‘Fabulous news:’ Outfitters relieved after charter airline sale

After months of holding their collective breath, many outfitters are breathing a sigh of relief.

The news that northern Saskatchewan charter flight company Osprey Wings will continue to operate this summer under new ownership is expected to make a big difference in the industry, which is facing shortages of both qualified pilots and service options.

(Osprey Wings/Submitted)

Harvey Kroll, chair of the Sask. Commission of Professional Outfitters and owner of Hatchet Lake Lodge, said the news is excellent for everyone involved in northern affairs, especially his fellow outfitters.

“We had lots of people sitting on the edge of their seats, wondering if they’re even going to open their doors this year, so yeah, it’s fabulous news,” Kroll shared.

Wayne Galloway said he’s hoping for the best.

Galloway, who runs Paull River Wilderness Camp, said he’s hopeful that the service will continue to operate the same way it did before.

He said knowing that the Thompson family — who previously owned and operated Osprey Wings — is planning to stay on through the first year to help the new owners get their feet under them helps him believe the transition will be a smooth one.

“I don’t know who the new owners are and, of course, that’s a concern,” he said, adding that he hopes whoever purchased the company has aviation business experience.

“It’s very complicated to run a business like this. It’s a big business,” Galloway said.

Galloway said next year – once Osprey Wings is running independently – will be the real test.

But without the sale, the outfitter said his prospects for the upcoming season were very slim.

“I had no future. My property was worthless,” said Galloway, who relies on the company to bring supplies and customers up north to his business.

As a long-time customer of Osprey Wings, Galloway said he’s grateful the owners, Bonnie and Gary, have been able to sell the business they’ve invested their lives into.