HALIFAX,
NS, March 28, 2023 /CNW/ - Today Chorus
Aviation Inc. ('Chorus') (TSX: CHR) announced the launch of Cygnet
Aviation Academy ('Cygnet'), a first of its kind pilot academy in
Canada providing leading edge
flight training with direct access to career opportunities.
Cygnet, in collaboration with CAE, will deliver an all-in-one
program on state-of-the-art aircraft, flight training devices, and
full-flight simulators through which cadets will achieve their
Integrated Airline Transport Pilot License (iATPL) and acquire an
airline specific type rating over a 20-month program.
"We have long recognized the need to support the development of
future pilots and we are thrilled to be working with a fantastic
Canadian company like CAE to build an industry leading training
center in Canada," said
Colin Copp, Chorus' President and
Chief Executive Officer. "Furthermore, I am very pleased to
announce Lynne McMullen as Cygnet's
President. Lynne has spent her entire career developing and
advancing flight training programs and curriculums and we are
fortunate to have such a well-respected innovator as Lynne leading
Cygnet," continued Mr. Copp.
Lynne McMullen has over 25 years
of experience in flight training related positions, including as a
flight instructor and pilot examiner. Prior to joining Chorus, she
held progressive leadership positions with Seneca College School of Aviation, culminating
in the Director, Strategic Development role, where she was
instrumental in developing training and recruitment programs with
the RCAF and several Canadian airlines. She is active with several
aviation industry boards including the Air Transport Association of
Canada and the Aviation
Accreditation Board International.
"Cygnet and CAE will combine high-technology and leading-edge
digital education and training to prepare direct-entry-ready First
Officers for Canadian airlines," stated Ms. McMullen. "We're
excited to collaborate with Transport Canada to deliver a
competency-based training model in support of cutting-edge programs
for the next generation of aviation professionals. The launch of
Cygnet establishes an organization dedicated to developing airline
ready First Officers from start to finish, using state of the art
Diamond Aircraft and flight simulation training devices."
Designed for individuals with little to no flight experience,
cadets will spend 18 months at Cygnet in Kingston, Ontario. Here, cadets will have
access to state-of-the-art training methods, scenario-based flight
simulation training, and airline pilot mentorship. Upon completion
of the Integrated Airline Transport License, cadets will
transfer to a CAE training facility to complete their type
rating.
"With demand for pilots at unprecedented levels, we look forward
to working with Cygnet to train more aviators and provide a direct
path to becoming a commercial pilot," said Nick Leontidis, CAE's Group President, Civil
Aviation. "As part of the program, cadets will train on CAE's
advanced full-flight simulators where they will acquire the skill
and confidence to begin a career as a first officer."
The first class of cadets is already underway with regular
intakes throughout 2023 and beyond.
About Chorus Aviation
Inc.
Chorus' vision is to deliver regional aviation to the world.
Headquartered in Halifax, Nova
Scotia, Chorus is an integrated provider of regional
aviation solutions, including asset management services. Its
principal subsidiaries are: Falko Regional Aircraft, the world's
largest asset manager and aircraft lessor focused solely on the
regional aircraft leasing segment; Jazz Aviation, the sole provider
of regional air services under the Air Canada Express brand; and
Voyageur Aviation, a provider of specialty air charter, aircraft
modification, and parts provisioning services to regional aviation
customers around the world. Together, Chorus' subsidiaries provide
support services that encompass every stage of a regional
aircraft's lifecycle, including: aircraft acquisition and leasing;
aircraft refurbishment, engineering, modification, repurposing and
transition; contract flying; aircraft and component maintenance,
disassembly, and parts provisioning.
Chorus Class A Variable Voting Shares and Class B Voting Shares
trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol 'CHR'.
Chorus 5.75% Senior Unsecured Debentures due December 31,
2024, 6.00% Convertible Senior Unsecured Debentures due June
30, 2026, and 5.75% Senior Unsecured Debentures due June 30,
2027 trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading
symbols 'CHR.DB.A', 'CHR.DB.B', and 'CHR.DB.C'
respectively. www.chorusaviation.com.
About Cygnet Aviation Academy
LP
Cygnet is a professional flight training operation based in
Kingston Ontario. Owned by Chorus
Aviation Inc., Cygnet's mission is to provide safe,
state-of-the-art flight training preparing First Officer ready
candidates for Canadian airlines. Cygnet partners with CAE to
deliver ab-initio flight training utilizing a fleet of Diamond
Aircraft supported by advanced flight simulation training. Working
with CAE and Canadian airlines provides Cygnet with direct input on
industry best practices and evolving technology to ensure graduates
are prepared for direct entry positions.
https://cygnetaviation.com/.
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,
mission, and medical simulators, 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.
Read our FY22 Annual Activity and Corporate Social
Responsibility Report
SOURCE Chorus Aviation Inc.