Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter
Since 1995 Saturday July 25, 2026
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Boeing 737-200 CF-EPP Halifax - May 1981
Photo courtesy of Gary Vincent. |
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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. |
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 We have received a few comments regarding the AC / CP sections that include photos extracted from the various corporate magazines scanned for our archives.
As these magazines were originally produced on recycled paper and had faded at the time of scanning, the photo quality is often quite poor.
We began the practice of using modern technology to restore the photos as best we can. Our thanks to Bob Lynch for his fine work.
Although not perfect, and there may be some slight distortions, we hope that the quality for our purposes has improved.
We do not wish to offend anyone, our goal is always to pay tribute to the remarkable people who have shaped the history of airlines of Canada.
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 We have welcomed 80 new subscribers so far in 2026.
We currently have 4,621 subscribers.
We wish to thank everyone for the continuing support of our efforts.
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 Back issues of The NetLetter are available in both the original newsletter format and downloadable PDF format.
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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.
We will try to post your comments in the next issue but, if not, we will publish it as soon as we can.
Thanks!
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Submitted by Gail Bennett -
In NetLetter #1585, there was a photo of the Georgetown Girls Pipe Band at the inaugural TCA overseas flight in 1953. This is the 2nd time that I know of, you have showcased this event & the band.
I am honoured to say I belonged to this band starting from the 1960's until 2007. The word 'Girls' was dropped in 1996 and this Pipe Band which was formed in 1943 is still performing. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.
Regards, Gail Bennett
P.S. My husband, Keith Bennett, was a cargo agent in Toronto (YYZ).
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Submitted by Doug Davidson -
The Bristol Brabazon (Terry's Trivia - NetLetter #1585) was named after Lord Brabazon of Tara, the first person in United Kingdon to qualify as a pilot. He was a guest speaker when I was at university.
Lieutenant Colonel John Theodore Cuthbert Moore-Brabazon, 1st Baron Brabazon of Tara, GBE, MC, PC, HonFRPS (8 February 1884 – 17 May 1964) was an English aviation pioneer and Conservative politician.
He was the first Englishman to pilot a heavier-than-air machine under power in England, and he served as Minister of Transport and Minister of Aircraft Production during the Second World War.
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Jack Morath in LHR shares this message -
I saw the picture in NetLetter #1585 of the Bombay staff reunion. Ingo Hirt is an old friend and I tried to contact him a while ago. Would you be kind enough to pass on my best wishes and also to the members of the Bombay staff that were in the picture and who I worked with on my visit in preparation for the first flight from London. Thank you.
Editors' Note: We provided contact information for these old friends to get re-acquainted.
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Photo contributor Frank de Koster asks if we can help identify the registration of this Cessna 180 taken at Hamilton in 1988.
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Thanks to Vic Bentley of the Canadian Museum of Flight in Langley, British Columbia for sending in this photo of their Harvard Mk IIB piloted by George Kirbyson winding up for a low pass over Langley.
Click the image for the history of this aircraft.
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 Submitted by Shirlee Schacter -
On July 9 members of the Ontario District enjoyed a sold-out excursion to Kingston Ontario for a scenic 1000 Islands Cruise. Once again, District Director Carla Marraffino, kept everyone entertained on the bus with a challenging contest and plenty of laughs.
Five lucky participants won gift-cards to spend during a stop at the Big Apple Fruit Stand. Guests then enjoyed a delicious meal aboard the 3-hour cruise while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the 1000 Islands. It was a wonderful day of friendship, fun and great memories.
Looking ahead, you are invited to join the Fall Appreciation Luncheon on October 7, 2026 at the Mandarin Flagship location in Brampton. This will be followed by the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Celebration on October 16, 2026.
Registration information and more details will be sent to your email in the upcoming Ontario District Newsletter.
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- 1950 - April 1 - TCA inaugural service Montreal - New York.
- 1950 - April 2 - TCA inaugural service Montreal - Tampa.
- 1954 - February 1 - TCA Inaugural service to Sudbury with DC-3 equipment.
- 1975 - April 28 - Inaugural Charlottetown - Ottawa with DC-9 equipment.
- 2000 - April 3 - Inaugural service Toronto - Tokyo with A340-300 equipment.
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Found in 'Horizons' magazine
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Issue dated February 1999
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First European E-ticket sale.
 Seven minutes after the U.K. Call Centre opened for business, the first E-Ticket for international travel was sold by Edie Etheridge, Customer Sales and Service Agent.
Sold to a party of five, the ticket was for the total amount of 700 pounds. Effective December 8, 1998, Air Canada became the first Canadian carrier to offer its customers travelling to or from London, England, the convenience of electronic ticketing.
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Newly hired pilots.
Before pilots are recruited by Air Canada, they must have 2,000 to 6,000 flying hours under their belt. Once they come on-board, they undergo a rigorous three-month training course that includes learning about the operational side of the business, such as firefighting techniques, crew resource management, and the responsibilities of flight attendants.
Then, it's on to ground school for simulator training and line indoctrination and, finally, graduation. Congratulations to the class of '98!
Pictured below (all from Toronto unless otherwise noted):
Front row, left to right: Bruce Foster, DC-9 First Officer; Mike Walsh, DC-9 First Officer; Theresa Niers, B-767 Relief Pilot; Duff Kaufman, CRJ First Officer and Bastian Visser, CRJ First Officer.
Back row: Dwayne Neilson, CRJ First Officer; Michael Brewin, DC-9 First Officer; Mark Stow, B-767 Relief Pilot; Martin Tamme, CRJ First Officer, Montreal; Stéphane Ratthe, CRJ First Officer, Montreal; A.Y. Krawchuk, DC-9 First Officer; Geoff Wall, DC-9 First Officer; Dan Comeau, CRJ First Officer, Montreal and Chris Sponder, CRJ First Officer.
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Issue dated May 1999
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The Blues win it!
In 1999, the Air Canada Recreation Association (ACRA) System Hockey Tournament took place in Vancouver, March 1 to 4, with a total of 12 teams participating.
A strong Toronto "A" Division team started off the tournament with an 18 to 0 trouncing of Vancouver Maintenance. An 8 to 1 victory over Montreal in game two advanced the team into the final with the Vancouver Pirates, which Toronto won 7 to 3.
In our photo we have the 1999 "A" Division champions front row, left to right: Gregg Fortushniok, Station Attendant; Steve Spears, Mechanic; Dan Geisel, Matt McGuffin, Jeff Pasma and Sal Difede, Station Attendants.
Back row: Don Habkirk, Station Attendant; Ryan Campbell and Pete Delazzer, Lead Station Attendants; Tom Campbell, Jim Deluca, Pete Gastis and Darren Roach, Station Attendants.
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CP Air / Canadi>n People Gallery |
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From the Canadian Flyer magazine
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Issue dated January 1999
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Farewell from Prince Rupert.
Friendships were rekindled and new friends were made at the base closure/turnover party in Prince Rupert on October 3, 1998.
Ex-Rupertites flew or drove from such distant points as Terrace, Prince George, Calgary, Edmonton, Thunder Bay, Regina and even Beijing.
From left to right: Gerry Yee, John Zerbin, YYC; Bill Werbowski, YYC; Lois Chappell, YPR; Norma McCracken (formerly Procter), YQT; Barb Koval, YEG; Janice Gee, YEG; Arlene McCleod, YPR.
Back row: right side: A Wood, YXS; Fran Colussi, YPR; Barb Drzewiecki, YEG.
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Next photo, top, left to right: Frank van Gisbergen, Denise Carignan, Lynne Finnigan, John Dunlop, Dan Fallwell, Carol Fregin, Ann Jackson.
Middle row, sitting: Arnold Thomson, Annette Youngman, Don Wagner, Shaw McNish, Wendy Prystay and Susan Eby.
Bottom row, sitting: Shannon Legovini, Shauna Fox and Edda Wagner.
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Golden girls - Golden anniversary
by Peter Pigott
 On April 30, 1949, there were 821 people working for Canadian Pacific Airlines and the total monthly payroll was $193,727.
Passenger miles the previous year totalled 34,549,963 and were all flown within Canada.
On May 1, when the new fiscal year dawned, the airline entered through the portals of another dimension, that of international operations.
In preparation, Grant McConachie had begun modifying his fleet of Canadair Fours at Cartierville and was analysing the lessons of the survey flight. The next step was to hire more staff.
In actual fact, the enlistment had begun in December 1948 in Australia. The company's policy was that stewardesses should also be from the countries the airline served.
Pictured are Dulse Hall, Lorraine Heu, Joyce Lam and Gloria Woo from Hong Kong who would join the 10 for the North Pacific run.
Each of the flights could now carry one Canadian with either an Australian or a Chinese flight attendant, depending on the route.
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From the CHEK Media YouTube channel -
The first Snowbird CT- 114 has arrived at the British Columbia Aviation Museum. Join the museum president, Stephen Hale as he discusses this new addition to the museum collection.
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More defunct airlines of Canada
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Royal Airlines was a Canadian scheduled passenger and charter airline based in Montreal, founded by Michel Leblanc in 1991. It was acquired in early 2001 by Canada 3000 which went bankrupt and ceased operations in November 2001.
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Royal Aviation Boeing 727-2J4 - C-GRYP
at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic (POP)
September 21, 1993
Photo by Konstantin von Wedelstaedt
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Arrow Airways was a prominent Canadian bush airline based in The Pas, Manitoba, which operated from 1935 until it was acquired by James Armstrong Richardson in 1938 and subsequently folded into Canadian Pacific Air Lines in 1942.
The ten companies that combined to become CPA were Ginger Coote Airways, Vancouver; Yukon Southern Air Transport, Vancouver and Edmonton; Canadian Airways, Winnipeg; Wings Ltd., Winnipeg; Prairie Airways, Moose Jaw; Mackenzie Air Services, Edmonton; Arrow Airways, The Pas, Manitoba; Starratt Airways, Hudson, Ontario; Quebec Airways and Dominion Skyways, both of Montreal.
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History of CF-EPP - C-GDCC
Always looking for aircraft with interesting lifecycles, I decided to research the Royal Airlines fleet to see if any were still active. I found one that, although not active for many years, is still performing a useful purpose.
Boeing 737-200 line #319 was originally delivered to Eastern Provincial Airways (photo in header) in March 1973 under registration CF-EPP (fin #204), re-registered as C-FEPP in 1982. It was absorbed into the CP fleet in January 1986 and named 'Empress of Fredericton' and assigned fin #794.
It was acquired by Polaris Aircraft Leasing in August 1993, converted for cargo, leased to CanAir and re-registered as C-GDCC. CanAir was acquired by Royal Airlines in August 1997.
The fuselage has been preserved at the College of the North Atlantic, at Gander, as an engineering trainer.
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C-FEPP Canadian Airlines
Toronto - 1989
Photo courtesy of Frank de Koster
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C-GDCC CanAir Cargo
Toronto - August 8, 1995
Photo courtesy of Derek Heley
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C-GDCC - Royal Cargo
Vancouver - May 10, 1999
Photo courtesy of Dave Richardson
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College of the North Atlantic
Gander, Newfoundland
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| Terry's Trivia
& Travel Tips |
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Terry Baker, co-founder of the NetLetter scours the internet for aviation related Trivia and Travel Tips for you, our readers, to peruse.
The de Havilland Comet was the world's first jet airliner, designed to overtake the American lead in air transports following World War II.
Design studies began in 1944 while the war was still underway, leading to first flight in July 1949. Deliveries to British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) began in April 1952, with first revenue flights the following month.
The Comet I was an immediate success. Its performance was far ahead of contemporary aircraft such as the Boeing 377, Douglas DC-6, and Lockheed Constellation. However, trouble soon emerged.
Click the photo below for the full article.
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From Between Ourselves magazine
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Issue dated May 1966
by Dave Mathias
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Wayne, Ken & Terry Richmond, British Columbia - December 2019
(Bob Sheppard was not available for the photograph) |
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Wayne, Bob & Ken Richmond, British Columbia - December 2023
(Terry Baker was not available for the photograph) |
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We wish to honour the memories of
Vesta Stevenson and Alan Rust. They remain a part of every edition published. |
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E&OE - (errors and omissions excepted):
The historical information as well as any other information provided in the "NetLetter" is subject to correction and may have changed over time.
We do publish corrections (and correct the original article) when this is brought to our attention.
Disclaimer: Please note that the NetLetter does not necessarily endorse any airline related or other "deals" that we provide for our readers.
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We do not (normally) receive any compensation from any companies that we post in our newsletters. If we do receive a donation or other compensation, it will be indicated as a sponsored article or link. |
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