Athabasca Basin Development Acquires Ownership in West Wind Aviation

September 3, 2012 in News
Explorer: Fall 2012

This spring, Athabasca Basin Development announced its purchase of 29.85% of West Wind Aviation.

“We are excited to be investing in West Wind Aviation. This investment is consistent with our previous transactions in that West Wind is a significant supplier to the resource industry and is leveraged to the continuing growth of Saskatchewan,” says Geoff Gay, CEO of Athabasca Basin Development. “West Wind’s dedicated management and employees are known for providing excellent, award–winning service and for their exemplary safety record, as well as being recognized as one of Canada’s 50 best managed companies. West Wind Aviation is an excellent fit for us, and we look forward to working with Gord Gillespie and his team.”

“This partnership is truly a win–win for all sides,” says Gord Gillespie, CEO of West Wind Aviation. “Athabasca Basin Development has a proven track record investing in companies, and is dedicated to supporting strong companies focused on growth. Athabasca Basin Development is a good fit to help us continue the incredible path of growth that West Wind has experienced since it was established, and we are thrilled to be partnering with such a dynamic and thriving organization.”

Based in Saskatoon, West Wind Aviation operates a fleet of 23 aircraft and employs over 250 people. The company was established in 1983 to provide corporate air charter service, and its expertise has grown to include air charter, corporate aircraft management, medevac / air ambulance, maintenance, avionics, world–class Aerocentre facilities in Regina and Saskatoon, ground services, fueling, and scheduled flights with its ExpressAir and Pronto Airways divisions.