About Us
Northwestern Air Lease has been around since 1965. The company started as a partnership providing chartered flights and firefighting services. We now have over 70 employees and are the main airline operating out of Fort Smith providing daily scheduled flights and chartered services for Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
1965 – Humble Beginnings
Northwestern Air Lease Ltd is founded by Terry Harrold and Peter Kuryluk.
1985 – Family Operated
Terry’s son, Brian joins the company as a co-pilot.
1993 – Rural Communities
We added a Beechcraft 99 to our fleet in order to service the smaller communities which have shorter airstrips.
1995 – Jetstream 31
We purchased our first Jetstream 31. The Jetstream has proven ideal for northern commuter flights and has become an essential part of our fleet.
2005 – Fort Smith
Acquisition of a Cessna 185, Cessna 210 and deHavilland Beaver. We purchased the former Big River Air hanger in Fort Smith in order to move forward in the business of remote charters.
2006 – Continued Expansion
We purchased the remaining Big River Air hangars in Fort Smith. The company has now grown to over 40 employees.
2013 – Expanded Fleet
We are now in possesion of eight Jetstream 31/32 aircraft, in addition our fleet now consists of a Beech 99, de Havilland Otter, Cessna 185, two Cessna 206s and a Cessna 210.
2015 – 50 Years!
Northwestern Air Lease celebrates 50 years! Our company has grown to 70 employees.
Family Friendly
Northwestern Air Lease takes pride in being a family owned and operated business. We know how important family is to our customers, employees and community. With you and your family in mind our personalized approach and experienced staff will ensure your experience will be a good one.
Community Involvement
We believe community is an extension of family. That is why, as a thanks to the people that continue to help support us, we make it a priority to give back to the people and projects that make our community great.
We regularly contribute to our community by providing free tickets to charitable organizations and for fund raising at all our serviced locations.
We are a member of Hope Air providing free trips for poeple in need that are unable to pay for flights.
Our company headquarters are located on Treaty 8 territory.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Our leadership team provides decades of experience in the airline industry. They direct our company’s core values and lead by example, plotting the course to the future.
Terry Harrold
President
Brian Harrold
Vice President
Bob Morin
Human Resources
Debbie Payne
Director of Finance
People
Northwestern Air Lease currently employs 70+ people. We are always looking for smart, passionate people to join our team and help us grow.