Our Tour of the Buffalo Airways Hangar

The OLIP interns were excited to visit Buffalo Airways during our Yellowknife study tour, where we had the pleasure of meeting Amy, who kindly guided us through the hangar and shared her knowledge of the airline’s operations.

Buffalo Airways is a Canadian airline based in Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories that specializes in cargo, charter, and passenger flights serving remote communities across Northern Canada. The airline was founded in 1970 by bush pilot Joe McBryan, who purchased several aircraft from a bankrupt airline and began operating flights that transported essential supplies to isolated northern regions. Buffalo Airways is also widely recognized for operating a fleet of vintage aircraft, such as the Douglas DC‑3 and Curtiss C‑46 Commando, which are valued for their durability and ability to operate in harsh northern conditions.  

During the tour, we had the opportunity to explore the simulation area and even step inside one of the airplanes, the legendary Douglas DC-3! We learned about the unique challenges and logistics of running a Northern airline, where Amy also highlighted the range of services Buffalo Airways provides. 

The tour offered an up-close look at the maintenance and preparation required to keep aircraft ready for flight, giving us a deeper appreciation for the skill, dedication, and teamwork involved in Northern aviation.  

We would like to sincerely thank Amy and the Buffalo Airways team for taking the time to show us around the hangar and share their expertise, providing us with a unique and memorable perspective on flying and operating in the North!