September 16, 2013 (Vancouver, BC): Back in 1938, aviation was a new idea with plenty of potential, particularly in a province dominated by mountainous terrain and seemingly inaccessible resources. Trans Canada Airlines had just begun service the year before with its inaugural flight from Vancouver to Seattle and passenger jets were still the stuff of science fiction. To build on the momentum of the fledgling industry, 39 civic leaders formed the BC Aviation Council, the first of its kind in Canada. Its inaugural AGM was attended by Canada’s first Minister of Transport, C.D. Howe, in the town of Nelson.
“From the pioneers of bush flying who opened up the vast resources of the north to the country’s leading aerospace training facility at BCIT, the prosperity of this province owes a great deal to aviation,” said Mark Duncan, Chair of the BCAC. “Helicopters have opened up timber stands and built our power grids, medevac services get people to critical hospital care, floatplanes fly mail and food into remote communities, and the country’s largest air freight fleet operates out of Kelowna. This is a truly multifaceted industry with lots of stories to tell.”
It is not just the highly visible airline, airport, firefighting and floatplane operations that have contributed to the province’s growth. High-tech industries that support aviation and aerospace have also found a home in BC and employ thousands of people across the province. These include companies that build aircraft and aircraft parts, and provide maintenance, overhaul and specialized services.
“The province as we know it today wouldn’t have been possible without the contributions of aviation and aerospace,” said Duncan. “Today we celebrate the anniversary of the first meeting of our organization, and on October 30, we will honour the leaders who built this industry into what it is in the 21st century. At that time, at our Silver Wings Awards, we will also announce the recipients of our scholarships, a cornerstone program for our organization.”
A reception to mark the 75th anniversary will take place this evening, September 16, at the Delta Airport Hotel on Sea Island from 5:30 to 7:30. Photos that chronicle aviation in British Columbia will be on display and the BCAC’s new historian will be introduced to the organization. The public is invited to attend and should RSVP via the BCAC website.
About the British Columbia Aviation Council
The British Columbia Aviation Council, established in 1938, is a member‐driven organization that represents and promotes the shared interests of the aviation community. It is a charitable society established under the Society Act and annually awards over $10,000 in scholarships to students pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace. Our vision is an aviation and aerospace industry that is visible, connected, and thriving. This year, the BC Aviation Council marks 75 years of promoting the aviation and aerospace industries in the province.
About the BCAC’s Silver Wings Awards
The annual awards event is the highlight of the Council’s activities. This year, a special 75th anniversary edition will take place at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond on October 30 at 6 p.m. For information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit the BCAC website.
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For more information:
Donna Farquhar
Tel: 604-278-9330
dfarquhar@bcaviationcouncil.org
Link to Facebook photo page:
Twitter: @bcac1938
Website: www.bcaviationcouncil.org
