Chorus Aviation Announces the Successful Completion of the World's First Dash 8-300 Aircraft Extended Service Program

• Launch customer for Bombardier Dash 8-300 ESP

HALIFAX, June 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Chorus Aviation Inc. ('Chorus') (TSX: CHR) announced today that Jazz Technical Services ('JTS') – a division of Chorus subsidiary, Jazz Aviation ('Jazz') – has successfully completed the Extended Service Program (ESP) on the first of 19 Dash 8-300 aircraft. Chorus is the launch customer for Bombardier's Dash 8-300 ESP; the first of its kind for this aircraft type.

"Our relationship with Bombardier goes back many years and we are proud to be the first operator in the world to conduct the Extended Service Program on Dash 8-300s," said Colin Copp, President, Jazz. "I commend our maintenance engineers for this significant achievement."

The ESP extends the service life of Jazz's Dash 8-300 aircraft by 50 per cent, or approximately 15 years, through the replacement of certain structural and systems components. Jazz Technical Services will complete the ESP work on a minimum of 19 Dash 8-300 aircraft over the next five years at its facility in Halifax, NS.

"I congratulate the JTS team on this important milestone," said Joe Randell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chorus. "The range of technical expertise we possess across all facets of regional aviation differentiates us from our competition as we work toward our vision of delivering regional aviation to the world."

"Bombardier is excited to celebrate this milestone alongside Chorus, Jazz and JTS and we congratulate all the teams that contributed to the successful execution of the Dash 8-300 aircraft Extended Service Program," said Todd Young, Vice President and General Manager, Customer Services and Q400 Aircraft Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "The Dash 8-300 aircraft ESP, and the Dash 8-100 aircraft ESP, which was available earlier, extend the economic life of these robust and reliable aircraft for years to come -- allowing for enhanced operational value for our long-standing customer, Chorus."

About Chorus

Headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Chorus was incorporated on September 27, 2010. Chorus' vision is to deliver regional aviation to the world. Chorus owns Jazz Aviation and Voyageur Aviation – companies that have long histories of safe and solid operations that deliver excellent customer service in the areas of contract flying operations, engineering, fleet management, and maintenance, repair and overhaul. Chorus has been leasing its owned regional aircraft into Jazz's Air Canada Express operation since 2009, and recently established Chorus Aviation Capital to become a leading, global provider of regional aircraft leases and support services. Chorus Class A Variable Voting Shares and Class B Voting Shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol 'CHR'. For more information about Chorus and its subsidiaries, see www.chorusaviation.ca.

About Jazz

Jazz Aviation LP has a strong history in Canadian aviation with its roots going back to the 1930s. Jazz is owned by Chorus Aviation Inc. As the largest regional carrier in Canada, Jazz has a proven track record of industry leadership and exceptional customer service, and has leveraged that strength to deliver value to all its stakeholders. Jazz operates more flights and flies to more Canadian destinations than any other airline, and has a workforce of approximately 4300 professionals, highly experienced in the challenging and complex nature of regional operations.

There are three divisions operated by Jazz Aviation LP: Air Canada Express, Jazz Technical Services and Jazz.

Air Canada Express: Under a capacity purchase agreement with Air Canada, using the Air Canada Express brand, Jazz provides service to and from lower-density markets as well as higher-density markets at off-peak times throughout North America, with a fleet of 117 Canadian-made Bombardier aircraft.

Jazz Technical Services: Established in May 2016 as a separate division, Jazz Technical Services ('JTS') is dedicated to heavy maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of Bombardier aircraft. JTS provides MRO services to third parties while maintaining the dedication and commitment to its primary customer, Air Canada.

Jazz: Under the Jazz brand, the airline offers charters throughout North America with a dedicated fleet of Bombardier aircraft for corporate clients, governments, special interest groups and individuals seeking more convenience. Jazz also has the ability to offer airline operators services such as ground handling, dispatching, flight load planning, training and consulting.

SOURCE Chorus Aviation Inc.

Media Contact: Teri Udle, [phone], Halifax, NS, [email protected]; Debra Williams, [phone], Toronto, ON, [email protected]