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Transair
In 1978, Pacific Western acquired the regional carrier Transair Ltd. of Winnipeg. In
February 1979, in an agreement with the Canadian Transport Commission, Transair
ceased all scheduled operations east of Winnipeg and Calgary/Edmonton via Regina
and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This linked the Pacific Western/Transair systems,
completing the first step to eventual merger. On December 1, 1979, all operating
licenses and routes were transferred to Pacific Western Airlines and Transair
ceased as a regional carrier.
The Transair component provided a vital element to the success of Pacific
Western. Their equipment, people and routes complemented the services of
Pacific Western and added a segment to the much needed access to Eastern
markets.
Follow this link to a look at :Transair:
A Look Back at Winnipeg’s Hometown Airline
Sep 27, 2020 Three of the fleet. (G. Emptor)
Transair NAMC YS-11 CF-TAK YWG 1974
Transair NAMC YS-11 CF-TAM YWG 1971
Pacific Western Airlines Boeing 737-2A9C C-FTAN YVR July 1980 After the merger)
Aug 1, 2020 Transair Coaster - by G. Emptor
Pacific Western Airlines 1977 Annual Report --- Transair
Limited Acquisition
In early 1977, the majority shareholders of Transair Limited, a regional carrier
based in Winnipeg, approached your Company and offered their holdings to Pacific
Western. An agreement was finalized in May whereby your Company would purchase
in excess of 70% of the outstanding shares, at $1.75 per share. This agreement
required Pacific Western to make available to Transair $3,000,000 upon signing
by way of a guaranteed bank loan. At the same time, four of your Company’s
directors were placed on Transair’s Board, giving your Company effective control
over Transair.
In early June, an application was filed with the Canadian Transport Commission,
asking for permission to acquire in excess of 70% of the outstanding common
shares of Transair. At the same time, Transair filed applications with the
Federal regulatory authorities to suspend their services west of Winnipeg, and
to add the points Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton and Calgary to their route system.
This will permit Transair’s scheduled routes to be linked up with those of
Pacific Western. In December of last year, the Canadian Transport Commission
held hearings on the three applications. We are presently awaiting their
decision.
Transair Limited employs 701 people, and operates a fleet of 7 aircraft,
including 2 Boeing 737 convertible passenger/cargo aircraft with gravel kits,
and 1 Boeing 737 passenger model; 2 twin-jet F-28’s; and 2 twin engine
turbo-prop YS-11’s. Their route structure links Toronto, Sault Ste. Marie,
Thunder Bay, and Dryden in Ontario; Winnipeg, Gillam, Norway House, Churchill,
Thompson, The Pas, Flin Flon, and Lynn Lake in Manitoba; Yellowknife, Resolute
Bay, Eskimo Point, Baker Lake, and Rankin Inlet in the Northwest Territories;
and Whitehorse in the Yukon. The Company also has a helicopter division
employing 34 people and operating 12 helicopters ranging in size from a Bell 206
Jet Ranger to a Bell 204.
Assuming the Canadian Transport Commission approves the applications referred
to, Pacific Western will become Western Canada’s regional airline, with annual
revenues approaching $200 million.
The combined route structure will give your Company a solid economic base, which
will in turn enhance the stability of the organization. The company should be in
a position to participate in most major energy programs now underway and
expected in the future.
The acquisition of Transair should permit a further strengthening and
streamlining of the organization structure to meet the challenges of the
expanded company.
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From – Pacific Western Airlines 1977 Annual Report --- Commitments – section b)
(ii) By agreement dated May 11, 1977, the Company agreed to purchase 2,245,797
(approximately 72%) of the 3,080,811 outstanding common shares of Transair Ltd.
at a price of $1.75 per share, conditional upon regulatory approval of route
realignment which would connect the route networks of Transair and the Company.
The agreement requires the purchase to be completed within 20 business days
after regulatory approval is obtained.
The Company has guaranteed a bank line of credit for Transair Ltd. up to a
maximum of $3,000,000 of which $2,000,000 was outstanding at December 31, 1977.
Contributor: N. Burton
April 8, 2020 Transair News - Sourced and Scanned
by N. Burton
Transair
B707-320C Cargo - credit K. Walker
April 1, 2020 - Transair
Timetable and Route Map 1978
This is likely the last schedule published before the PW Merger.
Transair Aircraft
October 2011 -
A picture of C-FTAN
being repainted in the new PW livery. At this time, Transair had
been part of the PW organization for a couple years and this picture would
have been taken when the company implemented the new image.
We have Karen Gillespie and her DeHavilland Tiger Moth that was
rebuilt by Transair in 1979 and spent the last 29 years in the Western Canada
Aviation Museum. Karen acquired the airplane and is actively flying it from her
own grass airstrip south of Saskatoon. Karen worked for Transair/
Pacific Western/Canadian /Canadian Regional from 1978 to 1999 in Winnipeg and
Saskatoon. The last pilot flying a Transair aircraft! FLY ON!
Interesting Article from the 60's -
Appointment A. Norman
to President.
Are you looking for famous Transair Alumni, our very own Peter Mansbridge
started his career at Churchill Airport
We are also proud to have Capt. Rosella Bjornson onboard. You can read her
story here.
The picture next to Rosella is her and her husband Bill Pratt celebrating her induction into
Canada's Aviation Hall of fame. Photo from the Netletter & Stu Russell.
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