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Codi Wilson CTV News Toronto Friday, February 28, 2020 5
TORONTO — Police are investigating a suspicious fire at a Markham, Ont. airport on Thursday night that destroyed a business jet believed to be worth a million dollars.
The fire broke out at around 11:30 p.m. on the tarmac outside a hangar at Buttonville Municipal Airport, located near Highway 7 and Highway 404, in Markham.
According to investigators, it appears a suspect cut through a fence on an adjacent property to gain access to the area.
Police say there is some evidence that the aircraft, which has been described as a mid-size business jet, was tampered with and a flammable liquid was used to ignite the plane.
Police also told CP24 that a gas can was found at the scene.
PLANE FIRE Dassault Falcon 50 bizjet destroyed by fire at Toronto Buttonville Municipal Airport. Police say the aircaft was parked. No injuries. Fire Marshal notified due to suspicious nature of the fire. #N951DJ
It has been parked at the airport since October and police say the owner of the plane has been notified about the fire.
Police have not released any information on possible suspects but the Office of the Fire Marshal and York Regional Police are investigating the incident.
SUSPICIOUS AIRPLANE FIRE – We are seeking any witnesses who saw anything suspicious around Buttonville airport last night between 11pm to midnight. A jet was intentionally set on fire. Call 866-876-5423 x7541 with any tips.
Airlines have shrunk the world by connecting cities in a vast network that spans the globe. RAMON KAGIE / UNSPLASH
There are hundreds of airlines operating around the world, but in recent times, the number has been falling as larger airlines swallow smaller ones in the name of economic efficiency.
The result is that some giant airlines have emerged from these mergers and acquisitions that fly to a dizzying number of destinations. If you’re a frequent flier with some of these outfits, your points will give you access to a vast network of places to fly to.
Airlines are always adding and dropping routes, whether it be for seasonal reasons, to compete against a rival airline or because they see a business opportunity to connect two cities that are under-serviced.
Ever wonder which airlines fly to the most destinations? Here are the top 10 airlines that fly to the most places, but keep in mind that this ranking is not set in stone as routes are added and deleted all of the time.
1. American Airlines – 364 destinations
Fly to any airport in the United States and chances are you’ll spot an American Airlines plane on the tarmac. MIGUEL ÁNGEL SANZ / UNSPLASH
By every measurement, American Airlines is the world’s largest airline. It has the biggest airplane fleet, carries the most passengers and flies to the most destinations at 364 with 126 of those being to international airports in 64 different countries. It is also one of the founding members of the Oneworld airline alliance.
2. United Airlines – 362 destinations
United Airlines is the world’s third largest airline. TIM GOUW / UNSPLASH
One of the world’s largest airlines and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance, United flies to 362 different destinations in 65 countries on six continents. Like most airlines in the United States, United uses a hub and spoke network with its main hub being in Chicago and the majority of its routes (235) are to domestic destinations through regional airlines that fly under the United Express banner.
3. Delta Airlines – 326 destinations
Delta Airlines has a long history and actually originated as a crop-dusting operation in the 1920s. MIGUEL ÁNGEL SANZ / UNSPLASH
With its main hub being in Atlanta, Delta isn’t far behind its competitors American and United with its 326 routes that include 99 international flight paths that connect the U.S. to 57 different countries. And like its competitors, Delta has an airline alliance of its own known as SkyTeam.
4. Turkish Airlines – 290 destinations
Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other airline. KAY / UNSPLASH
With Istanbul being a city that famously straddles Europe and Asia and being located not that far from Africa, it’s no wonder that Turkish Airlines is the airline that serves more countries than any other in the world. Of the 290 destinations it serves, 240 of them are international and they connect Turkey to 121 different countries.
5. China Eastern Airlines – 241 destinations
China Eastern Airlines is based in Shanghai.
As China’s economic power has expanded, so have its airlines. China Eastern Airlines is not the country’s largest airline by number of passengers carried, but this SkyTeam member airline flies to more destinations than any other Chinese airline with the vast number of them being to Asian cities.
6. China Southern Airlines – 237 destinations
China Southern Airlines is one of China’s “Big Three” airlines. PIXABAY
Asia’s largest airline by fleet size and passengers carried connects China to 237 different destinations, with 81 of those being international locales in 45 different countries.
7. British Airways – 234 destinations
British Airways is one of the last airlines to fly the Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet and plans to retire the last of their fleet by 2024. FRANCOIS VAN / UNSPLASH
The sun never set on the British Empire and that once-upon-a-time empire, and places beyond, are well served by the United Kingdom’s national flag carrier with its 221 international destinations in 93 different countries, second only to Turkish Airlines in the most countries served.
8. Ryanair – 231 destinations
Irish billionaire Tony Ryan is the face of the airline that has transformed travel in Europe. BRUNO FIGUEIREDO / UNSPLASH
The world’s most famous low-cost airline has revolutionized how people travel by offering dirt-cheap passage to cities throughout Europe. With only five routes in its home-base of Ireland, the rest of its network connects every corner of the continent to each other.
9. Lufthansa – 229 destinations
When you include its subsidiaries, Austrian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings, Lufthansa is Europe’s second largest airline. KEVIN HACKERT / UNSPLASH
Germans are famous travellers so it’s no wonder that Lufthansa connects them to so many far-flung destinations. Of the 229 destinations it serves, a whopping 210 of them are international and they are located in 78 different countries.
10. Air Canada – 215 destinations
For eight of the past 10 years, Skytrax has ranked Air Canada as the best airline in North America.
Canada’s national carrier is one of the world’s most connected airlines with 153 of its 215 destinations being located in 64 different countries. Love it or hate it, there’s no other Canadian airline that serves as many places.
* UPS Airlines – 807 destinations
UPS Airlines doesn’t carry any passengers, but it has the world’s largest network of destinations. PXFUEL
It’s not a passenger airline, but for completeness, the UPS cargo carrier has a network that dwarfs that of any other airline with 406 of its 807 destinations being outside of the United States. Last year, it delivered 5.5 billion packages and documents to those destinations.
– Mark Stachiew is a Montreal-based freelance writer who shares travel news and tips at www.stachiew.com and curates a collection of cool travel gear at www.jetsetgeneration.com.
TORONTO, Feb. 27, 2020 /CNW/ – NovaJet Aviation Group, a Private Jet Charter & Aircraft Management company headquartered at Toronto Pearson International Airport, is proud to announce it has been awarded The International Standard for Business Aircraft Operators (IS-BAO) Stage 3 Accreditation for achieving the highest levels of safety and professionalism.
In addition to progressing to the most advanced level for IS-BAO; widely considered the gold standard for business aviation around the world, NovaJet Aviation Group continues to maintain an ARG/US Platinum Safety Registration. To hold two milestones from the primary certification systems is very rare in an industry that demands the highest safety standards.
Greg Young, Vice President & Director of Flight Operations, commented, “We are proud of this recognition, and are committed to maintaining these accreditations through total compliance, transparency and teamwork. We integrate safety into every aspect of our corporate culture and rigorously communicate the value of safety to our employees and customers.”
IS-BAO builds upon and promotes the highest professional operational standards
The IS-BAO is an industry code of best practices designed for the global aviation community to enhance operational safety. NovaJet Aviation Group actively participates in setting the benchmark for safety and efficiency to promote high quality operating practices raising the confidence of regulators and our public stakeholders.
IS-BAO Stage 3 is the most advanced level and is only awarded when safety management systems have become a fully engrained aspect of a company’s culture, and when a positive culture of safety management has been sustained over time.
In order to become and maintain IS-BAO certification, an operator must undergo regular audits every two to three years. While the audits are not required, taking part in this process is the cornerstone to adhering to the strict, global safety guidelines and shows a commitment to excellence. A lengthy list of aviation operations and maintenance practices are subject to deep scrutiny, covering everything from: Organization and Personnel, Training and Proficiency, Flight Operations, Maintenance Requirements and Environmental Management.
NovaJet Aviation Grouphas maintained the highest ARG/US Safety Accreditation since 2011
NovaJet Aviation Group has once again achieved an AR/GUS Platinum Safety rating, the highest possible rating available. The ARG/US Rating is well known worldwide as a standard of excellence. Private jet charter passengers can feel confident knowing that their safety is the aircraft operator’s top priority.
NovaJet Aviation Group is proud to have a cohesive and energetic team relentlessly focused on quality processes and operations, and our commitment to this process is indicative of our dedication and passion to maintaining a safe and professional operation.
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 26, 2020 /CNW/ – Cargojet Inc. (“Cargojet” or the “Corporation”) (TSX: CJT) announced today that it will seek shareholder approval at its 2020 annual and special meeting of shareholders to amend its articles of incorporation to increase the limits of foreign ownership and control of its voting shares to those permitted by amendments made to the Canada Transportation Act (CTA) in 2018. The amendments to its articles will be undertaken by way of a court supervised and shareholder approved statutory plan of arrangement.
Prior to the CTA amendments, no more than 25% of the voting interests of a Canadian air carrier could be owned or controlled by non-Canadians. The Government of Canada’s stated purpose in implementing the CTA amendments is to attract more foreign investment and encourage growth in the aviation sector by increasing, from 25% to 49%, the permitted level of foreign ownership of Canadian air carriers. At the same time, the CTA amendments introduced two new limitations on voting ownership and control, by capping the voting rights of single non-Canadians and of the aggregate of non-Canadian air carriers at 25%.
Completion of the plan of arrangement is subject to shareholder approval and approval of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List). Full details regarding the plan of arrangement will be included in the management information circular which will be made available to Cargojet’s shareholders in connection with the shareholder meeting scheduled for March 30, 2020.
Cargojet is Canada’s leading provider of time sensitive premium overnight air cargo services and carries over 8,000,000 pounds of cargo weekly. Cargojet operates its network across North America each business night serving 15 major cities, and selected international destinations. Cargojet owns a fleet of 26 aircraft.
BY STAFF THE CANADIAN PRESS Posted February 25, 2020
An Air Canada Jazz aircraft sits at a terminal at the Ottawa airport on April 13, 2012. Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating after a suspected fire broke out in the landing gear of an Air Canada Jazz plane as it landed at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport Tuesday morning.
The agency said no injuries were reported and no emergency evacuation of the plane was required.
The Dash 8 aircraft was heading to the gate after arriving from Ottawa at about 6 a.m. when the fire was spotted in the landing gear, according to the TSB.
A spokesperson said airport firefighters were quickly able to put it out, and the plane was then towed to the gate to allow passengers to disembark.
Air Canada characterized the incident as “a failure on one of the ball bearings on one of the wheels,” which caused smoke and sparks.
“In accordance with our procedures, the pilots requested the presence of emergency vehicles as a precaution,” the company said in a statement.
OTTAWA and ANTWERP, Belgium, Feb. 26, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NAV CANADA has entered into an agreement with Unifly, a strategic technology partner, in the deployment of a national system that provides digital services for safely operating and managing drones in Canadian airspace.
The system has an intuitive user interface and will enable Canadian drone pilots to access web and mobile applications to identify safe and legal airspace, plan flights, manage operations, pilots and fleet of drones.
This fully digitized system makes the process of requesting authorization to fly in controlled airspace easier and faster for qualified drone pilots. The app will also benefit airlines and general aviation pilots, as it reduces the risk of accidental drone incursions.
As Canada’s air navigation service provider, NAV CANADA has an essential role to play in developing an operating environment that supports the innovative potential of the drone industry and ensures safety across Canadian airspace.
The system is designed to support current regulations for drone flights within visual line of sight.
The website and mobile app will be available both in French and in English.
Quotes
“After a thorough analysis of the market we selected Unifly based on their advanced technology and proven track record in numerous countries. The new app is a key component of our national drone strategy and will further our dedication to air traffic safety and technological innovation in Canadian airspace,” said Mark Cooper, Senior Vice President, ANS Technology, NAV CANADA.
“As one of the most innovative and world’s safest Air Navigation Service Providers, NAV CANADA has a deep understanding of the challenges that developing and implementing complex traffic management systems bring,” said Marc Kegelaers, CEO of Unifly.
“We are therefore very proud that NAV CANADA decided to partner with Unifly and strongly feel this agreement is a recognition of the value of our strategy. These past years we have not only developed our product but also organized our entire company to become the ideal partner for national Air Navigation Service Providers and Civil Aviation Authorities.”
Provided by Bombardier Business Aircraft/Globe Newswire
Bombardier delivered 56 Challenger 350 aircraft in 2019, out-delivering competitors in the super mid-size segment
Challenger 300series aircraft have accounted for more deliveries than any other business jet platform in the super mid-size segment since 2004
With an exceptional cabin, signature smooth ride and the lowest operating costs in its class, the aircraft’s value proposition is unrivalled
New features of the aircraft include compact Head-up Display (HUD) and Enhanced Vision System (EVS); class-leading cabin sound-proofing technology; steep approach certification and performance improvement package
MONTREAL, Feb. 26, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bombardier’s leading Challenger 350 business jet has extended its impressive market performance as the world’s most delivered business jet in the super mid-size segment for the last six years. The Challenger 350 aircraft outpaced its competition in 2019, with 56 deliveries and a 44-per-cent share of the super mid-size segment. The award-winning aircraft has consistently ranked as the top-selling aircraft in the super mid-size segment since it entered into service in 2014.
“The Challenger 350 aircraft offers customers the complete package – superior comfort, performance, reliability and value, all in a single business jet. This unbeatable combination is why, year after year, the Challenger 350 business jet continues to top the rankings as the world’s most delivered super mid-size business aircraft and why it remains the preferred choice of flight departments, individuals and charter operators around the world,” said Peter Likoray, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Marketing, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “It’s a proud record that underscores Bombardier’s commitment to building the most comfortable, best-performing aircraft on the market.”
The Challenger 350 jet boasts class-defining performance, a true seats-full, tanks-full range capability and can connect New York City to London.* Several enhancements have made a great aircraft even greater, including an available compact Head-up Display (HUD) and Enhanced Vision System (EVS), class-leading cabin sound-proofing technology and refined cockpit aesthetics. A performance improvement package also allows the aircraft to fly up to 1,500 NM farther out of short runways, complementing its already impressive steep-approach capability.
This latest success builds upon a tradition of outstanding market leadership for the Challenger 300 aircraft family platform. For more than a decade, the Challenger 300 series aircraft have accounted for more deliveries than any other business jet platform in the super mid-size segment, with almost 800 unit deliveries worldwide since 2004.
In 2019, Robb Report Magazine recognized the Challenger 350 business jet as the Best of the Best super mid-size aircraft for the second year in a row. As the only super mid-size aircraft that can fly full range at full fuel with full seat capacity, the Challenger 350 aircraft offers the luxury of having it all. With its signature smooth ride, exceptional cabin and the lowest operating costs in its class, the Challenger 350 business is in high demand. Its stylish and spacious cabin accommodates up to 10 passengers, features a fully-equipped galley, and unrestricted access to the baggage compartment in flight, while recently enhanced sound-proofing technology further establishes the cabin as the quietest in its class.
The ultra-low-cost carrier encourages Canadians to#LiftEachOtherUp
CALGARY, Feb. 26, 2020 /CNW/ – Today on Pink Shirt Day, Swoop is calling on Canadians to #LiftEachOtherUp through an exciting social media campaign in support of anti-bullying initiatives. Canada’s ultra-low fare airline is partnering with CKNW Kids’ Fund’s Pink Shirt Day and donating $20,000 to programs supporting children’s healthy self-esteem across Canada.
#LiftEachOtherUp (CNW Group/Swoop)
“We are thrilled to be the official social media sponsor of Pink Shirt Day, helping to create positive spaces where people can say ‘no’ to bullying behaviour and say ‘yes’ to encouraging and supporting each other,” says Steven Greenway, President, Swoop. “Pink Shirt Day is a powerful day to highlight the importance of compassion and how kind words and small actions can have meaningful impacts in our communities.”
Today, on Pink Shirt Day, social media posts across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram will be posted by FlySwoop and Pink Shirt Day that will encourage viewers to like, comment, share and retweet. For every cumulative engagement on the posts, Swoop will donate $1 to anti-bullying initiatives, up to $20,000. Canadians are asked to share these posts using the #LiftEachOtherUp hashtag.
“Since 2008, Pink Shirt Day has raised more than $2.3 million to support youth anti-bullying programs throughout Western Canada, sending a strong message that we care,” says Sara Dubois-Phillips, Executive Director of the CKNW Kids’ Fund. “Often, this one day can start conversations and raise awareness which can be a big step towards healing and helping. We are excited for Swoop to be joining us, demonstrating the power of positive and encouraging behavior.”
Pink Shirt Day has grown from a small group of Canadians to an internationally recognized movement, seeing global partners come together, wearing pink to affirm that we, as a society, will not tolerate bullying anywhere. Canadians are encouraged to join Swoop in practicing kindness and wearing pink to symbolize that bullying doesn’t belong in our communities.
Today, all Swoop employees will wear custom pink shirts to go along with their already pink wardrobes to show their support for this initiative. Also participating in Pink Shirt Day are Swoop’s airport partners at the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport, St. John’s International Airport, Charlottetown Airport, London International Airport, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport and Abbotsford International Airport.
Calgary, Alberta – February 24, 2020 – FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. (TSX-V: FLY) (OTCQX: FLYLF) (the “Company” or “FLYHT”) has received a US$1.77 million purchase order for software as a service (SaaS) features FLYHTHealth and FLYHTMail™ from Azur Havacilik A.S. (Azur) based in Antalya, Turkey. This order builds upon several other previously announced orders from Azur including those on January 14, 2019, and October 17, 2017.
The services are defined under two separate service agreements with five-year terms for Azur’s fleet of Boeing 737/757/767 and 777 aircraft. Within FLYHTHealth, Azur is adding automated engine trending including take-off and stable cruise reports for engine manufacturers, real-time engine exceedance reporting and real-time airframe exceedance reporting. FLYHT is also delivering a customized “Fuel Uplift” report, designed to track and report fuel uplifted specifically for maintenance and ground engine runs. Finally, Azur has ordered FLYHTMail, for two-way text messaging on all multi-function control and display unit (MCDU) equipped B737NG and B777 aircraft.
“These FLYHT services will allow Azur to increase safety, capture real-time data for better decision making and to drive operational efficiencies through data automation within internal and external organizations,” remarked Derek Taylor, Director of Sales at FLYHT.
“Azur has found exceptional value in FLYHT’s equipment and services,” said Salih Dinç, Azur’s Engineering Manager. “We believe these services will save our operation significant money and provide increased real-time awareness of how our aircraft are operated. The result will streamline our overall operations, increase profitability and enhance our operational safety.”
Provided by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited/CNW
TORONTO, Feb. 25, 2020 /CNW/ – De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (“De Havilland Canada”) announced today that Nordic Aviation Capital will be the launch customer for the Classic Overhead Bin Extension Solution for the Dash 8-400 aircraft. Under this agreement, De Havilland Canada will be the exclusive supplier of all future Dash 8-400 aircraft classic bin extension modifications for Nordic Aviation Capital’s fleet. The cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solution provides additional stowage volume in the Dash 8 aircraft’s cabin and is the perfect solution to meet growing customer requirements for more baggage space.
De Havilland Canada specifically designed the Classic Overhead Bin Extension to accommodate standard roll-aboard bags, thereby reducing the need for gate check service, and greatly improving airline efficiency and passenger comfort. Following each modification, the bins will feature more baggage volume, a larger door opening, a new door with NextGen latches, and will offer a consistent look-and-feel with newer Dash 8-400 aircraft interiors. Each bin also retains the robust design features that have been proven over millions of flights and will now accommodate two standard 22″ Travelpro bags per bin section.
“Over the last few years we have seen an increase in customer carry-on bags as well as an expansion in bag sizes. Having a new configuration that is able to meet these needs is very exciting for us and our customers,” said Tom Turley, Chief Operating Officer, Nordic Aviation Capital. “The Classic Overhead Bin Extension will allow those boarding and departing the aircraft to store and access their belongings with ease, improving overall gate-time and efficiency for passengers and airlines.”
“We are proud to announce Nordic Aviation Capital as the launch customer for the Classic Overhead Bin Extension for the Dash 8-400 aircraft,” said Todd Young, Chief Operating Officer, De Havilland Canada. “We are excited to have an environmentally friendly solution that manages the need for increased capacity in overhead bins. The extension will provide passengers a more enjoyable travel experience, and airlines a consistent interior layout.”
The Classic Overhead Bin Extension solution is currently being developed with De Havilland Canada’s supplier Safran Interiors.
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