The Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC) mourns the loss of Canadian aviation pioneer Max Ward, who passed away on November 2 at the age of 98.

An ATAC Member for many years, he was made an ATAC Lifetime Honouree in 1978. Max also was inducted into Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame in 1974 and made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1975.

A northern bush pilot who built his regional carrier Wardair into Canada’s largest charter airline and third largest airline overall, Max Ward left an indelible mark on the development of commercial aviation in Canada. His focus on the highest quality service for passengers at affordable prices is still talked about fondly by those many appreciative customers served by Wardair.

The ATAC Board of Directors and Staff extends their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this preeminent figure of Canada’s aviation history.

ATAC is asking that an equitable and verifiable financial aid package designed for regional air transport includes direct financial aid; taxes and charges relief; loans and/or loan guarantees; consumer incentives to use air services; and most importantly, implementation on an expedited basis of fast COVID-19 testing programs in lieu of quarantine restrictions that currently exist, especially for domestic operations.

Read more

Ottawa, September 24, 2020. The Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC) and its 175 Members and Industry Partners welcome the Government commitment found in yesterday’s Speech from the Throne concerning support to aviation in Canada.  

“… Government will work with partners to support regional routes for airlines. It is essential that Canadians have access to reliable and affordable regional air services. This is an issue of equity, of jobs, and of economic development. The Government will work to support this.” 

As tens of thousands of aviation personnel have either lost their jobs outright or have been indefinitely laid off, our industry has been appealing to the Government to step up and help support the Canadian aviation industry now operating at levels 15-20% from those of one year ago. High fixed costs and greatly reduced activity is putting a strain on our operators that can no longer be sustained.

Read more