Expansion in Manitoba: Northway’s Strategic Acquisition
SASKATOON, SK, January 21, 2025 /CNW/ – Northway Aviation, a cornerstone in regional aviation for over six decades, has reinforced its commitment to serving Manitoba’s remote communities through a strategic acquisition of SkyNorth Air Ltd. This expansion follows the March 2024 investment by Westcap Mgt. Ltd., marking a significant leap forward in Northway’s service offerings.
Westcap Mgt. Ltd. acquired a majority ownership in Northway through its managed funds, namely Westcap MBO III Investment LP and the Connect Manitoba Growth Fund LP. The acquisition of SkyNorth is anticipated to enhance the essential air services Northway offers, and further cement valuable relationships with the indigenous and remote communities of Manitoba.
Comprehensive Services for Underserved Regions
Northway Aviation has long been lauded for its safety and reliability, operating 11,000 annual chartered passenger flights and freight services for over fifteen communities. The company’s fleet, comprising Cessna Caravans, Cessna Grand Caravans, and Pilatus PC-12s, is managed by a dedicated team of more than 80 skilled professional staff.
- Pauingassi
- Little Grand Rapids
- Poplar River
- Garden Hill
- Red Sucker Lake
- Deer Lake
SkyNorth brings to the table 20 years of specialized air ambulance services from their bases in Winnipeg, Thompson, and Garden Hill/Island Lake. It boasts a team of 65 professionals skilled in healthcare and aviation, operates eight fixed-wing aircraft, and strives to maintain top-tier safety standards.
Chris Mellen, President and CEO of Northway, expressed enthusiasm about this strategic move: “Our pivotal relationships with northern communities demanded a step of this magnitude. Westcap’s entry into our vision was a game-changer.”
Echoing this sentiment, Grant J. Kook, President and CEO of Westcap, stated, “Bringing together two committed teams and their resources promises enhanced service delivery and operational efficiencies. We are excited about the growth prospects this merge brings.”
With over 25 years of expertise, Westcap Mgt. Ltd. is a recognized leader in private equity and venture capital, managing over $1 billion in assets. Their focus is on fostering long-term investor value through partnerships with visionary management teams.
About Northway Aviation LP
Since 1962, Northway Aviation has been a trusted provider of air services to eastern Manitoba and western Ontario’s hard-to-reach communities. Its legacy of serving First Nations communities underscores their commitment to building enduring, mutually beneficial relationships.
For more information, visit westcapmgt.ca and northwayav.com.
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