Wings Of The Prairies

          On June 9 2023 in a press release that surprised few in the industry, WestJet announced that subsidiary airline Swoop will be integrated into the mainline fleet of WestJet as of 28 October this year. The press release was preluded by rumors that Swoop was to be shut down as part of the agreement reached that prevented the recent strike scare prior to May Long Weekend this year. Indeed, the integration is no doubt part of the agreement between the WestJet pilots union and the WestJet group, however there's some speculation from outsiders that higher ups within the company quietly agreed to axe Swoop as a brand at the negotiating table. Part of the reason the recent strike of WestJet and Swoop pilots nearly happened was due to pay differences between the mainline fleet and the low-cost subsidiary. Some onlookers however wonder what is next for the Boeing 737 aircraft and staff currently in the Swoop fleet. So what's next for Swoop's fleet and staff after...

           June 4th 2023 was the Regina Flying Club's annual open house and as usual, I attended for the full day to document the various attractions. Before the event I caught wind that Saskatoon-based Golden Era Aviation would be in attendance with their ex-RCAF Beech 18/C-45 Expeditor. Of course being fascinated with historic aircraft, I was very keen to cover Golden Era Aviation's visit in particular. Chief pilot Mike and his family were there with the Beech 18 to offer rides and much insight into the history of their aircraft, but to my surprise, I was offered a media flight!           Golden Era Aviation and I have long been aware of each other- after all, I first learned of their existence last year after my review of the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum, where their Beech 18 was housed at the time. Before the open house officially kicked off chief pilot Mike and I coordinated with each other to get pictures of them touching down...