, remains an active and influential figure in the aviation industry, though his role has evolved as the airline adapts to modern regulations and fleet changes. Known affectionately as "Buffalo Joe," he became a household name through the reality TV series Ice Pilots NWT
Specific claims included:
: Following a high-profile grounding of the airline by Transport Canada in late 2015 over safety documentation concerns, Joe made the difficult decision to step away from day-to-day management to help the airline regain its operating certificate. what happened to joe mcbryan
On June 11, 2018, while Joe McBryan was on a trip to Alberta, his son and daughter Julie McBryan orchestrated a boardroom coup. With the support of the company’s board of directors (which included Joe’s other son, Rod, and long-time lawyer, Bob Duggan), they voted to remove Joe as president and director of Buffalo Airways. They also removed him from the boards of several associated companies.
Joe’s legal filing painted a dark picture of betrayal. He claimed that Mikey and Julie had used his heart attack as an opportunity to sideline him, that they had changed locks and passwords without his knowledge, and that they had even removed personal photographs from his office. The lawsuit became a bitter, public, and very expensive family feud. , remains an active and influential figure in
"What happened to Joe McBryan" is a story of a pioneer adapting to a changing world. While his high-flying days in the cockpit have been curtailed by regulators and health checks, he remains the iconic, tough-as-nails "Buffalo Joe" of the North, managing a legendary, though continuously challenged, company from the ground.
Joe McBryan continues to be the driving force behind Buffalo Airways, based in . While he is well past traditional retirement age, he remains deeply involved in the daily operations of the airline, which specializes in cargo, passenger, and fire suppression services across the Canadian North. Passing the Torch With the support of the company’s board of
Even in 2026, Joe still takes a hands-on approach to his aircraft, demonstrating his lifelong passion for the DC-3 and other vintage planes. Summary: Where is Joe McBryan Now?
His story also served as a stark warning to the remote northern communities he served. After his recovery, Joe became a reluctant advocate for vaccinations, telling The Globe and Mail : “I didn't get the shot fast enough. Don't be stupid like me. This thing wants to kill you.”