Dave Curtis, who took a maintenance shop specializing in Beavers and Otters to one of Canada’s largest aircraft manufacturers is retiring as chairman of Longview Aviation Capital, the company that Viking Air grew into. “Dave has been the leader of a great Canadian success story, and leaves behind an amazing legacy in the global aerospace industry,” said Bill Sheffield, speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors of Longview Aviation Capital. “He has overseen the evolution of this business from a small Vancouver Island-based service company into a global leader in specialty and turboprop aircraft, with an iconic portfolio of aircraft, and a stable foundation based on diverse revenue streams. Our aviation business has a bright future, and is well positioned to remain at the forefront of the industry as the world emerges from the effects of the pandemic. On behalf of the Board, and our employees, we thank Dave for his many contributions, and wish him well in his richly deserved retirement.”
Curtis joined Viking in 1983 and became CEO in 1991. In the next 30 years he transformed the company by acquiring the type certificates of legacy aircraft still in use and in high demand all over the world. Viking certified a new version of the iconic Twin Otter in 2010 after acquiring the rights and tooling to the entire De Havilland line. He over saw the acquisition of the Bombardier CL-215/415 type certificates in 2016 and the company recently took over Shorts Skyvan and Sherpa types. “I joined Viking because of my passion for aviation, and I am proud that our companies have contributed to the development of the Canadian aerospace industry. I am most proud that our team has helped demonstrate that with vision, commitment and spirit even small companies working outside the limelight can take on the world and accomplish big things.”