Bombardier Sells Two Learjet 75 Liberty Aircraft for Dedicated Medevac Service in Poland

Provided by Bombardier Inc/Globe Newswire

• Aircraft sold to U.S.-based Fargo Jet Center, which will convert spacious interior into cutting-edge medevac suite
• Bombardier’s newest Learjet aircraft, the Learjet 75 Liberty, delivers best-in-class speed and range and the smoothest ride at an exceptional value
• Learjet aircraft have a proud history of service in medevac configuration, with room for up to three stretchers and adherence to more stringent safety standards than other light jets
• U.S.-based Spectrum Aeromed will supply air medical equipment

MONTREAL, Jan. 31, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bombardier is proud to announce the sale of two Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft to North Dakota-based Fargo Jet Center (FJC). The aircraft are to be converted to dedicated medevac configuration and delivered to air ambulance service provider Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe (LPR), based in Warsaw, Poland.

Following an extensive international competitive tender, LPR selected the Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft, with FJC’s proposed medevac interior, to serve its expanding operations.

Bombardier will enter its newest Learjet aircraft, the Learjet 75 Liberty, into service this year. This spacious and powerful light jet features a next-generation flight deck and optimized operating costs, with enough range to reach any European destination nonstop out of Warsaw.*

“The Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft, with its best-in-class spaciousness, speed and range, is an excellent choice for medevac missions,” said Stéphane Leroy, Vice President, Sales, Bombardier Specialized Aircraft. “Learjet aircraft have long been a trusted platform for all types of special missions, and the Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft gives operators even more reasons to choose the world’s best light jet.”

The Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft adheres to more stringent safety standards than most light jets, meeting the same rigorous certification requirements as commercial aircraft, for the ultimate peace of mind on emergency medical service (EMS) missions.

Fargo Jet Center has extensive experience converting aircraft interiors for medevac use. FJC is expected to take delivery of the Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft from Bombardier in late-2020, then deliver the converted EMS aircraft to LPR in Poland in 2021. Spectrum Aeromed, also based in Fargo, has been selected as the air medical equipment provider on the project. The Spectrum Aeromed team will contribute to a highly customized, state-of-the-art dedicated air ambulance interior for the two Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft.

“It is a pleasure to be working with Bombardier, LPR and Spectrum Aeromed to develop one of the most capable light jet EMS aircraft in the world today,” said Patrick Sweeney, CEO, Fargo Jet Center.  “Our team brings a unique skill set to this project through our extensive history in modifying aircraft for special missions. From initial conception to design, fabrication and installation, our experts will transform the interior of the Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft to meet LPR’s specifications.”

In operation since 2000, Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe provides 24/7 air ambulance services throughout Poland via a fleet of 27 rotary wing and two turboprop aircraft. The addition of the Learjet platform will mark the expansion of LPR’s operations to include jet aircraft.

“The acquisition of the new Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft fits perfectly into our strategic plans for growth in Poland and will provide the necessary combination of speed and range to drive the expansion of our operational capabilities and EMS transport availability into international operations,” said Wojciech Wozniczka, LPR Director of key project management.

With a flat floor and the longest cabin in its class, the Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft is ideal for EMS conversion. It has room to accommodate up to three stretchers and sophisticated medical equipment, as well as seating for medical staff. The Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft also has the smoothest ride among light jets, which on EMS missions adds to the comfort of patients receiving care.

The Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft delivers superior performance at an exceptional value proposition, for the same operating costs as those of competitor aircraft that offer less. The Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft is the fastest aircraft in the light jet segment with longer range than the competition. With its range of 2,080 nautical miles, out of Warsaw this aircraft can reach all of Europe, including Iceland, and beyond into Northern Africa, Russia and the Middle East.

In civilian configuration, the Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft features a six-seat layout that gives light jet passengers unprecedented freedom to stretch out. A standard pocket door delivers a quiet flight, while retractable side tables and stowable ottomans ensure productivity and comfort.

Sunwing celebrates Groundhog Day with weekend flash sale offering savings of up to 40% on vacation packages

Provided by Sunwing Vacations Inc/Globe Newswire

TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — While Canadians are hoping Wiarton Willie forecasts an early spring this coming Groundhog Day, February 2^nd, Sunwing is helping travellers prepare for the possibility of six extra weeks of winter with their Groundhog Day weekend flash sale. From now until midnight on February 3, 2020, winter-weary vacationers can save up to 40% on getaways to popular resorts across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. With vacation packages priced to sell out, travellers will want to book early to secure their spot in the sun.

For a limited time, Canadians can escape winter and warm up on the sparkling shores of Sunwing’s newest destination of Grand Cayman when they stay at Margaritaville Beach Resort Grand Cayman. Nestled in a private cove on Seven Mile Beach, this boutique-style property offers laidback tropical getaways for all ages. Travellers can sunbathe by one of the resort’s pristine pools and enjoy unlimited international drinks at all resort bars and restaurants.

Those looking to save on a luxury getaway can stay at Royalton Suites Cancun Resort and Spa. This All-In Luxury® resort offers the best of both relaxation and exploration, travellers can unwind on a beautiful beach or head out and explore downtown Cancun. Vacationers can also look forward to reservation-free dining at upscale à la carte restaurants and elegant suites with a private balcony or terrace and guests that upgrade to Diamond Club can enjoy complimentary access to the adults only Level 18 Rooftop Cabana Lounge.

Another popular property included in this promotion is Melia Las Antillas in Varadero. Enjoying a stunning beachfront location surrounded by tropical gardens, this adults only resort  offers a selection of complimentary non-motorized water sports such as catamarans, kayaks and more.

For more information or to book, visit www.sunwing.ca or contact your travel agent.

Swoop Celebrates Second Anniversary of its First Retail Sale with Extended Sale at FlySwoop.com

Provided by Swoop

The airline’s rapid growth affirms Canadians’ need to have  more affordable air travel

CALGARY, Jan. 31, 2020 /CNW/ – Swoop, Canada’s ultra-low-fare airline and subsidiary of WestJet Group Ltd., is excited to announce it is celebrating the two-year anniversary of its website, FlySwoop.com, on Feb. 1, 2020. To celebrate, Swoop will be extending its weekly FlyDay sale until Sunday, Feb. 2 (until 11:59 p.m. MT) to continue its mandate to make air travel more accessible to more Canadians. Swoop delivers on this by offering ultra-low fares through its unbundled model where travellers pay only for what they need and nothing they don’t.

“We are thrilled to be able to mark this milestone and thank our travellers with an added incentive to take that trip they have been dreaming about,” says Steven Greenway, President, Swoop. “FlySwoop.com is an essential tool for our travellers to book their vacations, business trips and other getaways with us. This platform allows our travellers to get an inside scoop on just how affordable air travel can be, while still receiving critical information on our airline operations.”

What started as offering flights to five destinations in Canada, has expanded to 23 destinations in four countries. Swoop has grown substantially since its inception in 2018, recently welcoming its two-millionth traveller, and is looking to continue entering new markets while filling a critical gap in the Canadian airline industry.

Today’s news follows the airline’s recent CAPA 2019 Airline Start-Up of the Year award and announcement of its expansion into Atlantic Canada. According to results from a third-party traveller satisfaction survey conducted in Nov. 2019, Swoop has also experienced impressive satisfaction rates in less than two years of operation, with 90 per cent of Swoop travellers recommending Swoop to a friend or colleague, 93 per cent of travellers saying Swoop met or exceeded their expectations, and 96 per cent confirming they would fly with Swoop again.

The fares sold on Swoop’s website are not only a convenient way for travellers to plan their air travel, but a way to stimulate the Canadian economy. In addition, Swoop directly employs more than 500 Canadians from coast to coast in three cities; its headquarters in Calgary and operational bases in Edmonton and Hamilton.

Sunwing proud first-time recipient of the Consumer Choice Award in Quebec

Provided by Sunwing Vacations Inc/Globe Newswire

TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sunwing was announced winner of the Consumer Choice Award earlier this month in the category of Best Tour Operator in Quebec. Sunwing has previously received numerous Consumer Choice Awards in the categories of Best Charter Airline and Vacation Provider across Toronto, London, Hamilton/Niagara, Halifax, St. John’s, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton and Vancouver. However, this was the first time Sunwing received this recognition in Quebec.

Marie-Josée Carrière, Senior Marketing Manager for Sunwing Quebec, accepting the award at a ceremony in Montreal on January 15, 2020.

Established in 1987, the Consumer Choice Award is the only organization in Canada to conduct independent market research surveys to determine brand reputation and customer satisfaction. The Consumer Choice Award is only bestowed upon a very select group of business owners and entrepreneurs recognized by customers for their business excellence. Businesses are ranked based on customer surveys carried out by some of the largest independent Canadian-owned research companies.

Lyne Chayer, General Manager of Sunwing Quebec, welcomed the news, “We are honoured to have been recognized as the Best Tour Operator by customers in Quebec. We have operated out of the province for almost 14 years and continue to expand our offerings to sun-seeking vacationers throughout the province. We believe our wide range of destination options, convenient vacation packages and departures from five local airports across the province has made us a popular choice with Quebecers.”

Sunwing is the only tour operator to offer vacation packages across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America from five airports across the province including Montreal, Quebec City, Saguenay, Val-d’Or and Mont-Joli. This season, the tour operator expanded their operations in the province with the addition of a new flight service from Quebec City to Mazatlán in Pacific Mexico. Sunwing also offers year-round flights out of Montreal and Quebec City.

For more information or to book, visit www.sunwing.ca or contact your travel agent.

WestJet welcomes Angela Avery as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Provided b WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership/CNW

CALGARY, Jan. 30, 2020 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced that Angela Avery will be joining the airline as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary starting February 17, 2020.

Reporting to Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO, Angela will be responsible for all aspects of WestJet’s legal and compliance functions. In addition, she will play an important role in working with WestJet’s Board of Directors, Onex and other key stakeholders.

WestJet welcomes Angela Avery as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

“Angela is a highly skilled leader with comprehensive legal experience who will help WestJet fulfill our global strategy,” said Ed Sims. “We welcome Angela at a crucial time and look forward to her guidance on some of our most important projects. We are fortunate to have her join our talented team.”

“I am very excited to join WestJet at this critical juncture,” said Angela Avery. “WestJet’s journey is something I have watched and admired since 1996 and I look forward to working with the team, regulators and others to help ensure WestJet’s success at home and on a global scale.”

Angela has extensive transactional, regulatory and compliance background and brings more than 25 years of legal and business experience to WestJet. She joins WestJet from Athabasca Oil Corporation where she was General Counsel and Vice-President, Business Development. She previously held senior roles with ConocoPhillips and her international experience includes an appointment to the United Nations to litigate war reparations. 

Angela is a member of the bar in Alberta and New York.

Canadian air traffic specialists reach tentative deal

Provided by Unifor/CNW

OTTAWA, Jan. 30, 2020 /CNW/ – Unifor Local 2245 members who work as Canadian air traffic specialists have reached a tentative agreement with Nav Canada.

“I congratulate the bargaining team for their hard work and unity throughout this round of negotiations,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “The bargaining team showed tremendous leadership. Their solidarity was pivotal in reaching this tentative agreement.”

The tentative agreement will be presented to the members for ratification votes over the course of the next week.

“These were complex and difficult negotiations but our bargaining team rose to the challenge,” said Jim Nauss, Acting President of Local 2245-ATSAC. “This agreement would not have been reached without the ongoing collaborative relationship between the union and Nav Canada.”

Unifor Local 2245 represents more than 650 air traffic specialists across Canada.

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor

Government of Canada is increasing its eyes in the sky with a new aircraft for its marine surveillance program

Transport Canada Press Release

January 30, 2020     Ottawa    Transport Canada

Canada’s oceans are a source of inspiration and pride for all Canadians, and contribute to the growth of our economy. As overseas trade and the movement of goods grow, there is a need for greater emphasis on marine safety and environmental protection. Now more than ever, the Government of Canada recognizes that enhanced prevention measures are needed to respond to marine pollution incidents faster and more effectively, and to better protect marine ecosystems and habitats.

Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Marc Garneau announced that Transport Canada has acquired a new addition to its National Aerial Surveillance Program’s aircraft fleet.

Through the Government of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan and the Whales Initiative, a De Havilland Dash 8 aircraft was acquired to increase the capacity of the National Aerial Surveillance Program. This Program’s marine surveillance missions include detecting oil spills and other marine pollution, and monitoring ship and endangered whale movements.

Over the next two years, the Dash 8 will undergo modifications to become a maritime patrol aircraft. The aircraft will be equipped with specialized maritime surveillance systems that are currently used on Transport Canada’s existing fleet.

Transport Canada is also building a new National Aerial Surveillance Program Complex in Iqaluit, Nunavut, to support northern operations.

Aerial surveillance is a vital tool to monitor Canada’s endangered, iconic whale populations, and decrease oil spills. It is used to monitor the designated shipping zones for endangered North Atlantic right whales, located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and in Arctic operations such as verifying vessel pollution detected by satellites.

Quotes

“Our Government is committed to safe navigation and protection of the marine environment. Expanding our surveillance aircraft fleet allows us to improve local marine reporting and reduce the frequency of oil spills in Canada. This supports our commitment to protecting the endangered marine mammal population.”

Minister of Transport
The Honourable Marc Garneau

“Transport Canada’s National Aerial Surveillance Program is an essential piece of our government’s efforts to keep Canada’s coasts and inland waters safe and clean. I am pleased to support this work through the procurement of a new Dash 8 aircraft to enhance surveillance capacity under the program, leading to a cleaner environment and a safer shipping industry.”

The Honourable Anita Anand
Minister of Public Services and Procurement

Quick facts

• Transport Canada’s surveillance aircraft are equipped with cameras that can covertly monitor vessels from five miles away and at 20,000 feet altitude.
• National Aerial Surveillance Program aircraft are equipped with technology that can live stream video from the aircraft to personnel on the ground, in offices and to people’s phones.
• The De Havilland Dash 8 aircraft was purchased pre-owned and had the lowest number of hours compared to any other Dash-8-100 aircraft on the market.
• In 2018-2019, the National Aerial Surveillance Program set a record for the number of hours flown with a total of 4,152 hours of surveillance over 27,520 vessels for an average of 6.63 vessel over flights per hour.

Associated links

• National Aerial Surveillance Program
• Protecting our Coasts – Oceans Protection Plan
• Protecting North Atlantic right whales from collisions with ships in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
• Whales Initiative: Protecting the Southern Resident Killer Whale

Toronto Buttonville Airport site going up for sale

News provided by Real Estate News Exchange – link to full story

Steve McLean Commercial Jan. 29, 2020

The Toronto Buttonville Municipal Airport, located just north of the city in Markham. (Google Street View)

The 170-acre Toronto Buttonville Municipal Airport site is being put up for sale by Cadillac Fairview and Armadale Co. Ltd.

“We can confirm that after forming a joint venture almost 10 years ago, Cadillac Fairview and our partner, the Sifton Family, have made a joint decision and are in the process of putting our positions in the Buttonville airport site for sale,” said a statement from Cadillac Fairview manager of external communications and corporate communications Anna Ng in response to a query from RENX.

“At Cadillac Fairview, we are constantly looking at ways to evolve our portfolio, and after a strategic review of our development program we have decided to focus our efforts on our downtown Toronto land bank, which includes the recent purchase of the East Harbour lands, as well as the densification of our existing retail portfolio.”

Cadillac Fairview declined to comment further when asked for additional information about the proposed sale.

The property is located in Markham, about 30 kilometres north of downtown Toronto. It is bounded by 16th Avenue, Highway 404, Renfrew Drive and Valleywood Drive.

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Buttonville airport development plan

The joint venture between Cadillac Fairview and Armadale was formed in October 2010, with the intention of redeveloping the Buttonville site.

The property was first used as a grass airstrip in 1953 and became an official airport 10 years later.

It’s operated by the Sifton family-owned Torontair Ltd. and offers an array of general aviation services, including: flight training; aircraft maintenance and avionics service; local and visiting pilot services; based and visiting aircraft services; and hangar and office space for rent.

Toronto Buttonville Municipal Airport is consistently ranked among the 10 most active airports in Canada in terms of aircraft movements, according to its website.

Cadillac Fairview and Armadale submitted a 2011 application for land-use changes to the site to permit a multi-billion-dollar, multi-year development of up to 10 million square feet.

The mixed-use proposal included office, retail, service, commercial, restaurant, hotel, entertainment and park space, as well as a residential component.

At least a dozen mid- and high-rise towers were included in the proposal, with heights reaching up to 60 storeys. A 13-acre, man-made lake would be surrounded by a commercial and office district.

In addition to creating thousands of jobs, the plan included 3.6 million square feet of density for 6,000 to 7,000 residents.

Negotiations with the Ontario Municipal Board — which is now the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal — regarding the site were ongoing, as the large project involves multiple buildings, road networks, site servicing and different stakeholders.

Due to significant delays in reaching an appropriate rezoning, Cadillac Fairview, Armadale and Torontair announced in April 2018 they were extending the timeline for airport operations to continue until at least the spring of 2023.

Cadillac Fairview and Armadale

Cadillac Fairview is one of the largest owners, operators and developers of office, retail and mixed-use properties in North America.

Its portfolio is owned by the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, a diversified global investor that administers the pensions of more than 327,000 active and retired school teachers.

Cadillac Fairview’s Canadian portfolio is valued at around $32 billion.

It includes more than 37 million square feet of leasable space at 70 properties, including Toronto-Dominion Centre, CF Toronto Eaton Centre, CF Pacific Centre, CF Chinook Centre, Tour Deloitte and CF Carrefour Laval.

The real estate portfolio also includes investments in retail, mixed-use and industrial real estate in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico.

Armadale is a Markham-based Sifton family holding company of assets in various industries. It identifies opportunities to develop properties and participates operationally and financially either as consultants, owners or in joint ventures.

NAV CANADA launches new air traffic control service at YMX International Aerocity of Mirabel

Provided by NAV Canada/Globe Newswire

MIRABEL, Quebec, Jan. 30, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Recognizing that air traffic at YMX International Aerocity of Mirabel was steadily rising, NAV CANADA began an aeronautical study to assess the needs of this growing region in 2017.

NAV CANADA’s mission is to deliver a safe, efficient and cost-effective air navigation service from coast to coast to coast. The company regularly examines the services it offers across the country, responding to changing demands.

The YMX aeronautical study assessed the amount of air traffic and its distribution throughout the day; airport and airspace configuration; and more. As a result, starting January 30, 2020, airport control service will now be offered during peak periods of the day.

Quotes

“With the growth in traffic, expanding the services at YMX International Aerocity of Mirabel ensures we are meeting the needs of our aviation customers and continue to maintain the highest level of safety in our skies,” said Lyne Moreau, General Manager of the Montréal Flight Information Region, NAV CANADA.

“YMX International Aerocity of Mirabel has become a world-renowned aeronautical park, resulting in an increase in air movements for the various partners that have made it their home. The reopening of the control tower illustrates the dynamism and vitality of YMX and demonstrates its strong development potential,” said Stéphane Lapierre, Vice President, Airport Operations and Air Services Development. “This is excellent news, which also sets the stage for the aero-logistics hub project announced last spring to improve and expand logistics activities on the site.” 

Quick Facts

• Effective January 30, 2020 NAV CANADA has expanded its services at the YMX International Aerocity of Mirabel to offer airport control service at certain times of day:
  • Airport control service will be offered for 16 hours a day from 06:00h to 22:00h
  • Airport advisory services will be offered for the remaining 8 hours from 22:00h to 06:00h.
  • Weather observation services will continue to be offered 24 hours a day.
• A NAV CANADA aeronautical study for YMX showed over 69,000 aircraft movements in 2017 and exceeded 72,000 movements in 2018.
• Pilots should be prepared for the type of service being offered when they are arriving and departing at YMX, as well as understanding their responsibilities.
  • If a pilot is arriving or departing when airport control services are offered, he or she must follow the directions of the air traffic controllers, and all related procedures.
  • When airport advisory services are offered, pilots must use the information provided by the flight service specialists to make safe and responsible decisions as they arrive and depart the airport.

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

Provided by Air Canada/CNW

MONTREAL, Jan. 30, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada today was named one of “Montreal’s Top Employers” for the seventh consecutive year in Mediacorp Canada Inc’s annual employer survey. The 2020 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 today was named one of “Montreal’s Top Employers” for the seventh consecutive year in Mediacorp Canada Inc’s annual employer survey. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

“We are extremely proud to be named again as a top employer in Montreal where Air Canada has 10,000 employees, and where its global headquarters are located. As a progressive, employee-focused company, we continually invest in programs to support and engage people at work with additional opportunities to become involved in supporting local communities and causes. We see our culture as a competitive advantage which enables Air Canada to remain an exceptional place to work and to continue attracting the best people in every part of our organization,” said Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources and Communications Officer.

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.

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 194,000 visits each month to the employment page of its website and on average there are 360 applicants per position for each vacancy filled. In 2019 alone, Air Canada has hired more than 7,000 people, including 1,700 in Montreal.

Air Canada employs close to 10,000 people in Montreal in positions ranging from C-suite executives to specialized operations.

For more information on career opportunities with Air Canada please visit aircanada.com/careers.

In addition to being named one of Montreal’s Top Employers for 2020, Air Canada has received other recent recognitions for employee relations and engagement including being named:

• one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers in Canada (2020) for the seventh consecutive year by Mediacorp Canada Inc;
• one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers in 2019 by Mediacorp Canada Inc. for the fourth consecutive year. Air Canada was recognized for its ongoing work to foster inclusiveness through various partnerships, its success outreaching directly to diverse communities when recruiting and other initiatives;
• one of the 50 Most Engaged Workplaces in North America for Fourth Consecutive Year by Achievers.

Additional information on Air Canada’s Human Resources is in the “Employees” section of the 2018 Corporate Sustainability Report.