Northwestern Air: Lifeline of Canada’s North Founded in 1965 and based in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Northwestern Air (officially Northwestern Air Lease Ltd.) has played a pivotal role in connecting northern Canadian communities with safe, reliable air travel From Leasing to Scheduled Service The airline began as a leasing company, launching its own flight operations in 1968, and introduced scheduled passenger flights in 1984. Entirely owned by the Harrold family, Northwestern Air has remained a tightly run, locally rooted business with over 70 employees as of 2018. Connecting the Far North As of early 2024, Northwestern serves six regular destinations across Alberta and the Northwest Territories: Edmonton, Fort Chipewyan, High Level, Hay River, Yellowknife, and its home base of Fort Smith. With a fleet of 14 versatile aircraft—including multiple Jetstream 31/32 turboprops and Cessna types—it supports both scheduled routes and charter services for businesses and mining operations throughout Canada and the U.S. Charter Focus & Fleet Adaptability In December 2024, Northwestern announced it would cease scheduled passenger operations by January 16, 2025, pivoting to focus on charter flights using its Cessna fleet. Air Tindi will take over the scheduled routes. The move reflects regional staffing challenges and the Harrold family’s decision to streamline operations. Safety Record & Incident Response Northwestern has had a history of strong safety oversight, though it experienced tragedy in January 2024, when Flight 738 (a Jetstream 32) crashed shortly after departure from Fort Smith—resulting in six fatalities and one survivor—prompting investigations and heightened internal safety focus. Why Northwestern Air Matters Community Focus: Locally owned, regionally dedicated, and family-operated since inception. Adaptable Fleet: From six‑seat Cessnas to 19-seat Jetstreams, its diverse aircraft can handle remote runways and bespoke charters. Flexibility: Charter and contract services underpin its evolution in northern aviation. Legacy of Service: Generations of northern residents and businesses depend on its flights—from medevacs to supply runs and essential travel. As Northwestern Air transitions to a charter-centric model, its legacy as a community cornerstone remains. Whether flying workers to mines, patients to hospitals, or cargo to remote towns, Northwestern continues as a vital thread in the fabric of Canada’s far north.