Buffalo Airways is one of the oldest and most successful Canadian airlines. Founded in 1970 by Bob Gauchie, the airline began with two Fairchild F-27 aircrafts flying cargo and passengers between Yellowknife and Hay River in the Northwest Territories. Since then, the company has grown exponentially, now operating a fleet of over 30 aircrafts and providing service to Northern Canada and around the world.
A major milestone in Buffalo Airways' history occurred in 1982, when the airline purchased a fleet of DC-3s from the Canadian Forces. This purchase allowed the airline to expand its reach and add cargo services to its already extensive passenger services. The DC-3s are now the backbone of the airline's fleet, and many of them have been in service for over 30 years.
In 1989, the airline was purchased by the current owner, Joe McBryan. Under his leadership, Buffalo Airways has continued to expand its operations and increase its fleet. In 2010, the airline added its first jet, a Boeing 737-200, to its fleet, enabling it to provide international services to destinations in the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
In 2011, Buffalo Airways earned international fame when it was featured in the Discovery Channel show, Ice Pilots NWT. The show followed the pilots and crew of the airline as they navigated the challenging terrain and weather of the North. The show was a huge success, and Buffalo Airways earned a new level of notoriety throughout the world.
In 2016, the airline made headlines when one of its DC-3s crashed in Yellowknife. Fortunately, the crash was non-fatal, and the crew was able to make a successful emergency landing. In the aftermath of the crash, the airline was subject to a federal investigation, which resulted in several safety recommendations for the airline.
Buffalo Airways has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1970. The airline has expanded its fleet, increased its reach, and gained international fame. While the airline has experienced some bumps along the way, it has continued to be a leader in the Canadian aviation industry.
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