February/March 2020

WESTJET CEO FOCUSED ON ‘COMPETING HARD’

With Onex’s acquisition of WestJet in the rearview mirror, Ed Sims tells Skies he is concentrating on developing the airline’s transborder and transatlantic market share.

By Brent Jang

THE A220 IN CANADA

Air Canada welcomes its first Airbus A220-300 while Bombardier considers cutting all ties with its former C Series program.

By Frederick K. Larkin

HARBOUR AIR AND MAGNIX ARE ELECTRI-FLYING

Not so long ago, the idea of electric commercial aviation was a decidedly futuristic notion. But last December, B.C.-based Harbour Air and MagniX made a giant leap forward with the first flight of their DHC-2 Beaver “ePlane.” We take a look at what’s next.

By Howard Slutsken

HOT WINGS

Since 1969, Conair Group Inc. has specialized in designing, building and operating aerial firefighting aircraft. Today, with the frequency and severity of wildfires on the rise, the company is looking to the future with state-of-the-art equipment and a renewed sense of purpose.

By Howard Slutsken

STYLISH VERSATILITY

Daher’s Kodiak 100 on amphibious floats offers ramp appeal in spades while delivering on the capabilities of a traditional bushplane. Test pilot Conrad Hatcher put the aircraft through its paces and found it capable of impressive results for just about any mission.

By Conrad Hatcher

ALONE IN THE AIR

When Dave Olesen flies his single-engine bushplanes in the wilds of the Canadian North, he’s quite often the only pilot below 10,000 feet. Far beyond any airports, preparation and planning are always the keys to survival.

By Lisa Gordon

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IN EVERY ISSUE:

From the Editor

In the Jumpseat

View from the Hill

Focal Points

Briefing Room

Plane Spotting

Marketplace

In the Circuit

Instrument IQ

Faces of Flight