72-007 Thunderbird Models 1:72 B.C. Air Lines DHC Beaver decals

Bill Sylvester, the founder of BC Airlines, learned to fly in 1935 and in 1942 he purchased two Luscombe 8As with a view to starting a commercial operation. The war kept those plans on hold however and BC Air Lines did not begin operations until 1945. His first pilot was George Williamson who flew Norseman and Goose aircraft along the coast for the RCAF during the war. Over the years BCA acquired quite a mixed collection of aircraft (which was typical of most small Canadian operators), including a WACO, 6 SeaBees, a Fairchild 71, Grumman Goose and DeHavilland Beaver. Bill Sylvester sold the airline in 1956.

In 1959 BCA was designated the prime coastal carrier and acquired Grumman Mallards CF-HPU, HPA and IOA from Pacific Western. Mallard HPU carried Queen Elizabeth II on her tour of British Columbia in the 1960s.

Business was booming with the Alcan project in Kitimat and BC Airlines thrived. However with the Alcan completion and due to a mistake in cross routing by the Air Board, BCA could not afford to stay in business and eventually it was sold to Pacific Western for 1 million dollars .