Sunwest Aviation was established in 1986 as Sunwest Home Aviation and adopted its current name in 2006.[5]
On 1 October 2014, Sunwest took over the operations of Alta Flights.[6]
Sunwest also operates a medical evacuation program, known at Halo Medevac, transporting patients locally and internationally following a medical emergency.[7] Along with Cenovus Energy they operated the now closed Axe Lake Aerodrome.[8]
On 15 December 2018, Sunwest Aviation entered the fixed-base operator (FBO) business and became the official Shell AeroCentre in Calgary. In addition to being the newest FBO in Calgary, Sunwest continues to provide aircraft charter, and aircraft management for aircraft owners.
Sunwest Aviation later expanded its eastern Canadian presence through the acquisition of Jet-Share Canada in February of 2025[9], extending its aircraft management and charter operations to the Toronto market.
The company provides air ambulance, Sunwest AeroMedical, and medical repatriation services in addition to participating in HOPE (Human Organ Procurement and Exchange Program) by providing aero-medical services that allow for the time sensitive transportation of lifesaving organs.[10]
Fleet
The airline has a fleet of 30 aircraft, including 15 jets.[4]
Current fleet
Former Sunwest Aviation Bombardier Challenger 600 series
As of 16December2025[update], Transport Canada lists the following aircraft as being in the Sunwest Fleet:[4]
Over the years Sunwest has flown over 300 aircraft. In addition to other aircraft of the types listed above Sunwest has previously flown the following:[12]
Sunwest Aviation holds multiple industry-recognized safety and quality accreditations. The company is a Transport Canada-approved aircraft operator, demonstrating compliance with national regulatory standards for commercial aviation operations. It also maintains a platinum rating from ARGUS International, a provider of global due-diligence assessments for charter operators,[13] and has achieved IS-BAO Stage 3 certification under the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations, reflecting the highest level of safety management practices.[14][failed verification]
Sunwest's aeromedical division has been accredited by the European Aero-Medical Institute (EURAMI) for both regional and long-range fixed wing air ambulance operations with an adult critical care endorsement.[15]
In fixed-base operator (FBO) services, Sunwest has been repeatedly recognized in industry surveys. After launching its FBO business line in 2018 as the official Shell AeroCentre at Calgary International Airport, the company was awarded the Rising Star Award by Wings in 2019. It was later voted Western Canada’s Top FBO in the Wings magazine FBO survey in 2021 and 2022[16], and has continued to be ranked among Western Canada’s best FBOs into 2025[17].
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