Air Canada Summer 2019 Western Canada service adjustment

News provided by RoutesOnline.com

By Jim Liu | Posted 30 April 2019

Air Canada during summer season is adjusting service in Western Canada, as the airline continues moving most service to Dash8-Q400 aircraft, instead of -300 (or -300/Q400 mix, based on comparison with summer 2018 season). Planned changes, effective 01MAY19, as follows.

Calgary – Kelowna Dash8-Q400 service increases from 3 to 4 daily (All flights operated by Q400)
Calgary – Saskatoon Dash8-Q400 service increases from 3 to 4 daily (All flights operated by Q400)
Calgary – Winnipeg 2 daily A320 and 1 daily CRJ900, replacing 4 daily CRJ900/Dash8-Q400
Vancouver – Comox 4 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of 5 daily Dash8-300
Vancouver – Kamloops 4 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of 5 daily Dash8-300/Q400
Vancouver – Nanaimo 7 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of 8 daily Dash8-300/Q400
Vancouver – Penticton 3 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of 4 daily Dash8-300
Vancouver – Prince Rupert 2 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of 3 daily (weekdays) Dash8-300. Aircraft change from 01JUN19
Vancouver – Sandspit 2 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of Dash8-300/Q400. Aircraft change to all-Q400 from 01JUN19
Vancouver – Smithers 2 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of 3 daily Dash8-300

JetBlue Airways readies for new Airbus A220 entry-into-service with training partner CAE

Provided by CAE Inc

Montreal, Canada, April 30, 2019

CAE announced at the World Aviation Training Symposium the sale of two Airbus A220-300 CAE 7000XR Series full-flight simulators (FFSs) and two CAE 500XR flight training devices (FTDs) to JetBlue Airways, which is preparing the entry-into-service of its new aircraft.

“We are pleased to extend our long-standing partnership with CAE,” said Steve Forte, Vice President JetBlue University. “These state-of-the-art training devices will help us develop industry leading training programs to ensure a smooth launch of the A220.”

“The Airbus A220 is a key component of JetBlue’s growth strategy and we are thrilled to be part of this airline’s journey,” said Nick Leontidis, CAE’s Group President Civil Aviation Training Solutions. “We have been partners with JetBlue for over 15 years, and the purchase of these new FFSs and FTDs is yet another testament to the value CAE brings to its airline partners.”

The two CAE 7000XR Series FFSs will be equipped with the innovative CAE Tropos™ 6000XR visual system. The first FFS and FTD will be delivered in the first half of 2020 at JetBlue University, located in Orlando, Florida.

With this addition, CAE has sold a total of eight A220 full-flight simulators to operators worldwide.

CAE and JetBlue Airways share a training relationship with the Gateway Select pilot provisioning program. To date, more than 60 aspiring pilots have started training in the Gateway Select Program. CAE also holds an exclusive training centre operations services agreement to support the airline’s growth at JetBlue’s University in Orlando.

Aeroplan’s Growing Popularity Recognized with Prestigious Prize in Freddie Awards for Leading Global Loyalty Programs

Provided by Air Canada/CNW

Air Canada program voted by frequent fliers the fastest trending in the Americas

MONTREAL, April 30, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ – Aeroplan, Air Canada’s loyalty program, was recognized as upcoming and trending in the Americas in a survey of global frequent fliers by the Freddie Awards, an international award that recognizes top loyalty programs.

Aeroplan’s Growing Popularity Recognized with Prestigious Prize in Freddie Awards for Leading Global Loyalty Programs (CNW Group/Air Canada)
Aeroplan’s Growing Popularity Recognized with Prestigious Prize in Freddie Awards for Leading Global Loyalty Programs (CNW Group/Air Canada)

“We’re thrilled to receive this acknowledgment that Aeroplan is among the best at engaging members and delivers some unbeatable value,” said Mark Nasr, Vice President, Loyalty and eCommerce, Air Canada.  “This provides more welcome momentum as we move closer to launching a more rewarding loyalty program in 2020.  The Freddie Awards celebrate the best in loyalty programs and we’re pleased to see our ongoing efforts to strengthen our program recognized by our own members.”

At a ceremony for the Freddie Awards in Dallas April 25, Air Canada’s Aeroplan was presented with the 210 Award for the airline in the Americas whose program value vote rating was trending higher. The awards this year were based on 7.1 million ballots submitted by frequent travelers from 237 countries. Known as the “Voice of the Frequent Flyer”, the Freddie Awards were established in 1988 and are named for Freddie Laker, who revolutionized the global travel industry in the 1970s.

The Freddie Awards are the latest awards to be won by Air Canada, which was rated the Best Airline in North America at the 2018 Skytrax World Airline Awards and remains the only Skytrax Four Star international network carrier in North America. Other recent awards include:

  • Skytrax – Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness in North America 2018
  • PAX International Readership Awards – Outstanding Food Service by a Carrier in North America and Best Business Class Amenity Kit in the Americas
  • TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards – Best Business Class in North America
  • Business Traveler USA – Best North American Airline for International Travel and Best North American Airline for Inflight Experience
  • Frequent Business Traveler GlobeRunner Awards – Best Airline in the Americas and Best Business Class Airport Lounge (both awards shared with Star Alliance partner United Airlines)

Travel company Transat AT in talks regarding possible sale of company

News provided by CityNews/The Canadian Press

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS | APR 30, 2019

An Air Transat sign is seen in Montreal on May 31, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

Transat AT Inc. says it is in preliminary talks regarding the possible sale of the company.

The announcement came as the company prepared to hold its annual meeting in Montreal.

The travel company says it is in talks with more than one party regarding a potential transaction following expressions of interest it received.

Transat says it has formed a special committee of independent directors to evaluate the proposals with the assistance of financial and legal advisers.

The company noted the talks are at a preliminary stage and that there can be no assurance that any transaction will take place.

Transat offers vacation packages, hotel stays and air travel under the Transat and Air Transat brands.

Jetlines Announces that SmartLynx has Agreed to Release Funds on Ticket Sales

Provided by Jetlines Airlines Ltd/GlobeNewswire

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 30, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canada Jetlines Ltd. (JET: TSX-V; JETMF: OTCQB) (the “Company” or “Jetlines”) is pleased to announce that SmartLynx Airlines SIA (“SmartLynx”) and Jetlines have amended the escrow release conditions associated with the $7.5 million subscription receipt financing that was completed in December 2018 (the “SmartLynx Offering”). The escrow release conditions have been amended to match the funding conditions that are subject to the pending financing with the Korean special purpose fund led and established by InHarv Partners Ltd. (“InHarv”) (see press release of March 28, 2019 for further details). The amended escrow release conditions will provide funds to Jetlines at an earlier date than previously agreed.

Under the amended terms with SmartLynx, the gross proceeds of the SmartLynx Offering will be released after Jetlines achieves certain milestones as described below.   $5.25 million (70%) of the proceeds shall be released upon the Company raising additional funds (the “Funding Milestone”) from a subsequent financing by June 30, 2019 (such completion date subject to waiver by SmartLynx). The Funding Milestone will be calculated by adding the amount of $3.85 million realized through the exercise of previously issued warrants since November 1, 2018  and the final amount committed under the InHarv financing at closing, and subtracting that total number from $40 million. In addition, the Company will be required to receive from the Canada Transportation Agency an order allowing it to sell tickets for airline travel. Jetlines intends to apply for this order in time to receive it in September 2019, approximately three months ahead of first flight.

The remaining $2.25 million (30%) of the proceeds shall be released upon the receipt by Jetlines Operations of its air operator certificate from Transport Canada.

Executive Chairman, Mark Morabito stated, “I would like to thank the SmartLynx group for their continued support of Jetlines. This amendment follows on their recent agreement to lease two Airbus A320 aircraft to Jetlines in order to allow for its planned December 17, 2019 start-up date. These amended escrow release terms will provide significant additional operational flexibility as funds will be available at an earlier date prior to start of operations and will allow Jetlines to better manage its capital. The terms will also be consistent with the funding conditions associated with the InHarv financing and together will provide the additional certainty of funding to the remaining investors that Jetlines is targeting to complete the remaining financing to launch airline operations.”

CAE introduces American Airlines as partner of the CAE Women in Flight scholarship program

Provided by CAE Inc/GlobeNewswire

Applications for the CAE Women in Flight’s scholarship program are now open to applicants of American Airlines’ cadet training program, American Airlines Cadet Academy. Apply today at http://www.cae.com/womeninflight

MONTREAL, April 30, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (NYSE: CAE; TSX: CAE) – CAE announced today at the World Aviation Training Symposium its fifth partner for the CAE Women in Flight scholarship program, American Airlines.

“We are very excited to collaborate with American Airlines to offer a scholarship to aspiring female pilots in the US,” said Nick Leontidis, CAE’s Group President, Civil Aviation Training Solutions. “The program encourages passionate and exceptional women to accomplish their goal of becoming professional pilots and inspire a new generation of female pilots.”

CAE is a training provider of the American Airlines Cadet Academy, delivering training at the CAE aviation academy located in Phoenix, Arizona. This first-of-its-kind scholarship program provides an opportunity for future pilots to become first officers at one of American Airlines’ three wholly owned regional carriers, with the opportunity to eventually fly larger aircraft at the airline.

The CAE Women in Flight scholarship recipient will receive a full tuition scholarship that will cover the entire cost of training in the American Airlines Cadet Academy program at CAE, including accommodations and travel. Additionally, the recipient may have the opportunity to become a certified flight instructor (CFI) and work at the CAE aviation academy in Phoenix to gain the number of hours required for certification.

American Airlines joins four other global airline partners who offer CAE Women in Flight scholarships to cadet pilots: Aeromexico, AirAsia, Cityjet and easyJet. CAE will unveil the first scholarship recipients this summer.

Multi-Agency Training Exercise at YVR

Provided by Vancouver Airport AuthorityCNW

RICHMOND, BC, April 30, 2019 /CNW/ – Today Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is hosting an airport-wide training exercise simulating an aircraft accident. YVR’s airfield and terminal will be used to practice emergency response plans with business partners, airlines and emergency responders. Nearly 500 participants from 25 different agencies will be involved in the exercise. Airport operations will not be impacted by this exercise.

The training exercise will run from approximately 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Passengers are advised to expect actors in the terminal taking part in the exercise. All participants will be clearly identifiable by vests, YVR baseball caps and/or name tags. Signs will also be posted around the airport with information. As a part of the exercise, there may also be smoke and emergency vehicles visible around Sea Island.

Full scale training exercises are a key part of YVR’s Emergency Management Plan and are performed on a regular basis to ensure emergency preparedness.

WestJet inaugurates Halifax and Dublin nonstop

Provided by WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership/CNW

Airline’s increases travel options across Atlantic with new non-stop flight

CALGARY, April 30, 2019 /CNW/ – As the carrier with the most transatlantic flights from Halifax, WestJet today began its new non-stop service between Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) and Dublin Airport (DUB).

“Today’s flight between these important tourism and business markets reinforces our commitment to investing in Halifax as an Atlantic gateway to Europe,” said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet’s Chief Commercial Officer. “WestJet continues to support the efforts of the government of Nova Scotia to enhance trade, tourism and grow economies in the province and the UK. To our guests on both sides of the Atlantic, go raibh maith agat, thank you.”

WestJet has served the city of Halifax since 2003 and has seen 160 per cent growth in flights to and from Halifax Stanfield. This summer the airline will operate non-stop service to 15 cities with an average of 28 departures per day from Halifax.

“Adding nonstop flights to key markets is a sign of confidence in our province and region,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “We’re pleased to see WestJet’s commitment to this new link, which helps support our Nova Scotia-Europe Engagement Strategy and efforts to grow our economy.”

“We’re so pleased WestJet continues to demonstrate confidence in our airport, our region and our future with the introduction of this new non-stop service to Dublin,” said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority. “We have grown into an Atlantic Canadian hub airport where travellers can conveniently connect to, from and through Europe and beyond. We thank WestJet for their continued investment and expansion of their service at Halifax Stanfield and to passengers who make these flights a success.”

WestJet has operated to Dublin, Ireland since 2014 and on June 1 will bring one of its first three Dreamliner aircraft to the city with nonstop service from Calgary.

Details of WestJet’s new non-stop service:

RouteFrequencyDepartingArrivingEffective
Halifax-Dublin6x weekly10:20 p.m.7:32 a.m. +1April 29, 2019
Dublin-Halifax6x weekly9:00 a.m.11:02 a.m.April 30, 2019

Air Georgian Opens the Canadian Airline Professional Development Academy (CAPDA)

Provided by Air Georgian Limited/CNW

MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 30, 2019 /CNW/ – Today Air Georgian announced the launch of the Canadian Airline Professional Development Academy (CAPDA), further positioning Air Georgian as an industry leader in developing airline professionals.

Air Georgian Flight Attendants (from left to right) Andrijka Welykanycz, Cassidy Scully, and Sarah Malinay actively participate in their Annual Recurrent Ground School Training at Air Georgian's Canadian Airline Professional Development Academy (CAPDA). (CNW Group/Air Georgian Limited)
Air Georgian Flight Attendants (from left to right) Andrijka Welykanycz, Cassidy Scully, and Sarah Malinay actively participate in their Annual Recurrent Ground School Training at Air Georgian’s Canadian Airline Professional Development Academy (CAPDA). (CNW Group/Air Georgian Limited)

CAPDA is a focal point of the significant investments Air Georgian has been making in aviation training research and development. CAPDA’s growth will focus on competency- and evidence-based training, augmented and virtual reality, data analytics and innovative content development for open source learning. Working in collaboration with leading academics, CAPDA will offer advanced training, evaluation, analytics and development tools for aviation professionals and industry.

Continuing to build on their commitment to developing industry leading professionals, Air Georgian is introducing an Emerging Leaders Program designed to allow business, economics, and STEM graduates an opportunity to explore aviation management positions on a multi-discipline rotational basis.

“Air Georgian has always been an incubator for airline talent, having helped develop the careers of over 6000 pilots, hundreds of maintenance personnel, flight attendants, management personnel, dispatchers and other SOCC professionals over the past 25 years,” said Eric Edmondson, President and CEO at Air Georgian.  

While CAPDA will remain integral to Air Georgian, it will be managed as a standalone division, addressing broader industry requirements beyond the needs of Air Georgian while allowing the airline to focus on delivering best in class regional airline service.

Air Georgian is pleased to announce that Kristen Menecola will assume executive responsibility for CAPDA and will be named Vice President and Managing Director of CAPDA while maintaining her current role as Director of Technology and Communications at Air Georgian.

“We are ideally positioned to make significant contributions to the advancement of the industry by investing in how we train airline professionals as we continue to develop top-level industry talent for our airline partners,” said Menecola.

CAPDA is looking for industry and academic partners as well as postgraduate students to work collaboratively with a broad array of professionals to develop training techniques, programs and systems to modernize and improve the way aviation and airline professionals are trained. Full-time, part-time and contract positions in the following disciplines are being introduced:

  • Research and development
  • Augmented/Virtual reality
  • Software and courseware design
  • Grant funding and sponsorship

If you are interested in partnering with Air Georgian or would like to consider future employment and contract opportunities, please visit our website.

Air Transat & Westjet Route Updates

News provided by RoutesOnline.com

Air Transat W19 A321neo LR Trans-Atlantic network as of 28APR19

By Jim Liu | Posted 29 April 2019

Air Transat in last week’s schedule update filed planned Airbus A321neo LR European service for winter 2019/20 season, from late-October 2019. Planned A321neo LR Trans-Atlantic routes and frequency as of 28 APR 19 as follows.

Toronto – Glasgow eff 30OCT19 2 weekly
Toronto – London Gatwick eff 22OCT19 1 daily
Toronto – Manchester eff 04NOV19 2 weekly
Toronto – Porto eff 03NOV19 1 weekly

Additional routes to be filed in the next few weeks. With the exception of Glasgow, winter operation for routes listed above is scheduled until 30 APR 20.


WestJet discontinues Halifax – Boston service in early-June 2019

By Jim Liu |Posted 29 April 2019

WestJet from early-June 2019 is discontinuing Halifax – Boston service, reflected in recent schedule update. This daily service operated by WestJet Encore Dash8-Q400 aircraft is now scheduled until 02 JUN 19.

WS3712 YHZ 1240 – 1332 BOS DH4 D
WS3713 BOS 1850 – 2134 YHZ DH4 D


No other information provided from source. Canadian Aviation News