In 1986, Mission Air Transportation Network began its work. Founded by Joan Rogers and Jinnie Bradshaw, C.M., in response to the need to transport cancer patients to care, Mission Air arranged a total of 56 Flights in its first year of operation.

Incorporated as a registered Canadian charity that same year, Mission Air quickly established itself as a key resource for people needing to travel for medical appointments and treatment.

By 1989, over 600 flights had been flown and the following year saw Ontario’s Ministry of Health request that Mission Air expand its Organ Retrieval coverage from Ontario to include the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia.

The need for flights increased each year and the organization's airline partners responded. In 1991, Canadian Airlines encouraged its customers to donate their travel points to Mission Air. Over the next 10-year period, hundreds of thousands of Canadian Airlines travel points were donated to Mission Air to access airline seats for those in need. By 1993, the organization had flown its 10,000th Flight.

Moving into new premises generously donated by Procter & Gamble, the charity continued to grow. By 1996, Mission Air was assisting, on average, 45 Clients per week and was celebrating its 20,000th Flight.

In 1999 the name of the organization was changed to Hope Air/Vols d'espoir and the Volunteer Pilot Program became a reality with the support and vision of Karen Adams and the Buttonville Flying Club.

Dr. Marc Garneau, C.C., became Hope Air's National Honourary Patron in 2001 and continues in this role today. By 2002, the organization had flown its 35,000th Flight and had a record year with a total of 4,844 Flights being arranged. The milestones continued into 2004 with the RBC Rewards Loyalty Points Donation Program being launched.

Hope Air continues to grow and serve Canadians in need. 2007 saw our charity add seven new Commercial Airline Partners to our list of supporters. On January 18, 2008, Hope Air proudly announced its 53,000th flight. As of June 30, 2009, Hope Air has arranged over 58,462 flights for fellow Canadians.

2009 is the 10th Anniversary of the VPP Program: more than 350 private pilots have volunteered 1,636 flights representing 3,555 hours and over 426,755 nautical miles flown (as of June 30, 2009).