Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an incredible but unique milestone, the 56th Anniversary of a legendary northern institution, Buffalo Airways. Talking to Mikey McBride the other day and I asked him why 56 years was a time to celebrate? In his usual comical tone, why not? We kept forgetting about all the other years.
What started as a small, ambitious business in Hay River, like others Kingland Ford, Wesclean Queen, and Igloo Building Supplies, Buffalo has grown to a world famous aviation icon. Founded by Buffalo Joe McBryan himself, this family-operated company has spent over half a century providing hard northern work and mastering the skies of the North with any weather.
Mr. Speaker, Buffalo Airways is the definition of a northern success story. From its humble beginnings flying under-serviced routes, it has expanded to reach far beyond the borders of the Northwest Territories. Today, it is recognized globally. Millions of people from around the world know their name, their vintage aircraft, the northern spirit and through the television show they had, merchandise and a numerous global fan base. I will also mention Mikey's YouTube channel.
But their fame has never changed their local humble heart. Buffalo always remained deeply committed to the communities that built them. They are a lifeline for the north. They deliver critical cargo, transport passengers with their charters, and provide essential firefighting services to help protect our North during wildfire seasons. During the 2023 wildfire in the Hay River area, Buffalo Airways soared high and transported many of our needs. They worked nonstop for us in the area and transported many people with the wildland urban interface program from Alberta, but they also transported essential cargo to Hay River.
Mr. Speaker, Buffalo Airways brings the spirit of the Northwest Territories to the global stage. I want to congratulate the McBryan family on the success of Buffalo Airways. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.