In 1966 Wardair started regular transatlantic operations from West and Eastern Canada to many UK and European airports using their new 727-11 CF-FUN
The airplane did a round trip to Europe each day in summer 1966 and had a utilization of over eighteen flying hours a day, far above any other 727 operator. The airplane rotated through Gatwick Airport nearly every day from Canada so that there was talk that the company had several 727’s.
Boeing and Transport Canada worked with Wardair and determined that the B727 could be operated with better fuel reserves than the previous piston engine operations utilizing long range cruise power settings and a modification to the fuel tank system to increase the range.
Their main refuelling stop was sondre stromfjord (Kangerlussuaq) airport in Greenland, Due to the influence of the very cold Greenland Ice Cap with its dominant and consistent high pressure area, the outflow winds off the ice cap kept the weather at the airbase unusually clear especially during the summer. The long runway is situated at the ice cap end of the fjord. One way in and one way out. The USAF operated a radar unit which allowed a safe approach to the runway even though the terrain along the fjord walls rose up in some areas over two thousand feet.
Frobisher Bay (Iqaluit) and Keflavik were used as alternates, along with Gander, Goose Bay, Shannon and Prestwick.
These refuelling stops in Greenland, the frozen North, and Iceland were very popular as the passengers were able shop duty free and, as well, purchase native artifacts, stretch their legs and claim they had been to the Arctic!
I wonder if the BA 787 pax did also enjoy ultimately their unplanned pop into the Frozen North?
The 727 was flown with two pilots, a navigator and a maintenance qualified flight engineer. Four stewardesses served the filet steaks on Royal Doulton china along with the complimentary drinks. It was a wonderful era in the airline world for passengers and the flight crews as well.
The inflight entertainment was playing Bingo...with small prizes offered by the crew.
The 727 famously flew 3411nm (3927m) non-stop in Nov 1970 from Windsor (Ont) - LGW in 6h 39m.
Anecdotes courtesy of Don Saunders of Wardair.
Last edited by rog747; 14th Sep 2018 at 06:29.