It’s been another eventful year in aviation. We looked back on 100 years of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), said goodbye to several Canadian aviation icons, and got a glimpse into the future with new aircraft contracts. As 2025 approaches, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 most popular articles on skiesmag.com this year. Here’s a brief recap of each story, with links to the original articles (click the titles). In the meantime, the Skies team would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a very Happy New Year and blue skies for 2025!
10. RCAF aircrew assist in Arctic search and rescue
Three search-and-rescue (SAR) technicians from the RCAF’s 435 Squadron demonstrated their training and skill in late December 2023 when they responded to an Air Tindi charter crash near the Nunavut-Northwest Territories border. A DHC-6 Twin Otter 300 struck terrain during a winter road construction support flight with two crew members and eight passengers on board. Despite harsh Arctic conditions, the SAR crew executed a nighttime parachute rescue and coordinated the safe evacuation of all individuals to Yellowknife.
9. Canadian aviation industry polled in fatigue management regulation review
In March, Transport Canada conducted a stakeholder review of its flight duty time (FDT) and fatigue management regulations, implemented in 2020 for large operators and 2022 for smaller ones, following widespread criticism from operators and labour groups. The review aimed to address concerns such as vague guidelines, impracticality for smaller operators in remote areas, and challenges in implementing fatigue risk management systems.
8. Edmonton likely location for western base for the RCAF CC-330 Husky
The Department of National Defence (DND) began negotiations with Edmonton International Airport in November to establish the new Main Operating Base-West (MOB-West) for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CC-330 Husky fleet. The DND has been conducting site studies and environmental reviews for the MOB-West, which will support operations, maintenance, and training for the fleet, expected to achieve initial operational capability between 2028 and 2029.
7. How Textron Aviation’s SkyCourier utility turboprop is positioning in the market
Skies spoke with vice-president of global sales at Textron Aviation, Juan Escalante, to gain a better understanding of the Cessna 408 SkyCourier’s market potential. Developed with input from FedEx, the SkyCourier is tailored for the global courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market — with a 6,000-pound payload capacity and the ability to carry LD3 containers.
6. Bombardier’s final Global 7500 from Downsview takes flight
The final Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft manufactured at the historic Downsview plant took its maiden flight on March 23, 2024, marking the end of an era as Bombardier prepared for its transition to a new, eco-friendly facility at Toronto Pearson Airport. Downsview, with aerospace history dating back to the 1920s, is to be transformed into a mixed-use development, featuring 10 districts, 45,000 housing units, and space for 100,000 residents.
5. Boeing awarded $3.4 billion contract for 17 P-8A Poseidon aircraft
In March, the U.S. Navy awarded Boeing a $3.4 billion contract to produce 14 P-8A Poseidon aircraft for Canada and three additional units for Germany, marking a significant step in replacing aging maritime patrol fleets. Canada, acquiring its P-8As to replace CP-140 Auroras starting in 2026, stands to gain over 3,000 jobs and $358 million in annual GDP contributions through Boeing’s industrial commitments, involving seven Canadian companies.
4. Greece to acquire 7 new De Havilland DHC-515 waterbombers
Greece earlier this year approved a $392 million plan to purchase seven new De Havilland Canada DHC-515 waterbombers, manufactured by Calgary-based De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited. The DHC-515 is an updated version of the legacy CL-415, featuring a larger water capacity, longer flight range, and advanced avionics. Scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2030, the aircraft will bolster Greece’s firefighting fleet amid worsening wildfires.
3. Hawaii Mars makes final flight to resting place at BC Aviation Museum
On Aug. 11, Coulson Aviation’s Hawaii Mars, a 1945 Martin Mars waterbomber and one of only two remaining in the world, completed its final flight before being retired to the BC Aviation Museum. Thousands of spectators gathered to witness the historic aircraft on its final journey. The flight route, which included a formation with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, paid tribute to the Mars’ 50-year legacy in forest firefighting and the communities it served.
2. Reeling back 100 years of the Royal Canadian Air Force
The Royal Canadian Air Force marked its 100th anniversary on April 1, 2024. Skies celebrated the occasion with a look back on the air force’s last century through photos (courtesy of Canadian aviation author Larry Milberry) — from the Silver Dart to the CF-18, and the First World War to modern peacekeeping missions.
1. RCAF: Fifth-Gen fighter jet transformation
With the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II slated to land at Royal Canadian Air Force squadrons as soon as 2026, Skies asked former CF-18 fighter pilot and F-35 test pilot, Billie Flynn, to share some key lessons regarding the fifth-generation fighter — which represents a generational capability change for the RCAF.
