Global 7500 Aircraft, Industry’s Longest Range Business Jet, Awarded Transport Canada Type Certification

September 28, 2018 Montréal – Business Aircraft, Bombardier Inc., Press Release

• Certification paves the way for entry-into-service this year
• Five flight test vehicles have accumulated more than 2,700 flight test hours following a comprehensive, efficient and rigorous testing program
• In addition to its unsurpassed range of 7,700 nautical miles, the Global 7500 aircraft has exceeded takeoff and landing performance commitments
• The Global 7500 aircraft is the largest and longest range business jet ever built, with the industry’s best-appointed, full-size kitchen, four distinct living spaces and an exceptionally smooth ride

Bombardier Business Aircraft announced today that its flagship Global 7500 aircraft, the largest, most luxurious and longest range business jet ever built, has been awarded Transport Canada Type Certification, paving the way for entry-into-service this year. Certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is expected to follow shortly.

“The certification of our clean-sheet Global 7500 business jet is a defining moment for Bombardier, for our employees and for the industry, as we approach entry-into-service,” said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Thanks to the rigour and innovation of our design and test program, the Global 7500 aircraft has succeeded in elevating every standard by which a business jet is measured – comfort, luxury, performance and a smooth ride. At entry-into-service, this aircraft will meet the latest and all of the most stringent certification requirements and is set to redefine international business jet travel. We couldn’t be more proud of this achievement.”

“Canadian aerospace products have a well-deserved global reputation for quality, value and reliability. The certification of the Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft is a significant accomplishment that will create good quality jobs for Canadians and support the continued growth of the local and regional economies where these aircraft are built,” said the Honourable Marc Garneau, Canada’s Minister of Transport.

The Global 7500 aircraft has accumulated more than 2,700 flight hours since the flight testing program began in November 2016.

“The performance and functionality of this class-defining aircraft is a testament to the unique expertise and dedication of our highly skilled product development team,” said François Caza, Vice President, Product Development and Chief Engineer, Product Development Engineering, Aerospace, Bombardier Inc. “During the certification process the team successfully validated all customer and regulatory requirements to yield a highly integrated, state-of-the-art aircraft with the highest level of safety that meets or exceeds the needs of our clients.”

“Thanks to Bombardier’s latest advancements in airframe and wing design, the Global 7500 aircraft exceeded its original takeoff and landing performance commitments, leading to a new published takeoff distance of 5,800 feet,” said Michel Ouellette, Senior Vice President, Global 7500 and Global 8000 Program, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “This improved takeoff performance distance is almost 500 feet shorter than the closest – and smaller – competitor aircraft, and enables the Global 7500 business jet to operate out of airports with shorter runways — all while offering Bombardier’s signature smooth ride.”

The Global 7500 aircraft boasts an unmatched range of 7,700 nautical miles, a full 300 nautical miles further than initial commitments, and it is the only business aircraft that can connect New York to Hong Kong, and Singapore to San Francisco, nonstop.*

With its four true living spaces, the Global 7500 aircraft is unique among business jets in spaciousness, luxurious comfort and design flexibility. Its leading-edge cabin entertainment system, coupled with ultra-fast connection speeds via Ka-band, allows passengers to stream high-definition content and enjoy an exceptional entertainment experience. Another breakthrough innovation on the Global 7500 jet is the revolutionary nice Touch cabin management system (CMS). The nice Touch CMS introduces a new way to connect with the Global 7500 aircraft cabin through the Bombardier Touch dial, featuring business aviation’s first application of an OLED display.

The Global 7500 aircraft also features the patented Nuage seat, exclusive to the new Global aircraft family and meticulously designed for maximum comfort. Finally, the modern and multi-functional kitchen on the Global 7500 business jet features unprecedented storage space and offers an exceptional dining experience.

Setting the benchmark for the most exceptional business jet experience, these state-of-the-art features and the aircraft’s sophisticated styling contributed to the Global 7500 jet receiving a 2018 Red Dot Award for Product Design, one of the most sought-after honours for design and innovation excellence worldwide.

New milestone agreement reached to merge First Air and Canadian North to better serve Pan-Arctic communities

Combined airline will offer solid service improvements for passengers

OTTAWA, Sept. 28, 2018 /CNW/ – Makivik Corporation (Makivik) and the Inuvialuit Corporate Group (ICG) today announced they have signed a definitive agreement to merge First Air and Canadian North in order to provide the best possible air services across the Arctic. Following the receipt of government regulatory approvals, Makivik and ICG will proceed to complete the merger. The parties expect to complete the transaction by the end of 2018.

The proposed Pan-Arctic airline will operate under the name “Canadian North” and aircraft will feature the new First Air livery, including its Inukshuk logo. Headquarters for the proposed airline will be located in Ottawa. The two airlines first announced their intention to merge on July 6, 2018.

Customers of First Air and Canadian North will see continuity in operations while the merger is finalized. The parties are committed to keeping customers up-to-date on all developments related to schedules and commercial flights on an ongoing basis.

The new, wholly Inuit-owned airline intends to be an economic driver in the circumpolar region as one of the North’s largest private-sector employers. Offering more flights to more destinations, the new airline hopes to help expand Arctic tourism in the communities it serves by increasing demand for tourist-related businesses and services.

“The combined airline will have more opportunity to generate economic spinoffs in our communities,” said Charlie Watt Sr., Makivik President. “This agreement solidifies our shared vision for a Pan-Arctic Airline Company which will eventually offer a better circumpolar service than ever before.”

The parties are pleased to announce this merger will result in significant service improvements for their valued customers, including:

Improved schedule: Better time-of-day options on certain routes, enabling day trips;
Better connectivity: Improved connections for Northern communities;
Increased service opportunities: Potential new routes to service more Northern destinations;
Existing service maintained: No reduction in flight options as a result of merger
Further enhanced safety: Will enable aircraft modernization across the network, as well as specialization in maintenance of B737 and ATR aircraft; and
Expanded charter business: Particularly related to Alberta natural resources and Northern charters, including for tourism.
“We are proud of Canadian North’s track record of providing safe, stable air service to customers in the North,” said Patrick Gruben, Chair of the Inuvialuit Development Corporation (IDC). “This exciting milestone in our partnership with Makivik represents a joint commitment to continue providing air service excellence, a most vital lifeline, to Northerners across the Arctic region.”

As dedicated stewards of the Arctic environment, both Makivik and ICG are energized by the positive ecological impact the merged airline will have. The consolidation of duplicate, undercapacity flights, for example, will not only improve business efficiencies, but also significantly reduce GHG emissions and black carbon particulate along those routes.

A Lufthansa Consulting report commissioned by the Government of Nunavut supports the need for more efficiency in Nunavut air transportation services; the parties are confident the merger between First Air and Canadian North will meet these essential needs for all Northerners.

In the meantime, both First Air and Canadian North will continue providing Northerners with access to safe, friendly and reliable air travel services across the Arctic.

Air Transat adds Split, Croatia to its European destinations for summer 2019

MONTREAL, Sept. 28, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Transat, named the 2018 World’s Best Leisure Airline, is pleased to announce it will be adding Split, Croatia, to its transatlantic flight program. Starting in the summer of 2019, the airline will offer a weekly direct flight to this city, known for its picturesque beaches on the Adriatic Sea.

“Tourism has seen incredible growth in the Balkan Peninsula, which many now rank among the top European destinations,” explains Annick Guérard, Chief Operating Officer at Transat. “We’ve seen great interest in Croatia since we started flying there in 2016. That’s why Air Transat is proud to be meeting this demand even better by upping its offer to three direct flights from Toronto, including two to Zagreb,” she adds. “And thanks to our connecting flights from Montreal and Vancouver, more travellers can now discover Croatia’s second-largest city.”

“Split will amaze Canadian travellers eager for something new,” explains Gari Cappelli, Minister of Tourism of Croatia. “Not only does it boast a rich heritage, with a UNESCO‑declared historic centre that dates back to the Roman Empire, but its location makes it the perfect gateway to the islands of the Adriatic Sea and Eastern Europe.”

Travellers will be able to start booking flights to Split shortly. Details on Air Transat’s flight program for summer 2019 will soon be announced.

WestJet goes pink again to help make breast cancer beatable

As the official airline of the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure WestJet has raised more than $441,000 for breast cancer research and programs since 2013

CALGARY, Sept. 27, 2018 /CNW/ – WestJet and over 13,000 WestJetters are rallying together in the effort to support breast cancer awareness initiatives during the month of October through uniform updates, the CIBC Run for the Cure and fundraising campaigns.

WestJet Breast Cancer Awareness Month Ambassadors Rudy, Carey, Cat, and Lynn in their custom-designed pink-neckwear, hat and pink ‘personality’ pins (CNW Group/ WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

For the third consecutive year, WestJetters’ uniforms will look a little pinker in October with custom-designed pink neckwear and hats that have been made available to employees with 100 per cent of the purchase price going to the Canadian Cancer Society. Additionally, for 2018 new pink ‘personality’ pins were created and are available by donation for WestJetters to show their support year-round.

“As a proud supporter of the Canadian Cancer Society and the breast cancer cause, we are delighted that WestJetters have raised more than $441,000 in the last five years for life-saving breast cancer research and programs through our annual fundraising campaigns,” said Richard Bartrem, WestJet Vice-President Marketing Communications. “Over half of our workforce is represented by women and it’s incredible to see us continue to unite together and show what our caring spirit can do in support of a tremendous cause. We are committed to making breast cancer beatable and will be proudly wearing pink this month to help bring awareness to those who have been affected by the disease.”

On Sunday, 40 teams of more than 360 WestJetters and their families will also participate in the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure. As a proud supporter and the official airline of the CIBC Run for the Cure for the sixth consecutive year, WestJetters along with their families and friends will come together to walk and run at over 18 locations across Canada.

“Progress is being made against breast cancer as the survival rate for the disease is now 87 per cent,” said Carly Schur, National Director of Corporate Programs for the Canadian Cancer Society. “More work needs to be done because breast cancer is still the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in our country. We are very thankful for WestJet and our other partners who are committed to funding breast cancer research, awareness and support programs, while also participating in the CIBC Run for the Cure which engages Canadians in this work.”

“I’m wearing pink this month for my amazing sister, along with all the brave women and men who’ve faced the long and courageous battle against breast cancer,” said Carey Steacy, WestJet Captain and Breast Cancer Awareness Month Ambassador. “I believe with support and awareness a future without breast cancer is possible.”

Since partnering with the former Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation in 2013, which merged last year with the Canadian Cancer Society, WestJet has provided the gift of flight assisting with reducing business administration expenses, incenting participation in the CIBC Run for the Cure and bolstering fundraising activities by encouraging employee fundraising.

Emergency Landing at St. John’s YYT

Travel Industry Today – 27 SEP 2018: More than 200 exhausted passengers were left stranded and frustrated in St. John’s on Wednesday after a flight to Germany made an emergency stop. A representative from the St. John’s international airport confirmed that a Lufthansa flight arrived slightly after 2 a.m.

Passenger Bob Burgess of Halifax said the unplanned landing was related to a passenger’s death.

Lufthansa spokesman Tal Muscal confirmed that the aircraft landed in St. John’s for a medical emergency and said a passenger was taken to the hospital, but could not confirm whether a death occurred.

Burgess said the early landing meant that passengers were unable to leave the plane until after 6 a.m., and they soon discovered that hotels were booked for a convention.

Lufthansa does not operate out of the St. John’s airport, so there was no additional staff on the ground to facilitate accommodations _ and crew onboard had to break for a legally mandated ‘rest period’ before preparing the aircraft for departure Wednesday evening.

School buses were arranged for passengers to tour the city in the meantime, but Burgess said there was some frustration amongst the tired travellers left on their own to find food and accommodation.

WAKE UP CALL – SFO close call was due to pilot error and fatigue

Travel Industry Today – 27 SEP 2018: A near-collision of an Air Canada jet at San Francisco’s airport should be a wake-up call for the federal government to adequately address pilot fatigue for overnight flights, the union representing the airline’s pilots said Wednesday. The pilots’ group was responding to the US National Transportation Safety Board, which concluded that pilot error and fatigue were contributing factors to the July 2017 incident.

‘‘I don’t know what else it would take to wake them up that this is a significant concern,” said Capt. Matt Hogan, chairman of the Air Canada Pilots Association master elected council.

The NTSB issued 19 findings, including that current Canadian regulations don’t, in some circumstances, allow for sufficient rest for reserve pilots. The flight’s captain had been awake for more than 19 hours while the first officer on the flight from Toronto had been awake 12 hours.

‘‘I would suggest that’s a very strong message that they should probably take action sooner than later and do it properly,” Hogan said in an interview.

The pilots were apparently confused because one of two parallel runways was closed and dark before the late-night incident. The crew was seconds from landing their Airbus A320 jet on a taxiway where other planes loaded with passengers were waiting to take off.

Transport Minister Marc Garneau says the government agrees that pilot fatigue rules need updating and that he has been working on the issue since coming into office in 2015.

‘‘I take the safety or air travellers and the public very seriously, and believe a well-rested pilot is central to this,” he said in a statement.

But Hogan says Ottawa hasn’t gone far enough. He said the flight duty limit for evening and overnight flights should be changed to 8.5 hours, in line with NASA recommendations. The Federal Aviation Administration limits crews to 8 hours at night on flights that aren’t ultra long haul.

Draft proposals by the government are suggesting the threshold drop from almost 14 hours to a maximum of nine hours for night-time flights and up to 13 hours for daytime flights.

But the union argues that duty time for flights taking off between 5 p.m. and 9:59 p.m. is still too high under the proposal at 10.5 hours.

Flights during overnight hours when crews would normally be asleep can be especially challenging because it coincides with the start of the human circadian low period when alertness and performance are degraded.

Although various proposals have been studied since 2010, the minister proposed regulations more than a year ago and has consulted with pilots, industry and passengers.

Transport Canada said it is working to have the final regulations that ‘‘will be aligned with those of the US and Europe” to be published in the Canada Gazette this year.

Air Canada submitted a joint proposal to the government in September 2017 that addressed duty time and fatigue rules, including maximum flight duty periods, reserve crews, rest periods, time zone differences and unforeseen operations.

‘‘It should be noted that Air Canada flight time rules are significantly enhanced and more robust than those contained in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARS),” the airline Wednesday said in an email. ‘‘Air Canada’s Fatigue Risk Management System is the most advanced in the country.”

During the NTSB hearing on Tuesday, board staff called Air Canada’s safety culture ‘‘robust.”

Air Canada said the two pilots remain out of service.

Some Canadian aviation groups have complained that imposing strict limit on flying hours would make it more expensive to operate because additional pilots would be required.

A US airline lobby group claimed that these regulations would bankrupt the industry after the government took action following a February 2009 crash in Buffalo, N.Y., that killed 49.

‘‘There has been no sort of audit of these regulations and in fact the American airline industry has prospered with record profits since that time,” said Hogan.

Air Transat standardizes its fares in Economy Class

Montreal, September 25, 2018 — Air Transat, named the 2018 World’s Best Leisure Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, is standardizing its Eco Fares for its transatlantic, South, Canadian and US destinations. In order to align its flexibility conditions with those of the airline industry, Air Transat has revised its lowest‑priced fare, Eco Budget, which will no longer include a free checked bag or the possibility to make changes or cancellations. Passengers booking an Eco Budget as of October 2, 2018, for flights as of April 1, 2019, will be charged a fee for their first piece of checked baggage of 23 kg (for Europe) or 30 kg (for Israel).

New Eco Fare conditions

The Eco Fares are a family of fares that allow, among other things, the flexibility to change or cancel a flight for free or for a nominal fee. They’re designed so passengers will only pay for the services they actually need. Below is an overview of the new Eco Fare conditions.

Eco Budget The lowest fare	No changes or cancellations No checked bag included
Eco Standard  The best value	Changes and cancellations with fees One checked bag included Free standard seat selection
Eco Flex  The fare with the most flexibility	Changes and cancellations for free Two checked bags included Priority services at the airport Any seat selection, based on availability

With the revised baggage policy, passengers save when they prepay

Travellers can now save up to 20% on airport check-in fees by paying in advance online. Below are the revised baggage fees based on destination and time of payment.

Flight-only baggage fees	First bag		Second bag
	Prepaid	At the airport
Europe and Israel	23 kg (30 kg for Israel) $55	23 kg (30 kg for Israel) $70	23 kg (30 kg for Israel) $100
Flight-only baggage fees	First bag		Second bag
	Prepaid	At the airport	Prepaid	At the airport
South, US and flights within Canada	23 kg $25	23 kg $30	23 kg $40	23 kg $50

All of the details on the revised Eco Fares are available here.

Greater comfort thanks to Club Class and Option Plus

While the Eco Fares include the flexibility for passengers to change or cancel their flight, other options exist to provide the best on-board experience possible. Air Transat’s Club Class combines exceptional personalized service with flexibility. It continues to offer passengers a most pleasant and comfortable inflight experience, in addition to complimentary seat selection, a generous checked baggage allowance, more space on board, as well as priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling. As for Club Class passengers, many perks await them on board, such as an exclusive Comfort Kit, a welcome cocktail, a wide selection of quality wines, beverages and snacks, as well as delicious meals, including the gourmet dishes from the Chef’s Menu by Daniel Vézina.

And lastly, passengers who opt for Option Plus will be treated to more benefits in Economy Class, such as a first checked bag free of charge, seat selection, priority check-in at a dedicated counter, priority boarding and baggage handling, as well as special on-board perks for optimal comfort.

Jazz Technical Services awarded airBaltic maintenance contract

Delivering regional aviation to the world

HALIFAX, Sept. 26, 2018 /CNW/ – Chorus Aviation Inc. (‘Chorus’) (TSX: CHR) announced today that its subsidiary, Jazz Aviation LP (‘Jazz’), has been awarded a contract for heavy maintenance work for airBaltic of Latvia. Under the terms of the agreement, Jazz Technical Services (‘JTS’), a division of Jazz dedicated to maintenance, repair and overhaul (‘MRO’) work, will provide airframe maintenance in support of airBaltic’s 12 Q400 NextGen aircraft.

“We are very pleased to have been awarded this contract as we continue to focus on growth in our MRO business and are enthused to be expanding our customer base internationally with the addition of airBaltic,” said Colin Copp, President, Jazz Aviation. “Our JTS division provides industry-leading turn times, a premium level of service and maintenance expertise which is well known and respected throughout the industry.”

Andris Vaivads, SVP Technical Operations of airBaltic said, “We are excited to enter this partnership as we value Jazz Aviation highly for their experience in cold weather, which is characteristic to our home markets of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. We rely on short turnaround times as it allows us to offer in many cases the fastest and most convenient transfers via our main hub in Riga spanning our network of Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, CIS and the Middle East.”

Jazz Technical Services will perform the work for airBaltic from its six bay, 80,000 square foot facility at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, where over 400 maintenance professionals are employed supporting contracts for Canadian, U.S. and international customers.

Jazz’s Maintenance division has received Bombardier Airline Reliability Performance Awards for five consecutive years and was the North American recipient of Bombardier’s 2017 Airline Reliability Performance Awards in two categories: CRJ100/200 aircraft programs for North America; CRJ700/900/1000 aircraft programs for North America. Jazz was previously honoured with top performance in the North American region for the Q400, CRJ100/200, and CRJ700/900/1000 aircraft program categories in 2016 and 2015; the Q100/200/300, CRJ100/200, and CRJ700/900/1000 aircraft programs in 2014; and the Q400 and CRJ100/200 aircraft programs in 2013.

U.S. National Transportation Safety Board fatigue findings a wakeup call for Ottawa

The Air Canada Pilots Association calls on Canadian government to close the two-hour gap to protect Canadian passengers

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 25, 2018 /CNW/ – The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) today endorsed recommendations made by the United States’ National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which called on the Government of Canada to fix its outdated fatigue regulations to ensure the safety of Canada’s passengers and pilots.

“We thank the NTSB for their comprehensive review,” said Captain Matt Hogan, Chair of ACPA’s Master Elected Council. “Their findings on fatigue underscore the many years of urgent calls by Canada’s pilots for flight crew fatigue rules that are supported by science. The government’s proposed rules fall short; they would allow Canadian pilots who begin their duty at 9 pm to operate two hours longer than NASA research recommends, and even long than would be permitted in the United States. Canada’s new fatigue rules must close this two-hour gap.”

NASA: Maximum duty period at night should not exceed 10 hours

The science is clear: fatigue is a form of impairment. NASA’s Ames Research Centre and others conducted research that measured brain wave activity and micro-sleeps of pilots in actual flight operations at night. This informed NASA’s recommendation of a maximum night duty of 10 hours of duty – or 8.5 hours of flight time – at night, requiring a relief pilot for longer duty periods. These NASA recommendations were not reflected in the draft regulations released by Transport Canada on July 1, 2017.

ACPA has joined other pilot groups in calling on the Canadian government to stop years of delays and fix the flawed regulations, including by taking the following steps:

Address pilot fatigue on long-haul flights at night by limiting duty periods for flights in the evening to 8.5 hours of flight time – in line with NASA research findings;
Ensure that any Fatigue Risk Management System relies on science-based prescriptive limits as a foundation, requiring independently verifiable data and stringent Transport Canada approval and oversight before deviating from the maximum duty period; and,
Pilots on all sizes of aircraft – whether they carry passengers or cargo – should have the same protective fatigue limits, implemented at the same time.
Safer Skies coalition: Pilots advocating for better rules

ACPA formed the Safer Skies coalition in 2017, bringing together the voices of 9,000 airline pilots in Canada who work every day to keep their passengers and the skies safe. The Safer Skies website – saferskies.ca – includes more detailed information.

Jazz maintenance division receives Embraer certification

Delivering regional aviation to the world

HALIFAX, Sept. 25, 2018 /CNW/ – Chorus Aviation Inc. (‘Chorus’) (TSX: CHR) announces that its subsidiary, Jazz Aviation LP (‘Jazz’), has received Transport Canada certification for Jazz Technical Services (‘JTS’) to perform airframe heavy maintenance on Embraer 135 and Embraer 145 regional aircraft. JTS is a division of Jazz dedicated to maintenance, repair and overhaul (‘MRO’).

“Acquiring Embraer certification is an important next step in the evolution of our maintenance division and is in line with our plans for continued growth and the ability to provide a broader range of maintenance services,” said Colin Copp, President, Jazz Aviation.

Jazz Technical Services is now certified to perform Embraer 135 and Embraer 145 work from its six-bay, 80,000 square foot heavy maintenance facility at Halifax Stanfield International Airport where over 400 maintenance professionals are employed supporting contracts for Canadian, U.S. and international customers.