Wasaya Airways

Wasaya Pilots
Bulk fuel is offloaded from a Wasaya aircraft to a Hydro One facility in Kasabonika, Ont. Photo: Capt. Prithvi Bharadwaj (Wasaya)

At A Glance

Pilots joined ALPA: 2008

Number of pilots/flightcrew members: 91

Pilot bases: Thunder Bay, Pickle Lake, and Sioux Lookout, Ont.

Hubs/key markets: Northwestern Ontario

Headquarters: Thunder Bay, Ont.

Operations: Wasaya operates primarily in northwestern Ontario and flies on-demand charter service.

Fleet: Beech 1900s, Cessna Caravan 208Bs, Pilatus PC-12s, Dash 8s, and ATR 42s and 72s


In August 2023, Wasaya Airways pilots ratified a new five-year contract, a significant milestone in their efforts to secure enhancements to their collective agreement. The pilot group’s unity and determination over the past four years have yielded considerable improvements, and the agreement reflects the pilots’ valuable contributions to their airline’s success and the communities it serves.

The pilots were committed to bringing their compensation in line with industry standards and enhancing their working conditions. The agreement does precisely that and more, providing industry-leading pay increases, robust job-security protections, and substantial improvements to scheduling and quality of life.

Of the 84 percent of eligible pilots who cast ballots, a resounding 93 percent voted in favour of the agreement. The new contract not only benefits the pilot group, but also helps the company in retaining its skilled and experienced pilots. The new collective agreement marks a positive turning point, ensuring a brighter future for the pilots and the airline.

On October 19, Wasaya pilots attended ALPA Canada’s Parliament Hill Day. This event presented the opportunity for several engaging conversations with members of Parliament and senators on the challenges of safely transporting passengers and cargo in the far north.

From left: Capt. Prithvi Bharadwaj, the Wasaya Master Executive Council (MEC) vice chair; member of Parliament Stephanie Kusie; and Capt. James Harding, the MEC chair, at ALPA Canada’s Parliament Hill Day reception. Photo: the office of member of Parliament Stephanie Kusie