From the Town of Fort Smith Mayor, Council & Staff:
To the residents of Fort Smith, past and present,
The news of Northwestern Air Lease ending its scheduled flights deserves a heartfelt acknowledgement — we have directly benefited from this locally owned and operated family business for nearly 60 years. As a cornerstone of the Northern transportation network, Northwestern Air Lease is a vital contributor to our community.
Originally providing chartered flights and firefighting services, the airline has now grown to over 70 employees, making it one of the largest employers in our community. Northwestern Air Lease has been a lifeline to our community all while supporting countless families, advancing the careers of pilots across Canada, and connecting Fort Smith to the world.
The generosity shown by the Harrold family, through continuous support of fundraising efforts and contributions to local initiatives, has left a lasting impact on our Town. From leisure and business travel to cargo deliveries and emergency services, the residents of Fort Smith owe much to Northwestern Air Lease for their essential role in our daily lives.
As scheduled flight services to and from Fort Smith will look different in January, we acknowledge and appreciate the continued commitment of Northwestern Air Lease to continue Cessna operations, re-fueling and de-icing services, among other supportive roles.
To Northwestern Air Lease — thank you for being an integral part of Fort Smith’s history. We wish you and your team continued success in all future endeavors.
