In celebration of its 85th anniversary, Air Canada has donated an original 1937 Lockheed L-10A Electra airplane to Winnipeg's Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada.
The iconic aircraft, the first fleet type flown by the carrier, made its final journey as it taxied from the Air Canada hangar at Winnipeg International Airport to the Museum at a handover ceremony. The airplane will go on permanent public display as a piece of aviation history.
The aircraft, with registration CF-TCC, was one of three purchased by Air Canada's forerunner, Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA), in 1937. Until recently it was one of only two Lockheed L10-A Electra aircraft still flying in the world.
Named after a bright star in the Pleiades star cluster, the 10A Electra was the pride of the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. In the 1930s, this twin-engine, all-metal monoplane was the exciting new face of commercial aviation.
"There is no more fitting preservation and commemoration for one of our original aircraft than to have TCC be on permanent display in Winnipeg, which was one of TCA's original hubs when the airline began operations in 1937 thanks to its central location in our country," said Captain Murray Strom, AC's Senior Vice President - Flight Operations.
"Air Canada has a long and rich history connecting Canadians from coast to coast which continues to this day, and it all started with the Lockheed L-10A 85 years ago. As we celebrate our 85th anniversary, we mark this milestone by ensuring that such an important part of Canadian aviation history will be available for Canadians and aviation enthusiasts to enjoy for many years to come," Strom added.
CF-TCC was one of three L-10A aircraft purchased by Trans-Canada Air Lines. The L-10A aircraft type operated TCA's inaugural flight on September 1, 1937, a 50-minute trip from Vancourver to Seattle carrying mail and two passengers.
After being operated by TCA from 1937 to 1939, CF-TCC was sold to the Department of Transport - Canada. During the next 40 years, the aircraft was sold several times to various private corporations and individuals.
In 1975, a retired Air Canada employee recognized the faded old registration marks on the aircraft while attending an air show in Texas. Air Canada kept track of the aircraft until 1983, at which point it purchased back the aircraft, restored it, and flew it during the Air Canada 50th Anniversary celebrations in 1986.
Since 1986, the aircraft has been maintained in flying condition. Volunteers and support from the broader aviation community, including from Air Canada Maintenance and Flight Operations, over the years have dedicated thousands of hours of personal time and other contributions into keeping CF-TCC flying for generations to enjoy. When not flying, the aircraft has been based in the Western Canada Aviation Museum in Winnipeg, Manitoba, or stored in Air Canada's Winnipeg hangar.
"We're very pleased that CF-TCC has landed at the Royal Aviation Museum and is now part of our permanent collection. This aircraft has ties to Winnipeg dating back to 1937 and to our museum in particular," notes Museum President & CEO Terry Slobodian.
"The Lockheed Electra is a perfect picture of the early days of commercial air travel in Canada. We are grateful to Air Canada for their longstanding support of our museum and for entrusting us with this spectacular piece of aviation history."
The 1937 Lockheed L-10A flew with two pilots, one 'stewardess' and up to 10 passengers. Its normal cruising altitude was 6,000 to 10,000 feet and cruise speed was 140 knots or 190 mph. For comparison, Air Canada's current largest aircraft is the Boeing 777-300ER, which operates with two or four pilots, up to 12 flight attendants and up to 450 passengers. Cruise speed is 484 knots or 557 mph.
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