Jazz adds Okanagan College to its professional pilot career pathway program

HALIFAX, June 28, 2016 /CNW/ - Jazz Aviation LP ("Jazz") is pleased to announce a further commitment to Canada's future professional pilots with a new agreement between the airline's Jazz Aviation Pathway Program ("Jazz APP") and Okanagan College's ("the College") Commercial Aviation program.

"Further strengthening our Jazz APP program with the addition of Okanagan College, and our first British Columbia-based college, is an exciting development," said Steve Linthwaite, Vice President of Flight Operations at Jazz. "Our goal is to create a strong future for Canadian professional pilots and engaging with academic institutions from coast-to-coast is an important part of delivering on that. We're very pleased to welcome Okanagan College to the Jazz APP and look forward to working together toward these common objectives."

This agreement is the first of its kind between Jazz and Okanagan College. The industry-leading Jazz APP program includes collaboration on training and curriculum to promote safety and professionalism, while providing up-to-date information on industry best practices. The Jazz APP is aimed at establishing a direct career path for qualifying graduates including flight simulator evaluations, student scholarships, and the opportunity for Okanagan College's top-performing Commercial Aviation graduates to transition to first officer positions at Jazz.

Two awards were created to recognize Jazz's commitment to safety and professionalism:

The Jazz Aviation Pathway Award for Professionalism. Awarded to a full-time student in his or her final year of Okanagan College's Commercial Aviation program for outstanding contributions to safety, leadership and professionalism. The Award consists of a $3000 scholarship and an opportunity to participate in the Jazz Aviation Pathway Program selection process. The award recipients are selected by the College program chair or designate in consultation with Jazz to ensure the criteria as outlined are respected.

The Jazz Aviation Pathway Award for Professionalism and Diversity. Awarded to a full-time student in his or her final year of Okanagan College's Commercial Aviation program who has self-identified as Aboriginal, a person with a disability, visible minority, or female, for outstanding contributions to safety, leadership and professionalism. The Award consists of a $3000 scholarship and an opportunity to participate in the Jazz Aviation Pathway Program selection process. The award recipients are selected by the College program chair or designate in consultation with Jazz to ensure the criteria as outlined are respected.

"We have worked closely with Jazz regarding our program's curriculum, and expected outcomes for students," said Dr. Barry McGillivray, Okanagan College's Acting Dean of Business. "Our program and our graduates have a good reputation in the industry, and this affords them some advantages in terms of advancing their careers."

Since 2007 Jazz has been actively involved in shaping the curriculum and training of Canada's future professional pilots through active engagement with aviation colleges and universities. In 2015, Jazz rebranded these efforts under the Jazz Aviation Pathways Program banner. To-date, Jazz has announced agreements between the Jazz APP and the following aviation colleges and universities: Algonquin College, Confederation College, Mount Royal University, Okanagan College, Sault College, Seneca College and Western University.

About Jazz Aviation LP

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 4100 professionals, highly experienced in the challenging and complex nature of regional operations.

There are two airline divisions operated by Jazz Aviation LP: Air Canada Express and Jazz.

Air Canada Express: Under a capacity purchase agreement with Air Canada, 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 113 Canadian-made Bombardier aircraft.

Jazz: Under the Jazz brand, the airline offers charters throughout North America with a dedicated fleet of five 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.

For more information, visit www.flyjazz.ca.

About Okanagan College

Okanagan College is a public, post-secondary institution with campuses in Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, and Salmon Arm, as well as education centres throughout the interior. The College offers an array of programming with more than 120 certificates, diplomas and degrees. Established more than 50 years ago, Okanagan College has since grown to be the largest college in British Columbia, outside the Lower Mainland, and is the second-largest trades training institution in the province.

For more information, visit www.okanagan.bc.ca.

SOURCE Jazz

Jazz Aviation LP: Teri Udle, [phone], Halifax, NS, [email protected]; Manon Stuart, [phone], Halifax, NS, [email protected]; Debra Williams, [phone], Toronto, ON, [email protected]; Okanagan College: Christine Ulmer, [phone], Kelowna, BC, [email protected]