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The NetLetter #1584

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‍The NetLetter #1584

Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter
Since 1995

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍Saturday June 27, 2026

‍CF-TAK in original Transair livery
Oakland, California - September 1968

Photo courtesy of Jay Sherlock

‍Dear ‍

Welcome to The NetLetter, established in 1995 as a dedicated newsletter for Air Canada retirees.

We have evolved into the longest running aviation-based newsletter for Air Canada, TCA, CP Air, Canadian Airlines and all other Canadian-based airlines that once graced the skies.

The NetLetter is self-funded and is always free to subscribers. It is operated by a group of volunteers and is not affiliated with any airline or associated organizations.

The NetLetter is published on the second and fourth weekend of each month.

If you are interested in Canadian aviation history, and vintage aviation photos, especially as it relates to Trans-Canada Air Lines, Air Canada, Canadian Airlines International and their constituent airlines, then we're sure you'll enjoy this newsletter.

Please note: We do our best to identify and credit the original source of all content presented. However, should you recognize your material and are not credited; please advise us so that we can correct our oversight.

Our website is located at www.thenetletter.net

Please click the links below to visit our archives and for more info about The NetLetter.

‍NetLetter News

We have welcomed 70 new subscribers so far in 2026.

We currently have 4611 subscribers.

We wish to thank everyone for the continuing support of our efforts.

Back issues of The NetLetter are available in both the original newsletter format and downloadable PDF format.

We invite you to visit our website at www.thenetletter.net and select 'NetLetter Archives'.

feeback 200x165

We always welcome feedback about Air Canada (including Jazz and Rouge) from our subscribers who wish to share current events, memories and photographs.

Particularly if you have stories to share from one of the legacy airlines: Trans-Canada Air Lines, Canadian Airlines, CP Air, Pacific Western, Maritime Central Airways, Eastern Provincial, Wardair, Nordair, Transair, Air BC, Time Air, Quebecair, Calm Air, NWT Air, Air Alliance, Air Nova, Air Ontario, Air Georgian and all other Canadian based airlines that once graced the Canadian skies.

Please feel free to contact us at feedback@thenetletter.net

We will try to post your comments in the next issue but, if not, we will publish it as soon as we can.

Thanks!

‍Coming Events

Dreams Take Flight scheduled flights for 2026

Vancouver - October 5
Calgary - October 27
Ottawa - November 17
Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal & Halifax - TBD

Check dreamstakeflight.ca for planned events in your city.

‍Subscriber Feedback

Submitted by Larry McIntyre -

Regarding the Super Connie article, a friend of mine was an RAF Air Traffic Controller, at Glasgow. He told me that TCA Super Connies were the fastest across the North Atlantic.

My thoughts are that TCA's background, having flown Lancastrians across during the war, was put to good use.

Thanks to Grant Snider for bringing the following to our attention -

B.C. Aviation Museum acquires rare jet with John Travolta connection

The Cold War-era de Havilland Vampire, Canada’s first fighter jet and part of the Blue Devils acrobatic team that predated the Snowbirds, has been acquired from a museum in New Brunswick that was liquidating its displays.

“We are very fortunate to get a Vampire … every museum wants them because they are rare and very cool,” said Stephen Hale, president of the B.C. Aviation Museum in North Saanich. “But this particular aircraft has a remarkable history.”

Full story at:
www.timescolonist.com/local-news

Editor's Note by Ken Pickford:

Extensive article with many photos on RCAF Vampire ops. Amazing site is extensive on almost everything related to Canadian military history.

silverhawkauthor.com/aviation

‍Submitted Photos

Ken Starnes sent us these photos of the 'Odyssey DC-3' taken during his visit to the KF Centre for Excellence at Kelowna, British Columbia -

Full story an additional photos available at:

kfcentre.ca/aircraft-collection/the-odyssey-dc-3/

John Rodger sent in these addition photos from the Quebec District Spring Luncheon on May 28 -

Quebec Past District Director Ben Besner,
Stella & Wilfred Hachey (Quebec City Rep),
Quebec District Director Ingrid Young.

YOW Team:

Lesley Mansell, Membership;
Monique Edwards District Director & National Secretary
and Odette Dompierre, Treasurer.

Suzanne Groulx, Anita Ivanov, Mary Schaefer,
Lila Decary, Milene Vaknin, Glenna Burton.

Standing:
Josephine Veragra, Ingrid Young, Gheslaine Lacasse, Veronica Jankovic.

Al & Claudette Coull, Ben Vezina, Keith & Christine Kelly,
Manji Schinkel, Susann & John Rodger.

Quebec District Executive Committee:

Ted Page, Helene Racicot, Ingrid Young, Ghislaine Lacasse,
Mae Wilson, Ben Besner, Wilfred Hachey,
John Rodger & Michel Dattore.

‍Remember When

In NetLetter #1490, we had a story in 'Wayne’s Wings' regarding the donation of DC-9 fin #711 to the National Aviation Museum in Ottawa.

Here we have some more information from our archives from an email from Jim Strang.

DC 9, fin #711, Fly-in from Montreal (YUL) to Rockcliffe (YRO) for delivery to the National Aviation Museum (now the Canada Aviation & Space Museum), September 21, 2002

The crew for last flight was (pictured left to right): Captain Hugh Campbell at the controls, Captain Rob Giguere acting as First Officer and Captain Chuck McKinnon in the jump seat

Although a poor weather forecast delayed the arrival of the DC 9, fin #711 from an 09:00 to a 12:00 arrival at Ottawa’s Rockcliffe airport. Despite the delay, a large crowd of well-wishers and aviation enthusiasts were on hand to witness a piece of Canadian aviation history.

The delay proved to be a good operational decision, conditions at the time of landing were near perfect with 24C, great visibility, wind down the runway, sunshine and just enough clouds to provide the contrast that photographers love.

Approaching the 3,600 feet runway from the east the aircraft made a 'look see' approach in landing configuration as planned and carried out a max power, high performance go-around much to the delight of the many gathered for the arrival. A turn to the right for a wide circuit down the beautiful Ottawa river and then in for final approach.

Hugh and his crew made us all feel very proud as he touched down in just the right spot and used just enough brake and reverse to bring the aircraft to a stop about 2,000 feet down the runway. As agreed by all, a beautiful job.

Following a rather majestic taxi in, the crew was greeted by an enthusiastic and grateful National Aviation Museum staff, the Air Canada Operations Manager for Ottawa and several RAPCAN members.

On hand were: Norm Peveril, Keith McConnell, Andre Chadourne, Bob Mercer, Don Cameron and Jim Strang.

Lots of chances for pictures and a tour of the aircraft which has been re-painted to the old "red and white" and perfectly restored inside. Air Canada and its employees can be truly proud of this gift to Canada.

Air Canada News

for the latest posts at the Air Canada Media Centre.

Click the logo to open the Air Canada YouTube channel.

‍TCA / AC People Gallery

tmb 550 horizons classic

Found in 'Horizons' magazine

Issue dated September 1998

The following employees from Cargo in Dorval celebrated 25, 30 or 35 years of service during 1998.

Left to right, front row: Guy Caron, André Pelletier, Gérald St. Martin, Suzanne Buchan, Robert Martel, Shirley Joncas, René Desparois, Robert Lemay, Bernard Frappier and Gil Leroux.

Back row: Pierre Allard, Gaston Greer, Robert Lacombe, Jacques Bissonnette, Jean-Guy Désilets, Lloyd Cahill, Gary Malo, Yvon Constantineau, Jean-Pierre Lacelle, Urs Wiesendanger and Giles Couillard.

Employees from Dorval Ramp celebrating 25, 30 or 35 years of service during 1998.

Left to right front row: Tony Archer, Daniel Bessette, René Montreuil, Serge Couture, Brian Grannary, John Fox, Marcel Deguire, Jeannot Gingras, Lucien Lamarre and Yves Maurice.

Back row: Jacques Bissonnette, Robert Lacombe, René Desparois, André Faubert, Gilles Vachon, Réo Gendron, Claude Duquette, Arthur Marcil, Ron Gagné, Guy Boisvert, Dave Bradshaw, Tom Bain, Michel Haines, Michel Gagné, Terry Davis and Réal Gendron.

‍CP Air / Canadi>n People Gallery

tmb info canadian

From the 'Canadi>n Flyer' magazine.

Issue dated August 1998

Bangkok Blitz

Canadian's Bangkok staff held a sales blitz on Songkran Day, April 13, 1998. The Thai holiday marks the change from the hot season to the wet season.

The team delivered 800 gift sets to travel agency staff around Bangkok (BKK)

.
Front row, left to right: Charnchai Khongsrithong, Nongyao Labsrivivat, Nuchaporn Srisajjakul, Doreen Hazell (Country Manager, Thailand), Greg Schoenbaechler, Sukanya Rattanawadee, Prapapun Singhaphahu, Nonglak Yenchaisit and Lynette Gould.

Back row: Naowarat Hakimee, Ninlawan Piriyasatit and Netdao Boonjaroenraj.

Bienvenido from Mexico City.

Canadian employees in Mexico City roll out the red carpet for Alex Pittman, the new General Manager of Latin America.

Alex is on right and is standing beside Cristi Vazquez, Country Manager, Mexico & Central America. Others in the photo were not identified in the original article.

The YYC 'Dragonflys' may have hovered near the mouth of the dragon during Saskatoon's Dragonboat Festival in June 1998, but they sure weren't the main course.

In fact, the YYC team did some munching of their own. The 'Dragonflys' came out on top in one of three heats and placed second in the remaining two, positioning themselves in the top of a 49-team field.

Featured Video (s)

From Alex Praglowski Aviation YouTube channel -

I Flew on Air Canada's Inaugural A321XLR Flight!

Odds & Ends

Pierre Gillard captured C-FNVV (fin #416) Air Canada Jetz A320-211, 404th built, while at Saint-Hubert (YHU) on May 9, 2026.

Originally delivered to Canadian Airlines in January 1994.

More defunct airlines of Canada

Nordair

Nordair was a Quebec-based airline founded in 1957 from the merger of Boreal Airways and Mont Laurier Aviation, primarily serving points in Quebec and the Canadian North, including military contracts supporting many remote radar bases during the Cold War period.

Transatlantic and other international passenger and cargo charters were later operated. Nordair also operated scheduled flights to a number of destinations in eastern Canada and the northeastern USA in addition to continuing to provide passenger and cargo service to points in northern Quebec and the Arctic region from its primary hub and headquarters in Montreal.

Nordair was acquired by CP Air in 1986 and became part of Canadian Airlines following its creation from the 1987 acquisition of CP Air by Pacific Western Airlines.

Full history at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordair

Lockheed L-1049H Super Constellation freighter

Manchester (Ringway) Airport - July 2, 1966

Photo by RuthAS

NorOntair

Stylized as norOntair, was a Canadian regional airline operating in northern Ontario from October 18, 1971 to March 29, 1996.

It was a subsidiary of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC), a provincial Crown agency of the Government of Ontario, with the stated goal of creating east-west links across northern Ontario.

More info at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NorOntair

De Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otter

Kirkland Lake (YKX) - May 28, 1985

Photo by Alain Rioux

Prince Edward Air

Prince Edward Air was an airline headquartered in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. The airline offered a variety of services including: scheduled cargo, ad-hoc charter, air medevac, maintenance, sales and service.

It was founded as an entrepreneurial venture in 1989 to pursue market opportunities in air medical evacuation, courier, and scheduled passenger and on-call air charters for business and pleasure. The company started with one leased aircraft and one pilot, founding president, Robert Bateman.

In 2008 Cargojet Airways acquired majority ownership and in 2010 in entered into a partnership with SkyLink Express and ceased operations on November 1.

More at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Edward_Air

Beech 99 Airliner

Ottawa (YOW) - January 7, 2006

Photo by John Davies

Wayne's Wings

Transair YS-11A CF-TAK

We first looked at the pair of YS-11 aircraft in the Transair fleet in NetLetter #1396 back in August 2018.

The comment submitted by Nick Davy in NetLetter #1583 regarding the lifecycle of Transair YS-11 registration CF-TAM caught the attention of frequent contributor Caz Caswell who suggested a few photos of the other YS-11 in their fleet, registration CF-TAK.

I thought I'd look into the lifecycle of CF-TAK. It was originally delivered to Transair in August 1968 and merged into the Pacific Western fleet in October 1979 (new registration C-FTAK).

It was sold by PWA to Pinehurst Airlines of North Carolina in December 1979 and registered temporarily as N4989S, re-registered as N110PH in 1980.

As per rzjets.net it was converted to a freighter in 1985 and sold to KOA Holdings of New York. During the 1980s and early 1990s, it operated under a contract for the United States Postal Service (USPS) on short-haul and nighttime mail networks.

It is listed as being broken up, however, I have not been able to confirm the date.

I did not get permission to use a thumbnail of the aircraft in its last known livery for the United States Postal Service, link below:

www.jetphotos.com/photo/10772667

CF-TAK in Transair livery
Toronto - June 23, 1971

Photo courtesy of Gary Vincent

N4989S in Pinehurst livery

Atlanta, Georgia - July 1980

Photo courtesy of Jay Sherlock

Terry's Trivia
& Travel Tips

Terry Baker, co-founder of the NetLetter scours the internet for aviation related Trivia and Travel Tips for you, our readers, to peruse.

All international tourists travelling to Japan will pay the mandatory tax of JPY3,000 or C$26.11 from July 1, 2026.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the fee is charged to international tourists leaving Japan by plane or cruise. Since it’s collected on departure, it has been nicknamed the “sayonara tax,” a reference to the Japanese word for “goodbye.” Children under the age of two are exempt from the fee.

Source:

dailyhive.com/canada/canada-japan-tax-increase-july-1-2026

Smileys

From the 'Canadi>n Flyer' magazine.

Issue dated April 1988

‍The NetLetter Team

‍Wayne, Ken & Terry

Richmond, British Columbia - December 2019
(Bob Sheppard was not available for the photograph)

‍‍Wayne, Bob & Ken

Richmond, British Columbia - December 2023
(Terry Baker was not available for the photograph)

We wish to honour the memories of
Vesta Stevenson and Alan Rust.

They remain a part of every edition published.

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