empty shell.
It was displayed at ‘Point Rocket’ at the airport, allowing those leaving and arriving at the airport a clear view of the airliner. This will see BA staff and family members get up close and personal with the iconic airliner.
There have been various plans to get G-BOAB on display in a more permanent location. One plan involved the aircraft being plinthed on the River Thames near the preserved Royal Navy ship HMS Belfast.
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Canadian North bid farewell to its last gravel-friendly B-737.
Canadian North dispensed with its last Boeing 737-200, a specially modified jet aircraft capable of landing on gravel airstrips, following a final flight on May 6, 2023.
Canadian North used to operate up to six of them at a time. Now, its last remaining 737-200, C-GDPA (fin #584), made its final flight 43 years after being built and more than two decades after being purchased by the airline.
The Spirit of Yellowknife, departed the city on Saturday morning for Cambridge Bay before being retired. A reception was held at the airport beforehand, in private, with no opportunity for public participation.
In an extraordinary nod to the aircraft’s past, its final flight took place under the command of Captain Dawn Macfarlane, Canadian North said. Macfarlane is the daughter of Captain Cecil Hansen, who picked up the newly manufactured number 584 from Boeing Field in Seattle in 1980, when it was bought by Dome Petroleum, a company with a focus on Arctic exploration.
“The B-737-200 began and will finish its career in the Arctic,” Canadian North said in a press release.
Editors' Note: C-GDPA was acquired by Pacific Western Airlines in 1984 when Dome Petroleum was in financial difficulty. It spent the next 17 years with PWA, Canadian Airlines and Air Canada, before being acquired by Canadian North in late 2001. Probably one of the few B-737-200s that kept the original registration for its entire 43 year career.
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Issue dated May 1961
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Our cartoon is by Dave Mathias and is self-explanatory!
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Wayne, Ken & Terry Richmond, British Columbia - December 2019
(Bob Sheppard was not available for the photograph) |
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Wayne, Bob & Ken Richmond, British Columbia - December 2023
(Terry Baker was not available for the photograph) |
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We wish to honour the memories of
Vesta Stevenson and Alan Rust. They remain a part of every edition published. |
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E&OE - (errors and omissions excepted):
The historical information as well as any other information provided in the "NetLetter" is subject to correction and may have changed over time.
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