Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter
Since 1995 Saturday March 14, 2026
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Air Transit CF-CSU
DHC-6-300 Twin Otter Ottawa Rockcliffe (YRO) -April 1976
Photo by Sheldon D. Benner
from the Michael J. Ody collection |
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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 35 new subscribers so far in 2026.
We currently have 4576 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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YYC ACRA announce that the Softball Tournament will be in YUL June 9-11, 2026.
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 Pre-AGA Tour Historic Suva City, Fiji
October 8 - 11, 2026
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57th Annual General Assembly (AGA): The 2026 Interline Celebration
Shangri-La Yanuca Island Resort, Fiji
October 11 - 15, 2016
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From David Hykle,
We may have discussed this before (?).....you mentioned Airtransit in the current NetLetter. I can still remember seeing flights pass overhead growing up in Montreal as a teen.
Incredibly, 5 of the 6 Twin Otters are still flying, one even in Canada (C-GIMK with Air Borealis). The other one, CF-CSV (MSN 354), was written off while on a training flight in February 1981 in Ontario. The other 4 are operating outside of Canada.
See Wayne's Wings below for more on the current status of the still active aircraft.
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From Claude Constantineau,
In the gallery of regional airlines associated with AC you left out Air Alliance which was based in Québec City. In operation from 1987 to 1999 when it was incorporated with Air Nova which was later incorporated with Jazz in 2001.
Really enjoy the NetLetter, if you publish my comments, please "faire part de mes sincères salutations à tous ceux qui ont travaillés pour Air Alliance et aussi pour les autres régionaux Air Nova, Air Ontario, Air BC."
All the best to everybody.
Editors' Note: Mr. Constantineau makes a good point. We have reworked the header image for the TCA/AC section to include Air Alliance and Air BC.
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From Barbara Lavoie,
Thank you such a fine effort to keep the aviation industry and its most valuable contributors (employees and retirees) up-to-date!
I have a specific research area I am currently working on out of respect for my late father’s beloved career as a mechanic/technician for 36 years with Trans-Canada Air Lines then Air Canada.
After working on my father’s story of working in a relief camp in Ontario during the Depression, I discovered that the federal government’s unemployment relief scheme included setting up and engaging up to 200 labourers to clear land, build aerodromes as well as intermediate and emergency landing fields across the country between 1932 and 1936.
The purpose was to create the Trans-Canada Airway, a project proposed in 1928 by the civil aviation department with the help of the RCAF that provided aerial surveys and only partially completed.
Described as a 'highway in the sky', the airway provided a network of airports and landing fields approximately 100 miles apart with beacons and lighting to help pilots navigate across the country. From my research I have found Canada was lagging behind similar developments in other countries, the US, Britain and parts of Europe.
Would you or anyone in your community be aware of this valuable piece of Canadian history?
Below is a postcard by the Library and Archives Canada celebrating the Trans-Canada Airway in 1937.
Editors' Note: In NetLetter #1475 (December 11, 2021) we featured a story on the Trans-Canada Airway.
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During a recent visit to San Salvador, Pierre Gillard, took photos of various aircraft for his collection.
This Amerijet aircraft caught his attention. The Boeing 767-333ER registration N269CM is actually former Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge registration C-FMWV (Fin #634).
I had the opportunity to fly on this aircraft on May 29, 2000, between Montreal and Frankfurt. I also had the opportunity to photograph it on several occasions.
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Montreal - Dorval - June 30, 2013
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Brussels - July 2013
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Montreal - Dorval - July 2014
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Current Amerijet livery since May 2023
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As Air Canada begins the transition of the B-737 MAX fleet to Rouge,(see AC News) we decided to look back at how the original B-737s were used on previous 'airline within an airline' brands.
Zip was a no frills subsidiary launched in September 2002 based in Calgary. It featured a very colourful livery (blue, fuchsia, green, and orange) on a fleet of exclusively ex-Canadian Airlines B-737s.
It ceased operations in September 2004.
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C-GJCP - Ottawa
September 2002
Photo by John Davies - CYOW Airport Watch
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Air Canada Tango was a low-cost subsidiary branch of Air Canada, which was established in 2001 to offer no-frills service on some of Air Canada's routes and to reduce operating costs at the struggling main company.
It operated a combined fleet of A320s and B-737s. Although it ceased operations in 2004, 'Tango fares' available via flytango.com would continue for a few years.
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C-GCPS - Ottawa
March 2002
Photo by John Davies - CYOW Airport Watch
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Air Canada’s Fleet Transformation Takes Flight as 737 MAX Aircraft Begin Air Canada Rouge Service
Air Canada announced the first of its updated Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft (C-FTJV - Fin#501) has entered service at Air Canada Rouge, introducing the industry’s best leisure carrier experience. This marks the latest milestone in Rouge’s comprehensive cabin renewal program, focused on delivering a more comfortable, connected, and consistent onboard experience.
This fleet transition will allow most customers flying Rouge leisure and sun routes across North America and the Caribbean to enjoy upgraded interiors, including personal seatback entertainment, reclining seats and complimentary Fast, Free Wi-Fi sponsored by Bell.
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Air Canada Recognized as One of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2026, the Eighth Time in Ten Years
"We’re proud to be recognized for our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. This award spotlights how our employees, resource groups, champions, leaders, and community partners work together to build a more fair, equitable, and inclusive future where everyone feels they belong," said Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs at Air Canada.
Air Canada continues to foster a more inclusive workplace and industry through strategic partnerships, employee-driven initiatives, and proactive outreach to diverse communities during recruitment.
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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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- 1997- April 7 - Inaugural service Toronto - Charlotte, North Carolina with Bombardier Regional jet equipment.
- 1997-May 5 - Service Toronto - Phoenix commenced with A319 equipment.
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Found in 'Horizons' magazine
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Issue dated April 1997
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On April 10, 1997 Air Canada celebrates its diamond anniversary. On this date 60 years ago, Bill 74 received Royal Assent in the Canadian Parliament and Trans-Canada Air Lines was born.
TCA inaugurated its first flight on September 1, 1937. The 50-minute flight aboard a Lockheed 10A carried two passengers and mail between Vancouver and Seattle. By 1964, TCA had grown to become Canada's national airline, and changed its name to Air Canada to reflect its growing international network and to ensure accurate identification in Canada's two official languages.
Excerpt from article by Claude I. Taylor, O.C.
Looking back over the years, I realize how very fortunate I have been to be part of this great airline's historic journey. It is hard to think of another Canadian company that has contributed more to the growth of Canada as a nation than our airline.
When the TCA mechanic pulled the chocks away from the Lockheed Electra in Vancouver on September 1, 1937, he became part of an incredible period of nation building.
In our own small way, so too have we. The 1960s and the advent of the jet aircraft are perhaps most symbolic of this link. The new-found technology allowed us to reach out to the rest of the world like never before. And so
when we explored exciting new destinations, so did all Canadians. Today, Canada's well-being continues to be enhanced by our own.
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Service on board the Viscount 1955
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Shipping Vancouver Island tulips from Victoria -1945
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Baggage agent - Vancouver 1941
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Issue dated May 1997
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Air Canada sells three DC-9 aircraft.
In March, 1997, Air Canada sold and delivered the first of three DC-9 aircraft to Cebu Pacific of the Philippines.
The first of Air Canada's 20 DC-9 aircraft for sale, Fin #716, was modified to 110 seat configuration and painted in Cebu Pacific's livery. Cebu's newest addition went into revenue service the very next day after reaching the Philippines.
"Cebu Pacific was most impressed with the performance of our aircraft and have commented that it is a jewel in their fleet," said Noel Rodriguez, Air Canada's Planning Team Leader.
Air Canada's fins # 717 and 718 were delivered to Cebu Pacific the following April
Air Canada staff hand over of the logbook to Cebu Pacific representatives are from left to right: Simon Bacharani, Arcraft Technician; Tommy Heald, Aircraft Technician; Lito Catuncan, Planner; Job Rejante, Technical Representative Cebu Pacific; Noel Rodriguez, Planning Team Leader; Captain Arturo Santos, Cebu Pacific; Captain Benjamin Gepilano, Chief Pilot, Cebu Pacific; Captain Antonio Rosales, Cebu Pacific; Dave Fernandez, Cebu Pacific; Rolando Almonia, Cebu Pacific and Pierre Joncas, Production Planner.
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Air Canada always in fashion
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Issue dated June 1997
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In celebration of Air Canada's 60th anniversary.
Flight attendants past and present wore vintage uniforms dating as far back as the 1940s. Five members of the Canadian Maple Wings Association, an organization made up of Trans-Canada Air Lines and Air Canada flight attendants, helped out sporting their original summer stewardess uniforms from the '40s to the '90s.
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These former employees of Air Canada elegantly display flight attendant uniforms from the airline past and present.
From left to right: Dorothy Stauffer (1941-47); Barbara E. Buchanan (current 1997 uniform); Patrica Gajo (1953-64); Joan Racey (1953-64); Rose Ann Mollard (1953-64); Mary Gordon Moir and Audrey Brandon (late 40's); Barney Dick (1953-64); Rita Morgan (uniform 1954-69); Cory McAdam (uniform 1968-74) end Barbara Dunn (1953-64).
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Flashbacks.
Throughout its history, TCA and Air Canada’s publicity has kept pace with the times and indeed has often set that pace. The flashback feature Iooks back with fondness at a few of the airline's past advertisements.
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CP Air / Canadi>n People Gallery |
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From the "CP Air News" magazine.
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Issue dated March 1980
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After 18 years of faithful service and 39 million miles logged, CP Air's 'Empress of Buenos Aires' DC-8-43 (C-FCPG - fin #602) has been retired. This jetliner also holds the distinction of being the first commercial aircraft to exceed the speed of sound.
Good old 602, her CP Air numerical designation, achieved supersonic speed during a pre-delivery test flight over California on August 21, 1961 with a Douglas Aircraft Company pilot at the controls. She was pushed past Mach 1 (the speed of sound) at 40,350 feet while undergoing tests of an aerodynamic improvement to the wing. The modification allowed the aircraft greater range.
Final flight was made by this crew Captain Dennis Hunter, in the cockpit, DC-8 chief pilot Captain Bob Weatherly, assistant director flight operations technical, looking out the hatch and Second Officer Dave Gillis, flew the 18 year old jet to a Miami area scrapyard on March 17, 1980.
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A look back at CP Air's early reservation systems circa 1980. Things have certainly evolved!
In an age when technological advancements are streamlining business operations all over the world, CP Air's Computer Services Department is becoming more and more the nerve centre of the company.
Recently relocated to Richmond, near the Vancouver Operations Centre, this group of just over 200 employees runs the multi-million dollar array of computers and address themselves to the task of ongoing computer applications in CP Air.
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Coverage analysts Paul Winskill, left, and Barry Thomas attend to Pegasus tape drivers which contain all CP Air reservations updates.
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Donna Svensson is a computer age librarian, otherwise known as a tape controller. She keeps 7,000 tapes in order for quick retrieval. Clerk Kieran Magee, who is known around the place as the runner, took a breather for the picture.
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Operation shift leaders Marjorie Watkins and Dave Becker work in the control room from which most computer systems are monitored.
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Videographer Alex Praglowski visited Greenland recently and has posted a few videos of his adventures.
I Flew Over a GLACIER in Greenland!
Back in September, a few friends and I made a bucket list trip to Greenland, visiting both the capital Nuuk as well as Ilulissat a bit further north. While researching for our trip, we discovered a small aerial sightseeing company called AirZafari Greenland that offered tours from Ilulissat. It ended up being a sightseeing flight to end all sightseeing flights!
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I Flew on Air Greenland's A330neo!
Air Greenland operates a varied fleet of aircraft, from helicopters to Dash 8s, to... a single Airbus A330neo?
This aircraft, the airline's only widebody, flies almost exclusively between Greenland's capital, Nuuk, and Copenhagen, Denmark, providing a vital link for the Arctic island for both passengers and cargo.
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Posted by Geoff Nicholas on Facebook.
Congratulations to Mike White on his hole-in-one on the 6th hole at Carstairs (50 km north of Calgary) during the ACRA Jacklin Memorial Golf Tournament in July 2025.
Mike couldn't have picked a worse time with 75 thirsty golfers awaiting his arrival in the clubhouse. He did honor the silly tradition and opened a tab at the bar.
The foursome included Geoff Nicholas, Mel Hall-Nicholas, Jeremy R. and Mike White.
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Airtransit fleet of DHC-6 Twin Otters
David Hykle's comments (see Reader's Feedback) inspired us to look into the current status of the six DHC-6-300 Twin Otters that served in the Airtransit fleet in the early 1970s.
See NetLetter #1383 (January 31, 2018) for our original article on the short lived airline.
As noted, five of the six are still in operation, one in Canada (C-GIMK) currently with Labrador-based airline Air Borealis.
Air Borealis formed in 2017 through a partnership between the Innu Development Limited Partnership, the Nunatsiavut Group of Companies (Inuit), and PAL Airlines.
Headquartered in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, it provides crucial scheduled, charter, and medevac services to coastal Labrador communities, utilizing a fleet of De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otters.
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Editor's Note by Ken Pickford:
The six Airtransit aircraft are listed below with their original registrations. One fleet list shows them as actually owned by the Department of Transport, not by Airtransit or AC.
I think Airtransit was officially an AC subsidiary. My guess is that since the whole operation was no doubt heavily funded by the federal government as an experiment, they also owned the aircraft.
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- CF-CST -
- Registration HB-LUC - Switzerland - United Nations Humanitarian Air Service - Active (Photo below)
- CF-CSU -
- Registration C-GIMK - Canada - Air Borealis - Active (Photo below)
- CF-CSV -
- Written off in February 1981
- CF-CSW -
- Registration 8Q- RAD - Maldives - Manta Air - Withdrawn from use
- CF-CSX -
- Registration P2-HFF - Papua New Guinea -Helix Operations - Active
- CF-CSY -
- Registration 8Q- IAL - Maldives - Maldivian Island Aviation Services - Active
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HB-LUC - United Nations Humanitarian Air Service
Gran Canaria Las Palmas
Canary Islands, Spain
October 4, 2024
Photo by Alejandro Hernández León
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C-GIMK
July 2017
Photo from the Air Borealis collection
Permission granted by Neil Aird |
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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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Canadian passports are about to get more expensive.
An order-in-council adopted in late January calls for the government to begin tying passport prices to the consumer price index (CPI). On March 31, the cost of a Canadian passport will rise by 2.7 percent, the CPI increase in April 2024.
Source: cbc.ca/news
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For applications made within Canada, the fees will be as follows:
- 10-year regular adult passport – from $160 to $163.50 (up $3.50)
- 5-year regular adult passport – from $120 to $122.50 (up $2.50)
- 5-year regular child passport – from $57 to $58.50 (up $1.50)
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From "Lots more mirth with Mathias”.
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"Mark my word, Finchley, I'll get 'on-time' departure even if we have to schedule all flights two hours late!"
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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.
We do publish corrections (and correct the original article) when this is brought to our attention.
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