Web News • 30 June 2022
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Month: June 2022
Bombardier Inaugurates Quadruple-sized Singapore Service Centre, the Largest OEM business aviation facility in Asia Pacific
- Massive expansion includes a complete suite of maintenance and modification capabilities with enhanced full-service interior finishing capacity, including a brand-new environmentally-controlled paint facility and 24/7 parts depot
- Additional features include essential amenities such as exceptional customer office and lounge facilities and ground handling services
- With sustainability at its core, the new LEED Silver certified facility includes new solar panel installations, electric vehicle charging and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) availability
SINGAPORE, June 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bombardier today announced the grand opening of its newly transformed Singapore Service Centre, the largest OEM business aviation maintenance facility in Asia Pacific. A key jewel of the next major investments in Bombardier’s growing worldwide customer service footprint, the newly expanded facility features substantially enhanced service capabilities for its growing fleet of Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft operators. The facility will also accommodate Bombardier’s newly launched Global 8000 business jet when it enters into service in 2025.
Located at the growing Seletar Aerospace Park, the Singapore Service Centre, which opened in 2014, has more than quadrupled its current footprint from 70,000 sq. ft. (6,500 m2) to approximately 290,000 sq. ft. (27,000 m2). The massive expansion introduces exceptional new customer facilities for business jet operators, including a full-service, environmentally-controlled paint facility, advanced interior finishing capabilities, with key support functions, such as engineering, sales and customer support and an expanded portfolio of component, repair and overhaul (CR&O) services. This also includes the option for Global aircraft customers to lease BR710 engines from Rolls Royce stored on site, significantly reducing downtime and costs.
The expansion also adds sought-after new heavy structural and composite repair capabilities as well as an integrated parts depot that will serve the site and the region, adding more than US$15 million in additional parts inventory. The expanded Singapore Service Centre is expected to support more than 2,000 business jet visits annually.
“With this major expansion, the Singapore Service Centre will provide infinite benefits, including quicker aircraft turnarounds, greater convenience and peace of mind to Bombardier’s growing customer base in Asia,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Services and Support, and Corporate Strategy, Bombardier. “Customers can also enjoy access to the complete range of OEM customer service and support at their doorstep. This is truly a special day for Bombardier and our growing aftermarket network.”
Bombardier’s steadfast commitment to an environmentally respectful approach to its design and project development is an essential part of the newly transformed Singapore Service Centre. Bombardier has installed solar panels on the facility’s roofs as well as its carpark structures to reduce energy consumption, which translates to 15% of the site’s annual electricity demand.
Other important green initiatives include the use of building management systems, insulation, LED lighting, low flow plumbing fixtures and automated water reticulation for improved water conservation and enhanced energy efficiency. The building design also achieved Singapore’s Green Mark Gold and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Silver LEED Green Building certifications. And while the reduction in energy, water and material resource usage reduces environmental impact, it also enhances indoor environmental quality for better health and well-being of customers and employees while delivering highly efficient, responsible operations.
Bombardier has also received its first batch of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from its partner, Shell Aviation, offering business aviation operators an environmentally-friendly fuel option at Seletar Airport – building on Bombardier’s commitment reduce the environmental footprint of business aviation worldwide.
This impressive expansion also highlights the addition of Jetex’s world-class FBO and ground handling system at the facility. This outstanding FBO provides operators and passengers with seamless service from arrival to departure as part of Bombardier’s commitment to offering an exceptional customer experience.
The development of the Singapore Service Centre is a shining example of how Bombardier is enhancing the accessibility of its OEM expertise for customers worldwide and redefining its position as a leader in aftermarket services in Asia Pacific, a pivotal part of its growing global network. Other important expansions include new service facilities at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport and in Melbourne, Australia; expanded service capabilities at the London Service Centre at Biggin Hill airport; the continued development of a service facility in Berlin, Germany; and new products and services for customers, including important innovations in Bombardier’s customer service digital transformation.
The Singapore Service Centre currently employs more than 200 staff, including more than 160 licensed engineers and technicians and is in process of adding more than 50 additional staff. Bombardier also recently introduced a new apprenticeship program in Singapore to ensure a strong grassroots aerospace pipeline is firmly in place, training the engineering professionals of tomorrow.
The expansion of the Singapore Service Centre illustrates Bombardier’s comprehensive global customer service commitment to provide the best customer service experience in business aviation today.
About Bombardier
Bombardier is a global leader in aviation, focused on designing, manufacturing, and servicing the world’s most exceptional business jets. Bombardier’s Challenger and Global aircraft families are renowned for their cutting-edge innovation, cabin design, performance, and reliability. Bombardier has a worldwide fleet of approximately 5,000 aircraft in service with a wide variety of multinational corporations, charter and fractional ownership providers, governments, and private individuals. Bombardier aircraft are also trusted around the world in special-mission roles.
Headquartered in Montréal, Québec, Bombardier operates aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. The company’s robust customer support network includes facilities in strategic locations in the United States and Canada, as well as in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, the UAE, Singapore, China, and an Australian facility opening in 2022.
For corporate news and information, including Bombardier’s Environmental, Social and Governance report, visit bombardier.com.
A Message from Air Canada’s President
29 June 2022 – To Aeroplan Members
At Air Canada, we know how important travel plans are. This is even more the case today when many are taking their first trip in years following the pandemic. Whether for long‑anticipated vacations, visits with relatives and friends, or for business, we are grateful and recognize our responsibility when people like you entrust your travel to our airline.
Regrettably, things are not business as usual in our industry globally, and this is affecting our operations and our ability to serve you with our normal standards of care. The COVID‑19 pandemic brought the world air transport system to a halt in early 2020. Now, after more than two years, global travel is resurgent, and people are returning to flying at a rate never seen in our industry.
This surge in travel has created unprecedented and unforeseen strains on all aspects of the global aviation system. Around the world, there are recurring incidents of flight delays and airport congestion, resulting from a complex array of persistent factors impacting airlines and our partners in the aviation ecosystem. Similar effects are being seen in other industries too, where companies and suppliers are struggling to restart, unclog supply chains and meet pent‑up demand.
At Air Canada, we anticipated many of these factors and began taking tangible action during the depth of the pandemic to be ready for a rapid restart. Yet, despite detailed and careful planning, the largest and fastest scale of hiring in our history, as well as investments in aircraft and equipment, it is now clear that Air Canada’s operations too have been disrupted by the industry’s complex and unavoidable challenges. The result has been flight cancellations and customer service shortfalls on our part that we would never have intended for our customers or for our employees, and for which we sincerely apologize.
In response, we took a number of important steps, including introducing flexible ticket policies, new travel self-management tools, improvements to airport operations, as well adjustments to our schedule ‑ all to strengthen operational resiliency and to give customers more options. However, to bring about the level of operational stability we need, with reluctance, we are now making meaningful reductions to our schedule in July and August in order to reduce passenger volumes and flows to a level we believe the air transport system can accommodate.
This was not an easy decision, as it will result in additional flight cancellations that will have a negative impact on some customers. But doing this in advance allows affected customers to take time to make other arrangements in an orderly manner, rather than have their travel disrupted shortly before or during their journey, with few alternatives available. It will also enable us to more reliably serve all customers.
I can assure you Air Canada is also working in close cooperation with airports, government, and its third‑party service providers, who all are striving to return our industry to pre‑pandemic standards of operation.
We are convinced these changes will bring about the improvements we have targeted. But to set expectations, it should also be understood the real benefits of this action will take time and be felt only gradually as the industry regains the reliability and robustness it had attained prior to the pandemic.
On behalf of all of us at Air Canada, please accept my sincere apologies for any disruption you have experienced or may experience with your travel plans during this unprecedented period. I also assure you that we very clearly see the challenges at hand, that we are taking action, and that we are confident we have the strategy to address them. This is our company’s chief focus at every level.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. We certainly look forward to future opportunities to serve you and regain your loyalty at a time when we can better demonstrate our commitment to taking good care of customers such as yourself.
Sincerely,
Michael Rousseau
President and Chief Executive Officer
Air Canada
Airlines must cut flights to ease travel issues: Trudeau airport boss
Web News • 29 June 2022
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Air Canada to make ‘meaningful reductions’ to summer flights
Web News • 29 June 2022
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Lynx Air’s Inaugural Flight from Hamilton Takes Off
Canada’s new ultra-affordable airline is celebrating its arrival in Hamilton with a seat sale
HAMILTON, ON, June 29, 2022 /CNW/ – Lynx Air’s (Lynx) first flight from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (Hamilton International) took to the skies today, marking the commencement of twice-weekly return services to Calgary International Airport and twice-weekly return services to Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
On July 29, 2022, the Hamilton-Calgary services will increase to four times a week, taking the total number of flights in and out of Hamilton to 12 times per week, equating to 2,268 seats per week.
To celebrate Lynx’s inaugural Hamilton flight, the airline has launched a limited-time seat sale, offering up to 50 per cent off all base fares to and from Hamilton. The sale starts on June 29, 2022 and ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on July 1, 2022. For complete sale details and to book an ultra-affordable fare, please visit FlyLynx.com.
“We are excited to be bringing greater choice and competition to the Greater Toronto Area with Lynx’s launch of services at Hamilton International Airport,” said Merren McArthur, CEO of Lynx Air. “Whether you are travelling to connect with friends and family, to visit Hamilton’s vibrant arts scene or to explore the trails, parks and waterfalls at beautiful Lake Ontario, Lynx will ensure a great flying experience at an ultra-affordable price.”
“The City of Hamilton is very pleased to welcome Lynx Air as a new provider at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, expanding the affordable flight options in our community while also boosting tourism and furthering our local recovery. We look forward to many years ahead of Lynx Air growing and allowing more people to enjoy the diverse landscapes and activities Hamilton has to offer,” says City of Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger.
“We are thrilled to officially welcome Lynx Air to Hamilton International Airport as it takes to the skies with its inaugural flights. This important milestone not only further positions Hamilton International as a growing gateway for affordable air travel, but also supports economic recovery for the tourism sector,” says Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport.
Lynx’s full flight schedule includes:
| Round Trip Market | Service Starts | Weekly Frequencies |
| Calgary, AB to Vancouver, BC | April 7, 2022 | 14x |
| Calgary, AB to Toronto, ON | April 11, 2022 | 12x |
| Vancouver, BC to Kelowna, BC | April 15, 2022 | 2x |
| Calgary, AB to Kelowna, BC | April 15, 2022 | 3x |
| Calgary, AB to Winnipeg, MB | April 19, 2022 | 4x |
| Vancouver, BC to Winnipeg, MB | April 19, 2022 | 2x |
| Vancouver, BC to Toronto, ON | April 28, 2022 | 7x |
| Toronto, ON to Winnipeg, MB | May 5, 2022 | 2x |
| Calgary, AB to Victoria, BC | May 12, 2022 | 3x |
| Toronto, ON to St. John’s, NL | June 28, 2022 | 2x 7x (from July 14) |
| Calgary, AB to Hamilton, ON | June 29, 2022 | 2x 4x (from July 29) |
| Hamilton, ON to Halifax, NS | June 29, 2022 | 2x |
| Toronto, ON to Halifax, NS | June 30, 2022 | 3x 5x (from July 30) |
| Edmonton, AB to Toronto, ON | July 14, 2022 | 5x7x (from July 30) |
| Edmonton, AB to St John’s, NL** | July 14, 2022 | 5x |
| Calgary, AB to Halifax, NS ** | July 14, 2022 | 5x |
| Calgary, AB to St John’s, NL** | July 16, 2022 | 2x |
| Edmonton, AB to Halifax, NS** | July 30, 2022 | 2x |
| Please note that dates are subject to change. Visit the website for full schedule details. | |
| * | Available for a limited time; fares are accurate at the time of release and include taxes and fees; fares vary by destination and date. |
| ** | Denotes a one-stop through flight via Toronto, single boarding pass, bags checked through to destination and no deplaning in Toronto. |
Tickets are on sale now at FlyLynx.com.
About Lynx Air
Lynx Air (Lynx) is Canada’s leading ultra-affordable airline and is on a mission to make air travel accessible to all with ultra-affordable fares, a fleet of brand-new state-of-the-art Boeing 737 aircraft and a great flying experience. Lynx is a privately owned Canadian airline with the financial backing and industry expertise required to transform the Canadian aviation landscape. To learn more visit FlyLynx.com or connect with Lynx on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Ultra-reliable and energy-efficient, Lynx Air’s fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft are serviced and operated by one of the most experienced teams in the business. The aircraft offers advanced aerodynamics and highly efficient engines, which result in significant fuel savings that cut the airline’s CO2 emissions by an estimated 14 per cent over even the most efficient single-aisle planes. These are vital improvements that decrease Lynx’s carbon footprint and help make it one of Canada’s greenest and most sustainable airlines. All Lynx aircraft meet the highest internationally certified safety standards and are certified by Transport Canada.
Air Canada cuts a number of Moncton and Bathurst flights
Web News • 28 June 2022
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Canada Jetlines has completed the Ground Evacuation Demonstration and Flight Attendant Group Line Indoctrination Flight
June 27, 2022
TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Canada Jetlines Operations Ltd. (NEO: CJET) (“Canada Jetlines”) the new, all-Canadian, leisure airline, is proud to announce that it has successfully completed the flight attendant group line indoctrination flight and the Transport Canada (“TC”) evacuation demonstration. Both events were conducted to the satisfaction of the criteria and TC inspectors monitoring the events.
“We are quickly approaching the end of the AOC process with Transport Canada. The final steps are an additional demonstration flight and Transport Canada administrative functions to be completed. We expect this process to be completed in the first half of July and be able to start flying shortly thereafter.”
“Both events are important milestones in the process of obtaining our Transport Canada Air Operator Certificate (AOC). I am very proud of the excellent work accomplished by our flight attendants under the leadership of Anup Anand and Michael Lewin” said Eddy Doyle CEO of Canada Jetlines. “We are quickly approaching the end of the AOC process with Transport Canada. The final steps are an additional demonstration flight and Transport Canada administrative functions to be completed. We expect this process to be completed in the first half of July and be able to start flying shortly thereafter.”
Visit www.jetlines.com to learn more, sign up for email updates, and follow on all social media platforms to join the Canada Jetlines family.
About Canada Jetlines
Canada Jetlines is a well-capitalized leisure focused air carrier, utilizing a growing fleet of Airbus 320 aircraft targeting launch in the summer of 2022, subject to Transport Canada approval. The air carrier was created to provide Canadians with value vacation choices and convenient travel options to fly to fantastic leisure destinations within Canada, the U.S.A., Cuba, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, Bahamas, and other Caribbean nations. Canada Jetlines will provide exciting vacation packages to iconic Canadian destinations and beyond via strong partnerships with airports, CVB’s, tourism entities, hotels, hospitality brands, and attractions. With a projected growth of 15 aircrafts by 2025, Canada Jetlines aims to offer the best-in-class operating economics, customer comfort and fly-by-wire technology, providing an elevated guest centric experience from the first touchpoint. The efficient aircraft design merged with the experience of the all-Canadian management team, allows for accessible flight options without sacrificing quality or convenience. The carrier will use a state-of-the-art web booking platform, making the turnkey solution available to consumers, travel agents, and tour operators, with the capability of generating revenue on reservations and ancillary sales with the aim to provide more revenue opportunities to current and future agent partners and all the work that they do. We look forward to working with you to create memorable travel experiences for consumers. To learn more, please visit www.jetlines.com and follow on all social media platforms for news and updates.
PortsToronto Announces New President & Chief Executive Officer
TORONTO (June 28, 2022) – PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and the marine Port of Toronto, today announced the appointment of its new President and Chief Executive Officer – Roelof-Jan (RJ) Steenstra. Mr. Steenstra will begin his role this September and comes to PortsToronto from Fort McMurray Airport Authority where he has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2016. He is also currently the Chair of the Policy Board of the Canadian Airports Council (CAC), and a Director on Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) Executive Committee. Mr. Steenstra steps into the role previously held by Geoffrey Wilson, who announced his retirement in February of this year.
In the role of President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Steenstra will helm the strategic direction and operations of PortsToronto’s various businesses which include Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, the marine Port of Toronto, the Outer Harbour Marina and other properties and holdings within the organization. With demonstrated expertise in airport management, Mr. Steenstra is also an accomplished executive with proven experience in driving businesses forward in challenging economic conditions by making smart and dynamic decisions, innovating, and leveraging revenue diversification. It is this approach to modernization and innovation that will be brought to bear on all of the organization’s business units which includes the movement of passengers and goods, the development of infrastructure, city building and sustainability.
Mr. Steenstra is past Co-Chair of the 2023 Arctic Winter Games Bid Committee, Director for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)/ Airports Council International World (ACI) Community of Practice and the American Association of Airport Executive’s (AAAE) Northwest Chapter. He currently serves as Director and Governance Committee Chair on the Fort McMurray / Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism Board.
For more information on Mr. Steenstra, please visit the PortsToronto Management Team webpage.
Quotes
“PortsToronto’s Board of Directors undertook an exhaustive search to identify and secure a CEO who could achieve the ambitious mandate set out for the organization, not the least of which includes driving a swift recovery for Billy Bishop Airport following the disruptions of the last two years due to the pandemic. Mr. Steenstra is recognized within the industry and beyond for driving businesses forward in challenging economic conditions by making smart and dynamic decisions and leveraging revenue diversification to encourage organizational refocus and change. His passion for airports and success within the industry is proven, and we look forward to having him apply his innovative and strategic approach to our other businesses and propel the organization forward to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Amanda Walton, Board Chair, PortsToronto
“I am delighted to be coming on board to lead PortsToronto, and am highly motivated to help shape PortsToronto’s current recovery in order to position the organization for continued success in the future. The transportation of people and goods will be increasingly important in the months and years ahead as we emerge and recover, and I am convinced that PortsToronto has a significant role to play in providing connectivity, delivering economic benefit, and creating jobs to further entrench Toronto as a world-class city.
RJ Steenstra, Incoming CEO, PortsToronto
About PortsToronto
For more than 100 years PortsToronto has worked with its partners at the federal, provincial and municipal levels to enhance the economic growth of the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. PortsToronto owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which welcomed approximately 2.8 million passengers in 2019; the Outer Harbour Marina, one of Canada’s largest freshwater marinas; and the marine Port of Toronto that includes businesses in a variety of sectors including marine shipping, cargo services, media production and passenger cruises. PortsToronto is committed to fostering strong, healthy and sustainable communities and has invested more than $12 million since 2009 in charitable initiatives and environmental programs that benefit communities along Toronto’s waterfront and beyond. PortsToronto operates in accordance with the Canada Marine Act and is guided by a board with representation from all three levels of government.
Lake Simcoe Regional Airport welcomes Chartright Air Group
MIDHURST, Ontario, June 29, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The County of Simcoe is pleased to welcome Chartright Air Group Fixed-Base Operator Services to the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport (YLS).
The Lake Simcoe Regional Airport (LSRA) is ideally situated between the tranquility of cottage country and the bustle of Toronto. Aircraft based at the LSRA benefit from the convenience and relaxed pace of a regional airport serving both the city, and the cottage and visiting passengers and crew have ready access to the remarkable diversity of towns and villages, lakes and rivers, dining, and entertainment that the area has to offer.
The addition of Chartright Air Group as a fixed base operator (FBO) enables the LSRA to offer a full suite of passenger and aircraft handling services, including baggage handling, on-site customs, complete line service, aircraft cleaning, fueling, de-icing, hangarage, aircraft parking, catering, hotel, and car rental coordination. Chartright will also operate a full-service aircraft maintenance organization with a focus on turbine/jet aircraft. It is anticipated that a full-service FBO, notably one of Canada’s largest operators of private jet aircraft, will act as a catalyst for future investment at the airport.
Chartright’s 34,000 square-foot FBO and hangar facility at the LSRA features a generous lobby, passenger and crew lounges, pilot snooze rooms, a meeting room, and weather and flight planning facilities, which can accommodate aircraft up to the size of the Global 7500.
The County of Simcoe and minority shareholders of the City of Barrie continue their planned investments of more than $60 million into service and infrastructure enhancements at the LSRA. Once completed, the airport will provide critical connectivity to markets and knowledge-based resources to encourage investment and create new opportunities for local businesses and tourism operators while improving residents’ quality of life.
Adam Keller, President of Chartright Air Group, comments:
“Lake Simcoe Regional Airport is one of Canada’s newest and best positioned regional airport facilities and will enable Chartright to better serve the needs of our customers and the aviation community. We look forward to welcoming customers to our new facility at Lake Simcoe Regional Airport.”
George Cornell, County of Simcoe Warden, comments:
“We’re excited to welcome Chartright Air Group to the LSRA. When we became the majority shareholder in the airport in 2020, County Council committed to ensuring that the Airport would soon become an economic engine for our region. With a growing business park, new labour opportunities, partnerships, and expansion of our infrastructure, we’re truly seeing our investments take flight. We thank Chartright for choosing Simcoe County and bringing jobs, business, and visitors to our region.”
Richard Norcross, County of Simcoe Councillor and Lake Simcoe Regional Airport Board Chair, comments:
“We are pleased to see the expansion and progress at the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport. Through continued investment, combined with strong partners like Chartright Air Group, we know that our vision to have the LSRA fuel our regional economy is on the right path.”
About Chartright Air Group
For over 35 years, Chartright has led the way in business aviation in Canada, evolving into one of the most trusted and innovative providers of business and private jet services in North America.
Visit chartright.com for more information.
About the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport
Situated halfway between Barrie and Orillia in the Township of Oro-Medonte, the 595-acre LSRA is among the newest regional airport facilities in Canada. As one of the fastest-growing regions in Ontario at just an hour’s drive north of Toronto, the LSRA’s location provides a unique opportunity for corporate aviation, a crucial component for some businesses during the site selection process.
The LSRA is fully serviced by the Canada Border Services Agency and accommodates both international passengers and freight. The airport currently possesses 58 hectares (142 acres) of serviced and un-serviced land available for airside commercial development opportunities. The LSRA is 90 percent owned and operated by the County of Simcoe, with the City of Barrie maintaining a 10 percent share of ownership. Visit www.lakesimcoeairport.com for more details.
About the County of Simcoe
The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
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