Boeing and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will flight-test Long-range Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology next year. This remote-sensing technology could help commercial airplane pilots better detect and avoid weather disturbances to improve flight safety.

Drone Delivery Canada Corp. is reporting the success of a pivotal milestone towards commercializing its drone logistics platform after becoming the first and only company of its kind in Canada to successfully achieve Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) test flights.

A new world of mixed reality is emerging and SITA Lab, the research arm of air transport IT provider SITA, is exploring its potential for airlines and airports. Today it released early results of research carried out with Helsinki Airport using Microsoft HoloLens to analyze and manage airport operations in a mixed reality environment.

Clear Flight Solutions (CFS) and AERIUM Analytics have announced that the two companies will be focusing on safely integrating unmanned aerial system (UAS) technology at Edmonton International Airport (EIA), making it the first ever airport in the world to integrate a full suite of UAS services into their daily operations.

Embraer announced today an agreement with Uber to explore the concept of an ecosystem – dubbed Uber Elevate Network – that will allow the potential development and deployment of small electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (VTOLs) for short urban commutes. The announcement was made in Dallas, Tex., in the opening session of the Uber Elevate Summit.

Aeryon Labs Inc. has announced that Bill McHale has been appointed as chief executive officer. McHale assumes responsibility as CEO from Dave Kroetsch, who is taking on the critical role as the company’s first chief technology officer.  The change in leadership comes as Aeryon develops its next generation solutions, building on the continued success of the SkyRanger small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) and AeryonLive fleet, video, telemetry and data management platform.

Satcom Direct has formally launched aeroCNCT, the industry’s first Crewmember Network and Connectivity Training certificate program. The aeroCNCT, or “aero connect," course has been created to support industry professionals that work with, or are responsible for, connectivity during flight.

Recently, there has been a sharp increase in development activity with electric aircraft, as examined in the new report from IDTechEx Research, Manned Electric Aircraft 2017-2027. This development activity falls into three types – incremental improvement of existing airframes, “born electric” radically different approaches carefully aimed at identified markets and the heroic pushing of limits with no clear path to commercial viability. 

Aireon has announced that they have formally received control from Iridium Communications Inc. of the first Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) payload hosted on an Iridium NEXT satellite. This is a major milestone on the path towards 100 percent global air traffic surveillance. Aireon now begins a rigorous, in-depth testing and validation process, verifying the capability of the ADS-B payloads.

Stemme AG and S-PLANE Automation (Pty) Ltd have announced an agreement to integrate S-PLANE subsystems into the ECARYS ES15 aircraft to create an Optionally Piloted Vehicle (OPV). A comprehensive solution will be created, including the Ground Control Station, suitable for a variety of mission profiles.

Aireon has announced the successful launch and deployment of the first 10 satellites hosting its space-based automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) system.

CTT Systems AB (CTT), the market leader in aircraft humidity control systems, has announced a Zonal Drying order for additional 14 Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s from Pobeda Airlines (a low-cost airline in the Aeroflot Group) to be line fitted from February 2018.

Cutting-edge technology plus an expanded network of authorized installation centres are giving owners, operators and customers like Textron Aviation more reasons to continue to collaborate with UTC Aerospace Systems on their de-icing needs.

BendixKing, a wholly owned subsidiary Honeywell, is allowing pilots to turn any smartphone into a satellite messaging and tracking device with its new AeroWave Text & Track.

Delta Air Lines is outfitting its new long-haul aircraft from Airbus with the winner of the 2016 German Design Award, the CL3710 from Recaro Aircraft Seating. The German seating manufacturer’s standout product for economy class cabins will fly on 25 new Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The airline has ordered a total of 5,600 Recaro seats.

Walter Surface Technologies the global industry leader in surface treatment technologies, has announced the launch of its new Surfox 205 and Surfox Mini TIG and spot weld cleaning system.

UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. has developed a non-chromate landing gear corrosion protection primer incorporating its patented EcoSky pigment.

Astronics Corporation, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Astronics Max-Viz, has certified its 2300 Enhanced Vision System (EVS) to the DO-160G standard. Blending infrared and visible light sensors, the Max-Viz 2300 EVS displays real-time heat sources along with LED airport lighting to make it safer for pilots to land in dark, challenging conditions.

STELIA Aerospace’s CELESTE Business Class seat is now fully offerable on A320 family aircraft. Airbus has granted full offerability for the CELESTE mechanical seat, ahead of first aircraft deliveries to two customers in the third quarter 2017.

Lightspeed Aviation has announced the launch of the Zulu 3 ANR headset. Zulu 3 builds on the performance and features that made the original Zulu and Zulu.2 popular choices for private and professional pilots worldwide, but adds a number of enhancements that result in increased comfort and durability:

Air BP returns to this year’s NBAA Schedulers and Dispatchers Conference (SDC2017), being held in Fort Worth, Texas, from 7th-10th February, with the news that its RocketRoute Fuel App is now available on iPhone. Delegates are invited to visit the Air BP Booth 500 to see a demonstration of the app first hand.

Mike Disbrow, president of Hartzell Engine Technologies (HET), has announced that as a result of its asset purchase of C&D Associates in 2016, the company is now producing a line of South Wind replacement heaters under the Janitrol Aero brand.

John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 4 - one of the world’s most modern and efficient air terminals - has selected the BEONTRA Operational Terminal Prediction (OTP) tool from Leidos  to help maximize the efficiency of terminal operations following a successful pilot project.

Boeing, through its subsidiary Jeppesen, has announced a three-year service agreement with the University of North Dakota Department of Aviation to provide the school with its industry-leading navigation and electronic flight bag (EFB) services.

Canada boasts one of the safest regulatory operating environments in the world but there is plenty of room for improvement – and changes are necessary to ensure it remains safe and secure in the months and years ahead.

Having concluded my first full calendar year as a lawyer within the aviation industry, one point stands vividly clear: the technical competency regulator of Canada’s aviation industry lacks the efficiency and responsiveness warranted by our country’s advanced state of civil aviation.

In the March/April issue of Wings, Transportation Safety Board chair Kathy Fox painted a compelling argument for the importance of recorders of all forms – voice, video and data – in accident investigation.

With more reports of reckless drone use around airports and aircraft, the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) today commended minister of transport Marc Garneau on the immediate introduction of new interim drone rules.

Minister Garneau announced today an Interim Order which provides safety rules for recreational drone use.

Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc. has selected AviationManuals as its preferred Safety Management System (SMS) provider for its clients.

Canada has the highest volume of seaplane operations in the world. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) estimates that in the Vancouver Harbour alone, about 300,000 passengers travel on about 33,000 seaplane flights each year.

In an expansion of their existing partnership, FlightSafety International now will offer Satcom Direct’s AeroIT certification preparation course. AeroIT is the world’s first information technology certification for aviation and equips aircraft technicians, maintenance, IT personnel and crew with vital knowledge of today’s sophisticated airborne communications systems.

Baldwin Aviation has announced a strategic alliance with one of the industry’s leading Aviation Safety consultancies, Safety Operating Systems (SOS). The new collaborative program, BaldwinSOS, provides clients of both firms with a suite of additional a la carte services that further enhances and supports safety.

In its investigation report (A14A0067) released on Friday, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) found that a lack of visual references and low visibility due to weather led to a collision with terrain involving a Piper PA-31 in Grand Manan, New Brunswick. The captain and a paramedic, who was not wearing a seatbelt, sustained fatal injuries. The other pilot and second passenger sustained serious injuries.

The Global SuperTanker has received interim approval from the U.S. Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) to fight fires in the United States.

A Northwest aerospace company has bought six Boeing 737 passenger jets from Southwest Airlines to convert them into aerial firefighting tankers.

One of Canada's most prominent Northern supply companies is growing, adding an airline to its roster.The North West Company Inc., based in Winnipeg, announced last week it has bought Thunder Bay, Ont.-based North Star Air for $31 million.It also expects to invest another $14 million to expand airplane and hub capacity immediately after the sale, North West said in a news release.“Moving goods is critical to our success and NSA is a proven, superior performer,” said Edward Kennedy, president and CEO of North West.Though the company will continue using third-party carriers to ship goods north, having an in-house airline would make service faster and more consistent, Kennedy said. The deal is expected to close in June, once it passes regulatory hurdles.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTKs) grew by 3.8% in 2016 compared to 2015. This was nearly double the industry’s average growth rate of 2.0% over the last five years. Freight capacity, measured in available freight tonne kilometres (AFTKs), increased by 5.3% in 2016.

NAV CANADA has released its financial results for the three months ended November 30, 2016. The results reflect growth in air traffic volumes as measured by weighted charging units of 5.5 per cent over the same period in the prior fiscal year and demonstrate the Company's continued success in controlling costs and making strategic investments in its core services while maintaining safe and efficient air navigation.

Field Aviation and ASELSAN, a Turkish Armed Forces Foundation Company, are jointly developing a new Special Mission Aircraft platform.

As the WestJet Boeing 737 began its final approach to Vancouver International Airport from Prince George, B.C. last February, young Harlyn was closer to Vancouver’s Children’s Hospital and the specialized treatments she would need.

GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) has announced the placement of its first 737-800NG passenger-to-freighter converted aircraft with Dublin, Ireland based ASL Aviation Group. The agreement covers the lease of two 737-800NG freighters.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for global air freight markets in August 2016 showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTKs), rose 3.9% year-on-year. Freight capacity measured in available freight tonne kilometers (AFTKs) increased by 4.1% over the same period. Load factors remained historically low, keeping yields under pressure.Industry conditions have improved since the particularly soft patch at the start of the year. Carriers in all regions except Latin America reported an increase in year-on-year demand in August. However, regional results varied considerably. For the third time in four months airlines based in Europe posted the highest collective annual growth of all regions, while airlines in the Middle East experienced their slowest growth in more than seven years.

In its investigation report (A15W0069) released Thursday, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) found that during firefighting operations, the aircraft encountered a fire whirl, which led to a loss of control and impact with terrain. The pilot was fatally injured in the accident, which occurred near Cold Lake, Alberta, on May 22. 2015.

Greater Toronto Airways announced on Monday it plans to operate daily scheduled flights from Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport to the Niagara District Airport in St. Catharines.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for global air freight demand in June 2016 showing a rise in freight tonne kilometers (FTK) of 4.3% year-on-year. This was the fastest pace of growth in 14 months. Freight capacity measured in available freight ton kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 4.9% year-on-year, keeping yields under downward pressure.

AAR has secured its first Airbus NEO fleet customer by signing a long-term component support agreement with Hawaii’s largest airline, Hawaiian Airlines.

AAR has secured an extension of its contract supporting Air Austral’s fleet of B737NG aircraft, which began in 2009.

Approximately one-third of unionized employees at the Abbotsford-based aircraft maintenance company Cascade Aerospace could be laid off in the coming months.

AAR has signed a long-term, multimillion-dollar agreement with Polish charter carrier Enter Air to provide full power-by-the-hour (PBH) component inventory management and repair services on 19 Boeing 737-series aircraft, including the 737CL and NG.

When it comes to replacement parts, the large OEMs would prefer to have a monopoly on the aftermarket business. But as with any industry, the presence of alternative aftermarket products of comparable, or even better, quality drives down prices. For the aviation industry, this competition comes from smaller independent MROs as well as PMA parts manufacturers.

Associated Air Center (AAC) has received the industry’s first approval for a Boeing 787 Series aircraft Limited Airframe rating from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), authorizing the company to perform composite bolted major repairs and alterations on 787 Series composite aircraft.

AAR has signed a long-term, multimillion-dollar contract to provide power-by-the-hour (PBH) component inventory management and repair services to Dubai-based flydubai. The agreement represents a significant expansion of AAR’s commercial footprint in the Middle East.

Vector Aerospace has announced that it has entered into exclusive Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A engine service agreements with four leading agricultural aviation and aerial firefighting operators in Australia.

Air Canada has announced that it has signed agreements with three of its business partners that will help support the creation of a Western Canada Centre of Excellence for aircraft maintenance activities in the province of Manitoba.

Representatives of the Progressive Air Group and Brant Aero have announced that Progressive Air Group has finalized its acquisition of Brantford, Ont.-based Brant Aero.

Associated Air Center (AAC), StandardAero’s Large Transport Category, VIP Aircraft Completions Center in Dallas, Texas, has revealed some of its most exclusive interior design concepts for ACJ350 VVIP completions while the company is actively bidding for new wide-body completion contracts with new customers.

StandardAero Business Aviation recently received official confirmation and certification for providing aircraft and engine services in Aruba, expanding the company’s international footprint and investments to more than 40 different countries around the world.  The specific Aruba certification applies to StandardAero’s Houston MRO facility, located at IAH international airport.

Our client, Wasaya Airways is seeking an outgoing, motivated and engaging individual to join their team in the role of Director, People.

Okanagan Mountain Helicopters is seeking a pilot with a minimum of 1000 hours for charter and contract work in western Canada. This position is a multi-year posting. 

Highpoint Helicopters operates a fleet of AS350-B2 aircraft primarily from bases in Grande Prairie and Peace River, Alberta. We are currently seeking applications from experienced pilots interested in seasonal employment as Pilot / Base Manager from April through September 2017. The proposed shift schedule is 22/8 (Days) throughout the core season with the relief blocks provided on a pre-scheduled basis. Preference will be given to qualified candidates residing in the Peace Region. Qualified candidates may forward Resume to Daryl Anderson electronically or by standard mail to Highpoint Helicopters Ltd. Box 505, 4811 Telqua Drive, 108 Mile Ranch, B.C. V0K 2Z0. Telephone inquiries from interested candidates also accepted at (250)-706-7731