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| Founded | 1983 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceased operations | 2021 | ||||||
| AOC # | 12604 [2] | ||||||
| Hubs | Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport | ||||||
| Focus cities | Regina, Prince Albert | ||||||
| Fleet size | 3 [3] | ||||||
| Destinations | Saskatoon, Regina | ||||||
| Headquarters | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | ||||||
| Key people | Michael Rodyniuk (President & CEO) | ||||||
| Website | http://www.westwindaviation.ca http://www.expressairclub.ca | ||||||
West Wind Aviation Limited Partnership was a Saskatchewan based airline.
Under its ExpressAir banner, West Wind formerly offered scheduled service between Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. Service in northern Saskatchewan and Nunavut were provided under the Pronto Airways banner. In 2015 West Wind Aviation absorbed Osprey Wings which was established in 1979. [4]
Its main commercial rival was Prince Albert-based Transwest Air which became a subsidiary of West Wind Aviation July 1, 2016, and all scheduled flights are operated by Transwest.
In January 2021, it was announced West Wind Aviation will be merged with Transwest Air and renamed Rise Air . [5]
As of February 2020, West Wind Aviation had the following aircraft registered with Transport Canada. [3]
| Aircraft | Number | Variants | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATR 42 | 3 | 300 series, 320 series | 44/46 passengers. |
| Beechcraft 1900 | n/a | 1900C, 1900D | 19 passengers, and is versatile enough to land on gravel and pavement airstrips. Not listed by Transport Canada. |
| Beechcraft Super King Air | n/a | 200 series | 8 passengers, MEDIVAC capable. Not listed by Transport Canada. |
| de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter | n/a | 300 series | 19 passengers. Not listed by Transport Canada. |
In addition the Transport Canada site lists a Cessna 414 and three Cessna 401s (one Cessna 401 and two Cessna 401B) with cancelled certificates. [3]
West Wind operates fixed-base operations at the Saskatoon and Regina airports under Shell Canada's AeroCentre franchise. [6] Under the International Air Services brand, West Wind provides airport terminal services to charter and international airlines at the Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg airports. [7] In addition, under the Lancaster Fuel brand, the company provides aviation fuel to smaller airports and private operators in the province. [8]
On December 22, 2017, West Wind Aviation's air operator certificate was suspended by Transport Canada. Transport Canada cited the reason in a news release stating that the airline has deficiencies in its safety management system. Transport Canada also mentioned that the airline lost its Operator Certificate in the interest of public safety. "In the interest of public safety, Transport Canada suspended West Wind Aviation's Air Operator Certificate and will not allow the company to resume its commercial air service until it demonstrates compliance with aviation safety regulations". [10]
Transport Canada reinstated West Wind's license to operate on May 8, 2018. Operations have since resumed. [11]
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West Wind Aviation: WEW, WESTWIND
Media related to West Wind Aviation at Wikimedia Commons
