Canadian Airways

 

During the early 1920's, a young pilot named Grant McConachie flew fresh fish from the surrounding lakes in the Bonnyville area of Alberta, Canada to a train where they were shipped to Chicago and New York.  His business continued to expand until it became Canadian Airways, later known as Canadian Pacific Airlines, of which McConachie served as president.

Canadian Airways Ltd. received its charter on June 27, 1930.  In its 11-year history, the airline acquired more than 120 aircraft, made up of 34 aircraft types.  One of the best known airplanes in Canadian Airways’ fleet was the Junkers 52 (CF-ARM).
 

Junkers Ju.52 on skis
 

The Junkers 52 entered the Canadian Airways fleet on Oct. 26, 1931, and had the distinction of being the largest aircraft in Canada at the time.  It was called the “flying boxcar” and was designed as a freight aircraft with large doors for easy loading of bulky items.  Cargo capacity was two tons. It was withdrawn from service in 1943.  A replica of CF-ARM is on display at the Western Canada Aviation Museum in Winnipeg.

Other aircraft flown by the airways included:

Fairchild 71

Junkers W.34

Canadian Airways flew a German-built Junkers W.34 "Flying Boxcar" which had a good load capacity.  It carried a variety of cargoes which even included cows and horses (although one of the first try was nearly catastrophic when a stallion panicked during flight and started to demolish the interior of the aircraft. On subsequent flights, the animals were drugged and accompanied by a veterinarian as part of the crew).

 

Lockheed Vega

 

Lockheed L-10 Electra

 

 

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Timetables and Promotional Materials

 

17 July, 1930

May, 1937

c. 1930s (?)

 

January, 1936

 

2002 Wings Publishing