To commemorate the 70th anniversary of Rise Air’s origins, the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum (SAM) is partnering with Rise Air to host a public celebration.

Join us for a BBQ lunch on Saturday, September 27, the event will run from 11am to 2pm and the cost is $14 which includes entrance to the museum and a burger meal!

This event is open to the public and welcomes former staff members who contributed to the companies that eventually formed Rise Air. Current employees and friends are also invited. The museum is collaborating with Rise Air to preserve and celebrate Rise Air’s history. In the future, a dedicated feature at the museum will honour our legacy and impact.

This is open to any former and current employees of: 

• Athabaska Airways was created in 1955.
• Athabaska Airways took over Meadow Lake Air Services in 1959.
• Athabaska Airways became the first Saskatchewan helicopter operator in 1960.
• La Ronge Aviation was created in 1958, but it took until 1961 for it to get its license.
• La Ronge Aviation took over Dolphin Airways in 1966.
• La Ronge Aviation took over Northwest Territorial Airways’ Yellowknife float plane operation in 1973.
• Snowbird Aviation was founded in 1982.
• Athabaska Airways took over Snowbird Aviation in 1989.
• Athabaska Airways took over Air Saskatchewan in 1991.
• La Ronge Aviation changed its name to AirSask. AirSask merged with Athabaska Airways to create TransWest Air around 2000.
• Nipawin Air Services became the IFR division of Osprey Wings, which was purchased by West Wind around 2016.
• Northern Shield Helicopters and Transwest Air were purchased by Westwind Aviation in July of 2016 

 

Also former sub-brands: Express Air, Pronto Air, North Shield Helicopters staff are welcome, as well as the public. 

This BBQ will be the Aviation Museums last BBQ of the 2025 season! We look forward to seeing you all there!