WAGLISLA AIR, LTD.: Canada (1984-1996). Established at Vancouver in 1984, Waglisla inaugurates local and bush services, both scheduled and unscheduled, along the central British Columbia coast. Employing a de Havilland Canada DHC-2 and several Cessna 180s, all float-equipped, the operator visits such destinations as Bella Coola, Bella Bella, and Ocean Falls.
Operations continue apace for the remainder of the decade and into the next. In 1993, President Vivian Wilson’s carrier visits Power River, Port Hardy, Bella Bella, Masset, and Prince Rupert. The fleet includes 2 Beech 99s, 3 Piper PA-31-310 Navajos, 1 Douglas DC-3,2 DHC-3 Otters and 6 DHC-2s (all of the DHCs are float-equipped).
The Douglas transport, Beech 99s, and three Beavers are withdrawn in 1994; however, another Otter is added. Arthur Harrison is general manager in 1995 and he operates 3 Beavers, 3 Otters, and 2 Chieftains. The 2 Beech 99s rejoin the fleet later in the year. The company declares bankruptcy in October, but continues to operate. One Beaver is withdrawn in 1996, just before the entire concern shuts its doors.
WAIRARAPA AIRLINES, LTD.: New Zealand (1980-1991). Established late in 1980 to provide scheduled commuter services, Masterton-based Wairarapa undertakes flights to Auckland with a pair of Piper Pa-31-350 Navajo Chieftains. During the remainder of the decade, services are also started to Christchurch, Nelson, and Rotorua.
By decade’s end, Managing Director Alan Stewart has only one Chieftain available. Although another Chieftain is acquired in 1990, the small regional is unable to maintain its economic viability and ceases operations in 1991.
World History
