Becomes Eighteenth Partner To Join the Program

Jazz Aviation has signed an agreement with Winnipeg, Manitoba-based Keewatin Air LP ("Keewatin") for the carrier to become the eighteenth organization in the Jazz Aviation Pathways Program (Jazz APP).

"Our Jazz APP program was introduced 11 years ago to provide a clearer pathway for professional pilots across Canada," said Steve Linthwaite, Vice President, Flight Operations, Jazz. "We're very pleased to continue delivering on this commitment by welcoming Keewatin – who has operational bases as far north as Cambridge Bay, Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit, NU – to elevate our Jazz APP further, into a truly Canadian concept."

There are two pillars of this agreement. First, Jazz will refer to Keewatin, high quality graduates who have progressed through the Jazz Aviation Pathways Program at our affiliated aviation colleges and universities. Those graduates would have the opportunity to transition to first officer positions at Keewatin.

Second, the Jazz Aviation Pathways Program will provide a direct career path opportunity for qualifying Keewatin pilots to transition to first officer positions at Jazz. The career pathway could then continue for those Keewatin pilots interested in future opportunities to fly for Air Canada through Jazz's Pilot Mobility Program with the mainline carrier.

Through agreements with 13 colleges and universities, and five industry organizations including Keewatin, the Jazz APP program provides yet another pilot career pathway for aviation graduates with this latest agreement.

"Keewatin Air is pleased to be part of the Jazz Pilot Pathway Program," said D. Wayne McLeod, President, Keewatin Air. "This mutually beneficial partnership will offer a defined path for pilots to gain invaluable experience and prepare them for successful advancement to another well-respected and recognized Canadian airline".

Jazz is Air Canada's largest and longest-serving regional partner and operates approximately 700 flights a day as an integral part of Air Canada's strategy and North American market presence. Jazz is a proud operator of Air Canada Express service to 77 destinations in Canada and the United States with a fleet of 116 aircraft.

Through Jazz's agreement with Air Canada, a professional pilot career with Jazz provides a faster track to flying for Air Canada mainline. Up to 80% of Air Canada's pilots are hired from their Air Canada Express partners; with the majority coming from Jazz. To-date 450 Jazz pilots have transitioned to Air Canada under our Pilot Mobility Program.

Since 2007 Jazz has been actively involved in shaping the curriculum and training of Canada's future professional pilots through active engagement with aviation colleges, flight schools and universities. In 2015, Jazz rebranded these efforts under the Jazz Aviation Pathways Program banner. To-date, Jazz has announced agreements between Jazz APP and the following aviation colleges, flight schools, universities and industry organizations.

(Source: Chorus Aviation news release)

FMI: www.chorusaviation.ca