Max Ward (aviator)

Maxwell "Max" Ward, OC, AOE (November 22, 1921 – November 3, 2020) was a Canadian bush pilot and aviation entrepreneur. He is best known as the founder of Wardair, a major Canadian airline that operated from 1953 to 1989.

Ward was born in Edmonton, Alberta. He gained his pilot's license at the age of 18 and flew with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during World War II. After the war, he worked as a bush pilot, flying supplies and passengers to remote communities in northern Canada.

In 1953, Ward founded Wardair as a single-aircraft operation providing charter services in the Northwest Territories. Over the following decades, Wardair expanded rapidly, adding scheduled domestic and international routes and a fleet of jet aircraft. The airline became known for its high standards of service and its focus on leisure travel. Wardair was also notable for being one of the first airlines to offer non-smoking flights.

Ward sold Wardair to Canadian Airlines International in 1989. He remained involved in aviation after the sale, serving on various boards and advisory committees.

Max Ward received numerous awards and honors throughout his life, including being made an Officer of the Order of Canada (OC) and receiving the Alberta Order of Excellence (AOE). He was inducted into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame in 1977. His legacy is one of entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to customer service, and pioneering aviation in Canada's North.