NorthStar Airways Celebrates Ten Years of Flight with Expansion and Jet Ambition

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Montréal — NorthStar Airways this week marks its tenth anniversary, celebrating a decade of remarkable growth that has transformed the airline from a modest regional operator into one of Canada's leading international carriers.

Founded in 1950 in Montréal, the airline now stands as the third-largest carrier in Canada, having transported more than 14 million passengers over the past ten years.

✈️ From Regional Beginnings to Global Network

NorthStar's journey began with a small fleet of piston aircraft serving nearby Canadian and American cities. Over the years, the airline steadily expanded its reach, building a network that now spans North America, Europe, Mexico, South America, and Africa.

The backbone of today's long-haul operations is a fleet of 70 Douglas DC-6B aircraft, which have enabled NorthStar to establish itself as a reliable transatlantic carrier.

Meanwhile, the airline has modernized its short-haul services with 42 Fokker F.27 "Friendship" aircraft, while earlier types such as the Convair CV-240 and the Martin 4-0-4 have now been retired following years of service.

🌍 A Three-Hub Strategy

A defining feature of NorthStar's success has been its development of a multi-hub network across Canada.

Montréal — the original and primary hub
Vancouver — established in 1957
Calgary — added in 1959

This strategy has allowed the airline to strengthen domestic connectivity while efficiently feeding its growing international routes.

🦅 Strengthening the Phoenix Alliance

As a founding member of the Phoenix Alliance, NorthStar Airways also announced a major expansion of its global partnerships.

New codeshare agreements have been concluded with several key alliance partners, including:

PrivilegeX (Bogotá)
Glades International Airlines (Miami)
AVIACO (Madrid)
Helvetia Airlines (Zürich)
TRIAL AIR (London & Manchester)
Zippy (Denver)
FlyBoy Air (New York)

The agreements are expected to significantly enhance connectivity across continents and further strengthen Montréal's position as a global gateway.

🛫 Entering the Jet Age

In what may prove to be the most significant announcement of the anniversary, NorthStar Airways confirmed the order of 70 Vickers VC10 jet aircraft, marking the airline's official entry into the Jet Age.

The new aircraft, built by Vickers-Armstrongs, will dramatically reduce travel times and elevate passenger comfort on long-haul routes.

"This investment represents the next great step in our evolution," a company spokesperson stated.
"The future of aviation is faster, higher, and more connected and NorthStar Airways intends to lead the way."

✨ A Decade of Confidence and a Future of Ambition

With a strong domestic presence, a rapidly expanding international network, and a clear commitment to innovation, NorthStar Airways enters its second decade with confidence.

From its commanding position in Montréal to its growing influence across continents, the airline has become a defining force in Canadian aviation.

"Ten years ago, we looked to the skies with ambition," the company said in its anniversary statement.
"Today, we look to the future with certainty, guided, as always, by the North Star."

As the aviation industry stands on the threshold of the Jet Age, NorthStar Airways appears not only ready for the future—but determined to help shape it.