Home

A Website Dedicated to the People and History of Pacific Western Airlines

This website is created and managed by the former employees of Pacific Western Airlines. The target audience is that membership. If you have any contributions or comments, please submit them to the Webmaster. We also wish to say thanks to our many generous contributors.
We have added a section called UPDATES and it needs your help. Here is a place to post your action photo of your family, your garden, in a far off land, or standing next to the company vehicle. Check it out and email your short update and let us know you are alive and doing fine. Thanks!

While you are visiting, you may want to play the Pacific Western Airlines Song

It's Happening - The organizers for the Vancouver Reception on June 30 have given the green light - GO for Launch. Please click on the link Party 2012 above for more details and to book your reservation for the event. As of May 17, 2012 we have over 170 people booked for the event - don't delay. Book now.

May 9, 2012 - Canadian Aviation Cover from Jan 1976

May 2, 2012 - From SEA Operations
I am a former airline employee (Braniff). I was transferred to Seattle in 1973, to handle Pacific Western Airlines Flights at SEA. You folks were a great airline! Best people in the industry I ever met. I left Braniff, after being "bit by the flying bug". Went back to University and US Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). The USAF began a massive drawdown after the Vietnam war,and I was told "no active duty, no flight training! and I was told, after making some announcements on a PA system, I had what it took to become a newscaster. I have been in the business in the US ever since. Have also logged a lot of flight time in everything from Pipers/Cessna's and F16s etc: Retired from US Air Force Auxiliary as officer/public affairs.
Have a great day Dennis Crowley
Dennis worked with Lew Stannard CSM SEA where he handled flights of Convairs, Electra, and once in a while a B737 or B707.

The DC7 - International Operations - Joe Kapeller.

In response to the DC7B Video submitted by Cliff Beck, I would like to add a little history for the web pages.
PWA started overseas operations in 1964 with DC6B’s and DC7’s. This endeavour was lead by Captain Henry Schindler. Later that year, management, when considering how best to retain their market share, decided to obtain 2 DC7C’s for the 1965 program.
PWA operated the 2 DC7C’s on overseas charter flights from 1965 to 1968
** CF-PWM, EX KLM (Designated Seven Seas**) -
** CF-NAI, EX NWA
** Capacity
** 102 PAX + 4 F/A's, and up to 5 cockpit crew.
** MTOW 143.000 lbs
** MAX FUEL 45,770 lbs.
** Max Landing Weight 110,000 lbs.

** this aircraft was an improved long-range variant with a non-stop transatlantic capability, improved 3400hp (2540kW) R-3350 engines and increased fuel capacity mainly in longer wings, 121 built. - from Wikipedia

March 12, 2012 - Stu Russell sends us
The last commercial flight of the Hercules.

March 12, 2012 - 1963 and 1970 Executive Org Chart (from J. Kapeller)

March 12, 2012
Here is a check ride on a DC-7 - very interesting (from C. Beck)

The Good Ol' Days ... http://marcbrecy.perso.neuf.fr/DC7.html

Feb 18, 2012 Some New Aircraft

(from DD - thx)

Jan 15, 2012 - Pacific Western Display at Calgary Airport

The webmaster was contacted by Ron Frayley who is working with the Calgary Airport Authority on an airline display at the Calgary Airport and specifically one that will showcase PW to Calgary travelers. Ron will send updates and info as the project progresses so please check back. If you wish to contact or help Ron - you can email him here. We are very excited about keeping the memories of our airline alive and seeing the results of these endeavours.

My name is Ron Fraley and I wanted to let the website and members know that I'm in the process of arranging a Pacific Western airlines display at the Calgary International. I have official drawings from Boeing of the paint along with several photo's and artwork. I'm currently in the process of having a 1/50 scale 737-200 made for the display as well.

I think Pacific Western is a huge part of history in Canada and should be recognized and remembered. It's a shame that there is nothing at the airport remembering you guys and the airline. I feel this would be a wonderful opportunity in Calgary considering hundreds of thousands travel through the airport each year. Pacific Western means a lot to me in my life. As a child I flew on the 737 to Yellowknife for the first time at 11 years old in 1986 and during that flight I was able to go to the cockpit and fell in love. From that point on in my life I wanted to become a pilot and managed to do that for a career.

I thought I would email you guys and keep you posted and maybe a little blurb could be written up on the website about the display. The display should be up some time this summer. I will send updates and photos of the different items that will be included on display. Some of these items also include Nordair along with CP air, but will primarily be Pacific Western. I would love the employees to be able to contribute to the display as well.

I want to have a section where employees can have their name and a little sentence of what it meant to them working for PWA. Even photo's of them at their different jobs!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Cheers ! Ron!
P.S., The model pictured is almost a foot and a half. It should be completed this week. It has an actual chrome bottom and engines. It should show really well.

Dec 2011 - A letter from one of the PW Pioneers.
My name is Ron Hilde. I was hired by Frank Coulter in 1962 as a VFR Sales Rep for PWA. The employment was Agent Representative and dispatcher office person for the Floatplane operations at Prince George under Jack Moul. This was extended to include the Prince George Hudson Hope Operations with an office at the YXS Airport. An other duties at that time include a three week stint as flight steward because no stewardess was available for three weeks. Two of the DC 3 Pilots were Art Ralphs and Hal Emerson. I would act as agent in Prince George then fly as Steward to Hudson Hope and the act as agent in Hudson Hope until the return flight later in the Day. All flights out of Prince George were coordinated to connect with CPA's flights in and out of Prince George. This lasted until the C46 was brought into operations. The C46 would fly YVR YXS and take on passengers from PG. I was still VFR Representative for the float plane base as well. I have Photos and Videos of all our operations in Prince George and Hudson Hope. Do l qualify as Alumni??. In my collection of Photos I have a black Beech D 17 on the then docks in Prince George. The time frame for Bakers Beechcraft dose fit. My brother Bill worked as an aircraft engineer for PWA as engineer on float planes and then worked for CPA on their DC 3's that were based in PG in late 60's .I am presently retired and research aviation history for PG and the interior as a hobby.

Nov 30, 2011 - CF-104 Project - from Capt Terry Champion (Retired)
The Alberta Aviation Museum has an opportunity to purchase a CF-104 Starfighter and is soliciting contributions to the purchase fund. As you will see in the attached poster, the 104 has been significant in Alberta's aviation history and fits well within the Museum's mandate. Contributions of $50.00 and over will receive a charitable tax receipt for the full amount of the donation. If we are unable to acquire this particular 104, donors will be given the option of leaving their contribution with the Museum where it would be held in a separate, dedicated fund while the search goes on for another available Starfighter, or to receive a refund in exchange for the tax receipt. I am supporting this project and hope you will also consider doing so.
Cheques should be made out to: Alberta Aviation Museum (CF-104 project) 11410 - Kingsway, Edmonton, AB T5G OX4 Questions may be directed to our Executive Director, Tom Hinderks at (780) 907-8455 or by e-mail at eahs.execdirector@shawbiz.ca

Feb 2012 - We are found in strange places. A strip by Vic Lee - 2012 Pardon My Planet carried this cartoon recently.

Thanks to J Harrowar

Oct 31, 2011 - A Rare Find
The webmaster was contacted by a gentleman named E. Derek Styles who sent a photo (below) of a rare aircraft. The picture was taken in 1954 at Lakelse, BC (near Terrace). Through a client G. Robinson - Managing Partner Aviation at Jones Brown Inc, we now have the exact aircraft details:
Airframe Family: Beech 17 Staggerwing / C-43/GB Traveler
Latest Model: Beechcraft SD17S Staggerwing
Construction Number: 3186
Last Civil Registration: CF-HSK
Latest Owner or Location: David Harrington, Salmon Arm, BC

This type of aircraft was used to start Central BC Airways in 1946. We do not know if this is that aircraft.
Also thanks to Capt. B. Thornton (retired), D. Kennedy and S. Russell for correctly identifying the airplane.

Oct 9, 2011
We had an inquiry from the Canada Aviation and Space Museum / Musée de l'aviation et l'espace du Canada in Ottawa regard items that were part of the FA Stampeder Uniform. Through the assistance of T. Champion and A. Bidlock we were able to confirm 1 of the 2 items. The museum advised they do collect airline uniforms but under these terms:

"We certainly might be interested. I would have to handle any potential donation on a case-by- case basis. For each potential donation we look at, among other things, the history of that object, its condition, and whether or not we already have it represented in the Museum's collection. Please encourage anyone who is interested in donating to the Museum to contact me."

You can email M. McCullough is you wish to make a donation.

Oct 6, 2011

Some great videos from the past - thanks to Heather and Corey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxJ8xUOv1oc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGR9Cq47Ekk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxhxmrOlevA&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tN7FT3_tak&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffvanf_5yWE&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4zUuIMUhRE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYPG34Mw9p4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbxii9qLNjg&feature=related

Industry Updates - Aug - Sep - Oct 2011

Air Canada announces a checked Baggage Fee on US Transborder flights
Boeing 787 receives permission to fly.
Passenger deplaned for baggy pants
Singapore Airlines new First Class
Westjet codes Shares with Emirates
ANA takes delivery of B787

Oct 2, 2011 - Our speedy B707 - PWV at Gatwick and a C640 in Edmonton and B727 in Vancouver
thanks DD

Sep 18, 2011: From humble beginnings to an International Air Carrier.

July 15, 2011

New Aircraft from the collection of D Dertien

May 30 , 2011
Hi!
Many moons ago. As an employee of DIAMANG (Companhia de Diamantes de Angola) I had the opportunity of working (I was the chief tower operator) and even flying with PWA's crews in and out of DUNDO, Angola to places like Malawi, Cameroons, Ivory Coast and Lisbon. I will always keep very found memories of your crews and the wonderful work they have done during a time when the risks were almost immeasurable and the improvisations were many and always difficult. If any of the old guys still remembers me I am sending my salute to all.
Louis Mendes-Fernandes (email)

Apr 4, 2011 - Nostalgia

The two flight attendants in this CV-640 flight crew picture taken in Campbell River have been identified as Marilyn Moore (left) and Jean Ringham(right), Carl Fowler {Station Manager} and Captain Val Hennell and F/O Frank Lote... We may find the name of the elderly fellow in an article someday. Thanks to F Lote and and D Dertien

Herc Reunion 2011 - A Great Success

Sep 24, 2010
An interesting link about one of our B727's - C-FPXD. Who owned it and who owns it now.
http://jetphotos.net/census/aircraft2.php?msnid=727-19859

Aircraft History
REG	OPB	DATE	COMMENTS
N1727T	Trans International Airlines	1968-04-16
N1727T	Braniff	1972-10-22	Leased
C-FPXD	Pacific Western Airlines	1974-02-07
C-FPXD	Panarctic Oil	1976-02	Leased
C-FPXD	Echo Bay Mines	1984-08-19
C-FPXD	Royal Aviation	1999-04-01	Leased
C-FPXD	Corporation Air	199-00-09
C-FPXD	First Air	2004-02-02
S9-PST	Transafrik International	2006-04-01

Sep 24, 2010
The fleet registration. Also available in Aircraft for download. With thanks to the authors
http://aerobernie.ae.funpic.de/Pacific%20Western.html

Sep 13, 2010 - Maybe they need experienced airline people also?
LONDON - Boeing 747 jumbo jets are being brought out of desert storage as surging bookings spur carriers including British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways and United Airlines, to return their biggest planes to active duty. British Airways will restore a second 747-400 to its winter timetable in October after recalling one in May for use on its London-New York route. United brought a jumbo out of storage in California in June for deployment to Asia, London and Frankfurt. And Cathay Pacific has reinstated five freighters. Wide-body planes accounted for about 25 percent of the 200 aircraft retrieved from storage in May and June as carriers sought to tap rising demand for long-haul trips and a leap in cargo shipments.
The number of 747s recalled in June exceeded those mothballed for the first time since January 2009, data compiled by aviation consultant Ascend Worldwide Ltd. shows. "Everybody is getting very excited about passenger and cargo volumes coming back, but there's a great temptation to add too much capacity," said Chris Tarry, an independent airline analyst and strategy consultant in London who has followed the industry for almost three decades. "What may be rational fleet decisions for individual airlines can add up to a problem for the industry when taken together."
London-based British Airways and Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific have both idled planes near Victorville on the southern edge of the Mojave Desert in California. Arid locations are favoured for storage because the hot, dry conditions hamper corrosion. Of the 112 jumbos mothballed since the start of last year, 40 have yet to be recalled, according to figures from Ascend. Deutsche Lufthansa, Europe's second-biggest airline, is looking to reactive a single jumbo stored in Germany after returning about a dozen short-haul planes and smaller wide-bodies to service, spokesman Peter Schneckenleitner said. The carrier has yet to decide where to deploy the jetliner.

June 26, 2010 - Airline of the Year Awards
The airline business in some ways has become a bigger challenge than ever. The space between profit and loss is so close that a few bad months can have unrecoverable consequences. The brave people in today's airline industry press onward to work with today's realities, security issues, crowded skies, deregulation and labour contracts. Despite these challenges, they still find the time to not only do a good job, but to excel.
The top 10 places in the 2010 Airline of the Year :

1. Asiana Airlines
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Qatar Airways
4. Cathay Pacific
5. Air New Zealand
6. Etihad Airways
7. Qantas Airways
8. Emirates
9. Thai Airways
10. Malaysia Airlines

... and there is more. I would like to think that we contributed in some ways to this distinction. It is well deserved.
Air Canada has been ranked 'Best Airline North America' in a worldwide survey of more than 17 million air as announced in Hamburg, Germany at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. The survey was conducted by Skytrax between July 2009 and April 2010 using over 38 different aspects of passenger satisfaction to rank airline product and service standards. This annual survey is regarded in the air transportation industry as a primary benchmarking tool for passenger satisfaction levels of airlines throughout the world.

BEST AIRLINE NORTH AMERICA
1 AIR CANADA
2 CONTINENTAL AIRLINES
3 DELTA AIR LINES

May 6, 2010
An interesting article about mergers including the PW ones from David Tait, travel writer. David once worked at US Virgin Airways, Wardair, Laker, Air Florida (pre-Virgin) and Air Canada. Click Here (thanks to Grant O)

March 29, 2010
DD submitted new Boeing AC pictures. The B727 is taken at the Muni. I think if one of these landed in downtown Edmonton today, there might be quite a reaction from the local citizenry. Also DD sent a fleet of new B727 pictures now loaded into the aircraft gallery. Thanks

March 14, 2010
The website moved over this weekend to a new and more suitable hosting service. Links and pages are still being updated. The aircraft photo gallery is rebuilt and is in new sections. We really lack B767 photos. If you see any dead links, or have new contributions, please email the webmaster.

March 5, 2010
I would like to submit for all to enjoy a photo taken at sunrise on YVR ramp in the spring of 1978 just before the Convairs were retired. The photo was taken by Sejer Hansen who returned to his native Denmark years ago but took many photos around the airport, mostly of PWA aircraft so credit goes to him.I was with the company 1975 -2001 YVR ramp ,lost and found and reservations as well. I hope you like it, regards, Alan Giolma.

Jan 15, 2010
Haiti needs our help. Please donate to the Canadian Red Cross or a charity of your choice to support the victims of the earth quake disaster. The Red Cross is an excellent charity with one of the highest percentage of donations going directly to where help is needed

Jan 12, 2010 - Online Aircraft Museum
A link sent by B Gibson
For you aircraft buffs, this is a keeper. Want to check out almost any airplane ever built in the World? Old, new, military, civilian? You will be amazed at what has been done in airplane design. The amount of info available is unbelievable. http://www.aviastar.org/index2.html

Where do you want to go:

Route Map Late '70s

Oct 1, 2009
From Chris E: - Hey guys just wanted say the new website looks great! Seeing some the old photos of the 737's sure does take me back to a world that at the time was a nicer place to live in. Now all we need are some more 767 pics. Again fantastic job and kudos to all ex PWA employees that not only put their hard work into their jobs but their passion too. Pacific Western Airlines will always hold a special place in my heart and its folks like you guys that help keep it there. Thank you. Again from a loyal customer and fan. Chris sends this picture from one of the annual reports.

An update from E Gray on A/C 732.
Don't know if this is of any value or not? I was reading through traces and found the article on A/C 732. I had the privilege of doing the last flight on 732 which was from YVR to Everett Washington ( Boeing Field ) to deliver it to it's new owners which I believe was an Irish company that was to lease or sell it to Nigeria Airways. Total hours after delivered was 27615.4 and 40266 landings Capt. Ed Gray F/O Keith Martinson and Harry Powell a PWA rep? PS the nose ski was removed and in the cargo bay.

July 8, 2009
A photo from D. Dertien of a DC-7 in Europe. If anyone has the story on the role of the DC-7 in overseas operations, it would be interesting to add to this section.

March 21, 2009 - AC739
From Ian Broni PC Pilots Ireland www.pcpilotsireland.com
I just thought you might like to know that former Canadian 737-275 C-GAPW has found a new home in life - after having been scrapped it's nose section was sold off and ended up back in Canada before finally finding a new home in Shannon, Ireland, with Atlantic AirVenture as a Boeing 737NG simulator. Have a look athttp://www.atlanticairventure.com and look under Simulators. I have attached two photo's taken within the last week after I went have flight in her new role - the first is myself (on the left) along with Terry McGee and we both run a flight simulation group based in Ireland with members worldwide - including Canada.

March 9, 2009
It has been 30 years since the PWA - TZ Merger (Jan - Feb 1979)
...... The Great West Connection..
...... Now Approaching: The Great West Connection (Starting up February 4th).
...... Up to 35% off Clan Gatherings on the Great West Connection (Economizer Fare).
...... The Great West Connection.
...... Join Us On the Great West Connection.
...... Connect the Dots on the Great West Connection.
Thanks for the tip N. Burton

Feb 10, 2009
Four pictures of Stranaer Aircraft as provided by Terry Baker of the AC Netletter via John Anderton. The aircraft are believed to have entered the fleet through the purchase of Queen Charlotte Airlines. Circa 1955

Hit Counter