Founding and Early Years
M & C Aviation Co. Ltd, established in 1930 by private pilots Richmond Mayson and Angus Campbell, began as a small aviation firm in Saskatoon. Recognizing the growing demand for northern air transportation, the company relocated to Prince Albert, positioning itself as a vital link to Saskatchewan’s remote northern regions.
A Bush-Flying Lifeline
M & C Aviation thrived by focusing on bush flying, providing chartered flights into the heavily forested areas of northern Saskatchewan.
The company supported prospectors, travelers, and isolated communities, helping to connect the untamed north to the rest of the province. During the challenging years of the Great Depression, their resilience and focus on the unique demands of northern aviation allowed them to persevere.
Second World War Contributions
With the onset of World War II, M & C Aviation adapted to meet the needs of the war effort.
The company operated an aircraft overhaul facility in Prince Albert, maintaining planes used by the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP). This critical work ensured that training aircraft remained airworthy, contributing to the Allied war effort and supporting the training of thousands of pilots.
Transition to Saskatchewan Government Airways
Following the death of Angus Campbell in May 1943, M & C Aviation continued operations but faced the changing postwar landscape.
In 1947, Richmond Mayson accepted an offer from Saskatchewan’s Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) government to sell the airline. The government aimed to use aviation to open the vast northern regions, fostering development and accessibility.
This transition led to the creation of Saskatchewan Government Airways (SGA), which carried forward the legacy of connecting the province’s remote areas.
Legacy of M & C Aviation
M & C Aviation Co. Ltd symbolizes the pioneering spirit of early aviation in Saskatchewan.
The company’s dedication to northern development, coupled with its adaptability during wartime, laid the foundation for the province’s future in aviation. Its transformation into Saskatchewan Government Airways ensured that its mission of serving the north continued, cementing its place in the province’s aviation history.
