Greater Toronto Airports Authority statement regarding the Transportation Safety Board of Canada’s January 31 report on runway incursions at Toronto Pearson

Provided by Greater Toronto Airports Authority

January 31, 2019

The GTAA is reviewing the recommendations of the Transportation Safety Board. We welcome the findings and we have fully participated in the review. Safety is our top priority, and we will continue to make improvements that enable continued safe operations for the surrounding communities and the nearly 50 million people who use Toronto Pearson on an annual basis. Since 2013, the GTAA has continued to address incidents at Toronto Pearson by working with the air carriers, particularly those regional U.S. carriers that experience a higher number of the incidents. In addition to specific enhancements to our runways and taxiways, new lighting systems, and mandatory LED backlit signage, we have also provided up-to-date safety information and educational outreach to these carriers about our operations. We remain vigilant with regard to industry trends and developments in technology that can help us meet our commitment to safety.

TSB makes four recommendations to improve runway safety at Canada’s busiest airport

Provided by Transportation Safety Board

Richmond Hill, Ontario, 31 January 2019 – Today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is making four recommendations, following its safety issue investigation (A17O0038) into 27 runway incursions that occurred between two closely spaced parallel runways at Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Ontario, between June 2012 and November 2017.

“Pearson International airport traffic is tightly controlled and monitored, and all 27 incursions examined involved flight crews who understood they needed to stop, and that they were approaching an active runway,” said Kathy Fox, Chair of the TSB. “Despite all the visual cues, including lights, signage and paint markings, professional crews were not stopping in time as required, thereby risking a collision with another aircraft on the other runway.”

The investigation found that all the incursions happened on the inner runway, after the flight crews involved had landed on the outer runway and were taxiing on a rapid-exit taxiway between the two runways. Several characteristics of the rapid exits in this area, known locally as the “south complex,” are different from almost every other major airport in North America. The exits lead directly to the “inner” parallel runway, the hold lines are located immediately following a 65-degree curve and, most notably, they are farther away from the protected runway than is commonly seen elsewhere. These uncommon features mean that the hold lines are not where crews are expecting to see them.

It was also determined that, although flight crews were aware of the increased risk for runway incursions in the area because they are designated as “hot spots” on the airport charts, that guidance did not bring crews’ attention to specific strategies to mitigate the risk of incursion. Instead, crews followed their standard operating procedures and initiated their post-landing actions immediately after exiting the runway, taking their attention away from other more critical tasks—such as identifying the hold line. The timing of those tasks distracted the crew at a point when limited time was available to recognize the visual cues requiring them to stop, and contributed to their overlooking those cues.

Today, the TSB is making four recommendations to make these runways safer. The first one is that NAV CANADA amend its phraseology guidance so that safety-critical transmissions are more compelling to flight crews in order for crews to take the safest course of action. The next two recommendations are for Transport Canada and the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to work with operators to amend standard operating procedures so that crews only commence post-landing checks after a landing aircraft has cleared all active runways. Finally, the Board recommends that the Greater Toronto Airports Authority make physical changes to the taxiway layout at Pearson International’s south complex to address the risk of incursions between the parallel runways.

“Fixing these complex issues won’t be easy, which means all those involved must work together,” said Fox. “Because clearly, more needs to be done—so that all flight crews see the cues and react as required.”

More details about the Board’s recommendations can be found in the backgrounder.

Government of Canada investing in safety at Red Lake Airport

Provided by Transport Canada/CNW

RED LAKE, ON, Jan. 31, 2019 /CNW/ – Canadians, tourists and businesses benefit from safe and well-maintained airports. From visiting friends and family, to travelling to medical appointments, or getting goods to market, we rely on our local airports to support and sustain vibrant communities. These airports also provide essential air services including community resupply, air ambulance, search and rescue and forest fire response.

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, today visited the Red Lake Municipal Airport to highlight the recent completion of two safety improvement projects: the purchase of a de-icer spraying trailer, which is used with a snow plow to help keep runways, taxiways and the apron clear of ice and snow; and the replacement of an omni-directional approach lighting system, including power converters and transformers, for Runway 26.

The omni-directional approach lighting system is an important part of airport operations as fog and harsh winter weather are common in the Red Lake region. Replacing the power converters and transformers will ensure the new lighting system functions effectively.

Funding of $152,943 came from Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program for these two projects.

Minister Garneau also viewed detailed plans for the upcoming $10-million rehabilitation of Runway 08-26, Taxiways A, B and C, and Apron 2A adjacent to the Air Terminal Building. This project is also being funded through the Airports Capital Assistance Program.

A well maintained runway, taxiway and apron is key to ensuring safe usage by aircraft, passengers, and crews, as well as helping to protect costly airport safety assets such as snow clearing equipment and aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles during airport operations.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada recognizes the important role played by Canada’s local airports in supporting jobs and tourism, enabling investment and facilitating trade. Our investments are helping airports increase safety and accessibility for residents and travellers, while supporting the continued growth of local and regional economies.”

The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport

“The Red Lake Airport is an important hub for residents and businesses in this region. This investment will help ensure continued safe airport operations for passengers, crews and employees, while supporting the regional economy and its social development.”

The Honourable Bob Nault 
Member of Parliament for Kenora

Associated Links

• Airports Capital Assistance Program
• Red Lake Airport

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to e-news or stay connected through Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeand Flickr to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.

This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.

SOURCE Transport Canada

Chorus announces Jazz pilots’ ratification of labour agreement

Provided by Chorus Aviation Inc/CNW

HALIFAX, Jan. 31, 2019 /CNW/ – Chorus Aviation Inc. (‘Chorus’) (TSX: CHR) announced today that pilots of its subsidiary, Jazz Aviation LP (‘Jazz’), have ratified the amendments to their collective agreement which was tentatively agreed on January 14, 2019. The Air Lines Pilots Association, International (‘ALPA’) represents Jazz’s pilots based in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal.

“We are very pleased to have finalized an amended collective agreement with our pilots,” said Colin Copp, President, Jazz Aviation. “This long-term agreement takes us out to December 31, 2035 and demonstrates our ability to work together for a common goal of continued success for Jazz. My sincere thanks to all involved for their efforts in bringing this amended agreement to fruition.”

Ratification of this tentative agreement was a condition of implementing the amendments to, and extension of, the capacity purchase agreement (‘CPA’) between Air Canada and Jazz, as announced on January 14, 2019. The amendment and extension of the CPA remains subject to completion of Air Canada’s $97.26 million equity investment in Chorus, which contains customary conditions to closing. Chorus anticipates closing the equity investment by no later than February 8, 2019, upon which the amendment and extension of the CPA will become effective.

The pending amendments to the CPA provide for a number of significant benefits including fleet modernization with the addition of 14 larger-gauge CRJ900 (76-seat) aircraft of which nine new aircraft will generate additional lease revenue under the CPA. Air Canada will consolidate more of its overall regional capacity in the Jazz operation. Chorus will also secure preferred partner status on the operation of aircraft with up to 50 seats through a right to match third-party offers.  Additionally, an enhanced pilot mobility agreement will provide Jazz pilots access to careers at Air Canada. The amended CPA will ensure that Chorus and Air Canada are well positioned to respond as allies to an ever-changing industry.

“I sincerely thank Jazz pilots for embracing this opportunity for an extended and mutually beneficial strategic partnership with Air Canada,” said Joe Randell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chorus.

Air Canada Is Named a Top Employer in Montreal for the Sixth Consecutive Year

Provided by Air Canada/CNW

MONTREAL, Jan. 31, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada today was named one of “Montreal’s Top Employers” for the sixth consecutive year in Mediacorp Canada Inc’s annual employer survey. The 2019 survey recognizes companies in Montreal with exceptional human resources programs and forward-thinking workplace policies, and includes a comparison of others in their industry and region.

Air Canada Is Named a Top Employer in Montreal for the Sixth Consecutive Year (CNW Group/Air Canada)

“Air Canada is a global company headquartered in Montreal with over 9,000 employees in the area, and we are very proud to be chosen as one of Montreal’s top employers again. Our leadership in emerging areas such as using artificial intelligence and predictive thinking to continue transforming our business means being recognized as an employee-focused place to work with diverse and interesting career opportunities enables us to attract and retain the best and the brightest people in all areas of our business,” said Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Senior Vice-President, People, Culture and Communications.

Top Montreal Employer Award
Mediacorp cited several unique employee support and engagement programs at Air Canada. These include: state-of-the-art training facilities; generous discounts and perquisites for employees and their families; programs to promote health, fitness and wellness; and a consultative approach to workplace developments, such as recent head office renovations where Air Canada sought employee feedback on everything from storage space design to the final décor.

Working at Air Canada
Air Canada’s reputation as a top employer has made the airline a destination of choice for people seeking a challenging career. It receives 23,000 visits each month to the employment page of its website and on average there are 340 applicants per position for each vacancy filled. In 2018 alone, Air Canada has hired more than 5,700 people.

For more information on career opportunities with Air Canada please visit www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/about/careers.html.

In addition to being named one of Montreal’s Top Employers for 2018, Air Canada has received other recent recognitions for employee relations and engagement including being named:

• one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers in Canada (2019) for the sixth consecutive year by Mediacorp Canada Inc;
• one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2018 by Mediacorp Canada Inc. Air Canada was recognized for having a defined strategy to achieve diversity and inclusion including partnering with organizations to match unique qualifications of candidates with disabilities to specific roles, and for successfully promoting women, including in non-traditional roles.
• one of the 50 Most Engaged Workplaces in North America for Second Consecutive Year by Achievers;
• the second most attractive company brand to work for in Canada according to the Randstad Employer Brand Research independent survey;

Additional information on Air Canada’s Human Resources is in the “Employees” section of the 2017 Corporate Sustainability Report at: https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/about/corporate-responsibility/corporate-sustainability-reports.html#/par2_accordion.

WestJet warning public of ongoing phone scam

Provided by Westjet, an Alberta Partnership

Airline does not use telemarketers

CALGARY, Jan. 31, 2019 /CNW/ – In the effort to raise awareness, WestJet today is warning the public of an ongoing phone scam where fraudsters are posing as WestJet representatives.  

“It’s important the public is aware that these calls are not coming from WestJet or a representative of WestJet,” said Richard Bartrem, WestJet’s Vice-President Marketing Communications. “Many of us here have been on the receiving end of these calls and understand the irritation they are causing. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience to the public and encourage Canadians to report their concerns to the correct authorities in the effort to locate the source of the issue.”

WestJet does not engage in telephone marketing and reminds the public to avoid sharing their credit card numbers and other private information with fraudsters posing as WestJet.

WestJet has more information posted on its advisories page under ‘scams’ available online: https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/travel-info/advisories

Additionally, the public can contact the RCMP Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit their website http://www.antifraudcentre.ca/ for more information and to report details.

Bombardier Extends Learjet Aircraft Engine Maintenance Intervals as the Fleet Celebrates 25 Million Flight-hour Milestone

Provided by Bombardier

January 29, 2019MontréalBusiness Aircraft,  Press Release

Learjet 75 aircraft

• Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft operators benefit from extended engine inspection intervals, further reducing operating costs and downtime
• The ultimate business tools, Learjet aircraft feature industry leading performance and direct bottom line benefits
• Bombardier’s Learjet fleet celebrates 25 million flight hours
• Learjet 75 aircraft features the quietest and most private cabin in its class, an eight-seat double-club configuration, a smooth ride and the only flat floor in its segment

Bombardier announced today that Learjet 70 and Learjet 75aircraft operators now benefit from lengthened intervals between recurring major powerplant inspections, which have been extended from 3,000 to 3,500 engine hours. This interval extension directly benefits the bottom lines of operators by reducing the number of repeat inspections over the lifecycle of the engine, thereby decreasing operating costs over the lifecycle of the aircraft. This announcement comes as Bombardier’s fleet of trailblazing Learjet aircraft has surpassed the 25 million flight-hour mark, adding yet another achievement to an impressive string of Learjet milestones and firsts. The first Learjet business aircraft entered service in 1964, creating the experience and defining the industry of private flight.

“This is a significant milestone for our pace-setting Learjet aircraft family and for the industry. The Learjet platform is designed to deliver immediate returns as a business productivity tool. Reliability and longevity are two of the reasons customers among Fortune 500 companies continue to choose Learjet as the most trusted light jet platform,” said Peter Likoray, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Marketing, Bombardier Business Aircraft.

As the best-equipped and best-performing aircraft within the light category, the Learjet 70 and the Learjet 75 aircraft bring the features of a much larger jet to a light aircraft platform. Both aircraft are certified to Part 25 airworthiness standards, the industry’s highest safety standards, applicable to transport category aircraft and commercial airliners.

Bombardier is continuing to invest to support its in-service fleet and the Learjet family. Bombardier recently announced a comprehensive Garmin G5000 avionics upgrade, which will allow customers to optimize their routes and will pave the way for future technological enhancements. The upgrade will be offered as forward and retrofit for in-service Learjet aircraft.

Since acquiring the Learjet Corporation in 1990, Bombardier has introduced an impressive eight new models, including the best-selling Learjet 75 aircraft, which entered service in 2013.

CAE awarded contract by GA-ASI to develop synthetic training system for United Kingdom’s Protector remotely piloted aircraft

Provided by CAE

Montreal, Canada, January 24, 2019

CAE will develop a comprehensive synthetic training system for the UK Protector program

The high-fidelity Protector mission trainers developed by CAE will be based on the General Atomics certifiable ground control station. Images courtesy of GA-ASI.

CAE today announced the company has been awarded a contract from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to develop a comprehensive synthetic training system for the United Kingdom’s Protector RG Mk1 remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) program.

The Protector will be operated by the Royal Air Force and is the UK-specific variant of GA-ASI’s certifiable MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS, which can meet the most stringent certification requirements of aviation authorities.

Under terms of the contract, CAE will design and develop a comprehensive synthetic training system that will include desktop and high-fidelity mission trainers specific to the Protector RPAS. The high-fidelity Protector mission trainers will be based on GA-ASI’s certifiable ground control station (CGCS) and will be the first simulators developed for this advanced CGCS. CAE will also provide brief/debrief and scenario generation stations as part of the overall synthetic training system. 

“We are pleased to continue our global training partnership with GA-ASI to support the UK Protector program,” said Gene Colabatistto, CAE’s Group President, Defence & Security. “Protector will offer a new level of capability in an unmanned air system and will require well-trained aircrews. We will leverage developments we have made over the past several years creating the highest fidelity training devices for the Predator family of remotely piloted aircraft to produce a world-class synthetic training system for the Protector program.”

Initial deliveries of the synthetic training system will be targeted for delivery in 2020 to RAF Waddington, the hub of UK Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) that will be the main operating base for the Protector.

“MQ-9B SkyGuardian, which Protector is based on, represents the next-generation of remotely piloted aircraft capabilities, including longer endurance and automatic take-off and landing,” said David R. Alexander, president, Aircraft Systems, GA-ASI. “The Protector synthetic training system will play a key role helping the Royal Air Force develop skilled aircrews and we are pleased to collaborate with CAE as our training partner on this critical program.”

Canada Jetlines Reaches Agreements with Winnipeg and Kelowna Airports

Provided by Canada Jetlines/Globe Newswire

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 31, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canada Jetlines Ltd. (JET: TSX-V) (JETMF: OTCQB) (the “Company” or “Jetlines”) is pleased to announce it intends to provide ultra-low fare service from both the Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG).

CEO Javier Suarez stated “we are thrilled to announce that we intend to operate out of more Canadian airports. Our very low fares should encourage people in Winnipeg and Kelowna to travel more often and see more of their own country. Similarly, driven by these low fares, both markets should experience an increase in the number of tourists in their regions. The addition of these airports will extend our reach, giving Jetlines future access to more large populations and strong markets.”

“We are excited to welcome Jetlines to Winnipeg Richardson International Airport,” said Barry Rempel, President and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority. “The addition of Jetlines to this market gives travellers another low-cost option to explore all this city and province have to offer.”

Sam Samaddar, Airport Director, Kelowna International Airport commented, “we are excited to see Canada Jetlines come to Kelowna. Adding another ultra-low-cost-carrier to YLW will give residents more flight options, and visitors more opportunities to experience all that the Okanagan has to offer.”

The Company’s ability to service these airports is subject to the completion of the airline licensing process and the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.

Air Canada to Reduce Single-Use Plastics Starting with Eliminating Plastic Stir Sticks in Summer 2019

Provided by Air Canada/CNW

Coast-to-coast savings:Total plastic enough to connect Vancouver to Halifax when lining up a year’s worth of sticks together

MONTREAL, Jan. 31, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada is reducing single-use plastics onboard aircraft and in its workplaces as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to curtail waste. Starting in Summer 2019, Air Canada will replace plastic with wood stir sticks in drinks served on all flights, a move that will save 35 million plastic stir sticks annually – enough if laid end-to-end to join Halifax and Vancouver. 

Air Canada to Reduce Single-Use Plastics Starting with Eliminating Plastic Stir Sticks in Summer 2019 (CNW Group/Air Canada)

“Air Canada has made sustainability central to its decision-making and business processes, including acting responsibly with respect to the environment. Through seemingly small measures such as eliminating plastic stir sticks, to major investments such as our $10 billion fleet modernization, we are making great strides in our ongoing sustainability programs, notably improving fuel efficiency by 43 per cent since 1990,” said Teresa Ehman, Director of Environmental Affairs at Air Canada. “Air Transport World Magazine recognized the effectiveness of our environmental programs when it named Air Canada the 2018 Eco-Airline of the Year, citing our participation in the development and support of alternative fuels in Canada, and our innovative sustainability programs.”

Air Canada’s stir stick replacement will be made of bamboo and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which assures products come from responsible sources so that forests remain thriving environments for generations to come.

Air Canada’s ongoing plastic reduction efforts also include researching and rethinking important decisions made at various stages of the supply chain. The company is supporting this work in partnership with University of Torontograduate students in their final year of their Master of Science in Sustainability Management program. The students are working with Air Canada to identify alternatives to plastic use onboard our aircraft.

Reducing single-use plastics builds on Air Canada’s other environmental and community efforts

Looking out to 2020, Air Canada has set environmental targets to reduce waste sent to landfills from offices, facilities and Maple Leaf Lounges by 20 per cent, or just under the equivalent weight of two empty Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, and to recycle 50 per cent of approved items onboard.

Waste reduction at Air Canada is about more than recycling paper and aluminum cans. For example, since 2016 Air Canada has partnered with Partners in Project Green to distribute lightly used duvets to social service agencies that assist people in need and other duvets are donated to local kennels. To date over 13,000 duvets have been donated, equivalent to over 20,000 kilograms of material.

Additionally, when Air Canada announced new uniforms in 2017, creative solutions to reduce landfill waste were identified:

• Employee uniform pieces were donated to Brands for Canada who removed all branding and offered the items to people re-entering the workforce, without the means to purchase new clothes, and hoping to begin new careers.
• Uniforms shredded and repurposed into stuffing for punching bags that were donated to community centres, converted into alternative items such as automotive stuffing or incinerated to generate energy.