Northway Aviation Acquires Skynorth Air to Expand Services
Northway Aviation (NAL), based in Winnipeg St. Andrews, has officially acquired Skynorth Air, a dedicated air ambulance provider operating out of Winnipeg International, Thompson, and Island Lake. This strategic acquisition, facilitated through Northway Aviation’s parent company, Westcap Management Ltd., marks a significant expansion in the regional aviation and medical transport sectors.
Westcap Management Ltd., a prominent private equity and venture capital fund manager, completed the acquisition through a syndicate of its managed funds, including Westcap MBO III Investment LP and Connect Manitoba Growth Fund LP. The deal was announced in a statement released on January 21, 2025. While the announcement confirmed the acquisition, it did not specify whether the Skynorth Air brand will continue to operate independently or merge under Northway Aviation. Ch-aviation reached out for clarification but has yet to receive a response.
This acquisition builds on Westcap Management Ltd.’s growing involvement with Northway Aviation. Last year, Westcap became the majority shareholder of Northway Aviation, reinforcing its commitment to expanding the company’s footprint in the aviation industry. Grant J Kook, President and Chief Executive of Westcap, emphasized the strategic importance of the merger, stating, “The combination of two great companies with strong management teams that will stay actively involved and invested alongside us to provide essential services to the residents of Manitoba while creating operating efficiencies in our joint facilities, staff, and a combined fleet of 17 aircraft makes for an exciting growth opportunity and future.”
Skynorth Air, prior to the acquisition, operated a fleet of nine aircraft, including two Beech Aircraft Corporation B200s, four Beech 200s, one Beech E90 (inactive since August 2024), and two Mitsubishi Aircraft International MU-2B-60s. These aircraft are crucial for providing emergency medical services and transporting patients to and from hospitals across Manitoba’s remote areas. The integration of Skynorth Air’s fleet with Northway Aviation’s existing operations is expected to enhance the overall capacity and efficiency of air ambulance services in the region.
Northway Aviation, operating nine aircraft, includes two Cessna Aircraft Company 208s, four Cessna 208Bs, and three PC-12s. These aircraft are instrumental in serving various communities, ensuring timely medical transport and connectivity for residents in and around Winnipeg. The addition of Skynorth Air’s fleet will bolster Northway Aviation’s ability to respond swiftly to medical emergencies, thereby improving healthcare accessibility in Manitoba’s remote locations.
Westcap’s acquisition strategy aims to create synergies between Northway Aviation and Skynorth Air, leveraging their combined expertise and resources to deliver superior air ambulance services. By uniting the strengths of both companies, Westcap intends to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery to Manitoba’s underserved communities.
The consolidation under Westcap’s management underscores the importance of robust air ambulance services in maintaining the health and safety of regional populations. With the combined fleet of 17 aircraft, the newly expanded Northway Aviation is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for reliable and efficient medical transport solutions across Manitoba.
As the aviation landscape continues to evolve, acquisitions like this one highlight the growing emphasis on specialized services that cater to critical needs. Northway Aviation’s acquisition of Skynorth Air is a testament to the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and emergency response capabilities in Canada’s regional areas.
Passengers and stakeholders can expect enhanced operational capabilities and improved service standards as Northway Aviation integrates Skynorth Air’s assets into its operations. This move not only strengthens the company’s position in the air ambulance market but also reinforces its commitment to supporting the health and well-being of Manitoba’s residents.
The acquisition of Skynorth Air by Northway Aviation, facilitated by Westcap Management Ltd., represents a significant milestone in the regional aviation and medical transport sectors. This strategic move is set to deliver enhanced air ambulance services, ensuring that critical medical care remains accessible to Manitoba’s remote and underserved communities.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com