note

Founded by Robert Engle, an american enterpr and Yale graduate who became Canada citizen. Engle loved flying and became pilot in 1956. He moved to Yellowknife in 1958 and explored feasibility of starting air carrier in the are in his Cessna 180 float plane. In 1961 Engle founded NWT using single De Havilland Otter which he piloted. Airline operated as passenger and cargo charter from Yellowknife serving mining outposts throughout the Northwest Territories. In 1981, NWT was finally able to secure permit to start scheduled service. First Rankin Inlet, Iqaluit and Winnipeg were served but in 1983 all important Yellowknife - Edmonton route was established. NWT also operated overnight express service throughout Canada and a trucking company out of Edmonton. Airline was sold to Air Canada in late 1980s but continued to operate as NWT Air with Engle at helm. In 1997 company was acquired and integrated into First Air.

founded - demised (age)

1961 - 1997  (36)

headquarters

, Yellowknife

web

base airports

related operators

First Air

acquired by