Jazz and Air Cadet League of Canada Sign Pilot Pathway Agreement

HALIFAX, Dec. 7, 2016 /CNW/ - Jazz Aviation LP ("Jazz") is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with the Air Cadet League of Canada ("ACLC") for the organization to become the tenth partner in the Jazz Aviation Pathways Program ("Jazz APP").

This agreement includes two new annual national scholarship opportunities for successful graduates of the ACLC Power Flight program, continued funding of the ACLC Power Scholarships program, and ongoing support of the ACLC.

"Strengthening our relationship with the Air Cadet League of Canada to provide a clear career pathway for future professional pilots in their high school years is an important step for our program," said Steve Linthwaite, Vice President, Flight Operations, Jazz. "Our experience shows that the ACLC provides valuable life skills to a diverse group of young people right across this country. We're proud to support two of their top air cadets by rewarding their commitment to maintaining high standards of flying, professionalism and discipline."

The Jazz Aviation Pathway Award for Professionalism. Awarded to a full-time student accepted and enrolled in a Jazz APP-affiliated aviation program for outstanding contributions to safety, leadership and professionalism. The Award consists of a $3,000 scholarship and the recipient will be selected by the Air Cadet League of Canada 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 accepted and enrolled in a Jazz APP-affiliated aviation program who has self-identified as Aboriginal, a person with a disability, a visible minority, or female; for outstanding contributions to safety, leadership and professionalism. The Award consists of a $3,000 scholarship and the recipient will be selected by the Air Cadet League of Canada in consultation with Jazz to ensure the criteria as outlined are respected.

These scholarships build on the existing relationship between Jazz and the ACLC. In 2012, Jazz began supporting the ACLC by funding one annual Power Familiarization Pilot Upgrade Scholarship valued at $2,500. Additionally, Jazz will continue the ACLC commitment to educate and enhance awareness of career opportunities for cadets and ACLC members, and encouraging Jazz employees to support their local ACLC squadron through the provision of various resources.

The Jazz APP now provides a clear pathway for high school students active in air cadets to a career with a commercial carrier. This is made possible through agreements with eight aviation colleges and universities, and industry partners Wasaya Airways and Air Canada.

"We are extremely grateful to Jazz for the new scholarships that provide a tremendous benefit and opportunity to young Air Cadets," noted Don Berrill, President of the Air Cadet League of Canada, who work in partnership with the Department of National Defence to deliver the program. "The great relationship that we have with Jazz continues to prosper as both organizations look toward opportunities to help each other and provide leadership to the youth of Canada. These scholarships will give Air Cadets an exciting career path to pursue in the future as they leave our program and make their way to becoming future pilots in our important aviation industry."

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 Pathway Program banner. To date, Jazz has announced agreements between the Jazz APP and the following institutions and organizations: Air Cadet League of Canada, Algonquin College, Centre québécois de formation aéronautique, Confederation College, Mount Royal University, Okanagan College, Sault College, Seneca College, Wasaya Airways 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., a company whose shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol 'CHR'. 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 4,100 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 113 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.

For more information, visit www.flyjazz.ca/pathwaysprogram.

About the Air Cadet League of Canada

Serving 25,000 young people, aged 12-18, across Canada, the Air Cadet League of Canada fosters development in youth of the values of self-confidence, self-discipline and leadership. The Air Cadet program is one of Canada's premier, world class youth development movements. It strives diligently to be a proactive and innovative organization that encourages and enhances the development of well adjusted, civic minded youth to undertake leadership roles in a great Canada and a better world.

For more information, visit www.aircadetleague.com

SOURCE Jazz

For further information: Jazz Aviation LP: Manon Stuart, [phone], Halifax, NS, [e-mail]; Debra Williams, [phone], Toronto, ON, [e-mail]; Air Cadet League of Canada: Sarah Matresky, Executive Director, 1-877-422-6359, [e-mail]