I had the pleasure to work on Mr Ward's yacht, Marjorie Morningstar in Fort Lauderdale in 1996. I was doing exterior teak refinishing for a small contractor, who happened to be from Canada also. After our contract was completed, the crew hired me for a few days to wash and detail the exterior in preparation for travel. Mr Ward often came out on the dock to inquire how things were progressing. His sharp focused personality made an impact, and I couldn't help but admire him. I remember how young and spry he seamed for a man in his 70's.
Oh man, what an exceptional man. I worked for Max for a few years. A few times he showed up in the middle of the night when we were working out in the cold and visited with us. I am very proud to have worked for him.
Puts Air Canada to shame even today, this man was a genius in aviation. Remember flying to Hawaii and Germany again the service was the best. I will walk before i fly Air Canada. Thank you Max Ward.
I have such great respect for Mr. Ward. The determination, the tenacity! to drive competitive air service in Canada. Canadians never knew it. And for anyone who ever worked for Wardair, you delivered. With such high standards, and extremely high expectations, Wardair taught every employee a great work ethic. After Wardair was sold, as disappointing as it was, some of the emotional experiences good and not so good, ex Wardair staff did extremely well in business. How do I know? I was one of the very few who worked for this world class organization and went on to having a highly successful career. The experience as a young graduate, 22 yrs old, starting as a flight attendant, traveling to some of the most exciting destinations in the world, I still pinch myself with the great memories of Wardair. Thank you Mr. Ward for an opportunity of a lifetime. May you R.I.P.
My mum and dad used to fly Wardair flights to Hawaii, and loved the service. They vowed they'd never fly with another airline if they could help it. Wardair flourished as a charter airline; ironically, it was deregulation which killed it.
Wardair was a great airline especially during the '80's. Have to say that Mr. Ward's wordrobe was right on for it's time. He had the suits, the hair and of course the expertise which were all quite impressive. Truely Max brought fun and excitement to the industry.
That little aeroplane that started Wardair is now in Canada’s Air and Space Musem. I never flew wardair, I’ve grown up in a strictly Air Canada world. I wish there was more competition.
Wardair went the same way as Freddie Laker's Skytrain in the UK - sabotaged by their governments. I flew Ward Air from Manchester UK to Toronto in the 1980s most years until they were bought out by Air Canada. Their service was, and still is, the best in terms of passenger support and service and was great value for money too. Seeing this documentary has brought back many happy memories and the same sadness I felt when Wardair closed. My family travelled via Wardair when visiting us in the UK.
Wardair was the best!!They first merged or were bought out by Canadian. Air Canada bought out Canadian years later. Air Canada never bought out Wardair...
My first trip abroad wasn’t until 1980 when I was in my early twenties. I was visiting relatives in northern Alberta and so had to fly to Edmonton from Manchester England. My local travel agent strongly recommended Wardair Canada and after flying with them I could see why. Fantastic flight on 747 Herbert Hollick Kenyon in Economy class but you couldn’t tell much difference as food was served on bone China . My brother and I who was just 15 got to go up the spiral staircase and visit the lounge area before a visit to the cockpit. An amazing experience which made our holiday. I travelled to Canada again in 1989 on Wardair and it was just as good. I went again in 1995 but had to use Air Canada which was nowhere near as good. So sad that Wardair no longer is an option.
This great Edmontonian and Canadian makes me proud to be one too. Unfortunately, the Canadian government wasn't / and still isn't ever thinking fully about public interest - often more about revenue and control. This entrepreneur made the other Canadian airlines look bad. But he had the misfortune of being from Canada. If he was American, and based in that market - Wardair would still be a top player there.
My family and friends , and later , my clients absolutely loved Wardair. Never wanted to fly with any other airline. When, sadly, had to use another airline, was so shocked at how awful service was. They never matched Wardair.
use to see wardair at Prestwick airport in scotland,747's and DC-10's with Air Canada Tristars, in the late 70's and early 80's beautiful times they were.
My first flight on Wardair was from London Gatwick to Toronto then a domestic flight from Toronto to Calgary on the 1st January 1989. It was a great airline.
I have never taken a personal interest in any Airline, but for some reason Wardair has story that is compelling to me. I think its their rags to riches story but also that they had a tradition in maintaining its standards in service. Also if you look at the comments on Wardair related videos comment sections they are replete with stories of what great airline it was to fly with and work for. I think that in this day and age an Airline like Wardair would do well but as we all know there was only one Wardair and only one Max Ward. But you never know.
I can honestly, truly and with great appreciation say that when I personally met and got to know Max Ward in 1973, as well as to be able to refuel service his aircraft. The years there were one of the best and warmest experiences in my life. He was a awesome aircraft pioneer aviator of the skies, a very personal, professional caring gentleman if there was even one to know. His " everything " was great as was his airline fleet and family . History of the north proves the opening that built his past northern pioneering ventures. He was a " true man " in every sense of the word. To me personally, there Never was and Never will be another airline company as great as Ward Air. The only one that comes anywhere near in today''s world is .. " West Jet " and its founder - Clive Beddoe, who I also met years ago. . These two gentlemen are truly people who are family oriented guys right to the heart. I have always tried to do as Mom taught us to do, if you are a business person. Treat the workers like family or better. They work " with " you, Not for you just as you work " with " them :-) You must work as a family team to grow, build and share the success of the company or whatever, and it truly does work. It is sad to see the operation today tn the airline industry. The attitudes for example like your government or care free - who cares airlines where you are not only a " number on the computer but a pain in the crews butt ". You have to fly, want a great flight experience, fly West Jet, - you'll love them all in that family . :-)
Deregulation was supposed to free airlines up to allow more competition in the market...but in the broad scheme it has had an adverse, if not reverse effect: countless airlines emerge then fold or are swallowed up. In the pre-regulation days airlines did nothing BUT compete, ie: they bent over backward to give passengers the service that would make them return customers. Coach service on CP or Air Canada in the 70s was just a few stops short of business class now - and visionary Wardair, knowing that jet travel was all about tourism (at least in its heyday), was able to serve passengers on signature Doulton china.
Thanks Autostade67 ,yes I agree deregulation in Canada has been a loss to Wardair and should had kept their old business model and not pushing for deregulation in Canada and Wardair could still be existing in the year 2020 with care. When this recording made in 1984 Max Ward today in 2020 is still alive at the age 98 years! Be proud of his past. Did fly with Air Canada 1980's 1990's, Pacific Western 1980's, Canadian Airlines 1990's and early Westjet 1990's. Noted drop in service standards in latter years with overall existing airlines at the time. Ansett Airlines of Australia no longer exists as well 1936-2002... History. Ansett 727.
Fascinating business documentary and the logistics and infrastructure to run an airline...They don't evacuate planes in 90 seconds, not with everyone grabbing their luggage...
Gee I remember WardAir and CP Airlines in Canada during the 1970s & 1980s before the 80s were done both Airlines were done . Always competitive with Air Canada and now WestJet Airlines . For awhile in the 90s it was Canada 3000Airlines . WardAir was Classy . But now I mostly fly Air Canada.
Of course, Wardair was then bought by Canadian (the number 2 airline in Canada), who several years later were then bought by Air Canada. So what were the three main airlines in Canada all became 1 effectively.
And that was what deregulation was supposed to prevent. Everywhere airline deregulation was adopted, the number of airlines declined, reducing competition.
Hindsight is 20/20. Should have stayed as a charter service. Ironically it was deregulation and offering scheduled flights that was the downfall for Wardair.
Sorry to say deregulation in the Airline Industry has been destructive I don't and never support it. Loss of jobs and loss of quality Airline Service globally. Max Ward lost his airline as no Wardair Canada exists in 2019 this film created in 1984. Should had kept in it the old way but great to test the market and take the gamble for history. Air Canada still around CP Air gone. Pacific Western gone the list goes on... I will leave it but Wardair does no longer fly any more and hope Max Ward sleeps well. Ansett 727.
35:27 fuel 135 tonnes. wow! thats a lot compared to todays A350 which can go from germany to LA with 77 tonnes..wow what a savings!! in 2021 barbados is way too over rated and over priced
It is to do say Max Ward Wardair failed in regards to a positive influence as an Airline head supporting Canadian commercial airline deregulation. I don't support Max Ward plans. Wardair has gone as a result. It is in now the past. Air Canada is on flying in 2020 with West Jet. CP Air now long gone absorbed with Pacific Western Airlines than onto Air Canada. Wardair should had operated as it was at the time and let it go may still exist still in 2020! Ansett 727.
Man if Wardair were still around,
I like to see their liveries on a A330, 787 or even a A350
I had the pleasure to work on Mr Ward's yacht, Marjorie Morningstar in Fort Lauderdale in 1996.
I was doing exterior teak refinishing for a small contractor, who happened to be from Canada also.
After our contract was completed, the crew hired me for a few days to wash and detail the exterior in preparation for travel. Mr Ward often came out on the dock to inquire how things were progressing. His sharp focused personality made an impact, and I couldn't help but admire him.
I remember how young and spry he seamed for a man in his 70's.
What a fantastic video. I spent 20 years in the aviation industry, Max Ward was a legend. It is fascinating to see how he operated.
I love this documentary and many other documebtaries in this series
Oh man, what an exceptional man. I worked for Max for a few years. A few times he showed up in the middle of the night when we were working out in the cold and visited with us. I am very proud to have worked for him.
these were the good old years
Puts Air Canada to shame even today, this man was a genius in aviation. Remember flying to Hawaii and Germany again the service was the best. I will walk before i fly Air Canada. Thank you Max Ward.
I have such great respect for Mr. Ward. The determination, the tenacity! to drive competitive air service in Canada. Canadians never knew it. And for anyone who ever worked for Wardair, you delivered. With such high standards, and extremely high expectations, Wardair taught every employee a great work ethic. After Wardair was sold, as disappointing as it was, some of the emotional experiences good and not so good, ex Wardair staff did extremely well in business. How do I know? I was one of the very few who worked for this world class organization and went on to having a highly successful career. The experience as a young graduate, 22 yrs old, starting as a flight attendant, traveling to some of the most exciting destinations in the world, I still pinch myself with the great memories of Wardair. Thank you Mr. Ward for an opportunity of a lifetime. May you R.I.P.
I had the great privilege to work for this wonderful man and this first class airline between 1978 - 1983.
My mum and dad used to fly Wardair flights to Hawaii, and loved the service. They vowed they'd never fly with another airline if they could help it. Wardair flourished as a charter airline; ironically, it was deregulation which killed it.
Wardair was a great airline especially during the '80's. Have to say that Mr. Ward's wordrobe was right on for it's time. He had the suits, the hair and of course the expertise which were all quite impressive. Truely Max brought fun and excitement to the industry.
I´m proud to say, have been a part of a cabin Sevices as a German Language speaking Flight Attendant during the years from 1980 until 1988....;-)
and I loved to do this Job.
Max ward was a legendary Canadian! Someone to look up to absolutely!
I was on the inaugural flight from Vancouver to Maui! Best flight EVER!
That little aeroplane that started Wardair is now in Canada’s Air and Space Musem.
I never flew wardair, I’ve grown up in a strictly Air Canada world. I wish there was more competition.
R.I.P Max Ward - he seemed like a fine businessman and a good boss.
Flew from Manchester to vancouver in 1979 on cgrxa b747 first flight what a fantastic airline great staff and great service food was excellent
Flew with Wardair in 87. I was 7 years old! Fantastic service !
Wonderful film of this Canadian Icon Of the airline industry. Thank you for sharing.
Herman
Flew on a Wardair flight from Toronto to Vancouver in 1985. My only flight on a 747, it was great.
Wardair went the same way as Freddie Laker's Skytrain in the UK - sabotaged by their governments. I flew Ward Air from Manchester UK to Toronto in the 1980s most years until they were bought out by Air Canada. Their service was, and still is, the best in terms of passenger support and service and was great value for money too. Seeing this documentary has brought back many happy memories and the same sadness I felt when Wardair closed. My family travelled via Wardair when visiting us in the UK.
Wardair was the best!!They first merged or were bought out by Canadian. Air Canada bought out Canadian years later. Air Canada never bought out Wardair...
Canadian Legend!
My first trip abroad wasn’t until 1980 when I was in my early twenties. I was visiting relatives in northern Alberta and so had to fly to Edmonton from Manchester England. My local travel agent strongly recommended Wardair Canada and after flying with them I could see why. Fantastic flight on 747 Herbert Hollick Kenyon in Economy class but you couldn’t tell much difference as food was served on bone China . My brother and I who was just 15 got to go up the spiral staircase and visit the lounge area before a visit to the cockpit. An amazing experience which made our holiday. I travelled to Canada again in 1989 on Wardair and it was just as good. I went again in 1995 but had to use Air Canada which was nowhere near as good. So sad that Wardair no longer is an option.
wow what a well run airline! no wonder it is no longer around.
When I was a young man, it was my dream to be a DC10 pilot for Wardair.
This great Edmontonian and Canadian makes me proud to be one too. Unfortunately, the Canadian government wasn't / and still isn't ever thinking fully about public interest - often more about revenue and control. This entrepreneur made the other Canadian airlines look bad. But he had the misfortune of being from Canada. If he was American, and based in that market - Wardair would still be a top player there.
Wardair used to fly Winnipeg to London England non-stop. My grandparents flew this flight many times.
I wish Wardair still flying today ,
My family and friends , and later , my clients absolutely loved Wardair. Never wanted to fly with any other airline. When, sadly, had to use another airline, was so shocked at how awful service was. They never matched Wardair.
I like Mr. Wards attitude to business.
Always loved seeing the Wardair 747s at BHX (Birmingham UK). WD151 WD169
use to see wardair at Prestwick airport in scotland,747's and DC-10's with Air Canada Tristars, in the late 70's and early 80's beautiful times they were.
747-200 from Leeds to Toronto in the 80s such a special airline
was the most comfortable flight I ever had, Ottawa to Calgary.
My first flight on Wardair was from London Gatwick to Toronto then a domestic flight from Toronto to Calgary on the 1st January 1989. It was a great airline.
I have never taken a personal interest in any Airline, but for some reason Wardair has story that is compelling to me. I think its their rags to riches story but also that they had a tradition in maintaining its standards in service. Also if you look at the comments on Wardair related videos comment sections they are replete with stories of what great airline it was to fly with and work for. I think that in this day and age an Airline like Wardair would do well but as we all know there was only one Wardair and only one Max Ward. But you never know.
I can honestly, truly and with great appreciation say that when I personally met and got to know Max Ward in 1973, as well as to be able to refuel service his aircraft. The years there were one of the best and warmest experiences in my life. He was a awesome aircraft pioneer aviator of the skies, a very personal, professional caring gentleman if there was even one to know. His " everything " was great as was his airline fleet and family . History of the north proves the opening that built his past northern pioneering ventures. He was a " true man " in every sense of the word. To me personally, there Never was and Never will be another airline company as great as Ward Air. The only one that comes anywhere near in today''s world is .. " West Jet " and its founder - Clive Beddoe, who I also met years ago. . These two gentlemen are truly people who are family oriented guys right to the heart. I have always tried to do as Mom taught us to do, if you are a business person. Treat the workers like family or better. They work " with " you, Not for you just as you work " with " them :-) You must work as a family team to grow, build and share the success of the company or whatever, and it truly does work. It is sad to see the operation today tn the airline industry. The attitudes for example like your government or care free - who cares airlines where you are not only a " number on the computer but a pain in the crews butt ". You have to fly, want a great flight experience, fly West Jet, - you'll love them all in that family . :-)
Deregulation was supposed to free airlines up to allow more competition in the market...but in the broad scheme it has had an adverse, if not reverse effect: countless airlines emerge then fold or are swallowed up. In the pre-regulation days airlines did nothing BUT compete, ie: they bent over backward to give passengers the service that would make them return customers. Coach service on CP or Air Canada in the 70s was just a few stops short of business class now - and visionary Wardair, knowing that jet travel was all about tourism (at least in its heyday), was able to serve passengers on signature Doulton china.
Thanks Autostade67 ,yes I agree deregulation in Canada has been a loss to Wardair and should had kept their old business model and not pushing for deregulation in Canada and Wardair could still be existing in the year 2020 with care. When this recording made in 1984 Max Ward today in 2020 is still alive at the age 98 years! Be proud of his past.
Did fly with Air Canada 1980's 1990's, Pacific Western 1980's, Canadian Airlines 1990's and early Westjet 1990's. Noted drop in service standards in latter years with overall existing airlines at the time.
Ansett Airlines of Australia no longer exists as well 1936-2002... History.
Ansett 727.
Bon reportage! Intéressant!
If only Wardair stayed in the charter business. I wonder planes they'd be using now because I'd love to fly for them as a pilot
Fascinating business documentary and the logistics and infrastructure to run an airline...They don't evacuate planes in 90 seconds, not with everyone grabbing their luggage...
Its a regulatory requirement to demonstrate full evac in 90 seconds, with half the exits blocked.
Gee I remember WardAir and CP Airlines in Canada during the 1970s & 1980s before the 80s were done both Airlines were done . Always competitive with Air Canada and now WestJet Airlines . For awhile in the 90s it was Canada 3000Airlines . WardAir was Classy . But now I mostly fly Air Canada.
Of course, Wardair was then bought by Canadian (the number 2 airline in Canada), who several years later were then bought by Air Canada. So what were the three main airlines in Canada all became 1 effectively.
And that was what deregulation was supposed to prevent. Everywhere airline deregulation was adopted, the number of airlines declined, reducing competition.
46:20 is a very relevant message today.
Hindsight is 20/20. Should have stayed as a charter service. Ironically it was deregulation and offering scheduled flights that was the downfall for Wardair.
I never knew this airline existed
Now we have the Air Transat A321ULR.
"Lumbar support"
*laughs in spirit airlines*
😄😭🥺
starting at time 11:48 frank piper is helping move max's moth
wow, lucky you :-D - and I´ve just read that he´s still alive @age 95 :)
When your name is on the plane it about reputation and not just dollars...
mail the tickets out HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
rip
Does anyone know the name of the song that plays in the background from 35:33 to 36:51 ?
Oh, how things have changed! Now it's all nickle and diming passengers.
This sure ain’t Air Canada style.
like 394 !
Good grief. Those meals look like business class meals today. And they say we are progressing.
11:20 you want the gravy routes mr.ward. WARD: whats so gravy about it?? 11:42 the big money is in the northern routes. thats where the rip off is...
Sorry to say deregulation in the Airline Industry has been destructive I don't and never support it. Loss of jobs and loss of quality Airline Service globally. Max Ward lost his airline as no Wardair Canada exists in 2019 this film created in 1984. Should had kept in it the old way but great to test the market and take the gamble for history. Air Canada still around CP Air gone. Pacific Western gone the list goes on... I will leave it but Wardair does no longer fly any more and hope Max Ward sleeps well.
Ansett 727.
35:27 fuel 135 tonnes. wow! thats a lot compared to todays A350 which can go from germany to LA with 77 tonnes..wow what a savings!! in 2021 barbados is way too over rated and over priced
I like your name and your technical knowledge too!
It is to do say Max Ward Wardair failed in regards to a positive influence as an Airline head supporting Canadian commercial airline deregulation. I don't support Max Ward plans. Wardair has gone as a result. It is in now the past. Air Canada is on flying in 2020 with West Jet. CP Air now long gone absorbed with Pacific Western Airlines than onto Air Canada.
Wardair should had operated as it was at the time and let it go may still exist still in 2020!
Ansett 727.
Great man, classy airline and good memories.