Residents are urged to support new WestJeft Calgary-North Bay flights.
With a big wave from the cockpit window, Captain Scott Ferguson, responded to cheering family and friends who gathered at the Jack Garland airport Friday to welcome him home, even briefly for a special WestJet event.
Ferguson, who was born and raised in North Bay, was granted the privilege of being at the controls of a smaller variant of the Boeing 737 during WestJet’s inaugural flight into the city Friday afternoon.
It marked the launch of a seasonal non-stop service between Calgary and North Bay.
Ferguson wanted to be part of the experience.
“It was very emotional, lots of good memories of starting my career here, and seeing all these people who supported me where it all started. So, it was very touching, and I couldn’t be happier,” grinned Ferguson.
The significance of it all hit Ferguson moments earlier as he began his descent, flying over familiar landmarks.
“We broke out, and I could see Four Mile Lake, and coming around on the turn, I could see Trout Lake where mom and dad’s house is, and Laurentian Ski Hill and the North Bay Golf Club. It was just amazing.”
To mark the occasion, the aircraft received a water cannon salute from the fire department.
Ferguson’s aviation career began in North Bay back in 1995, when he got his private pilot’s licence at the Algonquin Flight Centre, going on to get his commercial licence.
Over his career, Ferguson has flown float planes up north, spent time flying for Bearskin Airlines, flown corporate jets out of Toronto, and has worked for WestJet since 2005.
Mom Lovie Ferguson couldn’t stop smiling, beaming with pride as she watched her son fly into his hometown.
“I’m so emotional. I was so excited to have this happen because Scott has known pilots all of his life. His grandfather, his dad, and uncle are all pilots, so he has grown up with planes,” shared Lovie.
“But the fact that there was a flight school here when he finished high school, and he could come and get all his instruction here, was amazing. And the support he has received his whole career has also been amazing.”
In the crowd watching their father was Ferguson’s daughters, Ruby and Jill.
“It was really nice to see. I’m proud of him because he works so hard, and he deserves this,” stated Ruby.
“I like how he flew into his hometown. It was really special for him. I was happy mostly and excited for him,” Jill added with a grin.
A total of 75 passengers were on Ferguson’s flight from Calgary to North Bay, with 115 on the return flight to Calgary.
“I got on the P.A. this morning, and I said, ‘Let’s keep this thing going. Make sure it is supported.’ I think it is a fantastic service. We were three hours and seven minutes from Calgary. You can’t drive to Toronto in that time.”
Airport Manager Bryan Avery explained the importance of the partnership.
“This new route strengthens YYB’s role as a gateway for northern Ontario and provides residents, businesses, and visitors with a more convenient way to connect across Canada and beyond.”
North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce President Donna Backer also expressed hope that people will support the service.
“This place is buzzing right now,” Backer grinned.
“Seeing all these people walking around, either coming in or departing, is fantastic. It is great for the economy, and it is great for the airport. People were saying to me earlier that this was the first thing coming up on their search for a flight. So, the demand is there. I think these flights are going to continue to be booked, which is exciting for everybody. Having people coming in and out of the area is great for the economy.”
The airline will be operating the route twice a week for the time being, building confidence and new opportunities.