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CIA Expo Toronto rocks Porter

Flexibility, a can-do attitude, persistence and plenty of passion – all are key attributes to possess if you want to succeed in a career in aviation or aerospace.


April 11, 2016  By Matt Nicholls


This was one of the overriding messages conveyed by a bevy of aviation and aerospace professionals at Wings and Helicopters Careers in Aviation Expo (CIA) Saturday, April 9 at Porter Airline’s facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

A sold-out crowd of 230 air cadets, high school and college students, aviation professionals seeking career changes and much more, were treated to a variety of thought-provoking career-oriented panels covering various segments of the industry such as fixed- and rotary-wing pilots, AMEs and aerospace engineers, opportunities in business aviation, deciphering aviation weather at Environment Canada and much more.

Attendees were also treated to thought-provoking presentation by Porter Airlines’ president and CEO Robert Deluce, describing the inner workings of Porter’s successful city-based airline, its origins, challenges and where it is headed in the future. Deluce took the stage to kick off the event and his presence on stage in front of a gleaming Porter stalwart Bombardier Q400 aircraft was indeed impressive.

In addition to the speaking portion of the event, a variety of networking opportunities – complete with a small version of the Porter Lounge – gave young aviators a chance to rub shoulders with industry professional and discuss career options with exhibitors across a wide scope of the industry.

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This was the first time the event was hosted at a live aviation site and Porter went over the top in executing a very special day that is sure to excite and motivate the young aviators in attendance to forge ahead in their chosen career paths and strive to make their marks in this dynamic industry.

“What a great event, it truly is incredible to see the development of this important initiative since it started just a few years ago,” noted Sam Longo, president of the AME Association of Ontario and one of the esteemed speakers on the maintenance and aerospace panel. Longo spoke at the first CIA a few years ago and was bowled over by what was accomplished on Saturday. “It is such a great opportunity for young adults to be in the same room with industry leaders, having a chance to interact of so many levels.”

It truly was a special day and Wings and Helicopters would like to salute and thank Porter Airlines and all of the sponsors, speakers and support staff that made this event happen.

Register now for the upcoming Wings and Helicopters Careers in Aviation Expo in Calgary


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