Today, in partnership with our homebase and Hub partner airline, WestJet and the Canadian Aerophilatelic Society (CAS), we marked the first-ever inaugural air mail flight in Western Canada. Commemorating the special occasion, this morning’s WestJet Encore flight 3143 from Calgary to Edmonton transported 259 letters in a vintage mail bag to replicate the monumental moment for aviation, communication and air cargo 100 years ago.
Known by the press as “the birdgirl,” aviatrice Katherine Stinson piloted the first flight containing a mailbag with a reported 259 letters on July 9, 1918 using only a compass and a map of Alberta.
“As a female pilot it’s an honour to fly WestJet Encore flight 3143 in recognition of Katherine Stinson’s first air mail flight in Western Canada,” said Athenia Jansen, WestJet Encore Captain. “Stinson was one of the world’s leading female aviators and Janna and myself are thrilled to commemorate the 100th anniversary of her flight.”
This centennial flight was important milestone for YYC Calgary International Airport because since that period we grown immensely and have now have become one of Western Canada’s leading cargo gateways. With more than 64 flights across the globe each day transporting items from air mail to technology, food and essential goods that reach homes and storefronts across our province, YYC is a key contributor to growing our city’s GDP.
“Today’s acknowledgement of the first air mail flight demonstrates that YYC is a leading cargo gateway in Western Canada, evolving from just one inter-city flight transporting air mail, to offering access to global markets in support of Alberta’s strategy to grow international trade,” said Mark Ruel, Director of Air Service Development for The Calgary Airport Authority. “Over 75 per cent of Alberta’s of air freight is handled at YYC.”
Guests on the flight were treated to a special gift from the CAS. Each person on board the aircraft was given a commemorative envelope officially stamped by Canada Post that included a letter from Calgary Mayor, Naheed Nenshi to the Mayor of Edmonton, Don Iveson. The original mail bag contained a letter from the acting Calgary Mayor Freeze to then Mayor Evans of Edmonton.
