Fast Air’s story began with a simple request during a slow period in northern construction. Dylan Fast was working for a local company that relied on charter flights and agreed to lease their aircraft whenever it was idle. That arrangement opened the door for a small charter operation. “Fast Air really began as a matter of job preservation,” says Fast. With an operating certificate in hand in 1995 and two aircraft secured, the company formally took shape. The intent from the beginning was clear. “From the beginning it has always been about safety and quality of service. And while I have always wanted to give the customer a good product for a good price, I was never trying to be the cheapest. Just as safe as possible with good quality service. Looking for ways to improve our service has always been the goal. Better, not bigger.”
Today, thirty years later, the company looks considerably different from those early days. Fast Air has grown from a single-aircraft charter operation into what Dylan describes as “one of Canada’s most diverse aviation organizations.” Its work now reaches across charter services, aircraft management, medevac operations through Vanguard Air Care, and three Fixed Base Operations. The Winnipeg FBO has been recognized three times as the top facility in Canada, and the company has expanded to a fleet of more than 30 aircraft supported by a team of over 200. Through this evolution, however, Dylan maintains that the core principles have not shifted. “What hasn’t changed is our commitment to personalized service and safety. A commitment that has guided every stage of our growth.”
Diversification
In a sector where demand can fluctuate based on regional economics or industry cycles, the company has leaned on its multi-division structure for stability. Dylan explains that each line of business supports another. “Diversification is one of our greatest strengths,” says Fast. “By operating in charter, management, medevac, and FBO services, we’ve built stability that protects us from fluctuations in any single market.” Cross-pollination between divisions strengthens the customer experience, reinforces operational expertise, and builds long-term relationships that are less susceptible to volatility. “This integrated model gives us resilience, balanced revenue streams, and the ability to reinvest strategically in people, aircraft, and infrastructure.”
Alongside that model is a sustainability framework that informs how the company invests and operates. Fast refers to it as Fast Air’s 3P model. “Our 3P model, People, Planet, Profits, is our guide for decision-making.” The people component includes competitive benefit structures, strong training programs, and even access to an on-site gym facility. The environmental aspect focuses on Sustainable Aviation Fuel, carbon offsets, electrified ground equipment, and facility upgrades aimed at reducing the operational footprint. Profitability plays a role, too, not as an end but as a foundation for continued investment. “Balancing these is a necessity. Supporting our people and helping to protect the planet ultimately strengthens the business.”
Sustainability
This approach helped Fast Air earn a significant industry milestone. The company became the first Canadian operator to receive NATA sustainability certification. “Earning NATA’s sustainability certification demonstrates that our actions, not just our intentions, are moving aviation in the right direction,” says Fast. “Being the first in Canada to achieve this recognition reinforces our belief that smaller, independent operators can lead meaningful change.”
Looking back, several strategic decisions have had an outsized effect on Fast Air’s trajectory. The acquisition of the Esso Avitat FBO, later brought under the Fast Air brand, is one example. Fast says it shifted how the company served clients by allowing control of the entire passenger experience. “Having our own FBO allowed us to integrate our charter, management, and maintenance operations under one umbrella, creating a seamless and consistently high-quality experience for every customer.” It also brought Fast Air into fuel services and ground handling, widening its operational base and opening new revenue opportunities.
Medevac operations, delivered through Vanguard Air Care, also reshaped what the company stands for. “Expanding into medevac operations fundamentally changed not only our operational capabilities but also the purpose that drives us. This integration didn’t just grow the company. It’s helped to define who we are today.”
Abbotsford Location
Another moment of transformation came with the decision to establish an Abbotsford location. That expansion gave Fast Air access to the Lower Mainland’s business and aerospace activity. “Opening our Abbotsford location has significantly expanded the Fast Air brand and broadened our reach across the country.” The western base links with Winnipeg and northern operations, allowing the company to respond more efficiently to clients across Canada. The move brought Fast Air into one of the country’s busiest aviation corridors and provided clients with an alternative to the congestion of Vancouver International Airport.
Dylan says the motivation behind Abbotsford was straightforward. “We saw a need for high-quality aircraft management, charter, and FBO support in the Lower Mainland.” While Winnipeg remains the operational centre, the two bases serve different client needs. Together they strengthen Fast Air’s national presence and create new opportunities for service delivery.
The influence of Vanguard Air Care is also evident in the broader organizational identity. “Vanguard brought an elevated sense of purpose to our organization.” The medevac division reinforces standards of professionalism and compassion that benefit every area of service, from business travel to aircraft management. Dylan observes that the team sees the direct effect of its efforts, and that awareness supports a culture focused on quality and safety.
Defining the Next Decade
As Fast Air looks toward the next decade, its objectives balance growth with discipline. “Our goals include expanding our BC footprint and strengthening our presence across Canada, growing our managed jet fleet and developing next-generation FBO facilities that raise the standard for sustainability and client experience.” The company plans to fund this expansion through reinvested profits, partnerships, and steady operational performance. “Responsible growth, not rapid growth, will define our next decade.”
As the company marks 30 years, Fast attributes its success to the people behind it. “Fast Air’s success over 30 years is the direct result of their dedication, skill, and care for our clients. Our people embody what makes this company special, and their passion drives everything we do.”
For more information, please visit www.flyfastair.com
