HAWKAIR has hired a person from Yellowknife to take over the running of the regional airline with the departure of Rod Hayward to a teaching position at the University of Fraser Valley in Abbotsford.
Jay Dilley started his new job as president July 15 and comes to Terrace after eight years as vice president for Summit Air in the Northwest Territories.
The company offers both passenger and cargo service to destinations within the Northwest Territories.
Dilley holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Economics, and a Master of Science in Management.
He has also worked at Arctic Sunwest Charters.
“I’m very excited to be joining Hawkair,” Dilley said of his new company. “Lots of good things ahead.”
“Jay brings a tremendous range of experience in leadership positions within the aviation industry. The board is confident in Jay’s ability to build on the legacy of success Rod is leaving; he has the right skills, experience and values.” said Lindsay Clougher, a member of the board of directors of Hawkair.
Hayward was in on the ground floor of the formation of Hawkair which began operations in 1994 as a cargo service before switching to passenger service in 2000.
It now flies to Vancouver from Terrace, Smithers and Prince Rupert and, as of June with partner airline Central Mountain Air, has added service to Calgary.
Hayward said he is confident Hawkair will continue to see growth in the coming years.
“I believe [Dilley] will help Hawkair move forward,” Hayward said.
Hayward begins his teaching career in the aviation business program at the University of the Fraser Valley this fall.
