Launched on March 25, 1970, Flightcraft has grown over the last forty years to become an icon of success in the Canadian aviation industry.
Founded by Barry Lapointe and Jim Rogers in Kelowna, BC, Flightcraft started as an Aircraft Maintenance Operation and bought, imported and sold aircraft in the early years. By 1974 they acquired an Air Operators Certificate and entered the charter market. By then the entrepreneurial spirit was well established, leading Flightcraft on a remarkable journey to today.In 1977 Flightcraft began a long term relationship with Purolator Courier that continues today. Starting with one aircraft in Western Canada, Flightcraft now operates 18 aircraft as part of a cross Canada network to support Purolator’s overnight delivery service, making Flightcraft the largest independent cargo airline in Canada. Line maintenance bases were established across Canada and a large heavy maintenance facility was built in Hamilton, Ontario in 1995 to support Purolator’s needs. Today, Flightcraft operates the largest cargo aircraft registered in Canada (DC10-30F) to provide dedicated heavy lift air service to Canada Post.Over the years Flightcraft has moved in and out of passenger service, primarily in the charter market. You may recall Inter City Air and Greyhound as just two examples.The largest contract in Flightcraft’s colorful year history was awarded in March 2005. Allied Wings, a subsidiary of Flightcraft received a 22 year $1.77 billion contract to provide training and support to Canada’s Air Force pilots in Southport, Manitoba.Never content for status quo, Barry and Jim have continued to build a very strong Maintenance Organization over the last 40 years. Flightcraft staff are capable of performing heavy maintenance and modifications to a wide range of aircraft, including structural modifications and avionic upgrades. Work is performed on both civilian and military aircraft from around the world in Kelowna, where a focus on niche markets is honed.In 1997 Flightcraft became the OEM for the Convair aircraft line, providing technical, engineering and parts manufacturing for a fleet flown around the world. Shop facilities include engine, component, landing gear, plating, NDT, machining, and fabrication shops. The maintenance operations are supported by Transport Canada certified Engineering and Training groups, and maintain an ISO 9001 Quality Assurance program.“ The cornerstone of success for Flightcraft has been an unwavering focus on customer service and quality of work” indicates Barry, “we look for opportunities to provide a better service others overlook, and then turn it into a niche market we can own. It’s a pattern of success our customers have come to rely on, whether it’s on time deliver for Purolator, shorter downtime on modifications for commercial customers, or technical expertise not found elsewhere. We have a highly skilled staff who provide a quality product that I’m proud of.”Both Barry and Jim are passionate Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Pilots, continuing to fly and work today. They have both been recognized for their tremendous contributions to the aviation community in Canada over the last 45 years. Jim retired in 2008 to start his own airline (Flair), and Barry remains actively involved in Flightcraft Operations as President and CEO.A ceremony to mark this significant milestone in Canadian aviation history is being held today in Kelowna at Flightcraft’s Main Hangar at 3:00 pm PDST (March 25, 2010). Media are welcome to attend, but the event is not open to the general public.Kelowna Flightcraft BackgroundKelowna Flightcraft operates or leases over 75 aircraft; is Canada’s largest cargo airline; is an aircraft maintenance and manufacturing organization; is a transport Canada Design Approval organization (engineering); owns the type certificate for the Convair airplane, an is a Transport Canada Approved Training Organization delivering training to a wide range of aviation companies. In operation since 1970, Kelowna Flightcraft is ISO 9001 certified and employs 1000 employees across Canada with our head office located in Kelowna, BC.Kelowna Flightcraft’s full service Aircraft Maintenance Operations focus on heavy aircraft maintenance, overhaul, and modifications with major facilities in Kelowna, BC and Hamilton, ON. This includes mechanical, structures, avionics, engine, landing gear, painting & parts supply with a focus on B727, B737, B757, B767; DH-8, Convair 580 and 5800 Stretch, Buffalo and Twin Otter aircraft.Kelowna Flightcraft’s Charter Operations are capable of delivering over 900,000 lbs of freight nightly across Canada utilizing a fleet of twenty-one DC 10’s, B727’s and Convair 5800 and 580’s.Kelowna Flightcraft’s Allied Wings Operation provides Primary and Advanced Military Flight Training for Canada’s Air Force at the Canada Wings Aviation Training Centre. Based in Southport, Manitoba (5 minutes from Portage la Prairie, MB) over 100 ab-initio pilots are trained annually utilizing a fleet of 39 aircraft (Grob120A, King Air C90B, Bell 206, and Bell 412) and 3 state-of-the-art flight simulators.For further information regarding Kelowna Flightcraft please contact Paula Quinn, Executive Assistant:
Phone: (250) 491-5500
E-mail: paula_quinn@flightcraft.ca
Websites: www.kelownaflightcraft.ca
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