Max Shapiro, a well-known North Bay businessman who for many years led the growth of Voyageur Aviation, is one of four people named to Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame in 2025.
The organization announced Shapiro as an inductee last fall, and the induction ceremony was held Sept. 4 in Calgary.
Shapiro grew up in northwestern Ontario, earning his pilot and maintenance licences before becoming a skilled bush pilot.
He acquired Voyageur Airways (now Voyageur Aviation) in 1974, transforming what was then a struggling flight school into a respected aviation company known for innovation, safety, and versatility in missions ranging from humanitarian relief to defence logistics, according to a synopsis from the Hall of Fame.
Shapiro emphasized a strong safety culture, clear role boundaries, and synergy between pilots and engineers.
“Under his leadership, Voyageur played a pioneering role in Canadian air ambulance care and undertook complex international missions, including for NATO in Afghanistan and the UN and its Ebola response in West Africa,” the writeup noted.
“Max’s influence extended to community economic development, including playing a major role in turning North Bay into an aircraft production hub.
“Recognized by military and civic institutions alike, Max’s legacy is one of operational excellence, humanitarian impact, and leadership that continues to shape Canadian aviation.”
Shapiro sold the business to Chorus Aviation in 2015, staying on for several years as president and CEO.
Today, the company operates as a subsidiary of Chorus Aviation out of a 200,000-square-foot multi-hangar complex at the North Bay Airport, providing maintenance, repair and overhaul services, engineering, and part support services.
It serves customers worldwide, including those in government, intergovernmental organizations, and the defence and civil aviation industries.
In more recent years, Shapiro and his wife, Lorraine, turned to philanthropic endeavours, donating $1 million to the Critical Care Unit at the North Bay Regional Health Centre, which is now named for the couple.
Upon making the donation, Shapiro said the sale of the business enabled the gift, and he felt strongly about giving something back to the community.
“It was a dream come true when we came [to North Bay] and started this company, basically from nothing, and it’s a world-class organization today,” Shapiro said. “We could not have done that anywhere else and I just felt like I had an obligation to give back.”
