Pacific Western
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| Founded | 1946 | ||||||
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| Ceased operations | February 1, 1987 (purchased Canadian Pacific Airlines to create Canadian Airlines International) | ||||||
| Headquarters | Richmond, British Columbia | ||||||
Pacific Western Airlines Ltd (IATA: PW, ICAO: PWA, Call sign: Pacific Western) was an airline that operated scheduled flights throughout western Canada and charter services around the world from the 1950s through the 1980s.
It was headquartered at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, British Columbia, until 1974, when the head office was moved to Calgary, Alberta after Russ Baker sold his interest to the government of Alberta.
Pacific Western Airlines was a pioneer in the aviation history and known for its ability to profitably operate short haul air routes. The company raised profits and reserves and eventually formed Canadian Airlines in 1987. In 2001, Air Canada took over the entities that Pacific Western Airlines had created.
Predecessor air carrier Central British Columbia Airlines was started by pilots Russ Baker and Walter Gilbert with financing supplied by Karl John Springer. Springer was a successful prospector, familiar with the importance of air transportation to prospecting and mine development. The company was based in Prince George and Fort St. James, British Columbia. At incorporation July 8, 1945, Frank Cooke and Lawrence Dickinson were recorded as President and Secretary-Treasurer as the pilots continued with Canadian Pacific Air Lines before CBCA went into operation. Baker's wife Madge paid the lawyer's fees for incorporation. After Baker had secured a contract with BC Forest Service to patrol for forest fires, Springer advanced $150,000 at 6% interest, secured by aircraft and other CBCA property.
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