The history of Provincial Airlines dates back to the early 1950s when it was founded in Newfoundland and Labrador. The airline’s early years were focused on providing transportation to remote communities throughout the province, with a fleet of small aircrafts that included de Havilland Fox Moths, Beavers, and Otters. During the 1950s, Provincial Airlines also provided charter services, with the first international service to the United States being launched in 1957.

By the 1960s, the airline had expanded its services to include scheduled passenger flights between major cities on the island, including St. John’s, Gander, and Labrador City. Provincial Airlines also began operating out of Canada’s eastern provinces, including Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. During the 1970s, the airline further expanded its services to include international flights to the United States and Europe.

In the 1980s, Provincial Airlines began operating larger aircrafts, including the Dash 8 and the ATR 42. The airline also began operating turboprop planes, such as the Twin Otter and the BAe Jetstream 31. Provincial Airlines also began offering cargo services during this time, becoming the first airline in Canada to operate an all-cargo fleet.

In the 1990s, the airline saw further expansion, with the launch of its first jet service in 1996. The airline began operating the Boeing 737-200, which was the first jet aircraft in its fleet. Provincial Airlines also began offering international services to the Caribbean and Central America.

The 2000s saw the airline take on a new identity, becoming known as PAL Airlines. With the new name came a renewed focus on providing scheduled services to major cities throughout Canada. In addition, the airline launched its own low-cost carrier, PAL Express, in 2009. The airline also began operating a fleet of Bombardier Dash 8 and ATR 42 aircrafts.

The past decade has seen Provincial Airlines continue to expand its services, with the launch of a new low-cost carrier, PAL Express, in 2017. In 2020, the airline announced plans to launch its first international destination, with flights to Cuba scheduled to begin in 2021.

Throughout its history, Provincial Airlines has been involved in several incidents, including air crashes and federal investigations. In 1992, one of the airline’s Twin Otters crashed in northern Newfoundland, killing all 20 passengers and crew. In 2006, the airline was the subject of a federal investigation after it was found to have been operating an unsafe fleet of aircrafts.

Overall, Provincial Airlines has come a long way from its humble beginnings in the 1950s. The airline has grown from a small regional carrier to a major international airline, with a focus on providing safe and reliable scheduled services. With the launch of its new low-cost carrier, PAL Express, the airline looks set to continue to expand its services in the years to come.