Bombardier Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Miami Service Centre, Quadrupling Current Hangar Space in Florida, Enhances Services Footprint

• Located at the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport in Miami-Dade County, new service centre is an important hub for Bombardier business aircraft customers in U.S and Latin American markets
• Dynamic 300,000 sq. ft. service facility provides quick and efficient maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for all Bombardier business aircraft
• Bombardier currently hiring maintenance technicians across its service network to support significant worldwide expansion

MIAMI-OPA LOCKA, Fla., Oct. 31, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bombardier today announced the official inauguration of its new Miami-Opa Locka Service Centre at the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (OPF) in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The new facility is a testament to Bombardier’s commitment to the U.S. and nearby Latin American markets and it establishes a key building block in its growing global customer support network. At full capacity, the new OEM-operated Miami-Opa Locka Service Centre plans to add close to 300 aerospace jobs in the community, including more than 225 highly skilled technicians.

Once fully ramped up, the 300,000 square foot facility will more than quadruple Bombardier’s current maintenance footprint in Florida and allow the company to transfer its service centre operations from Fort Lauderdale to the new one-of-a-kind customer service centre at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (OPF), located close to Miami’s bustling business district.

“The U.S. is an important market for Bombardier with close to 3,000 aircraft in our fleet, and this highly-efficient facility provides a key focal point for customers based in the area, and those who will visit from as far as Latin America,” said Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. “Bombardier began this year by naming Wichita as our new headquarters in the U.S, and I am delighted to highlight this inauguration that significantly grows our footprint and employment base in Florida. The city of Miami is a vibrant, international hub of business and commerce and we can’t wait to welcome our customers to our new facility and see our employees continue to thrive and grow.”

“Congratulations to Bombardier on the successful completion of its newest service centre, which has brought hundreds of new jobs and millions of dollars in private investment to Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport and Miami-Dade County,” said Ralph Cutié, Miami-Dade Aviation Department Director and CEO. “We are extremely proud to now be home to one of Bombardier’s service centres worldwide and a hub for its customers in the U.S. and Latin America.”

The new facility is fully equipped to perform extensive and complete full-service scheduled and unscheduled heavy maintenance, paint enhancement services, aircraft modifications, avionics installations, and Aircraft on Ground Support (AOG) for Bombardier’s business aircraft fleet of Learjet, Challenger, and Global aircraft. The expanded hangar at the service centre is also capable of holding an impressive 18 of Bombardier’s Global 7500 aircraft under one roof.

Bombardier is also currently hiring additional maintenance technicians both in Florida and across its entire service network to support its recent expansions. Technicians will receive Bombardier’s Type Training Course for Mechanical and Avionics certification to provide maintenance services at all 10 Bombardier’s service centres worldwide, including its newly expanded facilities in London Biggin Hill and Singapore, as well as its new facility in Melbourne, Australia. Bombardier’s Service Centre Network currently has openings for a variety of technical and professional roles.

“The new Miami-Opa Locka Service Centre brings essential, specialized services for our customers, enabling us to continue to deliver the service excellence they have come to expect from Bombardier,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Services and Support, and Corporate Strategy, Bombardier. “Our new facility provides significant benefits, including quick aircraft turnarounds, greater convenience and OEM peace of mind to Bombardier’s growing customer base in the U.S and around the world.”

This new service facility also aptly illustrates Bombardier’s comprehensive global customer service commitment to provide the best customer service experience in business aviation today. With its recent service centre expansion projects, Bombardier has added close to one million sq. ft. of new service capacity to its worldwide aftermarket network.

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 Australia.

For corporate news and information, including Bombardier’s Environmental, Social and Governance report, visit bombardier.com. Learn more about Bombardier’s industry-leading products and customer service network at businessaircraft.bombardier.com. Follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Bombardier, Learjet, Challenger, Global and Global 7500 are registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

Aircraft manufacturer making pitch to N.L. government for damaged water bomber

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21 Years Ago Today Air Canada Jetz Commenced Operations

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Minister of Transport to host an Air Sector Recovery Summit on November 24

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 31, 2022 /CNW/ – Ensuring that all Canadians have access to safe, efficient and reliable air travel is a top priority for the Government of Canada. This past summer demonstrated how much work remains to be done to ensure a strong recovery of the sector and the continued need for collaboration between all partners. It is only by continuing this work that we can grow the industry and our economy, continue creating good jobs for Canadians and ensure reliable supply chains.

That’s why, today, the Minister of Transport, the Honorable Omar Alghabra, announced that he will host a National Summit on the Recovery of the Air Sector on November 24, 2022. This Summit will bring together government departments and agencies, as well as industry partners including airports, airlines, industry associations, unions and consumer groups to discuss critical issues facing aviation and the future of the air sector in Canada.

The Air Sector Recovery Summit will serve as an opportunity to convene a broad range of aviation stakeholders to discuss challenges, strategies, and next steps to support a strong and resilient air transportation sector. Facilitating open discussions will allow the Government of Canada to identify ways to mitigate aviation sector pressures, and to encourage partners to come up with innovative solutions. For the participants, it will also be an opportunity to hear about the government’s key priorities.

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring ongoing collaboration with its partners, and to reinforcing the importance of connectivity. Discussions at the Summit will focus on what needs to be done, collectively and individually, to build a more resilient and reliable air transportation sector for the future.  

Quote  

“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the important role Canada’s air sector plays in our country’s economy, and the lives of Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast. It is important to come together with our partners to discuss the progress we have made as well as the challenges that remain. By sharing lessons learned, as well as strategies for future resilience, we are confident we will come out with a much stronger aviation industry—one able to more easily overcome future disruptions.” 

The Honourable Omar Alghabra, 
Minister of Transport  

Transport Canada is online at tc.canada.ca.

CAE’s Marc Parent and Maryse Carmichael inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame

MONTREAL, Oct. 31, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – (NYSE: CAE) (TSX: CAE) Marc Parent, CAE’s president and chief executive officer, and Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Maryse Carmichael, CAE’s Solution Lead, Future Aircrew Training, have been inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame. This award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to aviation and aerospace in Canada. The ceremony took place on October 27 in Montreal.

“I am humbled to receive this award, a recognition of CAE’s efforts to make the world a safer place that I share with CAE employees around the world,” said Mr. Parent. “I am also delighted to see my colleague Maryse Carmichael recognized for her ground-breaking career as the first woman pilot and Commanding Officer of the Snowbirds demo team. It is a well-deserved honour.”

Mr. Parent has more than 35 years of experience in the aerospace industry.  Since joining CAE in 2005, he has led CAE’s growth beyond creating simulation products to providing solutions, services and technologies that enhance human performance, while always looking for innovative ways to give back to Canada. Under his leadership, CAE has become the largest provider of civil aviation training services in the world, and a global leader in training and mission support solutions for defence and security forces and healthcare sectors, with the ultimate objective of preparing people for the moments that matter.

Over the years, Mr. Parent has been honoured with numerous other awards, including the Order of Canada, being named Industry Leader of the Year by the Living Legends of Aviation, Québec’s Air and Space Hall of Fame, and a Knight of the Ordre national du Québec in 2022. Read Marc Parent’s full bio here.

LCol (Ret’d) Carmichael is a 22-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force who has logged more than 3,500 hours flying time. Her legacy is as the first woman pilot to join the Canadian Armed Forces Snowbirds, 431 Air Demonstration Squadron and eventually serving as commander of the Snowbirds. After retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces as a Lieutenant-Colonel, she joined CAE, where she has worked in several capacities and is currently Solution Lead, Future Aircrew Training, where she ensures that the training of the next generation of aircrew meets the highest standards.

LCol (Ret’d) Carmichael is a member of the Ninety-Nines, the International Chapter of Women in Aviation, and a founding member of the Snowbirds Alumni Association. She has also been named as one of the 100 most powerful women in Canada, named a YWCA Woman of Distinction, and is recipient of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation “Elsie” award for Flight Operations. Read LCol (Ret’d) Carmichael’s full bio here.

About CAE

At CAE, we equip people in critical roles with the expertise and solutions to create a safer world. As a technology company, we digitalize the physical world, deploying simulation training and critical operations support solutions. Above all else, we empower pilots, airlines, defence and security forces, and healthcare practitioners to perform at their best every day and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we’re everywhere customers need us to be with more than 13,000 employees in more than 200 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. CAE represents 75 years of industry firsts—the highest-fidelity flight and mission simulators, surgical manikins, and personalized training programs powered by artificial intelligence. We’re investing our time and resources into building the next generation of cutting-edge, digitally immersive training and critical operations solutions while keeping positive environmental, social and governance (ESG) impact at the core of our mission. Today and tomorrow, we’ll make sure our customers are ready for the moments that matter.

Harbour Air Group Announces New CEO

October 31, 2022

Harbour Air Group (“Harbour Air”), North America’s largest seaplane airline, is pleased to announce the appointment of Bert van der Stege as CEO. Effective today, Bert joins Harbour Air from the WestJet Group where he held responsibility for its low-cost carrier Swoop, as Head of Commercial & Finance. Mr. van der Stege will succeed Greg McDougall, who will assume the role of Founder and Chairman on the company’s Board of Directors.

Harbour Air CEO Bert van der Stege

In his role as Founder and Chairman of Harbour Air, Greg will continue to play a critical role in the development of Harbour Air’s all-electric plane and in promoting and advocating for innovation and safety within the aviation industry.

“Having started Harbour Air in 1982 as a two-plane operation, I am immensely proud of how the company has grown over the years” says Greg McDougall. “It has been a privilege to work with the team and build the organization into what is today an iconic Canadian company with 40 aircraft, 10 bases, and over 500,000 annual passengers. I am pleased to welcome Bert as the new CEO of Harbour Air and am confident he will successfully lead Harbour Air in its next phase of growth. Bert brings over 20 years of experience in the airline industry and a track record of driving profitable growth, building brand loyalty and, most importantly, fostering a strong company culture based upon on values of safety, service, innovation, and team spirit.”

Prior to his role as Head of Commercial and Finance at Swoop, Mr. van der Stege served as the Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Halifax Stanfield International Airport and as the Vice President Commercial and Chief Restructuring Officer at First Air. Over the years, he has also held various positions with RwandAir, Arik Air, and Lufthansa Group.

“It is with great excitement that I join Harbour Air” says Bert. “Nowhere else in the world do you have an airline that is quite as distinctive. From passengers commuting every day to those visiting Canada and taking the tour of a lifetime, Harbour Air has found a way to share their passion for flying with the world. I am motivated by the opportunities ahead and honoured to be carrying on the legacy that Greg and his team created.”

Harbour Air’s long-term President, Randy Wright, will be taking on a special advisory role to both Bert and the Board. Randy has been with Harbour Air since 2001 and has had an enormous impact on the company during this time. He played a critical role in advancing Harbour Air’s standing in the Canadian aviation landscape and his leadership throughout Harbour Air’s expansion over the last 21 years has been invaluable.

“I would like to thank both Greg and Randy for their confidence and support of me in this new role” says Bert. “Harbour Air would not be in the position it is today without their valuable contributions, and I am grateful to be able to count on their experience and guidance as I become familiar with our unique organization.”

About Harbour Air

Founded in 1982, Harbour Air is North America’s largest seaplane airline, and the first fully carbonneutral airline in the world. Harbour Air offers up to 300 daily scheduled flights, scenic tours, adventure packages, and private charter flights. With over 20 scheduled destinations connecting downtown Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle (WA), Nanaimo, Tofino, Whistler, Richmond (YVR South), Sechelt, Salt Spring Island, Kelowna, Maple Bay, Pitt Meadows, Powell River and Comox, B.C. For more information on Harbour Air, please visit harbourair.com

Lights, camera, action: WestJet’s inaugural flight between Winnipeg and Los Angeles takes off

New transborder flight creates direct link for business, tourism and entertainment between Winnipeg and Los Angeles

 Flight’s departure celebrated gateside alongside partners and film industry leaders

CALGARY, AB, Oct. 31, 2022 /CNW/ – WestJet today celebrated the highly anticipated inaugural flight between Winnipeg and Los Angeles. The departure of flight WS1315 at 7:00 a.m. local marked a major milestone for Manitoba’s tourism, trade and business sectors as Winnipeg gains a seamless four-hour link to the globally renowned film and entertainment mecca.

WestJet’s inaugural flight between Winnipeg and Los Angeles takes off. Photo Credit: Winnipeg Airports Authority (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

“With a thriving film and television industry, our Manitoban guests and partners have long awaited this integral connection and will benefit substantially from convenient flights between both cities,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “As the only airline providing direct connectivity between Winnipeg and Los Angeles, this route not only supports our efforts to bolster the economic success of the communities we serve but provides a vital link that will stimulate new business, investment and tourism opportunities.”

“The excitement surrounding this new, non-stop route between Winnipeg and Los Angeles has been building ever since it was announced a few months ago,” said Winnipeg Airports Authority President & CEO Nick Hays. “Not only does it significantly enhance the connectivity of the region we serve, but it’s also meaningful for our local economy, particularly the province’s thriving film industry. We’re ecstatic to help bring this valuable route to Winnipeg Richardson International Airport and are proud to see our longstanding partnership with WestJet continue to grow to benefit all Manitobans.”

The departure of WS1315 marks the first of three weekly WestJet flights that travel between Winnipeg and Los Angeles on a year-round basis.

Route	Start Date	Frequency	Departure	Arrival
Winnipeg – Los Angeles	October 31, 2022	3x Weekly (Monday, Friday, Saturday)	7:00 am	8:50 am
Los Angeles – Winnipeg	October 31, 2022	3x Weekly (Monday, Friday, Saturday)	9:35 am	3:07 pm

This winter, WestJet will solidify its position as the leading airline in Winnipeg providing more non-stop routes than any other carrier. Further, the WestJet Group will increase capacity to and from Winnipeg by 80 per cent in comparison to 2021, serving 22 nonstop, direct routes and producing the largest year-over-year growth of any major airport in the group’s network.

Delta codeshare partnership

Guests travelling beyond Los Angeles will have access to a broad network and benefits through WestJet’s strong relationship with Delta Air Lines. This includes codeshare flights to 20 major U.S. cities, the ability to earn and redeem WestJet Rewards on both airlines, top tier frequent flyer benefits through the entire journey, and access to Delta’s LAX SkyClub lounge for eligible guests.

Additional quotes

“Manitoba is open for business and we are excited to promote Manitoba’s competitive advantages as our economy enters into a new era of growth,” said Manitoba Premier, Heather Stefanson. “This new direct route between Winnipeg and Los Angeles will support the continued growth of Manitoba’s thriving film, television and digital media industries, as well as many other sectors. I commend WestJet for their confidence and investment in our province, and I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with them and all of our economic development partners to showcase Manitoba as the ideal place to live, work, visit and invest in.”

About WestJet

In 26 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 2r countries. 

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.

Recent recognition includes: 
2020/2019 Number-One Ranked Canadian Airline Loyalty Program in Member Engagement (Bond Brand Loyalty)
2019/2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines)
2019 Winner Among Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines)
2019/2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada)

Cargo offers ‘consistent’ contribution to Air Canada

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5th Freedom: Air Canada Starts London Heathrow-Mumbai Boeing 787 Flights

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Sunwing brings Ottawa residents affordable flights and more direct routes to the tropics this winter

The tour operator’s anticipated return offers customers easy access to more destinations and more vacation packages

TORONTO, Oct. 28, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sunwing returns to Canada’s capital city this winter bringing Ottawa residents more opportunities to trade the snow for some of the most popular sun destinations in the tropics. Starting early November, Sunwing will be offering weekly direct flights from Ottawa to sought-after beachfront paradises in Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Cuba, including the reimagined boutique destination of Cayo Largo, opening its doors this November.

“Facing some of the harshest winters in Canada, we’re thrilled to return to our beloved capital this season offering our customers more flights, more direct routes and more sunny destinations they can escape to from Ottawa,” said Andrew Dawson, President of Tour Operations for Sunwing. “With the rapid surge for all inclusive travel coupled with Sunwing’s wide variety of affordable vacation packages suited to every vacation style, whether last minute or a quick long weekend getaway, we anticipate the winter season to sell fast, so now is the time for our customers to book.”

“Each year, Ottawa-Gatineau vacation planners look forward to Sunwing’s highly anticipated Ottawa winter schedule,” said Mark Laroche, Ottawa International Airport Authority President and CEO. “Sunwing’s exciting list of vacation destinations in Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic is sure to please sun-seekers in Canada’s capital region.”

The flight schedule for Ottawa will be as follows:

Destination	Peak Frequency	From	To
Cancun	4x weekly	05-Nov-2022	10-Apr-2023
Cayo Coco	2x weekly	15-Nov-2022	11-Apr-2023
Cayo Largo	1x weekly	17-Dec-2022	25-Mar-2023
Holguin	1x weekly	13-Dec-2022	21-Mar-2023
Los Cabos	1x weekly	15-Dec-2022	06-Apr-2023
Montego Bay	1x weekly	11-Dec-2022	09-Apr-2023
Puerto Plata	1x weekly	06-Dec-2022	11-Apr-2023
Puerto Vallarta	1x weekly	16-Dec-2022	07-Apr-2023
Punta Cana	4x weekly	05-Nov-2022	10-Apr-2023
Santa Clara	2x weekly	13-Dec-2022	31-Mar-2023
Varadero	2x weekly	06-Nov-2022	09-Apr-2023

Ottawa residents can get more out of their getaways with Sunwing this winter season, and enjoy up to 40% in savings on vacation packages plus room upgrades at select properties during Sunwing’s Save More Event*, on now until November 6, 2022. The tour operator is also offering a limited time BOGO Seat Sale, where customers can buy one seat and the get second 40% off on new air only bookings* made by November 13, 2022, for winter departures between October 26, 2022 and April 30, 2023.

For even more value and added peace of mind, customers can purchase one of Sunwing’s comprehensive travel insurance options when booking their winter vacations.

*Terms and conditions apply.

About Sunwing

The largest integrated travel company in North America, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from airports across Canada to popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations as well as cruise packages and seasonal domestic flight service. Sunwing customers benefit from the assistance of the company’s own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. The company supports the communities where it operates through the Sunwing Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on the support and development of youth and humanitarian aid.