Air Canada A319 crew failed to hear landing clearance

News provided by FlightGlobal.com – link to full story

30 October 2019 by DAVID KAMINSKI-MORROW, FlightGlobal.com

Canadian investigators have disclosed that an Air Canada Airbus A319 touched down at San Francisco despite its crew’s not hearing the landing clearance.

The aircraft (C-FZUJ) had been operating from Toronto on 3 October, says Transportation Safety Board of Canada.

It states that San Francisco controllers cleared the aircraft to land.

“However, it was not heard by the flight crew because the approach frequency had not been switched to the tower frequency,” it adds.

The aircraft landed without further incident.

None of the 110 occupants was injured, says the safety board. Air Canada is conducting an investigation into the event.

Bombardier keeps 2019 delivery goal as 7500 production ramps up

News provided by FlightGlobal.com – link to full story

31 October by Jon Hemmerdinger, Boston, FlightGlobal.com

Bombardier remains confident it will reach its goal of delivering 175 to 180 aircraft in 2019, though the Montreal-based airframer must significantly boost aircraft handoffs to achieve that goal.

The company had delivered 117 aircraft in the first nine months of the year, including 90 business jets and 27 commercial aircraft, equating to a rate of 39 aircraft quarterly.

But those deliveries included 20 Q400 turboprops – a programme Bombardier sold to De Havilland Aircraft of Canada in June.

The company will need to deliver 58 aircraft in the fourth quarter to reach hit the 175 mark before year end.

Speaking during the company’s third-quarter earnings call on 31 October, Bombardier chief executive Alain Bellemare said the airframer is “on plan” to hit the 175-180 aircraft-delivery goal.

Those deliveries will likely include at least 15 of the company’s largest business jet, the Global 7500, he says, adding that Bombardier has a number of 7500s approaching completion.

“We now have over 20 Global 7500s in our completion centre,” says Bellemare. “Our assembly operation in Toronto is also full, with over 20 aircraft at different stages of completion.”

Bombardier’s aviation unit generated $1.6 billion in third quarter revenue, up 4% year-on-year, though the unit’s profit before interest and taxes slipped 27% to $96 million.

In the third quarter, the company delivered 37 aircraft, including 31 business jets and six CRJ regional jets. It delivered 36 aircraft during the same period of 2018.

Bombardier’s business aircraft order backlog was worth $15.3 billion at the end of the third quarter, up about 7% year-on-year. Its commercial aircraft backlog stood at $2.6 billion at the end of September.

The company is progressing with the sale of the CRJ programme to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, a deal Bombardier expects will close in the first half of 2020.

Bombardier holds outstanding orders for 28 CRJs and expects CRJ production will cease in the second half of next year. The airframer has said it is not taking new CRJ orders.

Also on 31 October, Bombardier announced it plans to sell significant aerospace assets to Wichita-based aircraft fuselage and major component manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems.

Under the deal, Spirit will purchase Bombardier’s aerostructures and aftermarket assets in Belfast, where the company makes A220 wings, and facilities in Casablanca and Dallas. Spirit will pay $500 million for the assets, and Bombardier expects the deal will close in the first half of 2020.

That sale reflects Bombardier ongoing shift away from commercial aviation and toward increased focus on business aircraft.

“We achieved another key milestone to building a lean, efficient and strong Bombardier business aircraft enterprise,” Bellemare says.

WestJet Dreamliner takes off for Maui

Provided by WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership/CNW

Airline first carrier to offer scheduled Dreamliner service to OGG

CALGARY, Oct. 31, 2019 /CNW/ – Today, WestJet’s 787 Dreamliner will carry guests for the first time between Calgary and Maui providing Hawaii-loving travellers the opportunity to experience WestJet’s state-of-the-art aircraft and award-winning guest experience while flying over the Pacific.

WestJet’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

“As the Canadian carrier with the most flights to Hawaii we’re providing a superior experience for our guests flying across the Pacific this winter,” said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “WestJet is the first to offer scheduled Dreamliner service to Maui and we’re confident guests will enjoy their travel experience onboard our Dreamliners as they head to and from Hawaiian paradise.”

WestJet is the Canadian airline with the most flights to Hawaii and this winter will operate up to 54 weekly flights to four destinations. During peak season, the airline will operate 22 weekly flights between Western Canada and Maui and up to 28 weekly flights between Vancouver and Honolulu, Lihue  and Kona.

“Our guests love a direct getaway to beautiful Maui, adding Dreamliner service to one of Hawaii’s most desirable places makes the journey even better,” said Bob Sartor, President & CEO, The Calgary Airport Authority. “We’re proud to be WestJet’s hub and the home to its Dreamliner fleet and will continue to support our strategic partner’s exciting growth.”

The WestJet Dreamliner features 320 seats in three cabins: Business, Premium and Economy, all of which contain a high-level of comfort and WestJet’s award-winning guest service. The Dreamliner’s Business cabin features all-aisle-access, lie-flat seats with on-demand dining and entertainment. The upscale Premium cabin is the ideal combination of comfort, value and guest service including a separate cabin, elevated meal service and signature welcome perks featuring sparkling wine and an amenity case. WestJet’s improved Economy cabin features on-demand inflight entertainment, blankets and pillows and complimentary food and beverages with a select number of extra legroom seats available for purchase.

Details of WestJet’s current service between Calgary and Maui (OGG):

Route	Frequency	Departing	Arriving	Effective
Calgary-Kahului*	Up to six-times weekly	11 a.m.	2:27 p.m.	October 31, 2019
Kahului-Calgary*	Up to six-times weekly	10:30 p.m.	7:14 a.m. (+1)	October 31, 2019

*Departure times may vary by day of week

New flavours on board Air Transat this winter with the Gourmet menu by Chef Daniel Vézina

Provided by Transat A.T. Inc/CNW

MONTREAL, Oct. 31, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Transat is proud to announce that the new meals of the winter 2019-2020 Gourmet menu by Chef Daniel Vézina are available for pre-order by passengers flying in Economy Class as of November 1. These include two delicious breakfast options, the grilled ham and cheese croissant and the buttermilk pancakes with blueberry purée, maple butter and bacon, as well as a main dish, Quebec grain-fed chicken hunter-style. As always, the Gourmet menu will feature two options for breakfast and six for lunch/dinner. 

Air Transat’s Gourmet menu by Daniel Vezina (CNW Group/Transat A.T. Inc.)

“Every season, travellers tell us how much they enjoy the quality and refinement of the meals in the Gourmet menu by Chef Daniel Vézina,” says Jean-François Lemay, President-General Manager of Air Transat. “As the World’s Best Leisure Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, Air Transat strives daily to offer passengers an experience that lives up to this title. The Gourmet menu is one of the fabulous perks of our Club Class, and it’s available for purchase in Economy Class by anyone looking to kick off their vacation in style or end it on a high note.” 

“Nothing pleases me more than to showcase Quebec products in my creations,” explains Chef Daniel Vézina. “I’ve been featuring them at my restaurant Laurie Raphaël for 28 years, and I do the same with the recipes I create for my Gourmet menu served on board. This winter, passengers will get to taste homegrown products like the blueberries and maple syrup that come with the pancakes, as well as the delicious chicken from the Ferme des Voltigeurs in Drummondville.”

The Gourmet menu is offered for free in Club Class, where the main dishes are accompanied by the chef’s own strawberry shortcake or chocolate fondant. In Economy Class, the meals must be pre-ordered at least 72 before departure. The breakfast options are $18, while the lunch/dinner dishes are $25. 

Breakfast*

• New: Grilled ham and cheese croissant
• New: Buttermilk pancakes with blueberry purée, maple butter and bacon

*Each breakfast is served with a plain croissant, yogourt, orange juice and coffee.

Lunch/Dinner*

• New: Quebec grain-fed chicken hunter-style
• Turkey medallions in a truffle-flavoured cranberry sauce
• Pulled beef shepherd’s pie
• Spinach and artichoke lasagna with ricotta
• Gnocchi with Bolognese sauce
• Cheese and tomato orzo risotto

*Each lunch/dinner dish is served with a salad, dessert and a glass of wine.

Passengers can now pre-order the meals created by Chef Daniel Vézina by calling the Booking Centre at 1-877-TRANSAT or by visiting the Air Transat website. 

YVR’s Innovative Travel Solutions Develops Next Generation Biometric Solution For Canadian Trusted Traveller Program

Press Release from Innovative Travel Solutions by Vancouver International Airport

ITS helps the Canada Border Services Agency modernize the NEXUS program  

Richmond, B.C. October 30, 2019: Today, Innovative Travel Solutions (ITS) by Vancouver International Airport announced that their proprietary line of self-service, biometric-enabled kiosks, BorderXpress, has been configured to meet the requirements of the Canada Border Service Agency’s (CBSA) modernized NEXUS program. BorderXpress NEXUS features ‘tap-and-go’ RFID technology and utilizes state-of-the-art facial recognition software to verify members’ identity, replacing the old iris recognition technology.

“This is another big first for us—being the first Canadian airport to offer NEXUS members an enhanced and more seamless border clearance process. I know our frequent travellers that utilize NEXUS will be pleased with this modernized solution,” says Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “We are grateful for the collaborative relationship we have with our partners at the Canada Border Service Agency and to be once again chosen as the trusted partner for the first solution and rollout. We look forward to continuing to work together on the next phase to create a complete seamless journey for all NEXUS members.”

NEXUS is a joint CBSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (U.S. CBP) operated Trusted Traveller program designed to speed up border crossings for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into Canada and the U.S. YVR introduced 11 next generation NEXUS kiosks in October 2019, dedicated to facilitating the trusted traveller program. Using the new kiosks, NEXUS members will tap or scan their NEXUS card and capture a photo to verify their identity using facial recognition technology before proceeding to a CBSA officer for final inspection. If you have something to declare you must do so verbally, to an officer, at a clearly marked area in the customs hall after using the kiosk.

As part of the CBSA’s objective to modernize the NEXUS program, this is intended to better serve NEXUS members travelling by air as facial biometric verification provides travellers with a simplified method of being identified. This initiative aligns the NEXUS program with international trends on traveller processing and supports the CBSA’s goal to increase efficiencies without compromising security. For more information on this initiative, including instructions on how to use the new NEXUS facial verification kiosks, please visit the NEXUS Air webpage.

ITS has also sold its BorderXpress NEXUS solution to Halifax Stanfield International Airport and Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, with deployments scheduled later this year.

BorderXpress technology was developed by ITS, an independent business unit within Vancouver International Airport (YVR), named Best Airport in North America for 10 consecutive years. ITS specializes in delivering industry-leading travel technology to transform the traveller’s experience. Since 2009, ITS has sold over 1,600 kiosks at 43 airport and seaport locations around the world, helping more than 250 million passengers clear the border safely and securely.

Swoop Adds Two New Mexican Destinations to its Edmonton Network

Provided by Swoop/CNW

Albertans can now get away to three great destinations in Mexico, including Cancún and Mazatlán.

CALGARY, Oct. 31, 2019 /CNW/ – Today, Swoop, Canada’s ultra-low-fare airline and subsidiary of WestJet Airlines Inc., continues to expand its North American service with the introduction of two new routes from Edmonton International Airport (YEG); the first to Cancún International Airport (CUN) departing today, followed by the inaugural flight to Mazatlán International Airport (MZT) departing on November 2.

The new routes expand Swoop’s Edmonton to Mexico service, having launched a Puerto Vallarta (PVR) service earlier this month. With Swoop’s unbundled airfare, services and amenities allowing for a customized travel experience, more Canadians have the option to escape the snow this winter at an accessible price.

“We are always striving to provide our travellers with more options for their getaways. Our unbundled model allows us to do that at a price that works for them,” said Steven Greenway, President, Swoop. “We are thrilled to make international travel more accessible for Canadians by offering three Mexican destinations for Albertans to enjoy.”

As a testament to Swoop’s success in growing its international network, the airline has been recognized as a key partner by the Mazatlán tourism community. Earlier this week, Swoop was awarded the Golden Deer Award as Canadian Airline of the Year during the 25th Gran Fiesta de Amigos de Mazatlán event.

The Cancún and Mazatlán routes launch just ahead of the holiday season, in anticipation of travellers heading to warmer climates. Swoop’s growing network now connects travellers in 17 domestic, transborder and international destinations. The airline’s route map is constantly expanding, bringing ultra-low fares to all.

Swoop’s first direct flight to Cancún departed this morning at 7 a.m. MDT, starting a weekly service on Thursdays. Non-stop Edmonton to Mazatlán service starts November 2 at 7:30 a.m. MDT with a weekly service on Saturdays and adding a Tuesday service as of December 17.

Flights are now available for booking through to April 25, 2020.

Service Between	Service Offered	Weekly Frequency	Total one-way price from
Edmonton, AB to Cancún, MX	Thursday,	1 x per week	$178.00† CAD
Cancún, MX to Edmonton, AB	Thursday	1 x per week	$179.00† CAD
Edmonton, AB to Mazatlán, MX	Tuesday,  Saturday	1x per week until Dec. 17 2 x per week until April 25	$178.00† CAD
Mazatlán, MX to Edmonton, AB	Tuesday, Saturday	1x per week until Dec. 17 2 x per week until April 25	$179.00† CAD

†Every day low fares valid through November 2, 2019 for travel between January 7 – February 12, 2020.

To learn more about Swoop’s destinations, schedule and ultra-low-cost model visit FlySwoop.com or connect with Swoop on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

Bombardier Announces Definitive Agreement to Sell Aerostructures Business to Spirit AeroSystems Holding, Inc.

Provided by Bombardier Inc/Globe Newswire

• Sale of aerostructures business supports Aviation transformation, refocuses on business aviation and strengthens liquidity
• Expected cash proceeds of $500 million plus the assumptions of liabilities
• Transaction implies enterprise value to 2019E EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x
   

_{All amounts in this press release are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.}

MONTREAL, Oct. 31, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bombardier (TSX: BBD.B) today announced a definitive agreement to sell its aerostructures business to Spirit AeroSystems Holding, Inc. (Spirit), supporting Bombardier’s strategic decision to focus on its two strong growth pillars, trains and business aircraft.

With this transaction, Spirit will acquire Bombardier’s aerostructures activities and aftermarket services operations in Belfast, U.K.; Casablanca, Morocco; and its aerostructures maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Dallas, U.S. for a cash consideration of $500 million and the assumption of liabilities with a total carrying value in excess of $700 million, including government refundable advances and pension obligations. Following the transaction, Spirit will continue to supply structural aircraft components and spare parts to support the production and in-service fleet of Bombardier Aviation’s Learjet, Challenger and Global families of aircraft.

2019 revenues for these activities are expected to be approximately $1.0 billion, while generating adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 12%. On this basis, the transaction implies an enterprise value to EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x.

The transaction follows the formation of Bombardier Aviation earlier this year and streamlines Bombardier’s aerostructures footprint to focus on core capabilities in Montreal, Mexico and its Global 7500 wing operations in Texas. The transaction also further strengthens Bombardier’s liquidity as it moves toward the deleveraging phase of the turnaround. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2020 and remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

“This transaction represents another strategic milestone in the reshaping of our portfolio to focus on our strong business aircraft and rail franchises,” said Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc.  “We are confident that Spirit’s acquisition of these aerostructures assets is the best outcome for customers, employees and shareholders, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth and orderly transition.”

Bombardier Reports Third Quarter 2019 Results

Provided by Bombardier Inc/Globe Newswire

• Consolidated revenues of $3.7 billion, representing 8% organic growth⁽¹⁾
• Consolidated adjusted EBITDA⁽²⁾ and adjusted EBIT⁽²⁾ of $255 million and $159 million, respectively; $143 million of reported EBIT
• Free cash flow usage⁽²⁾ of $682 million, supporting Global 7500 and Transportation ramp-up; $557 million operating cash flow usage
• Clear roadmap to full year revenues, earnings⁽⁴⁾ and free cash flow guidance supported by planned fourth quarter delivery schedules at Aviation and Transportation⁽³⁾

_{All amounts in this press release are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. Amounts in tables are in millions except per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated.}

MONTRÉAL, Oct. 31, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bombardier (TSX: BBD.B) today reported its third quarter 2019 financial results, highlighting continued progress on its turnaround.

Among its achievements in the third quarter, Bombardier obtained Transport Canada and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for its new Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft, with the Global 6500 also entering service. Bombardier Transportation made steady progress addressing its challenging projects, while also growing and improving the quality of its backlog.

Bombardier’s consolidated revenues for the quarter were $3.7 billion, representing 8% organic growth year-over-year, driven mainly by a favourable delivery mix of large business aircraft and progress on rail projects. Order activity remained solid in the quarter, and the Company reported strong backlogs at Transportation and for business aircraft of $35.1 billion and $15.3 billion, respectively.

Consolidated adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBIT for the quarter were $255 million and $159 million, respectively. Adjusted EBIT margin in Aviation was 6.0%, in line with expectations and driven by Global 7500 aircraft ramp-up and the dilutive effect of commercial aircraft activities. Adjusted EBIT margin in Transportation was 5.1%, reflecting a concentration of large, late-stage projects and planned investments in manufacturing and engineering capacity announced earlier this year. On a reported basis, EBIT for the quarter was $143 million.

Free cash flow usage was $682 million for the quarter, reflecting the intense ramp-up of the Global 7500 production and lower cash inflows associated with train deliveries and milestones payments that have moved into the fourth quarter. Cash flows usage from operating activities during the quarter was $557 million.

The Company continues to expect full-year free cash flow usage to be approximately $500 million, driven by seasonally strong fourth quarter cash flows, the acceleration of Global 7500 deliveries and the partial release of excess working capital at Transportation.⁽³⁾ As we move beyond short-term challenges, Bombardier is positioned for 2020 earnings⁽³⁾ growth and positive cash flow generation.⁽³⁾⁽⁵⁾

“We continue to make progress driving our turnaround,” said Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. “At Aviation, the recent certification of our new Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft, and the outstanding in-service performance of our new Global 7500, highlight the strength of our business jet franchise. At Transportation, we are turning the corner. We are making steady progress working through our legacy projects, giving us confidence in our ability to deliver stronger financial performance.”

Click here for detail charts

SEGMENTED RESULTS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Following the strategic formation of Bombardier Aviation, effective July 1, 2019, Business Aircraft, Commercial Aircraft and Aerostructures and Engineering Services are reported under Aviation. Prior periods have been restated to reflect this new reporting structure. The Corporation’s interest in Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (ACLP) is treated as a corporately held investment and therefore is not included in Aviation.

• Revenues of $1.6 billion during the quarter reflect double-digit organic growth year-over-year (excluding the Q400 and training activities divestitures completed earlier this year), driven by the Global 7500, external aerostructures revenues and stronger aftermarket services.
• Deliveries during the quarter totalled 37 aircraft, including 6 CRJ and 31 business aircraft. Revenue grew mainly because of a favourable mix of large business aircraft sales led by 2 Global 7500 deliveries and the entry into service of the first Global 6500 aircraft.
• On September 24, 2019, the Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft were awarded Transport Canada Type Certification, followed by EASA certification. The Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft showcase the ingenuity of innovation by bringing value to customers with segment-leading ranges and reduced operating costs.
• As the pace of deliveries accelerates into the fourth quarter, Aviation is on track to reach 175 to 180 aircraft deliveries for the full-year on revenues of approximately $8.0 billion⁽³⁾. Production ramp-up of the Global 7500 continues to make steady progress with an estimated 10 to 15 aircraft deliveries in the fourth quarter⁽³⁾.
• Order momentum remained healthy during the quarter for business aircraft, with backlog stable at an  industry-leading $15.3 billion. For the first nine months, business aircraft backlog increased by $1.0 billion.
• Adjusted EBIT margin for the third quarter was 6.0% (6.2% EBIT margin), in line with expectations as the ramp-up of the Global 7500 aircraft and the dilutive effect of commercial aircraft activities weigh on Aviation margins. Year-to-date, adjusted EBIT margin was 7.6% (21.6% reported EBIT margin), tracking to full year margin guidance of 7.0%.⁽³⁾

Transportation

• Transportation is gradually turning the corner on large, legacy projects as it makes progress against key project milestones.
  °  With deliveries increasing approximately 15% over the previous quarter, this progress positions the business to further accelerate the release of excess working capital starting in the fourth quarter and into 2020 and 2021.⁽³⁾
  °  To achieve this result, we are nearing completion of software testing and homologation for U.K. projects while completing production and we continue driving stronger in-service reliability in Switzerland and Germany to trigger customer acceptance of trains in operation.
  °  Longer term, the turnaround at Transportation is supported by the recent redeployment of resources, investments in additional capacity, and a strengthened management team, resting on a solid backlog and quality order intake. This drives our confidence in the long-term prospects of the business.
• Revenues during the quarter totalled $2.2 billion, delivering 5% growth year-over-year, excluding currency translation, mainly coming from services. Transportation remains on track to the full year revenue guidance of approximately $8.75 billion,⁽³⁾ assuming a 1.12 Euro to U.S. exchange rate.
• Adjusted EBIT margin⁽³⁾ for the quarter of 5.1% is in line with full year guidance of approximately 5.0%, reflecting a concentration of large, late-stage projects and includes the costs associated with planned investments in manufacturing and engineering capacity announced earlier this year. Reported EBIT margin for the quarter is 4.0%.
• Backlog grew to $35.1 billion during the quarter, supported by $4.5 billion of order intake driving a book-to-bill ratio of 2.1. For the first nine months of the year, Transportation’s order intake was $8.1 billion, with a strong mix of high re-use projects, services and signalling orders as well as significant call-offs. Improving the backlog mix by replacing legacy projects with lower-risk projects is key to return to stronger financial performance.
  °  Highlighting the quarters’ order activity, Transportation is part of a consortium that was awarded a contract to supply and operate two monorail lines in Cairo, Egypt with its share valued at $2.64 billion. This award leverages Transportation’s INNOVIA monorail platform through an integrated offering of rolling stock and systems, signalling and services solutions. This project re-uses the platform operating in Sao Paulo, Brazil, since 2014 and currently under construction in Bangkok, Thailand and Wuhu, China.

bps: basis points
nmf: information not meaningful

(1) Excluding divestitures and currency translation impact.
(2) Non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to the Caution regarding Non-GAAP financial measures below for definitions of these metrics and reconciliations to the most comparable IFRS measures.
(3) See the forward-looking statements disclaimer at the end of this press release as well as the forward-looking statements section in Overview and the Guidance and forward-looking statements section in each reportable segment in the Corporation’s 2018 Financial Report for details regarding the assumptions on which the guidance is based.
(4) Defined as adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBIT.
(5) Free cash flow target for 2020 excludes cash flow from the CRJ program, as well as payments associated with CRJ retained liabilities such as credit and residual value guarantees.
(6) Refer to Note 2 – Changes in accounting policies, to our interim consolidated financial statements, for the impact of the adoption of IFRS 16, Leases. Under the modified retrospective approach adopted by the Corporation, 2018 figures are not restated.
(7) Defined as cash and cash equivalents plus the amount available under our revolving credit facilities.
(8) Including 32 firm orders for CRJ900 as of September 30, 2019 and 45 firm orders and 4 options for CRJ900 as of December 31, 2018.
(9) On May 31, 2019, the Corporation completed the previously announced sale of the Q Series aircraft program assets, including aftermarket operations and assets, to De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (formerly Longview Aircraft Company of Canada Limited). 2 Q Series aircraft deliveries are included in comparative period of 2018.
(10) Ratio of new orders over revenues.
(11) Including share of income from joint ventures and associates amounting to $20 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 ($22 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018).

Large-scale emergency exercise at YQB

Provided by Aéroport de Québec/CNW

QUÉBEC CITY, Oct. 30, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ – Dozens of emergency responders and more than 100 extras gathered at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) today to participate in a large-scale emergency simulation of an active shooter situation in the terminal building. This exercise allowed YQB and its partners to test their emergency procedures and learn from the interaction between the security partners involved in the exercise. As part of its obligations to Transport Canada, YQB has a duty to test its Emergency Measures Plan (EMP) on a regular basis.

Emergency exercise, Quebec City Jean Lesage international Airport, October 30, 2019 (CNW Group/Aéroport de Québec)

Emergency exercise, Quebec City Jean Lesage international Airport, October 30, 2019 (CNW Group/Aéroport de Québec)

The Service de police de la Ville de Québec (SPVQ) deployed a large contingent of police officers. For the SPVQ, this exercise was highly instructive, given the actions needed to implement response plans for a critical incident involving a large number of emergency responders. The police force’s mission is to protect lives; the ability to work coherently with our partners is essential to accomplishing this mission. Working alongside our partners, as well as the police’s operational response during this simulation, undoubtedly allowed the SPVQ to improve its services to the community.

The Service de protection contre l’incendie (SPCIQ) was also in attendance, assisting the SPVQ by quickly dispatching firefighting teams to the site so that their actions could be coordinated with other parties. The firefighters were supporting the SPVQ during this exercise. The SPCIQ’s mission is to protect people and property when they are endangered by fire or other hazards. The pooling of expertise, skills and resources through good preparation increases our collective ability to deal with extraordinary situations.

The CIUSSSCN is responsible for health during a civil security situation in the Capitale-Nationale region. Thanks to this simulation, it was able to validate the efficiency of the communication channels and the effectiveness of methods for all parties. Also, for the first time in Québec City in this type of exercise, the civil security and emergency measures coordination team, in collaboration with the SPVQ police officers, tested the Rescue Task Force (RTF) care, triage and evacuation method. This method allows paramedics to care for victims more quickly thanks to a technique used by police officers to secure the premises in an active emergency area.

To make the simulation as realistic as possible, members of the Canadian Armed Forces applied makeup to extras to represent injuries of varying severity. This allowed responders to properly test their procedures for triaging and prioritizing injuries.

WestJet answering Italian holiday dreams with non-stop Dreamliner service between Rome and Calgary

Provided by WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership/CNW

Airline also increases capacity by 200,000 seats on key Dreamliner routes out of Calgary

CALGARY, Oct. 30, 2019 /CNW/ – Today, WestJet announced that western Canadians looking to visit Rome, Italy will now have seasonal non-stop service on the airline’s state-of-the-art Dreamliner, starting May 2, 2020, subject to government approvals.

WestJet Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner photographed on March 5, 2018 by Chad Slattery from Wolfe Air Learjet 25. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

WestJet announced that Western Canadians looking to visit Rome, Italy will now have seasonal non-stop service on the airline’s state-of-the-art Dreamliner, starting May 2, 2020. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

WestJet announced that Western Canadians looking to visit Rome, Italy will now have seasonal non-stop service on the airline’s state-of-the-art Dreamliner, starting May 2, 2020 (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

“Whether they have Italian roots or are dreaming of a bucket list destination, western Canadians have never had convenient, non-stop access to the Eternal City,” said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. “WestJet’s continued international expansion from our home in Calgary reinforces our commitment to investing in the city as an international aviation hub. With travel via Dreamliner and an elapsed travel time as opposed to connecting through eastern hubs, this flight positions us as a preferable transatlantic option for a wonderful summer holiday in beautiful and historic Rome.”

“We are extremely proud to welcome WestJet to Rome Fiumicino Airport as its new destination in Europe and first in Italy,” said Fausto Palombelli, Chief Commercial Officer of Aeroporti di Roma. “Rome Fiumicino, the first airport in Europe for passenger satisfaction, is constantly developing as the main Italian hub and preferred gateway to the Mediterranean and Southeast Europe. The new WestJet flight is the answer to an increasing demand between Canada and Italy, that has been growing beyond the capacity introduced into the market. Flying non-stop to Calgary will allow Italian customers to reach and discover a destination never served before and provide preferential access to central and western Canada and the U.S.”

“Our guests now have the option to avoid a long day of travel including connections, with WestJet’s new non-stop flight from Calgary to Rome,” said Bob Sartor, President & CEO, The Calgary Airport Authority. “WestJet is our airport’s largest carrier and our strategic partner. We congratulate them on this new Dreamliner route to Italy.”

WestJet seasonal service between Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino (FCO) and Calgary International Airport (YYC) will operate three-times weekly in peak season. Flights are timed for convenient connections across WestJet’s network in North America, including to and from Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The airline today also announced it is adding more than 300 Dreamliner departures, an increase of more than 52 per cent over 2019, to key transatlantic Dreamliner routes out of Calgary including:

• Calgary-London (Gatwick) six-times weekly starting April 4, 2020, increases to daily service April 14, 2020.
• Calgary-Paris starting March 12, three-times weekly, increases to four-times weekly April 6, and to six times weekly on June 2, 2020. This is an additional two weekly flights over summer 2019.
• Calgary-Dublin resumes twice-weekly service on May 3, 2020 and increases to three-times weekly flights on May 30, 2020.

WestJet’s transatlantic Dreamliner flights, based out of Calgary, are uniquely and conveniently timed in the interest of Albertans and western Canadians with late-day departures and daytime arrivals to suit guests travelling transatlantic. 

“After the success we had on our Dreamliner routes out of Calgary in summer 2019, we have added 200,000 more seats and lengthened the operating dates on our seasonal routes,” continued Sims. “The reception of these flights reinforces that we are providing services that were long overlooked for travellers from the west. Our investments in Alberta are driving economic growth, boosting our visitor economy, enabling businesses and communities to grow and unlock their potential while connecting families and friends.”

Details of WestJet’s Dreamliner service between Rome and Calgary

Route	Frequency	Departing	Arriving	Effective
Calgary-Rome(FCO)	One-timeweekly	6 p.m.	12 p.m. (+1)	May 2, 2020
Rome (FCO)-Calgary	One-timeweekly	2 p.m.	4:33 p.m.	May 3, 2020
Calgary-Rome(FCO)	Three-timesweekly	6 p.m.	12 p.m. (+1)	May 28, 2020
Rome (FCO)-Calgary	Three-timesweekly	2 p.m.	4:33 p.m.	May 29, 2020

Details of WestJet’s enhanced Dreamliner service between Calgary and London, Paris and Dublin

Route	Frequency	Departing	Arriving	Effective
Calgary-London (LGW)	Daily	7:50 p.m.	11:25 a.m. (+1)	April 14, 2020
London (LGW)-Calgary	Daily	1:30 p.m.	3:20 p.m.	April 15, 2020
Calgary-Paris (CDG)	Four-times weekly	7:20 p.m.	12:20 p.m. (+1)	March 12, 2020
Paris (CDG)-Calgary	Four-times weekly	2:20 p.m.	3:16 p.m.	March 13, 2020
Calgary-Paris (CDG)	Six-times weekly	7:20 p.m.	12:20 p.m. (+1)	June 2, 2020
Paris (CDG)-Calgary	Six-times weekly	2:20 p.m.	3:16 p.m.	June 3, 2020
Calgary-Dublin (DUB)	Twice-weekly	7:50 p.m.	10:55 a.m. (+1)	May 3, 2020
Dublin (DUB)-Calgary	Twice-weekly	1 p.m.	2:28 p.m.	May 4, 2020
Calgary-Dublin (DUB)	Three-times weekly	7:50 p.m.	10:55 a.m. (+1)	May 30, 2020
Dublin (DUB)-Calgary	Three-times weekly	1 p.m.	2:28 p.m.	May 31, 2020

For more information on new routes and increased frequencies in WestJet’s 787-9 summer schedule, please visit westjet.com/flight-schedules-new