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By Jon Robinson
Canadian airline competition
Key takeaways from the Competition Bureau market study report
The competition Bureau of Canada in June 2025 released a market study of Canada’s airline industry, called Cleared for take-off, Elevating airline competition, which it began back in July of 2024. The study was also the first in which the Competition Bureau leveraged new powers to have courts demand documents from the parties it looks into, which was executed in late 2024.
At major airports across the country, according to the report, Air Canada and WestJet together account for roughly half to three quarters of all domestic passenger traffic (56 per cent to 78 per cent). Market concentration has gone down by one tenth (10 per cent) between 2019 and 2023, according to the Competition Bureau, which notes the recent successes of airlines like Porter and Flair, while others like Lynx Air have exited the market. The bureau states, however, that the average concentration remains extremely high and competition from new sources remains fragile.
The bureau also notes that the competition between Air Canada and WestJet appears to be changing across the major population centres. WestJet’s share of domestic passengers is declining more at major eastern airports, outlines the report, while Air Canada’s share is declining more at major western airports. As a result, the bureau notes they are directly competing on fewer routes when compared to 2019.
The biggest reaction to the study focused on the bureau recommendation that Canada should allow up to 100 per cent foreign ownership of domestic-only airlines in a bid to lower fares and boost flight options – opening up the Canadian market to a new class of airline. The current foreign
“Cabotage is not the answer to competition in a country as sparse and large as Canada. A foreign carrier is not going to service our smallest towns and thin volume routes.”
ownership cap is at 49 per cent and no more than 25 per cent of a domestic carrier can be owned by any one foreign entity, a proportion the Competition Bureau proposed raising to nearly half.
The report points to Australia and New Zealand as places that permit full outsider ownership of in-country carriers, noting more foreign investment in Canadian airlines improves access to capital, drives growth and promotes competition. The geographical isolation of the Australian continent certainly holds different challenges than the geographical size of Canada, which first and foremost must concentrate on access to remote and northern locations.
It is hard to envision how foreign ownership of a domestic-only airline would
TOP DATA BURSTS… in this issue
1. The Global 7500 earned its 135th speed record in mid2025. P.9 2. New development at Montreal Metropolitan Airport will house nine gates. P18. 3. JetNet reported a 36% increase in pre-owned business jet transactions year over year. P. 20. 4. The trans-shipping aircraft is now subject to 40% U.S. tariffs. P.22. 5. Cabin Comfort at 31% was the number one investment choice for aircraft investment. P.26
improve this already challenging operational environment, which routinely sees governments needing to invest and make allowances to keep relatively fragile routes open. Would subsidies, financial breaks or operating considerations be given to foreign entities to inspire them to run less profitable routes into the north. This raises another key challenge of allowing those foreign operators which currently receive subsidies from their home government, if they are not outright owned by the country, to come into a private market – Yes, even accounting for the recent Covid loan bailouts – to compete with Canadian businesses. Many of the world’s largest aviation conglomerates also hold stakes in other airlines, creating more red-tape issues to address around allowing 100 per cent foreign ownership of domestic-only airlines in Canada.
“Cabotage is not the answer to competition in a country as sparse and large as Canada. A foreign carrier is not going to service our smallest towns and thin volume routes,” said Monette Pasher, President of the Canadian Airports Council, in a statement responding to the bureau’s market study.
Giving foreign companies greater access to Canada’s aviation market would need to come with conditions, such as commitments to fly certain regional routes and providing similar access to the home markets of those new airlines. Finding the right balance of conditions without major subsidies for foreign interests is not a simple challenge. | W
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ON THE FLY
THE LEAD
NEW SIMULATOR FOR PORTER E195-E2 PILOTS
Porter and Embraer CAE Training Services on July 25 announced the expansion of the airline’s pilot training operations with the deployment of an Embraer E195-E2 full-flight simulator at CAE’s Montreal training centre. Training began in May 2025 supported by Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS), a joint venture between Embraer and CAE. The newest generation 7000XR Series FFS, equipped with the CAE Prodigy visual system, was developed and manufactured by CAE in Montreal.
As a result of the investment, comprehensive initial and recurrent training for E2 pilots will be delivered in Montreal. The simulator will allow Porter to increase E2 pilot capacity to meet the demand for its expanding jet fleet – 46 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft have already been delivered, with up to 100 expected.
The CAE Prodigy Image Generator (IG) integrated into the new E2 FFS leverages Epic Games’ Unreal Engine for more realistic and effective training. CAE explains Prodigy elevates sessions in the simulator with photorealistic renderings and enhanced moving models that result in a more immersive pilot training environment. In addition to Montreal, ECTS operates E2 full-flight simulators in Singapore and Madrid, Spain. ECTS also provides training on the Phenom family of business jets using FFS at CAE training centres in Dallas, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; Burgess Hill, United Kingdom; São Paulo, Brazil; and Vienna, Austria.
COMMERCIAL
CHORUS TO ACQUIRE ELISEN & ASSOCIATES
Chorus Aviation in July announced it had entered into an agreement to acquire Elisen & Associates Inc., which provides aerospace engineering and certification services based in Montreal. Founded in 1997 by Stephane Durand and Taif Rahman, Elisen, explains Chorus Aviation, has built a strong reputation for its work on complex engineering projects spanning commercial, business and rotary aircraft modifications, defence projects and sustainable aviation development. Elisen’s projects include work on the Airbus A220, Bell helicopters and Bombardier, Gulfstream and Lear special mission aircraft, among others. Durand and Rahman will continue to lead Elisen following the closing of the transaction expected later this year.
Chorus in August reported its second quarter delivered a $32.4 million profit, compared with a net loss of $180.6 million in the same period a year earlier. “Our second quarter results reflect solid performance on all key financial metrics and concrete actions to return capital to shareholders, while re-investing in Chorus’ growth and high-potential capabilities,” said Colin Copp, CEO, Chorus, noting the strong performance of subsidiary Voyageur Aviation and consistent earnings from Jazz Aviation’s capacity purchase agreement with Air Canada.
“The second quarter also included an important milestone for Voyageur, as it delivered the first of two Dash 8-300
Fireswift aerial firefighting aircraft on behalf of its customer, Metrea, a global, US-based defense and national security company. We are excited about the opportunity in this area.”
AIR CANADA REDIRECTS CAPACITY FROM U.S.
Air Canada in August suspended its guidance for third quarter and full-year 2025 operating results shortly after the start of a labour disruption that saw more than 10,000 of its flight attendants on strike. Air Canada in July released its second quarter results which showed passenger revenues from the airline’s U.S. transborder segment dropped 11 per cent during the three months ended June 30, when compared to last year’s second quarter, to $961 million – transborder passenger load factor dropped 3.6 per cent over these two corresponding periods. Related data from Statistics Canada showed that Canadian-resident returns from the United States by air declined by more than 24 per cent in May when compared to the same month a year earlier, continuing a five-month downward trend. Returning automobile traffic was also down 38 per cent year-over-year in May.
Air Canada’s other passenger markets all saw a boost in the second quarter of 2025, including domestic (plus 3.2 per cent) and Atlantic (plus 5.2 per cent) regions. The airline welcomed 11.6 million passengers in the period with Average Seat Miles up 2.5 per cent year over year. “We have strategically redirected capacity to high-demand markets and captured demand for premium services, leveraging the breadth and strength of our global network,” said Michael Rousseau, CEO, Air Canada. “Our results were further lifted by strong performances by Air Canada Cargo, Air Canada Vacations, and Aeroplan – each a key pillar of our diversified business.”
The airline reported net income of $186 million in the second quarter of 2025, down from $410 million in the same quarter last year. Passenger revenues in the quarter amounted to $5 billion, up one per cent from last year on 2.5 per cent capacity growth. In July, Air Canada also announced Aeroplan members in 2026 will earn points based
The new Embraer E195-E2 full-flight simulator, based on the latest generation 7000XR Series FFS and equipped with the CAE Prodigy visual system, was developed and manufactured in Montreal. PHOTO: CAE
on dollars spent rather than the distance they travel. Air Canada and ITA Airways in July announced a new codeshare agreement.
WESTJET AND KENYA AIRWAYS AGREEMENT
WestJet in late July formed a new iinterline partnership agreement with Kenya Airways, enhancing connectivity across both carriers’ networks. The agreement allows WestJet passengers to seamlessly travel to Nairobi, and beyond, with expanded access to 35 destinations across Africa. WestJet passengers now have single-point connection access via Paris, Amsterdam, London (Gatwick), London (Heathrow) and New York (JFK) to Nairobi. On the other side of the Atlantic, Kenya Airways passengers benefit gain single-stop access to Calgary, Halifax, St. John’s and Toronto, feeding into 69 North American destinations.
“Our newest interline partnership with Kenya Airways is a continuation of our tireless commitment to more global connectivity throughout WestJet’s network and beyond,” said John Weatherill, Chief Commercial Officer, WestJet. “With the addition of new single-point access to Nairobi, WestJet is further leveraging its European and transborder connection points to offer convenient and affordable connectivity in service of business and leisure guests.”
PAL PROGRAM FOR REGIONAL AIR TRAVEL
The Maritime provinces of Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, as well as the federal government through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), are collectively investing more than $9 million to fund a three-year program for PAL Airlines to help restore air travel in the region. Developed with InterVISTAS, the new program follows
significant service reductions to the region in recent years, driven in large part by pandemic-related challenges and shifting economic conditions.
PAL Airlines, selected as the program vendor through a formal Request for Proposals, will use Halifax as a hub connecting four other airports in Sydney, Charlottetown, Fredericton and Moncton. The funding includes $5 million from ACOA and $4.2 million from the provinces (P.E.I. at $840,000, Nova Scotia $2.9 million and New Brunswick $458,000). ACOA noted discussions with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador are ongoing, and a separate announcement about another program to restore air travel in Atlantic would be made once details are finalized. “Restoring regional air access has been a top priority for our member airports, and this initiative is the result of years of collaborative effort,” said Nadia MacDonald, Executive Director, Atlantic Canada Airports Association. “Strong air connections are vital, not only for business and tourism, but also for access to healthcare, education, and maintaining the ties that keep families and communities connected.”
BUSINESS AVIATION BOMBARDIER EARNS ORDER FOR 50 JETS
Bombardier in July announced it received a firm order for 50 of its Challenger and Global aircraft. Together, the firm aircraft and service agreements are valued at US$1.7 billion with deliveries set to begin in 2027. The unnamed first-time Bombardier customer, which wanted to remain anonymous prior to unveiling its offering in the marketplace, will also hold 70 new aircraft purchase options. Aircraft deliveries are expected to begin in 2027. If all purchase options are exercised, the combined aircraft and service agreements’ value would reach more than US$4 billion.
RBC Dominion Securities analyst James McGarragle, in a report by The Canadian Press, noted the deal represents a 12 per cent increase to Bombardier’s current backlog, which could increase to 28 per cent if the additional 70 jet options are exercised. “This order does contribute in a significant way to our large backlog jump,” said Eric Martel, CEO of Bombardier, on a call with analysts. “Overall, it’s really half the story behind our solid unit book-to-bill ratio of 2.3. We are seeing sustained demand and consistent flight utilization for business jets.”
Days after announcing the deal, Bombardier reported its Global 7500 business jet earned its 135th speed records, the most ever set by a single business aircraft type. The aircraft’s city-pair speed records
An Air Canada Airbus 330 adorned with the livery of Star Alliance, comprised of 26 carriers, which Skytrax named the World’s Best Airline Alliance for the fourth consecutive year in June 2025.
The Q400 is a key aircraft in the contracts for PAL Airlines to improve regional commercial passenger service in Atlantic Canada.
include pairs like Tokyo to San Francisco, London to Riyadh, Oakland to Tokyo, Hartford to Dubai, Tokyo to Toronto and Montreal to Paris. Earlier achievements on the Global 7500 include the longest flight ever recorded in business aviation, a 15,232.7 km flight from Sydney to Detroit.
HELICOPTERS
BELL TEXTRON CANADA DONATES COMPONENTS
Bell Textron Canada announced its second donation within a year to the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT). The most recent shipment includes 700 aircraft components valued at $4.4 million. Combined with the other 1,800 components donated in October 2024, the estimated value of Bell’s total contribution to SIIT now exceeds $10 million.
“This renewed collaboration deepens Bell’s contribution to the education of Indigenous youth wishing to become the
Bombardier said its services businesses reported 16 per cent year-over-year growth, reaching US$590 million during the second quarter of 2025.
next generation of aviation professionals,” said Michael Nault, General Manager of Bell Textron Canada.
Bell explains the donation includes a range of aircraft parts such as communication systems, machined parts, sheet metal, composites, and various electrical and mechanical components. By providing these authentic materials, Bell aims to significantly enhance SIIT’s Aircraft Maintenance Engineering program. The donated parts are comprised of surplus inventory from Bell which is obsolete with no potential rework or spares use on Bell’s end.
Reach Your Aviation Goals
Our
We
MAGNIX AND ROBINSON TO DEVELOP BATTERY POWERED R66
magniX and Robinson Helicopter Company reached an agreement to jointly develop a battery electric demonstrator based on the Robinson R66 platform. The two companies plan to have the first flight of this demonstrator take place in late 2026. magniX will provide its electric powertrain for helicopters, including the first of its range of lightweight, high speed HeliStorm engines designed for rotorcraft applications. It will also share its Samson batteries.
In 2022, magniX powered the first flight of a retrofitted electric Robinson R44 helicopter; followed in March 2025 with the world’s first piloted flight by a hydrogen-electric helicopter, another retrofitted R44. Robinson Helicopter notes the R66 is one of the world’s most ubiquitous helicopters with over 1,500 units in service and more than 100 new units sold every year.
AIRBUS LAUNCHES H160M FLIGHT TESTS
Airbus Helicopters started flight testing the H160M Guépard, a militarized version of the H160 being developed for the French Armed Forces as part of the Joint Light Helicopter program. The H160M was chosen by France as a single platform to equip all branches of its armed forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force. The French Ministry of Armed Forces plans to order 169 H160Ms to replace five types of helicopters currently in service with the French Armed Forces or recently retired. Delivery is set to begin in late 2028. Airbus will provide maintenance and operational support for the H160M for an initial 10 years.
The H160M builds on the civil H160 platform, which has been in service for
over three years. Named “Guépard” by the French Armed Forces, Airbus explains the H160M will develop out of three prototypes, with the second in final assembly.
MILITARY
SPEISER-BLANCHET RCAF COMMANDER
Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet assumed command of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) from Eric Kenny. She becomes the 22nd Commander of the RCAF, as well as the first woman to hold the position. She has served in many roles throughout her career, including as a CH146 Griffon helicopter pilot, and numerous staff and command roles. She deployed in support of United Nations and NATO operations and, most recently, served as the Deputy Commander of the RCAF.
The outgoing commander, LieutenantGeneral Kenny, served as RCAF Commander since 2022, and will retire from
the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) after 36 years. The RCAF employs approximately 11,600 Regular Force, 2,000 Reserve Force and 1,400 civilian Defence Team personnel.
MRO
EVJEN TO LEAD KF AEROSPACE
Gregg Evjen was set to become President of KF Aerospace, effective September 1, 2025. Tracy Medve, KF Aerospace’s current President and CEO, will continue
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as CEO of KF Capital Ltd., the umbrella organization overseeing KF Aerospace and the company’s other business divisions. Evjen has a 35-year career with KF Aerospace, joining as a Junior Engineer in 1989 after completing his studies in Aeronautical Engineering at SAIT. He has played a central role in the company’s evolution, explains KF Aerospace, leading hundreds of engineering projects and regulatory approvals, including the Convair CV5800 stretch program, multiple freighter conversions, and modification programs across nearly every major aircraft type in KF’s operations. | W
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The Award recognizes and honours a flight instructor, either fixed or rotary who has made a significant contribution to safety in Canada, also having demonstrated superior teaching skills.
e Award recognizes and honours a ight instructor, either xed or rotary wing, who has made a signi cant contribution to safety in Canada, also having demonstrated superior teaching skills.
Jane & Rikki Abramson established this Award in 2003 through Air Transport Association of Canada, and will personally present this year’s award. The recipient’s name will be engraved on the prestigious perpetual trophy and entered in the associated logbook, both on permanent display in the Canada Aviation & Space Museum in Ottawa.
Nominations can be made at any time throughout the year, prior to the deadline of September 14th, 2025
Nominations can be made at any time throughout the year, prior to the deadline of September 14th, 2025
For entry requirements contact Jane Abramson, Founder & National Administrator
For entry requirements contact Jane Abramson, Founder & National Administrator
Email: janeabramson@videotron.ca
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The Award is Generously Sponsored by:
Jane & Rikki Abramson established this Award in 2003 through Air Transport Association of Canada, and will personally present this year’s award. e recipient’s name will be engraved on the prestigious perpetual trophy and entered in the associated logbook, both on permanent display in the Canada Aviation & Space Museum in Ottawa.
e Award is Generously Sponsored By:
The French Ministry of Armed Forces plans to order 169 H160Ms, with deliveries expected to begin in 2028, to replace five types of helicopters currently in service with the French Armed Forces or recently retired.
By Tim Anderson |
Past, present and future
The role of Canadian aviation organizations in shaping our industry
One of the most vital and often underappreciated aspects of the aviation industry is the vibrant community it fosters. This community encompasses a diverse range of individuals, including pilots, aircraft owners, maintenance technicians, industry managers, and aviation enthusiasts. These stakeholders are connected through a network of specialized groups and associations, each dedicated to supporting, advocating for, and advancing their respective sectors within the broader aviation industry.
Among these organizations are the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association of Canada (AMEC/TEAC), the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA), and the Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA), to name a few. These groups serve multiple functions. They act as platforms for like-minded individuals to share knowledge, discuss industry challenges, and promote best practices. More importantly, they serve as influential voices of advocacy and support, especially during challenging times when industry voices need to be heard at the national and regulatory levels.
These organizations also play a key role in promoting sectorspecific advancements and advocating for industry-wide improvements. This includes efforts to secure greater recognition for the contributions of their members, enhancements in safety standards, and reform in regulatory policies. Their advocacy work often extends to active participation in major industry consultations, such as
Anthony Norejko, named the President and CEO of the Canadian Business Aviation Association in August 2018, is a former chief pilot and director of aviation operations.
those with Transport Canada and other government agencies. In these forums, they work to influence policy and regulations, ensuring that the interests of their members are represented and that safety and innovation are prioritized.
A voice at the table
In an industry characterized by rigorous regulation and complex operational requirements, having a seat at the table is essential for fostering constructive dialogue and achieving positive change. These organizations ensure that the voices of their members are heard in the corridors of power where decisions are made.
For example, COPA, with its membership exceeding 11,000 individuals, stands as the largest aviation association in Canada dedicated to general aviation. It plays a pivotal role when
regulatory changes are proposed that could impact recreational flying and personal aircraft operation. COPA actively reviews proposed regulations, responds with expert feedback, and advocates for policies that maintain the balance between safety and freedom. Its focus on issues like avionics upgrade requirements, pilot medical reform, and drone integration has significantly shaped policy decisions, contributing to a regulatory environment that fosters innovation and safety while protecting individual freedoms.
Similarly, the CBAA represents the interests of the business aviation sector, a segment characterized by its unique operational requirements. From small charter operators to large corporate flight departments, these entities face regulatory challenges that differ markedly from those of other aviation
sectors. The CBAA advocates for tailored oversight, more flexible safety management systems (SMS), and policies that recognize the economic and strategic importance of business aviation to Canada’s economy.
For Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs), provincial AME associations and organizations like AMEC/TEAC are vital. These groups push for improved recognition of AME licenses, advocate for improved training standards, and collaborate with government agencies to establish industry-wide best practices. Their efforts help to ensure that maintenance professionals are equipped with the skills and recognition necessary to uphold safety and reliability across the industry.
Education and professional development
In addition to advocacy, these organizations often provide continuous education and professional development opportunities for their members, as well as scholarships. The rapidly evolving technological landscape within aviation requires ongoing learning; and these groups serve as essential sources of up-to-date information.
Many associations organize technical workshops, webinars, and conferences that focus on the latest developments in technology, safety protocols, and regulatory changes. For example, the annual National Aircraft Maintenance Conference held in Toronto brings together maintenance professionals, manufacturers, and regulators to discuss emerging issues, share innovations, and collaborate on solutions. Scheduled for November 13-14 this year, this conference
exemplifies the commitment of industry organizations to foster an environment of learning and professional growth.
Similarly, COPA offers a series of safety seminars, flight training programs, and initiatives like COPA for Kids, which aims to introduce young individuals to aviation and inspire future generations of pilots and enthusiasts. These programs not only enhance skills but also cultivate a culture of safety and enthusiasm within the community.
The CBAA’s annual convention is another cornerstone event, serving as a vital platform for networking, knowledge sharing and industry dialogue. Attendees include decision-makers from various facets of the business aviation sector, providing a comprehensive overview of industry trends and innovations. The 2026 convention, scheduled for June 9-11 in Calgary at Sunwest Aviation, underscores the continued importance of these gatherings in shaping the future of Canada’s aviation landscape.
Building inclusive and diverse aviation communities
While the core organizations mentioned represent significant segments of the industry, numerous other groups and associations serve various niche interests or segments within Canada. Together, they contribute to a diverse and inclusive aviation community that spans geographical boundaries, skill levels, and professional backgrounds.
In a highly specialized and regulated industry like aviation, fostering such inclusivity and diversity is crucial for innovation, safety and economic growth. The efforts of these organizations to include a broad spectrum of voices help ensure that industry developments are comprehensive, progressive, and reflective of the industry’s needs. Regardless of which segments of aviation you are in or are interested in, there are numerous groups available for your industry interests. | W
KEY CANADIAN AVIATION AND AEROSPACE ORGANIZATIONS
Aéro Montréal
Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC)
Aerospace Industry Association of British Columbia (AIABC)
Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC)
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers of Canada (AMEC/TEAC)
Alberta Aviation Aerospace & Defence Council
AME Association of Ontario
British Columbia Aviation Council (BCAC)
Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame
Canadian Aerial Applicators Association (CAAA)
Canadian Airports Council (CAC)
Canadian Aviation Historical Society
Canadian Aviation Pride
Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA)
Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace (CCAA)
Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHHA)
Canadian Historical Aircraft Association
Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA)
Canadian Women in Aviation (CWIA)
Elevate Aviation
Experimental Aircraft Association
Canadian Council
Helicopter Association of Canada (HAC)
Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC)
National Airlines Council of Canada
Northern Lights Aero Foundation
Ontario Aerospace Council (OAC)
RCAF Foundation
Recreational Aircraft Association (RAA)
Saskatchewan Aviation Council (SAC)
The Ninety-Nines
Women in Aerospace Canada (WIA-Canada)
ALTERNATIVE APPROACH
Domestic airline concentration
Competition Bureau findings won’t solve
Canada’s aviation challenges
By Geraint Harvey |
Arecent market study, Cleared for take-off, by the Competition Bureau is calling for more airline competition in Canada’s airline industry to reduce fares, increase service quality and provide better services to remote communities.
The study reiterates that Canada’s domestic air travel market is largely dominated by just two carriers, Air Canada and WestJet. Together, they account for between 56 per cent to 78 per cent of all domestic passenger traffic. This concentration limits passenger choice, and many Canadians feel airfares are high and quality of service is low as a consequence.
Increased competition has lowered air fares elsewhere, like in Europe, for example, where low-cost and ultra-low-cost airlines dominate the continental market. However, there have been negative outcomes for consumers.
While the bureau positions competition as the solution to the many issues plaguing the industry, it overlooks how an increase in competition can fall short, particularly when it comes to transparency, service quality, labour conditions and regional connectivity.
Cost transparency not likely to improve
One of the Competition Bureau’s key criticisms of Canada’s airline industry is the lack of cost transparency when booking flights. Hidden fees and complex fare structures make it difficult for travellers to effectively make comparisons among airlines.
But it’s unreasonable to expect increased competition – when airlines seek to make their offering more attractive than their competitors – to lead to greater transparency in Canada. In fact, competition has been linked theoretically and empirically to dishonest practices. Europe provides a cautionary example. Increased competition has not led to greater air fare transparency in Europe. Airlines like Ryanair, a low-fare airline and the continent’s largest airline by passengers carried, have been accused of hiding fees for passengers.
Service quality and workers
The bureau’s study also found that many Canadians are dissatisfied with the quality of service offered by domestic airlines. Yet increased competition is unlikely to raise service standards. As airlines compete to offer the lowest fares, they often look to reduce operating costs, typically at the expense of service quality. Those who suffer the most from airlines minimizing costs are employees, since labour represents one of the few areas where airlines can cut back. The morality and safety implications of introducing wage and employment insecurity to workers within high reliability organizations aside, reducing the quality of employment terms and conditions for workers in such an important industry is short-sighted.
Claims of a pilot shortage are contested and making employment in Canadian aviation less attractive for a highly skilled and
Major airline share of domestic passengers at large airports, 2023. Source: Cleared for take-off, Competition Bureau 2025
crucial occupational group like pilots is a strategic faux pas that could have long-term consequences for the industry’s stability.
Remote communities left behind Canada’s unique geography means that many remote regions rely on airlines for goods and transport. Yet these areas are not effectively served by the commercial aviation industry. The bureau suggests greater competition could help, but that claim is questionable.
The reason existing airlines are not providing a greater number of flights between remote communities and larger airports is because these routes are not profitable. Rather than expanding service, a more competitive market could shrink route availability because airlines could abandon less profitable routes or refuse to compete on routes where a market leader emerges.
The bureau offers several recommendations for northern and remote communities. But these communities are unlikely to benefit from competition alone. Again, increased competition would likely mean airlines focus on profitable routes. Europe’s airline industry is once again instructive. Eurocontrol, a pan-European organization dedicated to commercial aviation success in Europe, states that “domestic aviation in Europe has experienced a substantial and persistent decline over the past two decades,” including the demise of regional operators serving lower-density routes.
Where routes have been maintained – in Norway, for example – it’s as a consequence of public service obligations that guarantee essential routes are maintained through government support.
It’s because of public service obligations, not competition, that the Canadian government can serve remote communities. Without such safeguards, increased competition has the potential to do more harm than good.
Risks of relaxing foreign ownership
The bureau also recommended relaxing rules around foreign ownership within the Canadian airline industry so that a wholly foreign owned airline can compete domestically.
But not all airlines are equal. Some, like Qatar Airways, are backed by the government of their home state. Qatar Airways has purchased stakes in airlines in Asia Pacific and Africa.
Competition with airlines such as Qatar Airways is inherently unfair because of the huge financial support it receives. Allowing such state-backed carriers into the Canadian market could place domestic airlines at a significant competitive disadvantage. This could not only weaken Canadian airlines, but also be detrimental to the Canadian economy if domestic carriers are pushed out. | W
Professor Geraint Harvey is the DANCAP Private Equity Chair of Human Organization, based in the DAN Department of Management and Organizational Studies, Western University. This article was originally published by The Conversation.
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AIRFRAMES
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Estimated passenger shares in Canada’s domestic market in 2023. Source: Cleared for take-off, Competition Bureau 2025
From quiet apron to national recognition
How Kreos Aviation’s Regina FBO became one of Canada’s best
When Kreos Aviation opened the doors to its Regina Fixed Base Operation at CYQR, there were more questions than certainties. An uncertain revenue model and no promise of success. But what Kreos had was conviction. Faith in its team, belief in its culture, and a clear commitment to bringing a new level of service to an underserved market.
At the center of that early leap was Jessica Reinhardt, FBO Supervisor in Regina, but to everyone, she’s just Jess. She took ownership of the guest experience before the first aircraft ever arrived. Working closely with Aaron “Chico” Resch, widely regarded as one of the most experienced operational leaders in the industry, the pair laid the foundation of what would soon become a high-performing team and a highly respected facility.
“There wasn’t a roadmap,” says Jess. “It was about getting the little things right and building relationships, one guest at a time.”
Reinhardt, FBO Supervisor for Kreos Aviation’s operation in Regina.
The early days were quiet. Traffic was thin. And with the pandemic arriving not long after launch, the challenge only deepened. But the team remained focused and present. Over time, the hangars filled. The ramp got busier. Clients returned. Word of mouth grew.
Today, Kreos CYQR is a thriving operation. The facility supports and hangars everything from piston clients to ultra long-range jets, including regular visits from international aircraft with customs conveniently co-located. In 2024, Kreos Regina expanded its service offerings even further, providing on-premise maintenance and embarking on becoming a certified Cirrus Aircraft service facility, a designation that was achieved in July 2025. The addition of maintenance capabilities marked a key step in strengthening general aviation support in southern Saskatchewan.
The growth of the Regina FBO did not happen in isolation. The foundation was built in Saskatoon, where Kreos established its first FBO and earned a reputation for professional and personalized service. There, FBO Manager Sherry Franks set the tone early by combining consistency, warmth, and attention to detail in a way that quickly became the company standard. Regina was modeled on that benchmark, but with its own local energy and leadership.
Despite the similarities, the two FBOs have carved out their own identities. There is a healthy sense of competition and collaboration between the locations, each pushing the other to improve and evolve while maintaining the core values that define the Kreos experience.
Perhaps most telling is the feedback from clients. Firsttime visitors often arrive unsure of what to expect. More than a few leave surprised, even impressed.
“One of the most common things we hear is, ‘I can’t believe this is in Regina,’” says Jess. “That moment never gets old.”
That kind of reaction does not just come from impressive infrastructure. It comes from delivering a polished experi-
Jessica
ence. And in this industry, a truly polished experience means having both the front-end hospitality and the backend operational discipline working seamlessly together.
That is where Chico plays a critical role.
Chico’s influence does not just shape line operations. It defines how Kreos runs under pressure. While many first think of him for his expertise on the ramp, he has long been a driving force behind Kreos’ operational integrity. He has led some of the most complex logistical efforts within the company, overseeing the safe management of over 45 million litres of fuel annually. Analytical by nature and action oriented by instinct, Chico brings a mindset that ensures the entire operation runs with precision.
“It’s about training the right people and making sure they understand what’s behind every task,” Chico says. “You’ve got to have the right equipment, the right habits, and the discipline to think before you act. That’s it. That’s how you keep things tight and professional out there.”
Chico’s influence shapes more than just line operations. It defines how the team executes consistently behind the scenes, giving every guest-facing interaction the confidence and reliability it needs to shine.
The Regina facility has become a cornerstone of the company’s operations, supporting a growing list of based and transient clients. And now, with hangar and ramp space increasingly in demand, Kreos has begun to look toward the next phase of growth.
“This facility was a calculated risk,” says Scott Rodonets, Director with Kreos Aviation. “What started as growth to capacity has shifted to managing it. We are now having important and active conversations about what expansion looks like and how we continue working closely with the Regina Airport Authority to support the future of general aviation in this region. It is a great challenge to have.”
The recognition of Kreos CYQR as one of Canada’s top-
rated FBOs is not just a reflection of infrastructure. It is the product of culture. It is the result of a team that shows up early, stays late, and treats every guest like they matter, whether it is a G650 captain or a first-time piston pilot.
“We’ve come a long way,” says Jess. “But we’re not done. Not even close.”
list of clients.
Kreos CYQR is consistently recognized as one of Canada’s top-rated FBOs based on its team commitment to client service.
What began as an empty building and a bold idea is now a respected, full-capacity operation. The Regina FBO has proven that with the right people, the right values, and the right focus, it is possible to build something exceptional exactly where no one expected it.
Kreos’ Regina facility has become a cornerstone of the company’s operations, supporting a growing
Aaron “Chico” Resch, known for his expertise on the ramp, he has long been a driving force behind Kreos’ operational integrity.
BUILDING THE NEW MET
MONTREAL METROPOLITAN AIRPORT SET TO SOAR WITH BOLD BUSINESS PLAN
BY EVRA TAYLOR
After a legacy spanning seven decades, Montreal Saint-Hubert airport, now known as Montreal Metropolitan Airport – MET, is continuing to make history as it embarks on a bold new venture to expand its service offerings to Canadian travellers, including a research and innovation hub and a much-awaited Porter Airlines terminal. The airport is located in Longueuil on the south shore of Montreal, just 15 kilometres east of downtown. It has played a key role in Canadian aviation history, ranking in 2023 as Canada’s 12th busiest airport by aircraft movements.
Canada’s first air traffic control tower opened at the Saint-Hubert Airport in 1939 and it served as Montreal’s only airport until the opening of Dorval Airport (now Montréal–Trudeau International, YUL) in 1941. The airport housed a combination military installation and Pratt & Whitney facility, and the Armed Forces still uses the base as a garrison for a tactical helicopter unit, 438 Squadron, 34 Service Battalion and 34 Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters.
MET
airport taking flight
While the airport holds a prominent place in the evolution of flight in this country, its notoriety extends even to this day. In
2024, it was rebranded as the Montreal Metropolitan Airport (Aéroport métropolitain de Montréal), using the abbreviation “MET” to address the area’s growing need for commercial flights. The concept of a second large commercial airport isn’t new – it’s been under discussion for roughly 20 years. The new development at the airport will allow passengers to fly to 25 Canadian destinations and will house nine gates, with a maximum capacity of four million travellers annually. Completion of the project is scheduled for the second half of 2025.
The airport design is based on the shape of a dirigible, referencing the landmark dirigible trans-Atlantic flight of a British airship that landed in St-Hubert in 1930. The facility’s floor showcases spherical forms creating an avant-garde, eco-friendly space powered by electricity. Convenience was a key consideration in the building’s construction. With its proximity to Montreal’s core, one of MET’s areas of focus is ease of access, greatly reducing travel time to the airport. Shorter commutes translate to greater flexibility in planning, as well as enhanced travel efficiency and comfort. Another objective was to provide a less expensive alternative to Montreal’s existing airport. MET’s airport fees will be lower than those, and of other airports in Canada.
Simon-Pierre Diamond, VP of Corporate Affairs, notes most major metropolises around the world have a network of airports, so the notion of one airport having a monopoly is not in sync with current trends. “Montreal has needed a second airport for a long time as passenger demand has grown exponentially. There are more than two million people living south of Montreal and this new facility is strategically located to the downtown core. We need several airports to complement one another,” Diamond says. “Terminal processing will be faster, and the design itself is very beautiful. It resembles a big lounge. Passengers won’t need to arrive two or four hours before their flight. I’m confident people will adopt use of MET very quickly.
“The site is booming,” continues Diamond. “We’re receiving more inquiries from potential operators than we can handle right now. We still have room for other airlines. It’s truly a beautiful vibe.”
Living Lab and Porter terminal
“It’s very rare to have the opportunity to build a new airport from scratch, so we decided to do something quite different. We made sure the community was involved in a comprehensive consultation process with airline industry officials and the public,”
Porter’s customer service will be further enhanced by its plan to work with Pascan and other regional carriers out of Montreal Metropolitan Airport.
Diamond says. “One of MET’s components was innovation, reflecting Quebec’s recent launch of an innovation zone focused on the development of the aerospace sector.”
Diamond explains that airport infrastructures have a very rich ecosystem with a complex logistics chain. For a researcher at University of Toronto, for example, studying aerospace, the environment, cybersecurity and even marketing, exploring the workings of an airport provides an excellent opportunity for analysis and forward-thinking. The living lab was launched at the Farnborough Air Show in July 2024, and the MET already has four research projects underway.
Porter Airlines has embarked on construction of a new passenger terminal at MET. According to Michael Deluce, CEO, Porter Airlines, construction is progressing well and is expected to be complete later in 2025. Porter Aviation Holdings Inc. (PAHI) entered into a partnership with Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) in July 2023 to support development of the passenger terminal. “This is an opportunity to enhance transportation infrastructure for the region, creating new travel opportunities and significant economic growth. Much like Billy Bishop 18 years ago, this convenient second airport in the Montreal market will disrupt travel patterns in this city and Porter will be
positioned to attract a significant share of the market,” Deluce explains.
Porter intends to create a distinct passenger experience. There will be lounge-style seating and access to food and beverage concessions, as well as retail vendors. All building systems are expected to operate fully on electric power. Porter’s customer service will be further enhanced by its plan to work with Pascan and other regional carriers for more travel options to and from Quebec’s regions. More than 10 potential MET routes have been initially identified, spanning from Vancouver in the west to St. John’s, Newfoundland, in the east.
“Our focus is on providing passengers a
comprehensive selection of Porter flight options. A significant portion of the local population benefits from YHU’s location. This includes connecting YHU with both of our Toronto hubs at Billy Bishop and Pearson for the most robust flight offering in the market between Canada's two biggest cities,” Deluce states. Porter will also continue expanding its existing operations at YUL, supporting its venture with Air Transat.
“Porter’s commitment is to invest in building a new, modern passenger terminal, capable of supporting a coast-to-coast network of flights,” Deluce says. “We’ll accomplish this by operating both the Dash 8-400 and the E195-E2 aircraft.” | W
CANADIAN AVIATION CONFERENCE AND TRADESHOW 2025
A major Industry Networking Event not to be missed!
ATAC’s Canadian Aviation Conference and Tradeshow is the premier national gathering offering Canada’s best networking, learning, and sales opportunity for operators, suppliers, and government stakeholders involved in commercial aviation and flight training in Canada.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 TO
Porter Aviation Holdings in July 2023 entered into a partnership with Macquarie Asset Management to support the development of a 210,000-square-foot passenger terminal with nine bridged aircraft gates.
BUSINESS AIRCRAFT
THE CURRENT STATE OF THE MARKET FROM BACKLOGS AND PRE-OWNED INVENTORY TO DELIVERIES AND SENTIMENT
BY JON ROBINSON
Rollie Vincent, President of Rolland Vincent Associates, made his annual pilgrimage to the Canadian Business Aviation Association conference held in July this year in Richmond, B.C., to provide an update on the state of the global business aviation aircraft market. More than 500 people registered for the event held at Million Air’s facility at the Vancouver International Airport. Vincent largely bases his findings and forecasts on a global quarterly survey of aviation leaders that has generated approximately 28,000 responses from 143 countries since 2011. These survey data points are often given context through traditional economic sources and shared through JetNet iQ reports.
Vincent began his 2025 CBAA presentation with a slide highlighting seven takeaways, starting with a “stabilized” $53 billion order backlog for the Big Five aircraft manufacturers – Bombardier, Dassault Falcon, Embraer, Gulfstream and Textron Aviation. He also noted a 36 per cent increase in preowned jet retail transactions in first quarter of 2025, when compared with the year ago quarter, possibly driven by buyers trying to get ahead of tariffs. Vincent also points to a stable book-to-bills ratio of 1.02, which is determined by dividing orders by deliveries. He
forecasts 820 new business jet total deliveries for 2025, which would be up eight per cent year over year. Vincent also points to a drop in business optimism since the election of U.S. President Donald Trump, because of tariff uncertainty, and persistent factors limiting aircraft production – supply chain, labour experience and slow certifications.
The United States continues to dominate the global business aircraft fleet accounting for more than 24,000 total aircraft, according to Vincent’s statistics, including 15,833 jets and 8,207 turboprops. Brazil placed second in terms of total fleet numbers with more than 2,600 aircraft (1,155 jets and 1,478 turboprops), Mexico is third with more than 1,550 aircraft (1,051 jets and 518 turboprops), Canada is fourth with more than 1,400 aircraft (596 jets and 811 turboprops), and Germany is fifth with more than 750 aircraft (471 jets and 286 turboprops).
From JetNet numbers, Canada at 811 is second in turboprop fleets, following Brazil at 1,478 and ahead of Australia (498), Germany (286), South Africa (242) and France (223). Combining JetNet report figures with economic numbers from The Economist (May 2025) and International Monetary Fund (April 2025), four of the top five fleet countries are forecasted to have flat GDP growth in 2025, with Brazil as an outlier
with a projected 1.9 per cent GDP growth rate. “Canada, Mexico and the United States are now expected to be in a shallow recession for the full year,” Vincent says. “When we see economic slowdowns in key markets like this, where 70 per cent of the business aircraft are operated, that has an impact.”
Looking at the Big Five OEM order backlogs (with the Q1 2025 backlog for Dassault Falcon being estimated), the overall number decreased by just one per cent year over year moving from $53.8 billion in 2024 to $53 billion in the first quarter of 2025. The order backlogs had been increasing dramatically since 2021, following a sharp decline in 2020 (at $27.3 billion for the Big Five) of negative 18 per cent year over year. The order backlog then increased 42 per cent to $38.8 billion in 2021, followed by a by 27 per cent jump to $49.1 billion in 2022, by three per cent to $50.4 billion in 2023, and then by seven per cent to $53.8 billion in 2024.
“We are sitting at a good place and some of the OEMs have really kicked it up. If you look at 2020, we kind of bottomed out at around $27 billion of backlog with the Big Five,” Vincent says. “Now, we’re up over 50 and it’s been a steady climb, with Embraer and Textron in particular… but all of the OEMs are sitting under a couple of years of backlog. This is a really good news story.”
Leveraging Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, the Gulfstream G800 is cable of flying 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 kilometres) at Mach 0.85 and 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 km) at Mach 0.90.
Following the success of the PC-12 single engine turboprop, work on the Pilatus PC-24 twin engine jet began in 2007 for greater range and speed, but keeping the company’s highly regarded rough-field capabilities.
SNAPSHOT
Among the Big Five OEMs, Brazil-based Embraer’s order backlog increased the most in 2024 and 2025, rising 72 per cent from 2023 at $4.3 billion to $7.4 billion in 2024, with 2025 numbers expected to be around $7.6 billion. In 2025, forecast backlogs from largest to smallest include: Gulfstream at $18.2 billion, Bombardier at $14.2 billion, Textron Aviation at $7.9 billion, Embraer at $7.6 billion and Dassault Falcon at $5.2 billion. Gulfstream took over the OEM backlog lead coming out of the pandemic after Bombardier sat in the top spot from 2014 to 2019. The first pandemic year backlog saw Gulfstream hit $11.3 billion with Bombardier at $10.7 billion. Now both aircraft makers are coming out with new ultra-long-haul jets in the Gulfstream G800 and the Bombardier 8000.
In terms of book-to-bills, four of the Big Five OEMS are hovering around 1.0 in 2025 with Embraer again being a standout, reaching over 2.0 in 2024 and also back in 2021. “Embraer is still outperforming… it’s quite impressive,” Vincent says, using the words “pretty strong” to describe the industry’s overall book-to-bills position. “A book to bill with one is a stable market. That means production is matching order demand.
“We have to remember, conversion of backlog to cash is really difficult,” Vincent adds. “We have a lot of airplanes being built right now, and [the OEMs] will deliver our forecast [of 820 new jets delivered] by year’s end, but tariff uncertainties are really the order of the day.”
Vincent then addressed the 36 per cent increase in year over year sales of pre-owned aircraft. “Pre-owned aircraft transactions outpace new transactions by about four to one. There’s no backlog. It’s instantaneous. If something happens, it’s a signal of the market,” Vincent explains. “We came just flying out of Covid and inventory for sale was evacuated from our industry. Meaning, if you wanted to buy a used car, there were no used cars in the lot, especially good ones. And that’s currently the state again.”
In terms of current market condition sentiment, based on a 2025 second quarter survey, with 298 responses to date, the majority of participants, 53.7 per cent, described themselves as pessimists when asked: How would you describe the current market conditions for business aviation. This group of respondents also believes the market has not hit its low point, which is how 14.2 per cent of respondents described their market sentiment. Optimists, those respondents who feel the sector is past the low point, came in at 32.1 per cent.
JetNet’s 2025 second quarter survey also asked if the uncertainty about the impact of tariffs would delay purchase plans for a new aircraft within the next 12 months. By excluding the response of Uncertain, which accounted for 15 per cent of 294 respondents, the category of Somewhat Agree saw the largest response at 33.3 per cent, followed by Strongly Agree at 25.6 per cent, Somewhat Disagree at 19.9 per cent and Strongly Disagree at 17.4 per cent. | W
2025 CBAA COMPENSATION SURVEY
In partnership with InterVISTASConsulting, members of the Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA) were surveyed from late-2024 to early-2025 on their compensation rates for calendar year of 2024. The results of the survey were presented in July 2025 at the CBAA’s annual convention in Richomond, B.C. This survey icluded the consideration of base salary and total cash compensation (including bonuses) across 60 different job positions common to the aviation industry, expressed as full-time equivalent or annual pay. Publicly available pay rates for median seniority levels from commercial airlines, primarily related to flight crew positions, were included for comparison with the survey data.
Data was collected from 90 organizations across a variety of aviation sectors. This includes 76 CBAA members who were surveyed directly, including corporate operators (CAR 604), airline/ charter/taxi operators (CAR 703, 704, 705), manufacturing, maintenance and other. Close to 60 per cent of firms in this year’s study also participated in prior surveys.
Average Earnings by Job Family (All Firms), 2024
Equipped with Garmin autothrottles and emergency autoland, the Cessna Citation M2 Gen3 is rated for a maximum range of 1,550 nautical miles and can operate from smaller airports with shorter runways.
Holding a top speed of Mach 0.925 and a baseline range of 7,700 nautical miles (14,260 km), the Global 7500 in mid-2025 earned its 135th speed record, the most ever set by a single business aircraft type.
TURBULENCE AHEAD
A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO AIRCRAFT TRANSACTIONS IN AN ERA OF TARIFFS
BY STEVEN SITCOFF AND ANDREA SEPINWALL
After months of “will he or won’t he” drama, the United States announced on July 31, 2025 that baseline tariffs on most goods imported from Canada would increase to 35 per cent. So, what does this mean for crossborder aircraft transactions between parties located in Canada and the U.S.?
At this time, there are no Canadian tariffs applicable to imports of manned aircraft from the U.S. On the other hand, imports of Canadian-owned aircraft into the U.S. would generally be subject to U.S. tariffs unless relief is available, notably when qualifying for preferential tariff treatment under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA, a.k.a. USMCA).
CUSMA status, buckle up
First, the good news: CUSMA generally provides a mechanism to exempt many Canadian-manufactured goods, including aircraft and aircraft engines, from U.S. tariffs when imported into the U.S. The bad news, however, is that CUSMA is set to expire on June 30, 2036, unless renewed by the parties. Moreover, CUSMA is subject to
review, with the first review to occur on July 1, 2026. The review mechanism may open the door to a renegotiation of all or part of CUSMA, leading to a potential lack of predictability as to its application.
To add another layer of complexity, historically sales of civilian aircraft between Canada and the U.S. relied not on CUSMA for their duty-free treatment, but on the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft that came into force in 1980. Indeed, prior to the recent introduction of tariffs by the U.S., Canadian sellers had not needed to be familiar with CUSMA as it relates to the sale of their aircraft but, subsequent to the new tariffs, they have had to scramble to gain an understanding of how it applies to their prospective sales.
Not surprisingly, this has resulted in confusion and delays in many aircraft transactions and it is now imperative for aircraft exporters to the U.S. to familiarize themselves with the steps needed to benefit from preferential treatment under CUSMA.
Eligibility for preferential treatment under CUSMA turns on the tariff schedule and the CUSMA rules of origin. In particular, an understanding of the tariff shift
rule is critical – that is, the shifting of materials originating outside of the CUSMA countries to become CUSMA compliant upon their incorporation into, in our case, an aircraft, being manufactured in Canada. This analysis is complex and will look to the description, tariff classification and origin of the goods to determine eligibility for preferential treatment under CUSMA.
And, it’s not just aircraft and aircraft engines that are at issue: spare parts and other cargo onboard an aircraft whilst being imported to the U.S. also need to undergo the same CUSMA analysis to determine whether they benefit from preferential treatment.
Strategies to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs
SCENARIO #1: Importing a Canadianmanufactured aircraft into the U.S. The following steps are recommended or required in order to benefit from preferential treatment under CUSMA:
1. CUSMA Preparedness: It is recommended that the exporter (i.e., the aircraft seller) be proactive and prepare the necessary
Canada was hit with 35 per cent tariffs on August 1, in addition to various specific tariffs, after U.S. President Donald Trump followed through on his threat to increase the duties if Ottawa didn’t make a trade deal.
documents to support CUSMA compliance before listing the aircraft for sale. This should help to enhance the marketability of the aircraft to potential U.S. buyers.
2. Aircraft Purchase Agreement: It is advisable when negotiating the aircraft purchase agreement that consideration be given to the location of the pre-purchase inspection, closing and delivery, and to the implications of that choice.
Notably, if the seller agrees to deliver the aircraft in the U.S., they will generally be responsible for any applicable tariffs or to claim preferential tariff treatment under CUSMA. Additionally, some U.S.-based buyers may request that the prepurchase inspection takes place in the U.S., and this too could trigger the application of tariffs, even if the aircraft will not ultimately be sold into the U.S. Care must also be taken in the designation of the Incoterms applicable to the sale of the aircraft, with a particular note of caution as to sales made on a DDP (delivered duty paid) basis, as these sales would have the seller liable for the tariffs, rather than the buyer. Other clauses to consider adapting are those addressing force
majeure and material adverse change, with a view to establishing a ceiling of tariff percentage and/or purchase price, the surpassing of which would make the agreement no longer reflective of the intent of the parties.
3. Rules of Origin: The Canadian aircraft must be certified as compliant with CUSMA rules of origin. However, the determination of the aircraft’s country of origin may be complex and fact-specific. For example, the aircraft’s interior may have been installed in a different country from where the airframe was produced, or the aircraft may have undergone substantial aftermarket refurbishment elsewhere than in the country of manufacture. In this regard, it may be a good idea to enlist the help of the aircraft manufacturer (even for the sale of a pre-owned aircraft), as they are often best placed to make these determinations and are becoming accustomed to providing the necessary information and documentation.
4. Import Formalities: The importer of the aircraft into the U.S. must claim preferential tariff treatment under CUSMA when the aircraft is imported to the U.S. and have
supporting documentation on hand in case of further review by U.S. authorities.
SCENARIO #2: Importing a U.S.made aircraft into the U.S. In principle, there should be no U.S. tariffs that apply. It should nonetheless be confirmed whether the aircraft’s country of origin is indeed the U.S. and that it has not undergone substantial aftermarket transformation that could shift this country of origin determination (see the comments above regarding “Rules of Origin”).
SCENARIO #3: Importing an aircraft manufactured outside of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico into the U.S. Relief under CUSMA will not generally apply, save in exceptional circumstances such as an aircraft manufactured in a thirdparty country that has undergone a tariff shift or possibly other major modifications in Canada, the U.S. or Mexico (in which case, most of the comments under Scenario #1 would apply). However, other forms of relief may be available, including possible tariff exemptions granted by the U.S. to specific manufacturers.
Tariffs do not apply to the acquisition of services. However, the tariffs could apply to the import of aircraft engines and other parts installed on an aircraft, depending on their origin.
Misconceptions regarding the application of U.S. tariffs to aircraft
1. “The aircraft was manufactured by a U.S. company”
Unfortunately, it might not be that simple. The key issue for the application of tariffs is the aircraft’s country of origin, not where the manufacturer is based. For example, the aircraft may be sold by a U.S. manufacturer but was actually built abroad. Or, even for an aircraft that was ostensibly produced in the U.S., production or aftermarket work performed outside of the U.S. may be
material enough to cause the aircraft to no longer be deemed as U.S. origin and thus not qualify for preferential treatment under CUSMA. Conversely, aircraft manufactured and/or assembled in Canada with engines or parts manufactured in third-party countries should generally benefit from preferential treatment under CUSMA. But the mere completion of an aircraft in Canada or Mexico is not sufficient for CUSMA.
2. “The U.S. tariffs only apply to new, not pre-owned aircraft”
The U.S. tariffs do not distinguish between
new and pre-owned aircraft and, therefore, a determination as to the eligibility for preferential treatment under CUSMA will still be required in both instances.
3. “The aircraft, although non-U.S. made, is already located in the U.S.”
It is true that if the aircraft is already located in the U.S. and closing and delivery are to occur in the U.S. then the sale transaction should not trigger any U.S. tariffs. However, this does not preclude the possibility of the aircraft being imported into the U.S. sometime after closing, upon which U.S. tariffs may indeed apply.
4. “The aircraft was already registered in the U.S.”
Generally speaking, the registration and current location of the aircraft have no bearing upon the application of tariffs – the trigger is importing an aircraft to the U.S. That said, in the case of a non-U.S. manufactured aircraft, if the aircraft is registered in the U.S. then, in principle, no U.S. tariffs should apply, so long as it is not subsequently imported to the U.S.
5. “Maintenance is a service, so no tariff concerns there”
It is true that tariffs do not apply to the acquisition of services. However, the tariffs could apply to the import of aircraft engines and other parts installed on the aircraft, depending on their origin. As such, before deciding to perform major maintenance or a refurbishment in a location other than in the U.S., consideration should be given to whether the work contemplated would cause the aircraft to no longer be CUSMA-compliant upon its re-importation into the U.S.
6. “The aircraft is registered in Canada and owned by a Canadian”
The mere fact of Canadian ownership and registration will not, as we have seen, guarantee preferential treatment under CUSMA. Ultimately, it’s the origin of the aircraft and whether it has undergone a tariff shift or possibly other major modifications subsequent to its manufacture that will determine its tariff status.
7. “Trans-shipment will allow me to circumvent the tariffs”
The practice of trans-shipping – shipping a good ineligible for preferential treatment upon its direct import to the U.S. to a thirdcountry with better tariffs rates and then exporting the good from that country to the U.S. – will not benefit Canadian vendors, first, because it does not actually create a change in the origin of the goods, and, second, because trans-shipped goods are now subject to 40 per cent U.S. tariffs . | W
TOP THREE FBOS IN CANADA, 2025
Skyservice Business Aviation CYYZ
Chartright Air Group CYKF
Skyservice Business Aviation CYUL
TOP FBO IN WESTERN CANADA
(BC, ALTA, YT, NWT)
Skyservice Business Aviation CYVR
Skyservice Business Aviation CYYC
Sunwest Aviation CYYC
Fast Air Jet Centre CYXX
Integrity Flight Support CYPK
TOP FBO IN CENTRAL CANADA (SASK, MAN, NUNAVUT)
Kreos Aviation CYQR
Fast Air Jet Centre CYWG
Kreos Aviation CYXE
TOP FBO IN ONTARIO
Skyservice Business Aviation CYYZ
Chartright Air Group CYKF
Skyservice Business Aviation CYOW
Gateway Aviation Windsor CYQG
Chartright Air Group CYLS
RISING STAR AWARD
FBO with the largest number of new votes
Fast Air Jet Centre CYXX
TOP FBO IN ATLANTIC CANADA (NB, NL, NS, PEI)
Gateway Facilities, CYHZ
Execaire Aviation CYHZ Celtic Air Services CYPS PAL Aviation Services CYYT
Irving Aviation CYYT
TOP FBO IN QUEBEC
Skyservice Business Aviation CYUL
AFS Exécutif CYQB
HUB FBO CYHU
Execaire Aviation CYUL
Helibelule FBO CYMX
CANADA’S TOP FIXED BASE OPERATOR
COAST TO COAST SURVEY FOCUSING ON USAGE AND CLIENT
BY JON ROBINSON
The 2025 Top Fixed Base Operator in Canada survey conducted by Wings and Helicopters ran for four months in an opening voting system. In addition to naming their favourite Fixed Base Operator (FBO) in Canada, which also determines market leaders across five regions of Canada, participants in the annual survey were asked five questions to provide insight into the business and private aviation sector.
Skyservice Business Aviation was named the top Fixed Base Operator in Canada based on its commanding presence at Toronto Pearson International Airport, YYZ. The company has been building its national
footprint for more than 40 years with significant footprint and services investments over the past few years. This year’s survey saw five of Skyservice’s facilities place within the top three positions across three regions. Since publishing our 2024 survey results, Skyservice has opened a new Seattle facility and a new Fort Lauderdale FBO with partner Fountainebleau Aviation, and in addition to breaking ground on a Napa, California, facility with Fountainebleau. Skyservice has also partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink to offer more in-flight connectivity options, become the first Authorized Honeywell Nacelle Service Centre in Canada, and earned Supplemental Type
PREFERENCES
Certificate approvals for the Gogo Galileo HDX system on a range of Bombardier and Gulfstream aircraft.
Skyservice YUL out of Montréal-Pierre Elliott was voted as Canada’s third favourite FBO, with Chartright Air Group based out of Waterloo International, YKF, coming in second nationally. Chartright also had a busy past year with the September 2024 expansion of its JetClub program featuring a new 10-hour membership option in response to the demand for simple and flexible private jet travel. Chartright in May 2025 announced a new partnership with Bombardier and YKF to support the final production and quality assurance
for Bombardier Global aircraft. As part of this collaboration, Bombardier has taken residency in Chartright’s newly expanded hangar and FBO facility located at YKF. After select aircraft roll off the production line at Bombardier’s Aircraft Assembly Centre at Pearson International Airport, YYZ, the aircraft will undergo a review and inspection at Chartright’s facility in order obtain a Certificate of Airworthiness. Chartright in mid-2021 became the first Canadian operator to take delivery of not one but two Global 7500 aircraft to be managed and offered for charter. In mid-2024, Chartright took delivery of Canada’s – and North America’s – first corporate Airbus ACH160 helicopter. In June 2025, Transport Canada certified the new Chartright Polson Pier Heliport, which Chartright manages, located on the waterfront of downtown Toronto.
Chartright in 2022 also opened a new FBO location at Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, YLS, which placed fifth in votes for the Ontario region in this year’s Top FBO survey. This YLS facility our 2023 survey was voted as the Rising Star FBO after receiving the highest number of net new votes year over year. The Rising Star recipient of the 2025 survey is Fast Air Jet Centre’s recently opened FBO in Abbotsford, B.C., YXX.
The Top FBOs by region in the 2025
survey included Gateway Facilities YHZ in Atlantic Canada, Skyservice Business Aviation YUL in Quebec, Skyservice Business
Aviation YYZ in Ontario, Kreos Aviation YQR in Central Canada, and Skyservice Business Aviation YVR in Western Canada.
When asked for what type of travel do you most often use an FBO, business aviation represented the vast majority of responses at 53.6 per cent, which was on par with results from the 2024 survey. Private travel came in second this year at 30.2 per
WHICH CATEGORY BEST DESCRIBES YOUR PRIMARY USE OF PRIVATE/BUSINESS/
representing a year over year increase of 57.2 per cent.
After our 2024 FBO survey found a return to transborder travel, with 59.9 per cent of respondents indicating the U.S. was a prime destination in 2024, the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada reared its ugly head in the 2025 survey with a transborder drop to just 31.2 per cent. This represents a year over year decrease of 48 per cent. Domestic travel was the beneficiary of the Trump
FBO
| Charter | Management
tariffs accounting for 67.7 per cent of the responses from survey participants. International travel also saw a year over reduction, amounting to a 31.2 per cent decrease, at just 19.6 per cent in the 2025 survey versus 28.5 per cent in 2024. Survey participants in 2025 indicated 4.5 per cent of their FBO use was related to helicopters.
When survey participants were asked into which area would you invest to improve your aircraft performance and use, Cabin Comfort was again first reaching 31.3 per cent, followed by Speed at 30.8 per cent. Sustainable Aviation Fuel at 19.3 per cent in 2025 represented a year over year drop of 43.5 per cent after placing second in 2024 at 34.2 per cent. When asked into which area they would prefer their FBO to invest, Facility Overall came in first at 29.4 per cent, followed by Maintenance Capabilities at 28.1 per cent, On-board Communications at 21.1 per cent, and Customer Service at 14.3 per cent. | W
AERIAL FIREFIGHTING DIRECTORY 2026
The ultimate resource of operators, services and technologies helping to lead wildfire suppression
The Aerial Firefighting Directory features key suppliers of aircraft, equipment and services, as well as a range of rotary- and fixed-wing operators, involved in wildfire suppression in Canada and around the world
Coulson Aviation has protected the world from forest fires with advanced fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, including the 737 FIRELINER and CH-47 Chinook.
AIR
TRACTOR
AIRCRAFT & ENGINES
Olney, TX, airtractor.com
Tracing its root back to 1951, Air Tractor today focuses its firefighting production around two aircraft, including the AT-802F Initial Attack Firefighter, powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67AG turbine, and the AT-802F Fire Boss Amphibious Scooper Air Tanker designed to deliver up to 14,000 gallons per hour for extended attack or ground support.
AIRBUS HELICOPTERS CANADA
Fort Erie, ON, airbuscanada.ca
Airbus has been a member of Canada’s aerospace industry since 1984. Headquartered in Fort Erie, Ont., with a team of 300 employees, Airbus Helicopters Canada has sales support in Montreal, Que., and a 24/7 coast-to-coast customer service network to support a fleet of more than 220 operators and 760-plus helicopters flying in Canada. Airbus Helicopters’ activities in Canada are focused in five primary areas: aircraft sales and deliveries; composite manufacturing; repair and overhaul; STC/options development; and support. In addition to the hundreds of Airbus helicopters already being used for firefighting, the full range of Airbus helicopters can be customized for fire suppression missions.
BELL TEXTRON CANADA
Mirabel, QC, bellflight.com/ca
Founded in 1986, Bell Textron Canada has more than 1,500 Canadian employees and nearly 6,000 aircraft built in Canada. Bell in Canada has delivered more than 1,000 aircraft to Canadians. For more than 75 years, Bell has been a partner to public safety operators globally. The company fielded the world’s first fire helicopter and the world’s first public safety helicopter. Bell, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron, is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft. It serves Bell customers in more than 120 countries.
DAHER/KODIAK
Sandpoint, Idaho, kodiak.aero
Daher’s workhorse Kodiak aircraft family is operated in multi-mission applications that range from wildfire suppression and natural resources monitoring to public safety and humanitarian missions. Produced in the Kodiak 100 version and its longer-fuselage Kodiak 900 variant, these high-wing aircraft are well tailored for fire suppression duties, bringing together the advantages of long loiter times, high stability at slow flight speeds, the ability to take off and land from short/unimproved fields, and ubstantial useful load capacities to deploy equipment and supplies.
DE HAVILLAND AIRCRAFT OF CANADA
Calgary, AB, dehavilland.com
In 1928, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada was created to build aircraft and train personnel for military missions. Over generations, the company evolved by designing and delivering over 5,000 aircraft that access remote communities, deliver aid, save lives, and safeguard communities the world over. De Havilland Canada launched the DHC-515 Firefighter program in March 2022. The DHC-515 builds on the history of the iconic Canadair CL-215 and CL-415 aircraft which have been a critical part of aerial firefighting fleets for over 50 years.
ERICKSON
Portland, OR, ericksoninc.com
Erickson has been a world leader in heavy lift and aerial firefighting for more than 20 years. This includes its S-64 Air Crane
Helitankers, equipped with fire suppression systems, which can drop more than 95,000 litres of fluid every hour.
PORTAGE AIRCRAFT SPECIALTIES
Portage la Prairie, MB, portageaircraft.ca
Portage Aircraft Specialities is a Canadian retail dealership for Air Tractor. It also provides maintenance and repair services through its 8,400-square-foot maintenance facility, providing a range of Air Tractor parts. Portage Aircraft Maintenance is a Transport Canada Approved Maintenance Organization. Its services include: 100, 200, 300-hour and annual inspections, structural repairs, avionic upgrades and installations, compressor washes, overhauls, hot section and detailed borescope inspections, engine installations, propeller balancing and overhauls, A/C recharging, and instrument recertifications.
POSITIVE AVIATION
Blagnac, France, positive-aviation.com
Positive Aviation’s mission is to design, develop, certify and integrate STCs to modify an ATR 72 into the FF72 family of aircraft. The FF72 platform is a new generation of heavy water scooper and tanker firefighting aircraft, scheduled to be available by 2028. The FF72-Scooper is being designed with an 8-tonne scooping capacity, while the FF72-Tanker is being designed to carry 10 tonnes. The aircraft being developed in Europe by a consortium of engineering and industrial interests targetting a production rate of 12 aircraft per year by 2030.
PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA
Longueuil, QC, prattwhitney.com
Founded in 1928, RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Canada is a world leader
in the design, manufacture and servicing of turbofan engines for fixed-wing aircxraft, turboshaft engines that power some of the world’s leading helicopters, and auxiliary power units. P&WC has facilities across Canada and the world serving 16,000 customers who today fly 66,000 engines in service. P&WC engines power a variety of aircraft that are used in firefighting, including helicopters and the waterbombers from De Havilland, Thrush and Air Tractor.
SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT
Stratford, CT, lockheedmartin.com
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. The S-70i Firehawk helicopter features a 1,000-gallon belly water tank, extended landing gear, 600-pound rescue hoist, and NVG compatible digital cockpit. The Firehawk can carry up to 13 firefighters and their gear, drop 1,000 gallons of water with precision, and perform at a dash speed of up to 140 knots.
AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS/TANKS
ADVANCE ENGINEERED PRODUCTS
Kamloops, BC, deltawildfire.com
Advance Engineered Products since
1984 has grown to become one of North America’s leading bulk tank trailer manufacturer, service and parts providers. Its manufacturing divisions, Advance Tank Production and Lazer Inox, develop aluminum and stainless-steel builds. Advance Tank Service Centres provide support for all makes and models of bulk tank trailers, keeping fleets certified, maintained and repaired with service and parts support. Advance builds a number of Water Tank Trailer units in a range of sizes, including semi-trailers and chassis-truck mounts.
BLAZETAMER380
Adelaide, Australia, biocentral-labs.com
BLAZETAMER380 is a liquid concentrate water enhancer use for wildland firefighting that was developed by BioCentral Laboratories. BLAZETAMER380 is known for its non-toxic, environmentally responsible fire suppressant. BLAZETAMER380 is used globally in direct attack operations from both air and ground. The company has a dedicated branch in the U.S.
DART AEROSPACE
Montreal, QC, dartaerospace.com
DART Aerospace in 2025 is celebrating 50 years of delivering solutions to the global helicopter industry. DART has grown to
become one of the world’s leading providers of helicopter mission equipment, parts and accessories, serving more than 120 countries and supporting over 5,000 aircraft worldwide. DART has more than 1,500 STC-certified products, a robust aftermarket support network, and a team of experts dedicated to customers’ missions – whether in emergency medical services, firefighting, utility, law enforcement or defense. DART's key products include aerial firefighting systems, flotation systems, landing gear, interior and exterior accessories, fuel cells, cargo expansion, cable cutters, environmental control systems, and ground support equipment.
DELTA WILDFIRE RESPONSE
Kamloops, BC, deltawildfire.com
Delta Wildfire Response assists provincial emergency response agencies and first nations communities to mitigate the threat of wildfires by moving big water. Delta Wildfire has an experienced Rapid Response team to use its pumping and hose systems to bring serious water volume to wildland crews or structure protection units. Delta Wildfire also has first-ever, night-time operation compatible, engineered Helicopter Dipping Tanks which are based on the pilot qualifications from HAC. Its heli-dipping
Advance Engineered Products and VM Tarm a/s have partnered to introduce a high-performance Fire Suppression Liquid Slurry Tank Trailer, engineered specifically for wildfire suppression across North America.
This purpose-built trailer rapidly loads at 12,500 LPM. It discharges at 3,500 LPM through the spray nozzle and can reach up to 170’ from the trailer. That means faster refills, quicker deployment, and less downtime on the front lines.
Originally developed for European aerial firefighting operations, the trailer features a rugged stainless-steel tank and quick-connect fittings for seamless integration into field operations. Its robust construction and mobility make it ideal for remote airbases, refill points like lakes, ponds, and swimming pools, and direct support to ground crews in challenging environments.
See it live at the Canadian Wildfire Conference and explore how it can enhance your firefighting fleet.
tanks are designed to increase pilot safety during bucketing operations by moving the water source closer to wildland fires.
HELITAK FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT
Lake MacDonald, Australia, helitak.com.au
Helitak develops a range of systems for aerial firefighting, including its underbelly Fire Tank featuring a new design to allow a flexible bladder to expand while being filled; and then retract within its housing when empty. These tanks are custom built with a carrying capacity of from 1,000 to 10,000 litres.
KAWAK AVIATION
Bend, OR, kawakaviation.com
Kawak Aviation engineers and produces aerial firefighting products focusing on tanking systems, related pumps and hydraulics. Its tank systems, refill pumps and hydraulic power solutions are leveraged by a range of platforms like Bell, Kaman and Firehawks.
ISOLAIR
Bend, OR, isolairinc.com
Isolair has been manufacturing helicopter systems for aerial firefighting, agricultural, and forest industries for more than 30 years with a range of certified equipment, from
torches and buckets to tanking systems. Its Eliminator II Fire Fighting Systems, integrating tank, pump, doors and control, can be found working throughout the world.
RECOIL AEROSPACE
Josephine, WI, recoil-usa.com
Established in 2008, Recoil Suppression Systems, a division of Recoil Aerospace, designs and manufacturers lightweight, carbon fibre composite Tsunami Wildland Fire Suppression tanks.
SEI INDUSTRIES
Delta, BC, sei-ind.com
SEI Industries introduced the original Bambi Bucket to the firefighting community in 1982. This lightweight, strong and flexible firefighting bucket, with its relatively low-cost plug-and-play capability, promoted helicopter usage in wildfires. Today, SEI services over 90 per cent of the world’s aerial firefighting water-bucket market. The Bambi Bucket is used in more than 115 countries and by over 1,000 helicopter operators.
VALLFIREST
Barcelona, Spain, vallfirest.com
Vallfirest, a global leader in wildland firefighting equipment, in July acquired Aerial Fire Control, an Australian-based
company best known for its Water Hog aerial firefighting bucket. It is designed for helicopters of all sizes, featuring rugged materials and equipped with a variable-flow multi-drop valve as standard.
WIPAIRE
St. Paul, MN, wipaire.com
For over 60 years, Wipaire has been engineering and manufacturing a full line of aircraft floats for all sizes of aircraft. It has engineered more than 100 STC modifications, in addition to maintenance, avionics installation and repair, custom interior design and installation, and exterior paint refinishing. Wipaire provides the Fire Boss water scooping system that is installed exclusively on the Air Tractor AT-802 aircraft. This system combines airframe modifications, aircraft performance enhancers, and a pair of Wipline 10000 series amphibious water-scooping floats that enable the AT-802 to scoop up to 800 gallons in about 15 seconds.
DRONES & RPAS
BURNBOT
San Francisco, CA, burnbot.com
Founded in 2020, BurnBot aims to drive
wildfire prevention by creating fire-resilient landscapes. The company’s technological approach, leveraging complete drone systems, focuses on remote-controlled mastication units for vegetation management, remote-controlled burning systems for prescribed burns, real-time monitoring and data collection, and mapping.
DRONE AMPLIFIED
Lincoln, NE, droneamplified.com
Drone Amplified develops fire management technologies built around drone based solutions. Its flagship system, IGNIS, is an aerial ignition payload designed for prescribed burns and wildfire operations. With hundreds of units deployed, IGNIS has become a trusted tool for agencies across North America. Drone Amplified specializes in full system integration, combining software, electronics, and mechanical design tailored for field operations. It actively support customers across the U.S., Canada, Australia and Europe.
INDRO ROBOTICS
Victoria, BC, indrorobotics.com
InDro Robotics specializes in aerial and ground robotics with a track record of working closely with first responders. InDro has created products for use by
firefighters and was called upon by the City of Kelowna to fly drone operations at the peak of the 2023 wildfires. InDro offers rapid response, thermal imaging and photogrammetry. Its 5G capabilities enable beyond-visual-line-of-sight flight. InDro also provides detection services to ensure safety around fire zones, RPAS training, and sells RPAS and robotic systems.
NEXT1
next1.tech
Founded in 2019, Next1 provides th MAWA-1, described as an ultra-low-cost autonomous wildfire detection system that can detect wildfires as small as one square foot from an altitude of over 3,000 feet. It is also compatible with most commercial drones. FireChaserV UAS is a fixed-wing drone designed from the ground up to detect, analyze and map wildfires.
DALLAS AVIONICS
Dallas, TX, dallasavionics.com
Dallas Avionics was founded in 1973 as a wholesale distributor of aircraft avionics, test equipment and installation and pilot supplies.
MAXCRAFT AVIONICS
Pitt Meadows, BC, maxcraft.ca
Maxcraft Avionics is one of the largest avionics repair facilities in Canada and an authorized representative of more than 30 avionics brands. Maxcraft provides services to both rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft. Its services include complete panel upgrades, installation, design, fabrication, STC approval, wire kit fabrication, and worldwide field support. Maxcraft holds a large inventory of serviceable avionics equipment available for sale, exchange or rent. Maxcraft is a Transport Canada approved maintenance organization and is recognized by both EASA and the FAA.
COMMUNICATIONS
ANODYNE ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING
Kelowna, BC, aem-corp.com
Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing is a leader in the design, development and manufacture of aircraft communications and loudspeaker systems, mission radios, caution panels, and CVM airframe crack detection sensors. AEM’s United States Forest Service-approved MTP136D is a modern panel-mount P25 VHF FM aerial
United Against Wildfires
HONOURING THE HEROES WHO KEEP US SAFE
At WinAir, we salute the brave men and women who face wildfires head-on. To the aerial crews, ground teams, mechanics, logistics coordinators, and volunteers. Thank you for your courage and commitment save lives. Because of you, communities are protected and hope endures. You Make Safety Possible From cockpit to fireline, thank you for all you do. WinAir – Proud to Support Those Who Protect Us All
Contact us to speak with a member of the WinAir team about Mainentance and Inventory software requirements. 1(519)691-0919 | sales@winair.ca | winair.ca
AVIONICS
firefighting solution for digital and analog communication on all channels across the 136MHz to 174MHz frequency band. AEM offers technical support, repair, and refurbishment services to compliment its full product lineup. The company is Transport Canada approved manufacturer, holds Part 145 Maintenance approval, and is ISO9001/AS9100D registered and certified under Canada's Controlled Goods Program.
FLIGHTCELL INTERNATIONAL
Nelson, New Zealand, flightcell.com
Flightcell is a global producer of airborne integrated-mobile communications and manufacturers the DZMx as an all-in-one Iridium and cellular solution for voice, data, and aircraft tracking. The DZMx is used by CAL FIRE, Erickson and Kestrel Aviation, among others, leveraging its built-in ATU and its broadband capabilities with fall-back to satellite. A range of bucket/tank configurations and reporting options are available.
GUARDIAN MOBILITY
Ottawa, ON, guardianmobility.com
Guardian Mobility since 2002 has empowered aircraft fleet managers and owner-operators with advanced flight tracking and communications technologies. The company delivers fully integrated solutions for operations across fire suppression, EMS utilities and law enforcement. For aerial firefighting, Guardian Mobility offers real-time telemetry for aircraft, ground vehicles, and personnel using Automated Flight Following (AFF) and Additional Telemetry Unit (ATU) technology. These systems boost situational awareness by tracking location and water drop activities in near real time. The G6 Certus100 is Guardian’s latest “internet in the sky” innovation.
IMAGING & DETECTION
CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC
Logan, UT, campbellsci.com
Campbell Scientific is a group of companies with offices in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, France, Germany, South Africa, Spain, Thailand and the U.K, as well as the original American parent company formed in 1974. Leveraging extensive R&D facilities, the company develops a field-proven range of scientific instrumentation and solutions. This includes a family of automated Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) specifically for fire weather, which can transmit data over GOES satellites in as little as 10 minutes.
CHURCHILL NAVIGATION
Boulder, CO, churchillnavigation.com
Churchill manufactures systems to capture and record video, provide real-time augmented reality mapping, and to archive and index recorded video. Its systems are used by a range of operators in law enforcement, SAR, emergency management services, security, fire suppression, military agencies and media.
NUVIS TECHNOLOGIES
Toronto, ON, nuvistechnologies.com
Nuvis Technologies in partnership with Amplicam provides an AI-based computervision solution to automate the detection and monitoring of forest fires. This includes the monitoring of a more than 1,000 square kilometre area by each camera, with only one dispatcher for 35 cameras.
OFIL EUROPE
Wien, Austria, ofil-europe.com
OFIL Europe traditionally focuses on airborne sensor systems for power line and utility inspections. Its ROM Ultra product is the highest spec’ed 5-sensor system with deep intergration of 4K Video/Radiometric Infrared HD Sensor, 120mm Lens/61MP Still Camera 140-400mm lens/OFIL’s high sensitivity UV HD Sensor/LRF and intelligent functions. Its ROM HD is a configurable product line with 5-sensors, FOG technology for drift-free gyrostabilization in 4 axis, and fiber optic technologies for low latency data transmissions. ROMLite HD is a compact, high precision 4-sensor system, including IR/UV/EO sensors in HD resolution, plus laser range finder.
OVERWATCH IMAGING
Hood River, OR, overwatchimaging.com
Overwatch Imaging is a global leader in airborne wildfire intelligence technologies. The venture-backed small business was founded in 2016. It develops AI-driven automation software and multispectral smart sensor payloads that serve a wide range of time-critical missions around the world, from wildfire intelligence and natural disaster response to counter narcotics, border security, tactical intelligence, and maritime search, rescue and environmental monitoring. Wildfire intelligence is a core market segment for Overwatch Imaging, which develops complete, multispectral sensor payloads that collect and process high-resolution image data.
TRAKKA SYSTEMS
Bradenton, FL, trakkasystems.com
Trakka Systems for more than two decades been a pioneer in providing Critical Vision Technologies for airborne, land and maritime missions. Trakka provides a total
solution for fire detection and mapping that equips air operators with the necessary tools to navigate through smoke, haze, and darkness. TrakkaCam’s radiometric airborne camera measures temperature and UV discharge levels, while its shortwave infrared sensors are designed to see through haze and dense smoke. The TrakkaBeam high-intensity searchlight provides lighting in compromised environments; and its TrakkaMaps mapping software offers a range of views, including 3D, street, satellite and augmented reality.
FLIGHT TRACKING & DATA
AIRSUITE
Thunder Bay, ON, air-suite.com
AirSuite’s flagship product, Cirro, is a complete mobile flight operations system built for helicopter and fixed-wing operators to simplify regulatory compliance and flight planning processes. Cirro was created by pilots and operators. It works across iOS and Android devices, in addition to Macs and PCs, and has functionality to be leveraged by varied team members, while also providing transport auditors with access to the information they need. Cirro is described as the first complete software package of flight management tools to specifically focus on operations. It gives operators access to fleet and crew specific details, with aspects of flight planning, scheduling, documentation, safety and reporting.
GPMS INTERNATIONAL
Waterbury, VT, gpms-vt.com
GPMS’s Foresight MX offers a next-generation, predictive Health and Usage Monitoring System that goes beyond HUMS. Foresight MX offers insights needed to optimize maintenance, safety, and operations.
RMCI
Denver, CO, RMCI.com
The RMCI Expandable Rotorcraft Diagnostic System, or XRDS, enables flight data monitoring for Flight Operations Quality Assurance; provides mechanical diagnostics of the aircraft drive train; and supports maintenance functions.
SKYPLAN SERVICES
Calgary, AB, skyplan.com
Skyplan is a global provider of flightoperation and trip-support services. With the launch of the latest iteration of its flight-planning software, Aurora, a flight department has immediate access to Web-based global flight planning, weather services, up-link, Air Traffic Control (ATC) filings, and integrated runway analysis. Users can leverage the company’s Trip Support
and Fixed Based Operations team to access Skyplan’s global service network for contract fuel, overflight and landing clearances, ground handling, concierge services, custom arrangement facilities, and private jet charters.
SKYTRAC SYSTEMS
Kelowna, BC, skytrac.com
SKYTRAC for more than 35 years has been trusted by leading aerial firefighting operators to provide mission critical capabilities to ensure their mission’s success. With almost 40 years of experience in aviation, SKYTRAC is trusted by over 800 customers as a leading provider of LEO satellite and cellular communication services for all aerospace sectors. Working with operators, organizations, and OEMs, SKYTRAC enables capabilities such as regulatory required automated flight following (AFF), air tanker information systems (ATIS), operational load monitoring (OLM), telemetry, voice, and text communications, low-latency video streaming, real-time HUMS, and more over Iridium Certus and cellular networks.
SPIDERTRACKS
Auckland, New Zealand, spidertracks.com
Spidertracks is a globally recognized and trusted provider of intelligent flight data and information for aviators around the world. Its technology is leveraged for mission-critical environments and provides teams with real-time flight tracking, active flight following, and two-way text communications.
TECHNISONIC INDUSTRIES
Mississauga, ON, til.ca
Founded in 1990, Technisonic focuses on the development of aeronautical band VHF ground equipment and Special Mission Airborne RF and audio communications systems. Its tactical airborne VHF, UHF and multi-band systems are used for air ambulance, electronic news gathering, fire suppression, and law enforcement.
TRACPLUS
Dunedin, New Zealand, tracplus.com TracPlus is a tracking and communications provider of real-time tracking, event reporting and messaging. TracPlus enables multiple asset types to be tracked and integrated into one cohesive system, meaning contractors can use their own tracking systems but send their data to TracPlus when working alongside others.
MRO & MODIFICATIONS
AIR TRAIL
Edmonton, AB, airtrail.co
Air Trail aims to help aviation operators of all sizes and missions with the costs of regulatory compliance through automation. Its software can be used by air crew, mechanics and managers of fixed- and rotary-wing operators. Its technology captures details of flights and maintenance, including actual times, recency information, trends, defect details, crew and AME sign-offs, and more. Crew members can log their duty time and Air Trail will take care of the rest, including proactive duty limit alerts. It also provides weight limit data, compliance tracking, and can generate air bills that include hours flown, fuel fills, distances and more.
AMTECH AERONAUTICAL
Medicine Hat, AB, amtech-group.com
Formed in 1991, Amtech is a multi-disciplinary company providing services and speciality products in aeronautical/certification engineering. Amtech has worked with a range of certification authorities and is delegated by Transport Canada to approve major modifications on all categories of fixed- and rotor-wing aircraft under Design
CONNECTING PROTECTING WORLD
Approval Organization (DAO) delegation. Amtech has extensive experience in structural modifications and repairs, interior systems, avionics and electrical system modifications, float installations, special mission aircraft (such as airtankers), flight characteristics assessments, ferry tank installations, powerplant conversions, and data acquisition systems.
ATEQ & COBRA AVIATION
Mississauga, ON, ateq-aviation.com
ATEQ Canada manufactures and supplies a full lifecycle of pitot/static testing. This includes test adapters for 450-plus aircraft, air data test boxes, calibration, and repair. Its test adapters use 7075 grade aircraft aluminum, preventing breaks from drops and usage.
AV-BASE SYSTEMS/WINAIR
Kitchener, ON, winair.ca
AV-BASE Systems/WinAir holds more than 35 years of experience in developing and servicing aviation management software. Companies rely on WinAir to track and manage aircraft maintenance and inventory control. WinAir has hundreds of installations at aviation-specific organizations worldwide from airlines to heli-ops, law enforcement agencies, oil industry
suppliers, MROs, CAMOs, medical evacuation response teams and more. The company’s technology is available as Operators, Heliops and MRO Packages.
CANADIAN PROPELLER
Winnipeg, MB, canadianpropeller.com
Canadian Propeller is one of North America’s leading propeller maintenance and service facilities, specializing in maintenance, repair, overhauls and sales, while offering 24/7 service and AOG support. Canadian Propeller is now a certified Hartzell Propeller Factory Authorized Service Facility, McCauley Authorized Service Facility, and MT Propeller Service Center. As a Hamilton Sundstrand Sales and Service Center, the company supports composite propellers on Dash 8 and ATR aircraft.
CASCADE AEROSPACE
Abbottsford, BC, cascadeaerospace.com
CONSOLIDATED TURBINE SPECIALISTS
Langley, BC, kratosdefense.com
Consolidated Turbine Specialists (CTS) is headquartered in Bristow, Oklahoma, as an independent MRO facility specializing in PT6 repair and overhaul. It is certified by the FAA, EASA, DOT and DBCA on Pratt & Whitney PT6T and PT6A series engines. Its Canadian facility is certified by Transport Canada and EASA. CTS offers a range of PT6 services: Full engine overhaul and repair, worldwide 24/7 field service, hot section inspection, fuel nozzle overhaul/exchange, accessory overhaul/ repair, component overhaul/repair, reduce engines to spares, AOG support, upgrade modification, and part sales.
HOPE AERO
Mississauga, ON, hopeaero.com
Metrea_CWC.AD_Print_202408.pdf 1 15/08/2024 09:33
Cascade Aerospace, an operating unit of IMP Aerospace & Defence, supports a range of airframe platforms and operational needs. This includes supporting military, government and commercial aircraft. Cascade is well-known for its aerospace engineering services for custom product design, manufacturing, and certification.
Hope Aero, with airport locations in Toronto at CYYZ and in Winnipeg at CYWG, is a national aircraft component maintenance specialist focused on propellers, wheels and brakes repair and overhaul, dynamic balancing and NDT.
KF AEROSPACE
Kelowna, BC, kfaero.ca
KF Aerospace is Canada’s largest
commercial MRO provider. For 55 years, KF Aerospace’s multi-faceted business operations have grown to include first-class engineering and design services, military aircrew training, commercial aircraft leasing, passenger and air cargo flight operations. Its facilities across Canada are home to 1,200 highly skilled employees.
PARKER LORD
Cary, NC, lord.com
Parker Lord manages the unique challenges of shock, vibration, and motion control in flight-critical components and systems. A subsidiary of Parker Hannifin, Parker Lord is a leading manufacturer of advanced adhesives and coatings, as well as vibration and motion control technologies that reduce risk and improve performance.
PROPWORKS PROPELLER SYSTEMS
Winnipeg, MB, propworks.ca
With facilities in Winnipeg and Edmonton and over 30 employees, PropWorks has grown to be one of the largest propeller overhaul and repair companies in Western Canada. It is one of the leading experts in overhauling and repairing propellers on the CL415 aircraft with customers across Canada and around the world.
S.A.F.E. STRUCTURE DESIGNS
Las Vegas, NV, safestructuredesigns.com
Safe Structure Designs (S.A.F.E.) is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of ergonomic safety equipment for the aerial firefighting industry. The company’s design process is completely free of cost. It is focused on providing the best solution for each client’s unique circumstances.
SELECT HELICOPTER SERVICES
Kelowna, BC, selecthelicopter.com
Select Helicopter Services specializes in the maintenance, repair and overhaul of hydraulic components and cargo hooks. Capabilities include components from Bell 206/206L/212/214/407/412/427/UH-1, as well as Airbus H125 (AS350) and AS355.
STANDARDAERO
Scottsdale, AZ, standardaero.com
StandardAero is one of the world’s largest independent providers of services including engine and airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul, engine component repair, engineering services, and interior completions. StandardAero serves a diverse array of customers in the airline, business and general aviation, military, helicopter, and energy markets.
STRONGER. TOGETHER.
TAE AEROSPACE
Scottsdale, Arizona, taeaerospace.com
TAE operates facilities throughout AsiaPacific and the Americas to service a worldwide customer base, providing a range of aerial firefighting products and services for both fixed- and rotary-wing applications. The company specializes in OEM-backed fuel controls, power turbine and overspeed governor and starter generator services.
UNITED ROTORCRAFT
Englewood, CO, unitedrotorcraft.com
United Rotorcraft is the products division of Air Methods with more than 25 years of experience installing airframe accessories on rotor and fixed-wing aircraft. It designs, integrates and installs medical equipment, avionics, and accessories for EMS, medevac, firefighting, airborne law enforcement, and SAR operators.
WESTERN PROPELLER
Richmond, BC, westernpropeller.com
Western Propeller has been in business for more 75 years. At its two locations in Richmond, BC, and Calgary, AB, Western Propeller services all major makes and models of propellers and governors including Hamilton Sundstrand, Hartzell, McCauley, MT Propeller & Woodward.
TOTAL MISSION SOLUTIONS
VEST AERO TECH
Norway, vestaerotech.com
Founded in 2022 in Norway by a helicopter pilot, Vest Aero Tech focused on developing a new way to fight wildfires. Its aerial tool uses local water sources to provide a constant water flow, supporting wildfire efforts. It’s also versatile with the ability to help combat floods and more.
VIH AEROSPACE
North Saanic, BC, vihaerospace.com
Led by OEM-approved technician managers, VIH Aerospace provides valueenhanced helicopter maintenance, manufacturing, repair and overhaul (MMRO) services, emphasizing its technical abilities to work on projects that exceed OEM specifications. VIH provides services for structures, avionics, painting, components, design and STC development. It is a Bell Customer Service Facility and provides services for Sikorksy and Airbus helicopters.
VOYAGEUR AVIATION
North Bay, ON, voyav.com
With over 50 years of experience, Voyageur supports aircraft and fleet operations domestically and around the world. It specializes in the modification and operation of Special Mission aircraft that serve a
variety of government and defence clients. Under Transport Canada Design Approval Organization (DAO) authority, Voyageur designs, flight tests and certifies structural and avionic modifications. Its modifications have supported air ambulance, aerial fireighting, atmospheric research, geophysical analysis, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance), emergency medical evacuation for humanitarian relief, and airbourne courier services. Voyageur’s 200,000-square-foot MRO facilities are supported by a large parts and logistics operation, component R&O, and shops for accessories, composites, structures and avionics manufacturing and servicing. Voyageur is currently expanding into Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems platforms.
PARTS & DISTRIBUTION
AERONAUTICAL ACCESSORIES
Piney Flats, TN, aero-access.com
Aeronautical Accessories offers windows, interiors and trim, landing gear, and many other product categories for a variety of helicopter manufacturers including: AgustaBell, Airbus, Bell, Enstrom, Hiller, Leonardo, MD, Robinson, Schweizer, and Sikorsky.
Described as the world’s largest rotorcraft parts and accessories provider, the aircraft aftermarket operation began in 1979 and is backed by Bell’s ISO 9001 with AS9100 Revision D certification. Aeronautical Accessories offers more than 4,000 unique part numbers and 1,200 Supplemental Type Certificates.
CANADIAN AIR PARTS
Abbotsford, BC, cdnairparts.com
Canadian Air Parts is a longstanding supplier to the aerial firefighting industry, serving operators across North America for more than 30 years. Specializing in rotary-wing aircraft support, the company offers one of Canada’s largest inventories of components for platforms such as the Bell 212, 412, and 205, as well as Airbus AS350 and AS355 aircraft. Its portfolio now includes premier aerial firefighting equipment, such as Kawak bucket systems and accessories. Canadian Air Parts now offers calibration services for Chadwick and Vibrex rotor track and balance equipment, ensuring operators meet OEM standards with minimal downtime. It provides fast-turnaround exchanges, flatrate starter generator programs through Freedom Aero, and personalized technical support.
Global Reach, Local Impact
KADEX AERO SUPPLY
Peterborough, ON, kadexaero.com
KADEX, founded in 1994, is a familyowned supplier of aircraft parts with two locations across Canada, in Peterborough, Ont., and Calgary, Alta. Offering a range of repair and overhaul services, KADEX specializes in FAA PMA parts and represents more than 50 different manufacturers such as Donaldson Filtration, StarkStick, Tanis Aircraft Products, Concorde Battery, Whelen Aerospace Technologies, Champion Aerospace, Goodyear Tires, Michelin Tires and Aeroshell.
MMKL
GROUP
Saskatoon, SK, mklgroup.com
MMKL Group specializes in providing distribution channels for emergency management supply chains, focusing on wildfire suppression equipment and solutions. It supplies a range of fireline hand tools such as Pulaskis, McLeods, shovels, axes, and rakes, essential for creating firebreaks and controlling ground fires. MMKL Group provides a line of wildland fire helmets, Nomex clothing for flame resistance, and durable wildland boots for heat protection and terrain support.
TEMPEST AVIATION GROUP
Kelowna, BC, tempest.aero
Tempest has been providing global helicopter parts support since 2001. It provides refurbished parts and component sales with OEM certifications, as well as global rotorcraft sales and fleet divestments to help manage and optimize assets.
SERVICES
CAE
Montreal, QC, cae.com
CAE deploys software-based simulation, training and operational support solutions to help aviation professionals and defence and security forces perform. CAE has approximately 13,000 employees in more than 240 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. Domestically, CAE’s public safety and security portfolio now extends into technologies for keeping Canadians safe from natural disasters, including the CAE SkyDeploy real-time position reporting system for wildfire tracking, search and rescue management, and fisheries surveillance.
ELEMENT AEROSPACE
Toronto, ON, element-aerospace.com
Element Aerospace is a boutique aviation consulting firm that specializes in business aviation, powerplant and aircraft asset
management, aircraft and spare parts sales and acquisitions, OEM representation, infrastructure development, special mission aircraft, and other unique projects.
EXECUTIVE FLIGHT CENTRE
Calgary, AB, efcaviation.ca
Executive Flight Centre’s core business has been aviation fuel for more than 40 years. It holds an established network of infrastructure, dedicated aviation trucks, and long-term relationships with primary fuel refiners to ensure a dependable fuel supply throughout Western Canada. The company has been a provider of aviation fuel to aerial firefighting operations for over 20 years.
FAAC
Ann Arbor, MI, faac.com
In operation for more than 50 years, FAAC provides tools for simulation training across a range of sectors, including military, public safety and commercial applications. FAAC Commercial provides simulation training for public safety and transit, designed to meet standard practices for police, fire, EMS, bus and rail professionals. FAAC Commercial provides tools and training techniques designed for maximum learning retention in safe, controllable, and repeatable training environments.
OFIL AIRBORNE
Aerial Inspection Systems
Now with NOVA fire and hotspot mapping, trusted by 17 State and 9 Provincial agencies.
ENGINE SUPPORT
MATTERS MOST
Wildfire season demands adaptable, dependable performance. With over 60 years of turboprop expertise, StandardAero delivers trusted MRO solutions for your Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A, PW100 and PW150A engines.
METREA
Washington, DC, metrea.aero
Metrea is a provider to national security partners across multiple domains in over a dozen mission areas. In its Air & Space sector, Metrea provides full-stack, ready-todeploy, agile capabilities in critical air domain mission sets. This includes airborne ISR and special mission aviation, air-to-air refueling, advanced tactical rotary-wing training and executive transport.
PEAR CANADA
Mississauga, ON, pearcanada.com
With a distribution centre in Richmond, B.C., PEAR Canada provides a range of aviation fuel handling needs, which includes filtration, fuel sampling/testing, aviation hose, filtration, single-point and over-wing fueling nozzles, pressure/ delta P gauges, hose reels, bonding reels, pumps, meters, filters, and pipe fittings/ valves, fueling cabinets, and related products.
PETROVALUE CANADA
Langley, BC, petrovalue.ca
PetroValue is one of Canada’s leading independent distributors of aviation fuels, diesels, gasolines and lubricants. Since its inception in 1999, PetroValue has
developed an extensive supply network of petroleum products across Canada.
CANADIAN OPERATORS
49 NORTH HELICOPTERS
Campbell River, BC, 49northhelicopters.com
Founded in 2005 as a flight school under the name Coast Mountain, 49 North Helicopters has a team of experienced pilots specializing in light and medium helicopters across western Canada. Its services encompass a diverse range of operations, including fire suppression, longlining, forestry, bird towing, surveying and patrols.
ABERDEEN HELICOPTERS
Prince George, BC, aberdeenheli.com
Aberdeen Helicopters is a versatile multimission provider. Its services encompass fire suppression, forestry applications, mountain climbing support, back-country hiking assistance, skiing excursions, fishing trips, wilderness photography flights, mining exploration, and powerline maintenance.
ADVANTAGE HELICOPTERS
Vernon, BC, advantageheli.com
Founded in 1994, Advantage Helicopters is an owner-operator-driven company holding Bell aircraft that are fire-suppression ready. The company primarily offers helicopter charter services and also holds Aircraft MaintenanceOrganization status.
AHLSTROM AIR
Nordegg, AB, helinordegg.com
Founded in 1997, Ahlstrom Air specializes in commercial helicopter services with an emphasis on forestry, including fire suppression, fish and wildlife surveys, and animal tracking. The company is involved in the seismic and oil and gas sectors, and provides support for remote access and search-and-rescue (SAR) missions.
AIRBORNE ENERGY SOLUTIONS
Whitecourt, AB, airborneenergysolutions.com
Airborne Energy Solutions (AES) is traditionally a charter company that provides helicopter services, in addition to leveraging fixed-wing assets, for oil, gas, forestry and mining industries in Western Canada and the Arctic. In 2024, AES worked closely with Transport Canada to bring in CH-47 Chinook helicopters – with its partner Billings Flying Service – for wildfire suppression. AES in 2023 added a UH60A
Black Hawk. Its diverse helicopter fleet also includes Astar, Bell, Robinson and Eurocopter aircraft.
AIRSPAN HELICOPTERS
Sechelt, BC, airspanhelicopters.com
As a Transport Canada-approved maintenance facility, Airspan maintains a fleet of approximately six helicopters and offers a range of services, focusing on forestry work and including aerial firefighting support.
ALPINE HELICOPTERS
Kelowna, BC, alpinehelicopters.com
Operating since 1961, Alpine provides aerial firefighting and related services, as well as services like heli-skiing, heli-hiking, mountain rescue, seismic and mining support. With a fleet of approximately 40 helicopters, including Bell 212HP BLR, Bell 407, Bell 206L1/3, and AS350B3e types, Alpine holds a base in Golden, B.C., as well as Calgary, Canmore, High Level and Grimshaw, Alta.
ARROW HELICOPTERS
Revelstoke, BC, arrowhelicopters.com
Established in 2005, Arrow Helicopters specializes in providing Vertical Reference Training for both high- and low-time pilots. The Class D approved company is
known for SAR services, fire suppression, as well as mountain missions like avalanche control.
ASCENT HELICOPTERS
Parksville, BC, ascenthelicopters.ca
Ascent Helicopters, a Class D approved operator, offers fire suppression and serves various sectors including utilities, construction, film and television, heli-skiing, air ambulance, and natural resources. Ascent holds a second base in Fernie, B.C., and a fleet of approximately eight helicopters.
AURORA HELICOPTERS
Vernon, BC, auroraheli.com
Aurora Helicopters specializes in fire suppression and pre-suppression services. These services include transporting firefighting personnel and equipment to predetermined locations, conducting aerial smoke patrols to detect forest fires in high hazard areas, and engaging in suppression activities like water-bucket drops.
BABCOCK CANADA
Ottawa, ON, Babcockcanada.com
Babcock Canada provides critical services, technology, and support solutions in defense, emergency services, and civil nuclear
domains. With over 30 years of aerial firefighting experience, Babcock operates a substantial fleet of more than 90 owned aircraft, conducting over 5,000 firefighting missions annually and accumulating more than 15,000 firefighting flight hours.
BAILEY HELICOPTERS
Fort St. John, BC, baileyhelicopters.com
Founded in 1989, Bailey Helicopters offers services across multiple industries with bases in Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, Prince George, Terrace. B.C.; along with bases in Edmonton and Calgary, Atla. Its fleet includes Bell 212, AS350 B3, B2, BA and Bell 206 aircraft, providing passenger transport, aerial ignition, water bucketing and stand-by medevac during wildfire season.
BIGHORN HELICOPTERS
Cranbrook, BC, bighorn.ca
Bighorn Helicopters, founded over 30 years ago, offers a range of services including fire suppression. It’s authorized to operate helicopters for provinces including Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. The company is certified for aerial work and aircraft maintenance.
BLACKCOMB HELICOPTERS
Whistler, BC, blackcombhelicopters.com
With over 30 years of experience, Blackcomb assists in firefighting, human transport, water bucketing, Bird Dog flights, equipment transportation, and more. The company emphasizes multi-mission helicopters, focusing on rescue, medevac, and operating a variety of approximately 25 intermediate and medium helicopters.
BLACK SWAN HELICOPTERS
Berwyn, AB, blackswanhelicopters.com
Founded in 2003, Black Swan specializes in forestry services such as surveying, longlining, and fire suppression. The company offers charter and maintenance services for Airbus, Bell and Robinson helicopters.
BLACK TUSK HELICOPTERS
Brackendale, BC, blacktuskhelicopter.com
Black Tusk Helicopters provides fire suppression and other services for various provincial agencies. Equipped with Bambi Buckets and automated flight systems, its fleet supports firefighting efforts in B.C. and Alberta with specialized features like foam-injection systems.
CANADIAN HELICOPTERS
Les Cedres, QC, canadianhelicopters.com
With roots tracing back to 1947, Canadian Helicopters specializes in personnel and cargo transport, fire suppression, seismic surveys, and more. With flight training and maintenance operations, the company operates in eight Canadian provinces and territories.
COLDSTREAM HELICOPTERS
Kelowna, BC, coldstreamhelicopters.com
Coldstream Helicopters specializes in emergency services driven by heavy-lift aircraft, such as fire suppression, mountain rescue, disaster support, evacuation services and longlining, as well as powerline construction and construction work. With bases in B.C., Alberta and Manitoba, the company is equipped for various helicopter operations and missions.
CONAIR GROUP
Abbotsford, BC, conair.ca
Conair is a global leader in aerial firefighting, offering the largest privately-owned fixed-wing fleet of specialty aircraft in the world. Operating across Canada, the U.S., Europe, Australia, and beyond, Conair provides a range of aircraft, crew, maintenance, and training to support agencies fighting wildfires. With a strong focus on safety, Conair offers pilots access to a
Training + Tactics Centre, which includes specialized aerial firefighting simulators. Conair boasts a versatile fleet of 70 aircraft, including bird dogs, land-based airtankers, and amphibious aircraft, such as the CL415 and AT802 Fire Boss. The latest addition to Conair's fleet is the Dash 8-400 airtanker.
CONTOUR HELICOPTERS
Fort Langley, BC, contourhelicopters.com
Founded in 2019, Contour currently operates a fleet of AS350 B3, Bell 206B3, Bell 206L3 and UH60A+ Black Hawk aircraft in wildfire suppression roles. Contour is approved for NVG operations and is working to develop a NVG wildfire program with B.C. and Alberta’s provncial wildfire agencies. The helicopter operation also has base locations in Burns Lake, B.C. and Edmonton, Atla.
COULSON AVIATION
Port Alberni, BC, coulsonaviation.com
For more than 60 years, Coulson Aviation has protected the world from forest fires. The company provides aerial support with a diverse fleet of day and night assets, and is the only aerial firefighting companies operating both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. Its approach includes designing,
maintaining, and operating various aircraft, supported by comprehensive training programs. Coulson Aviation is the first aviation company to receive Transport Canada Approved Training Organization (ATO) approval for aircraft structures training. Its program allows students to earn their Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Structures (AME-S) license at no cost, with guaranteed full-time positions upon completion. As a leading supplier to governments worldwide, Coulson focuses on sustainable, in-production aircraft. Partnering with OEMs and utilizing the latest technology, the company delivers all-hazard response capabilities.
CUSTOM HELICOPTERS
St. Andrews, MB, customheli.com
Founded 48 years ago, Custom Helicopters operates a versatile fleet of 45 helicopters, supporting a variety of industries, including powerline maintenance and construction, mining exploration, 24/7 medevac services, and fire suppression. The company’s fleet includes Airbus AS332L2s, which are utilized for fire suppression activities in both Canada and South America. Custom Helicopters is the launch customer for United
Rotorcraft and Dart Aerospace’s Noval Super Puma Fire Attack System.
DAUNTLESS AIR
Appleton, MN, dauntlessair.com
Dauntless Air is a leading U.S. operator of the AT-802F Fire Boss, a water-scooping air tanker purpose-built for cost-effective aerial firefighting. The company owns and operates 17 Fire Bosses, which feature some of the latest in firefighting technology, including on-board gel-mixing to enhance drop effectiveness, infrared/HUD capabilities to ensure drop accuracy, and ADSB and HASAS warning systems as well as proactive engine management to improve safety.
DELTA HELICOPTERS
Sturgeon County, AB, deltahelicopters.com
Delta Helicopters, in addition to its Edmonton head office, operates from five other base locations. With over 45 years of experience working with the forestry industry across Canada, Delta provides comprehensive fire suppression support.
DISCOVERY HELICOPTERS
Atlin, BC, discoveryheli.ca
Founded in 1990 as a family-owned
company, Discovery's helicopters are equipped for fire suppression, featuring satellite-based flight following systems, satellite phones, Bambi buckets, and longlines.
EAST WEST HELICOPTERS
Salmon Arm, BC, eastwesthelicopters.com
Established in 1997 with a focus on logging operations, East West Helicopters holds extensive experience in longline operations and aerial firefighting. The company specializes in precision lift work and operates a self-contained service facility, including its own tanker for helicopter refueling.
ECLIPSE HELICOPTERS
Penticton, BC, eclipseheli.com
With bases in Penticton and Cranbrook, B.C., Eclipse provides a range of services including aerial firefighting, as well as SAR and holds U.S.-based operating experience.
EDMONTON REGIONAL HELICOPTERS
Edmonton, AB, erhelicopters.com
As a privately held operator, Edmonton Regional is based at Edmonton International Airport (CYEG). The company provides forestry services throughout central
Alberta, extending west to the Rocky Mountains.
FOREST HELICOPTERS
Kenora, ON, foresthelicopters.com
Established in 1997 and focusing on AS350 helicopters, Forest Helicopters supports all aspects of fire suppression. Its pilots hold extensive experience beyond baseline requirements, including knowledge of fire behaviour, logistical support, and tactical applications like aerial ignition.
FRONTLINE HELICOPTERS
Williams Lake, BC, frontlinehelicopters.ca
Frontline Helicopters, situated just south of Williams Lake, is a key provider of wildfire suppression and associated services, including air taxi, infrared scanning, mapping, wildlife capture, and surveying.
GREAT SLAVE HELICOPTERS
Yellowknife, NWT, gsheli.com
Great Slave Helicopters operates a diverse fleet of over 30 single- and twin-engine helicopters, with over 20 per cent being aboriginally owned through partnerships with various operators. Operating across Northern Canada, this group manages approximately 15 bases, offering forestry services, including wildfire suppression.
GRIZZLY HELICOPTERS
Campbell River, BC, grizzlyhelicopters.com
Established in 2008, Grizzly Helicopters employs ASTAR350 B2 helicopters from bases in Campbell River and Port McNeill. The company specializes in providing firefighting services in the region, along with applications like, medevac, powerline patrols, and wildlife management.
GUARDIAN HELICOPTERS
Calgary, AB, guardianhelicopters.com
Founded in 1995, Guardian Helicopters has its head office at the Springbank Airport in Calgary, Alta. Apart from its oil and gas work, Guardian delivers an array of services such as aerial ignition, infrared scanning, cone collection, GPS, and video mapping.
HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES
Ottawa, ON, htsc.ca
Founded in 1976, Helicopter Transport Services (HTSC) is now one of North America's largest privately held helicopter operators. HTSC holds a fleet of more than 60 helicopters and one fixed-wing aircraft, providing mining, forestry, wildfire support, utility, construction, national defence, and emergency medical services. HTSC’s permanent
EVERY CALL IS A CALL TO ACTION
Whether for firefighting, law enforcement, search and rescue, or emergency medical services, Airbus stands ready to support communities in Canada and around the world. Our versatile range of helicopters perform a multitude of critical missions, helping to take you further, faster and higher, while keeping the world a safe and beautiful place.
pilot staff averages more than 7,000 hours of helicopter flying experience. Its operations span across Canada, the United States and South America.
HELI SOURCE
Red Deer, AB, helisourceltd.com
Heli Source is a provider of forestry sector services, encompassing fire suppression, aerial seeding and fertilizing, logging support, heli-torching, and more. The company specializes in mountain flying, vertical reference (longline) operations, and is equipped for water delivery and crew transport.
HELIQWEST AVIATION
Sturgeon County, AB, heliqwest.com
HeliQwest is a charter company specializing in external load operations such as fire suppression, as well as seismic, aerial harvesting, inspection, surveillance, mapping, photography, survey, and general transport. The company has a second base near Duncan, B.C.
HIGH TERRAIN HELICOPTERS
Nelson, BC, highterrainhelicopters.com
Serving the Kootenays since 1992, High Terrain operates Bell and Airbus helicopters out of Nelson, Nakusp, and Kaslo. The company’s capabilities include longline slinging,
water bucketing, bird dogging, and crew transport, among others.
HORIZON HELICOPTERS
Whitehorse, YT, horizonhelicopters.ca
Based at Whitehorse Airport with a satellite base in Dawson City, Horizon Helicopters has provided wildfire support in Alberta, B.C., and the Yukon since its founding. Its fleet primarily comprises AS350 helicopters.
HY-RIDGE HELICOPTERS
Coleman, BC, hyridge.ca
Hy-Ridge, also with a base in Sparwood, B.C., specializes in mountain-flying services, including fire suppression. The company employs an AS 350 B3 helicopter for operations throughout Western Canada.
MAG AEROSPACE CANADA
Dryden, ON, magaero.ca
MAG offers fixed-wing and RPAS aircraft for fire surveillance (detection and mapping) and airspace management. It provides a spectrum of aerial firefighting services, as well as maintenance, logistics, and site management. MAG Canada’s parent company holds a team of more than 900 professionals supporting over 200 aircxraft that accumulate more than 75,000 flight hours annually on five continents.
MONASHEE HELICOPTERS
Vernon, BC, monasheehelicopters.com
With a new base in High Level, Alta., to enhance its northern service, Monashee Helicopters offers firefighting services for initial attack, crew transport and water bucketing. It also provides construction missions, film and movie work, and passenger transport services.
MUSTANG HELICOPTERS
Blackfalds, AB, mustanghelicopters.com
Established in 2001, Mustang holds a fleet of approximately 30 helicopters, including intermediates, mediums, and twin-engine Cat A & Class 1 capabilities. Mustang supports a range of wildfire suppression initiatives, including initial attack, crew transport, water bucketing, belly tanks, aerial ignition, amd moving precious cargo such as seedlings or suppression equipment.
PANORAMA HELICOPTERS
Alma, QC, helicopterespanorama.com
Founded in 2000, Panorama Helicopters specializes in a variety of aerial firefighting services. These include fire detection, logistics such as personnel and equipment transportation, water bucketing, IR imaging, and related services like medevac.
Over 30 years experience making aircraft safer. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada, specializing in Design, Install, Repair, Rewire, Overhaul. Our experienced technicians travel worldwide.
604-465-3080 sales@maxcraft.ca maxcraft.ca
PHOENIX HELI-FLIGHT
Fort McMurray, AB, phoenixheliflight.com
Phoenix Heli-Flight provides a range of light and intermediate helicopter aerial firefighting services. Its offerings encompass initial attack, sustained action, and heli-torching on fires of all sizes.
PRAIRIE HELICOPTERS
Gimli, MB, prairiehelicopters.com
In addition to flight training, Prairie Helicopters delivers a full spectrum of helicopter charter services, as well as fire suppression. The company, founded in 2000, operates Bell helicopters.
RANGE HELICOPTERS
Drayton Valley, AB, rangeheli.ca
Range Helicopters specializes in fire suppression services. These include crew and camp moves, infrared scanning, water bucketing, GPS mapping, and drip torching.
RIDGE ROTORS
Blue Ridge, AB, ridgerotors.com
Ridge Rotors primarily serves northern B.C. and Alberta’s forestry sectors. Its services encompass timber cruising, VRI surveys, pest extermination, fire
suppression, emergency evacuation, and SAR. Ridge Rotors holds additional bases in Whitecourt, Alta., and Tumbler Ridge and Chetwynd, B.C.
SARVAIR AVIATION
100 Mile House, BC, sarvair.com
Sarvair Aviation operates from Williams Lake, B.C., and 100 Mile House. The company specializes in longline and vertical-lift missions, including heli-logging, drill moves, tower and cone construction, and fire protection.
SELKIRK MOUNTAIN HELICOPTERS
Revelstoke, BC, smheli.com
Founded in 1991, Selkirk provides services to heli-skiing operations, SAR support, avalanche snow safety, and firefighting. The company holds expertise in areas like drip torch and Class D certification.
SEQUOIA HELICOPTERS
Abbotsford, BC, sequoiahelicopters.com
Founded in 2004, Sequoia collaborates with provincial agencies across Canada for wildfire suppression. It utilizes Bambi Buckets with foam kits and possesses extensive longline experience. Sequoia holds Alberta bases in Slave Lake, Lac La Biche, and Whitecourt.
SIERRA HELICOPTERS
Pitt Meadows, BC, sierrahelicopters.com
Sierra provides a range of services throughout Vancouver’s lower mainland and beyond, including fire suppression and other forestry missions like LiDAR imaging, logging, tree planting and wildlife surveying.
SILVER KING HELICOPTERS
Smithers, BC, silverkingheli.com
Silver King Helicopters offers a range of services to the forestry and mining sectors. Its expertise includes fire suppression through collaboration with initial attack crews and water bucketing.
SKY HELICOPTERS
Pitt Meadows, BC, skyhelicopters.ca
Established in 2011, SKY Helicopters holds relationships with provincial agencies to assist in wildfire management and forestry work. Its offerings include year-round wildfire suppression and thermal imaging services for detecting hot spots.
SKYLINE HELICOPTERS
Kelowna, BC, skylinehelicopters.ca
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Founded in 1996, Skyline Helicopters, which also has a base in Terrace, B.C. Skyline specializes in longline mountain operations and holds a strong operational focus on oil and gas, forestry, and heli-skiing. Fire from
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SLAVE LAKE HELICOPTERS
Slave Lake, AB, slheli.com
With roots dating back to 1998, Slave Lake Helicopters specializes in providing services to the forestry sector. This includes fire suppression and related services like LiDAR imaging and crew transport.
STAR HELICOPTERS
Cold Lake, AB, starhelicopters.com
Star Helicopters has been involved with the forestry industry since 1982, carrying out operations including crew transportation, longline bucketing and drip-torch services.
SUMMIT HELICOPTERS
Kamloops, BC, summithelicopters.ca
Summit Helicopters holds bases in B.C., Alberta, and the Northwest Territories. Leveraging Bell aircraft, Summit provides diversified utility configurations for all lifting and movement requirements. Its aircraft are equipped with satellite tracking and approved medevac kits.
SUNWEST HELICOPTERS
Qualicum Beach, BC, sunwesthelicopters.com
Founded more than 27 years ago, SunWest Helicopters, based on Vancouver Island,
of light, intermediate and medium Bell helicopters.
TAIGA AIR SERVICES
Winnipeg, MB, taigaheli.com
Founded in 1992, Taiga specializes in providing thermal scanning for fire suppression, environmental and biometric analysis, powerline and pipeline integrity, and infrastructure management and maintenance. Its services include detecting and mapping hot spots, hotlines, and risk areas for resource deployment crewed by experienced and accredited technicians.
TRANSWEST HELICOPTERS
Oliver, BC, transwesthelicopters.com
Established in 1965, Transwest in early 2025 was acquired by Australia’s McDermott Aviation. The company primarily operates within Western Canada. In addition to specializing in wildfire suppression and utility missions, Transwest provides MRO, part sales and support, with an emphasis on Bell medium and legacy helicopters.
VALHALLA HELICOPTERS
Kelowna, BC, valhallahelicopters.com Valhalla Helicopters holds over 20 years of experience supporting ground forces in fire suppression. The company utilizes SEI
water buckets that are Aqualaunch/Powerfill foam equipped. Valhalla explains its retardant delivery system can be used for a variety of fire applications.
VALLEY HELICOPTERS
Hope, BC, valleyhelicopters.ca
Founded in 1985 and relying on a fleet of Bell aircraft, Valley Helicopters has been providing firefighting services for over 35 years. Its pilots are trained in fire suppression techniques, including water bucketing, aerial ignition, and crew transport. Its bases are located in Hope, Merritt and Kamloops, B.C.
VIH AVIATION GROUP
North Saanich, BC, vih.com
VIH Helicopters is the air operation within one of Canada’s most diversified aviation companies, VIH Aviation, which has been providing services since 1955. VIH operates a large fleet of Sikorsky and Bell helicopter types, providing a range of missions like wildfire suppression with optional gel capability, passenger transportation, initial attack, and precision heavy-lift operations. VIH also provides SAR, offshore and onshore aerial construction, executive charter, forestry, air ambulance, mining exploration and tourism services.
It also holds a major helicopter repair and overhaul centre.
WEST COAST HELICOPTERS
Port McNeill, BC, westcoasthelicopters.com
West Coast Helicopters operates as a light and intermediate service provider. They have bases in Nanaimo, Campbell River, Port McNeill, and Bella Coola, along with a fleet of around 18 helicopters. The company provides forestry services such as fire suppression, tree planting, and faller support.
WILDCAT HELICOPTERS
Kelowna, BC, wildcathelicopters.com
Wildcat Helicopters maintains a fleet of Bell 412 and 212 mission-modified aircraft. They specialize in a range of emergency services, including fire suppression. They possess a Bell 412EP configured for extended search, rescue, and medical missions.
WHITE SADDLE AIR SERVICES
Bluff Lake, BC, whitesaddleair.com
As a family-operated company with over 48 years of experience, White Saddle Air Services focuses on fire suppression. They underlined this commitment by acquiring Canada's first commercial Bell 407 GXi in 2019 and have since acquired a second Bell GXi.
YELLOWHEAD HELICOPTERS
Prince George, BC, yhl.ca
Yellowhead Helicopters is celebrating its 50-year anniversary in 2025. With a fleet of more than 40 helicopters, Yellowhead offers a range of fire suppression and forest restoration services. With 12 bases located in B.C. and Alberta, Yellowhead holds a fleet of AS350 B2s and B3s, Bell 212s and Bell 206s and BK117s (the five most recently added models). Its helicopters are equipped with firefighting capabilities such as water buckets and longline equipment. It offers a range of environmental restora tion services including aerial seeding and fertilizing, tree planting, cone harvesting, drip torching, infrared scanning, GPS mapping, telemetry, crew and camp moves, heli-logging. With its recent addition of five twin-engine helicopters, Yellowhead provides Class D fixed-line insertion and extraction, adding levels of safety while augmenting efficiency.
ZIMMER AIR SERVICES
Blenheim, ON, zimmerair.com
Established in 1975, Zimmer Air has fo cused on serving the forestry sector since inception. Its provides various services in Ontario and beyond, including drip torch and slash pile burning. | W
AIRLINE INDUSTRY COMPETITIVENESS
Competition Bureau Canada recently released a market study of Canada’s airline industry entitled “Cleared for Take-off, Elevating airline competition”. An initiative of the Competition Bureau, the study presents a lot of industry data and tables ten recommendations “to enhance competition in the Canadian airline industry”.
Competition Bureau Canada Recommendations:
1. Make competition the priority when reviewing airline mergers and collaborations.
2. Remove barriers that limit smaller airports from competing with major hubs.
3. Improve the publication of airline industry data.
4. Considering reviewing the airport oversight and funding model.
5. Increase the single-investor foreign ownership limit for Canadian airlines to 49%.
6. Allow up to 100% foreign ownership for domestic-only Canadian airlines.
7. Work with other countries to remove foreign competition restrictions in international agreements.
8. Coordinate leadership of northern and remote aviation.
9. Tailor regulations to the northern context.
10. Leverage government investments and tools to promote competition.
However interesting the data is, the findings do not fully justify some of the recommendations put forward. While many of the recommendations merit consideration, ATAC strongly opposes others that we feel would lead to serious consequences to Canadian carriers, Canadian travelers, and remote and northern communities.
We do not support the first recommendation which would remove the Transport Minister’s power to override the merger and competitor collaboration to “ensure that anti-competition deals are not approved”. As defenders of the need for the Minister’s independence, we believe that the Minister should be able to base his or her decision on considerations that go beyond competition and include the long-term viability of air services in Canada, something that does not appear to figure prominently in the Competition Bureau’s analysis.
ATAC strongly opposes Recommendation 6 which suggests allowing up to 100% foreign ownership for domestic-only Canadian airlines. The majority of domestic-only airlines are uniquely tailored to meet the needs of the communities in which they are based. They are often locally owned and operated, in many cases by indigenous groups. These airlines invest heavily in their community, not just in
aviation infrastructure but in the very socio-economic fabric of these communities to which they are essential services. The benefits generated from these air services are largely reinvested locally. Foreign investors would recoup their investments through a repatriation of the financial benefits and thus deprive the local community of much needed community stakeholder outreach.
We also firmly oppose Recommendation 7 which would “allow airlines from partner countries to fly domestic service in Canada”. This practice, known as cabotage, presents a serious threat to continued Canadian owned domestic air services.
ATAC has repeatedly expressed its opposition to cabotage, even as recently as in letters to Party leaders early in the latest federal election campaign. The very idea of allowing cabotage in Canada is rejected by the majority of aviation stakeholders. The proponents of this threatening concept, mostly members of non-airline operator, intellectual or consumer advocacy communities, may not fully appreciate the need for dependable air service to ensure the very survival of northern and remote communities in Canada. To allow US or international air carriers to challenge Canadian air carriers in our domestic market would present a very uneven playing field for Canadian operators who are saddled with higher Canadian infrastructure costs and Canadian fees and charges that could not be absorbed in their non-Canadian revenue base.
The inevitable result of this unfair competition would most certainly lead to the collapse of many of Canada’s domestic carriers. This would soon leave regional air services captive to foreign carriers who could very well leave the Canadian market the very next time we hit a downcycle in the economy. Canadians in regional, remote, and northern communities are particularly vulnerable to such a possible outcome.
Cabotage is the 9th and final Freedom of the Air formulated “as a result of disagreements over the extent of aviation liberalization in the Convention of International Civil Aviation of 1944”. The 9th Freedom reads “The right to fly within a foreign country without continuing to one’s own country”. Cabotage is the final level of integration included in the Open Skies Agreement that could conceivably be approved in the later phases of the agreement, a level of integration few expect will ever be reached, and for good reason.
Although the Government is not bound by a study by the Competition Bureau, the Canadian aviation community needs to stand united in its firm opposition to cabotage in this country. ATAC will relentlessly urge the Canadian Government not to cede to the short-sighted vision of cabotage and show the firmest support possible of Canadian owned and operated aviation services.
John McKenna President and CEO Air Transport Association of Canada
By David Bacci |
Sixth generation design
How a new wave of fighter jets could transform aerial combat
The most advanced fighter jets in the world are known as fifth generation. They contain technologies developed in the first part of the 21st century. Examples of fifth generation fighter jets include America’s F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor, China’s Chengdu J-20 and Russia’s Sukhoi SU-57. Nations are now moving ahead with sixth generation combat jets. In the past few months, China has flown its J36 and J50 prototype jets. Meanwhile, the U.S. has selected Boeing to build a new fighter aircraft called the F-47.
As with previous generations, the sixth will incorporate advances in aircraft design, avionics and weapon systems. But how will the new generation of jets stand out from the previous one? Future combat jets will not see dramatic increases in maximum speed, nor in flight performance. Instead, the true innovations will be in how these systems operate and achieve dominance in aerial combat. Like the fifth generation, the sixth will be dominated by stealth technology. This helps fighters jets to reduce their chances of being detected by infrared and radar sensors, to the point that when their signatures are eventually picked up, the opponent has no time to act. Stealth is achieved through particular shapes of airframe (such as diamond shapes) and coatings on the aircraft – called radar absorbing materials.
The diamond-like shapes that already characterise fifth generation jets are likely to remain in the upcoming generation of fighter, but they will evolve. A common feature we’re likely to see is the reduction or complete removal of vertical tails at the back of the aircraft and their control surfaces. In current aircraft, these tails provide directional stability and control in flight. Sixth generation jets, however, could achieve this control with the help of thrust vectoring – the ability to manipulate the direction of engines and, therefore, the direction of thrust. The role of vertical tails could also be partially replaced by devices called fluidic actuators. These apply forces to the wing by blowing high speed and high pressure air on different parts of it.
The removal of the vertical tails would contribute to the fighter’s stealth. The new
Boeing in March 2025 won the contract for the U.S. Air Force’s NGAD stealth fighter jet, now known as the F-47.
generation of fighters is also likely to see the use of novel radar absorbing materials with advanced capabilities. We’ll see the introduction of what are known as adaptive cycle engines on sixth generation fighters. These engines will feature a three-stream design, which refers to the airstreams blowing through the engine. Current jets have two airstreams: one that passes through the core of the engine and another that bypasses the core. The development of a third stream provides an extra source of air flow to increase the engine’s fuel efficiency and performance. This will allow both the capability to cruise efficiently at supersonic speed and deliver high thrust in combat.
It is likely that China and the U.S. will build two separate fighters with different airframes. One will have a bigger airframe, designed for use in an area like the Pacific Ocean region. Here, the ability to fly further and carry a heavier payload will be key, because of the distances involved. Airframes designed for this region will therefore be larger. Another fighter jet carrying a smaller airframe will be designed for use in areas such as Europe where agility and manoeuvrability will be more important.
The next wave of jets will have a system in the cockpit that gathers lots of information from other aircraft, ground surveillance stations and satellites. It would then integrate this data to give an enhanced situational awareness to the pilot. This system
would also able to actively jam enemy sensors. Another key feature will be the deployment of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (Ucavs), a form of drone aircraft.
The piloted fighter jet would control a variety of Ucavs, ranging from loyal wingmen to cheaper, unpiloted fighter jets to assist, including protecting the piloted fighter.
This will all be the responsibility of something called the advanced digital cockpit, a software-driven system that will use virtual reality and allow the pilot to effectively become a battle manager. Artificial intelligence (AI) will be a key feature of the support systems for the drones. This will allow them to be controlled with complete autonomy. The pilot will assign a main task, such as, “attack that enemy jet in that sector”. Another advancement will be weapon systems, with the adoption of missiles that not only will be capable of travelling at hypersonic speeds, but will also incorporate stealth features. This will further reduce the reaction times of enemy forces. Directed energy weapons systems, such as laser weapons, could potentially appear in later stages, as this technology is under study.
Under America’s sixth generation fighter program, the U.S. Navy is working on a separate jet called the F/A-XX, complementing the F-47. The U.K., Italy and Japan are also working on a jet project known as the global combat air program (GCAP) to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon in service with the UK and Italy and the Mitsubishi F-2 in service with Japan. Germany, Spain and France are working on a fighter program called the future combat air system (FCAS). This could supersede Germany and Spain’s Typhoons and France’s Rafale. The path for sixth generation fighter jets seems to have already been traced, but uncertainties remain. The feasibility of some of the characteristics described and development times and costs are not well defined. This interval of time was more than 10 years for fifth generation fighter jets. | W
Dr. David Bacci is part of Oxford Thermofluids Laboratory and Visiting Research Fellow in Military Aircraft Design at Cranfield University. This article was originally published by The Conversation.
