Northwestern Air Lease is bringing an end to its passenger flights.
In an update published on its website, the Fort Smith-based airline announced that it will be making its final scheduled flight mid-month.
"Northwestern Air Lease regrets to inform our customers and business partners that our last scheduled flight will be Jan. 16, 2025," the statement reads. "We will be continuing flights in our small Cessna aircraft. We want to thank everyone for their support over the years."
The update notes that Yellowknife-based airline Air Tindi is "attempting to have a solution in place" by the time of Northwestern's final flight. It also states that Air Tindi is "targeting a more permanent solution," which should be finalized in early spring.
Fort Smith mayor Dana Fergusson said the news of the Airline's decision to cease offering passenger flights left her with a "heavy heart." She extended her "heartfelt thanks for the dedication and commitment" Northwestern Air has shown the community over the years, and also expressed gratitude to its current vice-president Brian Harrold, whose father Terry founded the company.
"ISA国际影视传媒檝e personally witnessed BrianSA国际影视传媒檚 unwavering commitment to the community, particularly during the wildfire evacuation [of 2023]," she said. "His leadership and the tireless efforts of his small team ensured evacuation flights were coordinated and the Fort Smith airport remained operational when it was needed most. This level of service exemplifies the strong community values that Northwestern Air Lease continually upholds.
"The impact of [his] work reaches far beyond just flights," she said. "The creation of the Terry Harold School of Aviation played a pivotal role in my oldest sonSA国际影视传媒檚 journey toward obtaining his pilotSA国际影视传媒檚 license. The opportunity to pursue such a dream locally, here in our own community, was a gift SA国际影视传媒� one that I will always be grateful for."
The mayor called the airline "a cornerstone of Fort Smith" and said its "legacy of service" has "touched so many lives."
Northwestern Air was founded in 1965. It began operating passenger services in 1984. As of 2024, it offered scheduled passenger flights in six communities in Alberta and the NWT, including Yellowknife, Hay River and Fort Smith.
The airline has faced challenges in recent years, notably a severe pilot shortage that caused it to cut back on flights in 2022, just as travel was resuming after the pandemic.
"From your humble beginnings to becoming the trusted airline operating in the region, your dedication to family and community is apparent in everything you do," Ferguson said. "The growth youSA国际影视传媒檝e seen, with over 70 employees, is a testament to the values youSA国际影视传媒檝e instilled in your business and in your community.
"Thank you for everything you do, and will continue to do for our community. Your contributions, both through your business and through charitable efforts, have made a lasting impact, and I know ISA国际影视传媒檓 not alone in expressing my appreciation for everything you have done for Fort Smith."
