WestJet 787 Dreamliner now operating five-times weekly between Vancouver and Toronto

Canada-based WestJet and Vancouver International Airport announced Monday the airline's newest aircraft, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, is now operating five-times weekly between Vancouver and Toronto. Vancouver joins Calgary and Toronto as another domestic destination served by the airline's award-winning aircraft.

"We are proud our signature aircraft is now flying non-stop service between two of Canada's major cities and two of our hub airports,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Vice-President Network Planning and Revenue.

WestJet is also operating Boeing 737 aircraft on three other non-stop daily flights between Vancouver and Toronto for a total of four daily flights, with the exception of Saturdays. On Nov. 5, the WestJet Dreamliner increases operations between Vancouver and Toronto to daily service.

The WestJet Dreamliner features 320 seats in three cabins: Business, Premium and Economy.

Air Canada suspends service, closes stations and reduces workforce due to COVID-19

Air Canada announced Tuesday that it is indefinitely suspending service on 30 domestic regional routes and closing eight stations at regional airports in Canada.

These structural changes to Air Canada's domestic regional network are being made as a result of continuing weak demand for both business and leisure travel due to COVID-19 and provincial and federal government-imposed travel restrictions and border closures, which are diminishing prospects for a near-to-mid-term recovery.

As the company has previously reported, Air Canada expects the industry's recovery will take a minimum of three years. As a consequence, other changes to its network and schedule, as well as further service suspensions, will be considered over the coming weeks as the airline takes steps to decisively reduce its overall cost structure and cash burn rate.

As a result of COVID-19, Air Canada reported a net loss of $1.05 billion in the first quarter of 2020. The carrier has undertaken a range of structural changes:

• A workforce reduction of approximately 20,000 employees, representing more than 50 percent of its staff, achieved through layoffs, severances, early retirements and special leaves;
• The permanent removal of 79 aircraft from its mainline and rouge fleets.

Affected customers will be contacted by Air Canada and offered options, including alternative routing where available.

Air Canada reconfigures three Boeing 777s to transport COVID-19 supplies

Air Canada is reconfiguring the cabins of three of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to give them additional cargo capacity to combat the COVID-19 crisis, the company announced on Saturday. The first aircraft conversion is complete and is now in service, with the second and third aircraft to be completed shortly.

"The transformation of the Boeing 777-300ERs doubles the capacity of each flight and will enable more goods to move more quickly," said Tim Strauss, Vice President – Cargo at Air Canada.

"Air Canada's engineering team worked around the clock to oversee the conversion work. The next two aircraft are on track to be completed and will be in operation within the coming days," said Richard Steer, Senior Vice President, Operations at Air Canada.

The three Boeing 777-300ER aircraft are being converted by Avianor, an aircraft maintenance and cabin integration specialist, at its Montreal-Mirabel facility. Avianor developed a specific engineering solution to remove 422 passenger seats and designate cargo loading zones for light weight boxes containing medical equipment and restrained with cargo nets. This modification has been developed, produced and implemented within six days.

Air Canada has operated 40 all-cargo flights since March 22 and plans to operate up to 20 all-cargo flights per week using a combination of the three newly converted Boeing 777s, Boeing 787s and Boeing 777s.

Drone Delivery Canada signs $2.5 million commercial agreement

Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) has executed a commercial agreement with the Moose Cree First Nation to deploy DDC's drone delivery technology platform with the Moose Cree First Nation communities.

The company is currently permitted to commercially operate its drone delivery platform within the Moosonee and Moose Factory communities with its Compliant Special Flight Operations Certificate which permits DDC to conduct drone operations in all Canadian provinces and territories. The drone delivery platform will service two northern towns located in Ontario approximately 19 kilometers south of James Bay. 

Financial terms of the agreement are $2.5 million of revenue for year one with the potential to expand services in following years.

Oil leak likely cause of 2017 plane accident in Manitoba, Canada

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) released its investigation report Thursday into the November 2017 loss of control on landing involving an aircraft at Thompson Airport in Manitoba, Canada.

On Nov. 2, 2017, a Perimeter Aviation Fairchild Metro III (serial number AC-756B, registration C-FLRY) was operating on a ferry flight from Gods River Airport, Manitoba, to Thompson Airport, Manitoba, to reposition the aircraft for inspection and repair. As the aircraft neared the airport, the crew advised air traffic control that they had received a low oil pressure indication on the left engine. After consultation with maintenance, the crew considered the risks associated with landing single engine and without hydraulic pressure for the nose-wheel steering, and decided to continue the flight with both engines running. After touchdown, the aircraft suddenly veered to the right and exited the runway. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The two crew members received minor injuries.

The investigation found that the low oil pressure indication was likely the result of a steady oil leak past an air-oil seal in the left engine. The loss of oil pressure thus resulted in a loss of propeller control authority on landing and a runway excursion. The investigation also found that the decision to continue the flight with both engines running was not consistent with the quick reference handbook procedures for low oil pressure indications.

The aircraft was equipped with a cockpit voice recorder but was not equipped with a flight data recorder, nor was one required by regulation. The aircraft's integrated flight management system was capable of capturing engine parameters, but it was not configured to do so. If flight data, voice, and video recordings are not available to an investigation, the identification and communication of safety deficiencies to advance transportation safety may be precluded.

Following the occurrence, the TSB issued an Aviation Safety Advisory letter suggesting that Transport Canada review the Fairchild Metro III aircraft flight manual's emergency procedures for low engine oil pressure indications. In addition, Perimeter Aviation installed memory cards that store engine parameter data on its aircraft that are equipped with an integrated flight management system. It has also implemented crew resource management training for all of its air-taxi and commuter flight crews.

First Air merges with Canadian North airline

Makivik Corp. and the Inuvialuit Corporate Group (ICG) announced Friday they have signed an agreement in principle to merge First Air and Canadian North in order to provide the best possible essential air services across the Arctic.

Following execution of definitive agreements and the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals needed to establish a strong new entity, the proposed Pan-Arctic airline will operate under the name "Canadian North" and aircraft will feature new First Air livery, including its Inukshuk logo. Headquarters for the proposed airline will be located in Ottawa. The parties expect to complete the merger by the end of 2018.

The companies believe this merger will:

• Improve Arctic air services by offering customers greater reliability, better on-time service, and fewer interruptions;
• Further enhance safety by enabling newer aircraft across the network, as well as specialization in maintenance of B737 and ATR aircraft;
• Improve sustainability and efficiency of Arctic air services thus enabling the airline to more effectively meet demand across vast service areas while addressing challenges related to pilot shortages; and
• Contribute to Northern and Inuit economic development by creating a wholly Inuit-owned, new airline focused on Canada's North.

"Air service is not a luxury for Northerners; it is a vital lifeline which requires ongoing investment," said Patrick Gruben, chair of the Inuvialuit Development Corp.

A report commissioned by the Government of Nunavut supports the need for more efficiency in Nunavut air transportation services; a merger of First Air and Canadian North is the only viable way to both meet and exceed these essential needs for Nunavummiut and all Northerners.

“Customers of First Air and Canadian North will not see changes to services, including fares and scheduling, while we work toward achieving regulatory approval and finalizing the merger,” Makivik said in a company press release.

Jazz Aviation amends Dash 8 aircraft operating procedures following landing accident

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) determined that the continuation of an unstable approach following a loss of visual reference led to a Jazz Aviation LP aircraft contacting the surface short of the runway at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport, Ontario, in February 2015. There were no injuries, but there was significant damage to the aircraft. The TSB released their investigation report on Thursday.

The accident

On Feb. 24, 2015, a de Havilland DHC-8-102, operating as Jazz Aviation LP flight JZA7795 and carrying 15 passengers, departed Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Ontario, for a scheduled flight to Sault Ste. Marie Airport, Ontario. While on approach to runway 30, in conditions of twilight and reduced visibility due to blowing snow, the aircraft touched down approximately 450 feet prior to the runway threshold. Following touchdown, the aircraft struck and damaged a runway approach light before coming to a stop approximately 1,500 feet past the threshold.

Investigation

The investigation determined that a significant power reduction and subsequent decrease in airspeed, while flying below the minimum stabilization height of 500 feet, resulted in an unstable approach. This rapid deceleration steepened the aircraft's vertical path. The crew had reduced power in order to reach the target airspeed for the final approach and landing.

The crew had followed what they understood to be the correct speeds for the approach according to the company's guidance material. “Due to ambiguity in the guidance and uncertainty as to the required speed during the approach, the flight crew did not recognize that the approach was unstable and continued the approach to a landing,” TSB said in a press release Thursday.

The investigation also found that the rapidly changing weather decreased the flight crew's visibility of the runway, and that the steepened vertical profile created as a result of the power reduction went unnoticed, and uncorrected. Although the loss of visual reference required a go-around, the flight crew continued the approach.

An examination of over 500 similar flights on Jazz DHC-8-102s showed that company aircraft routinely fly decelerating approaches below the minimum stabilization height of 500 feet. If approaches that require excessive deceleration below established stabilization heights are routinely flown, then there is a continued risk of an approach or landing accident.

Changes

Following the occurrence, Jazz Aviation LP undertook a number of safety actions such as making amendments to the Jazz DASH 8 Aircraft Operating Manual, by introducing significant changes to the "Stabilized Approach Factors" subsection and adding simulator scenarios to the training syllabus.

Air Canada adds six new destinations to its international network

Air Canada announced the addition of six new destinations to its international network Wednesday, including year-round Boeing 787-9 service between Toronto and Mumbai and between Vancouver and Taipei. The new services will launch for summer 2017, with the Montreal-Algiers and the Vancouver-Taipei routes subject to government approvals.

"Air Canada is pleased to offer customers these new non-stop routes," said Benjamin Smith, president, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada.

"Toronto-Mumbai is our third route between Canada and India starting with the launch of Toronto-Delhi service last fall, and Nagoya will be our fourth airport in Japan. With these new services, we will now operate 21 routes between Canada and Asia, including the Middle East. Berlin and Marseille will bring the number of European routes we serve to 44 next summer, including four cities in France. Algiers will be our second destination in Africa, which makes Air Canada one of only a small number of global carriers flying to all six inhabited continents," said Smith.

Air Canada will be the only carrier to offer non-stop service between Canada and Mumbai and the only Canadian carrier to operate non-stop service to Taipei. These routes will operate year-round aboard Air Canada's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The aircraft feature 30 International Business Class suites, 21 Premium Economy and 247 Economy Class seats.

The new seasonal routes to Berlin and Nagoya will be the only non-stop services between these cities and Canada. The service to Algiers will be the only non-stop flight by a Canadian carrier between Montreal and the North African city and the Marseille service will be the only non-stop flight operated by a network carrier between Marseille and North America. All will be operated with an Air Canada Rouge Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.

Passengers aboard Air Canada flight sent to hospital

Air Canada Flight 088, en route to Toronto from Shanghai, was diverted to Calgary where it landed without incident at 5:23 EST.

Air Canada teams are meeting with passengers. At this time the airline can confirm that passengers and crew have been examined by medical personnel following turbulence encountered en route and 21 passengers have been transferred directly to local hospitals from the airport comprising eight with non-life threatening injuries and 13 for observation. Air Canada will be making arrangements to accommodate all other passengers including those continuing on to Toronto.

The passenger list indicates the Boeing 777-300ER was carrying 332 passengers and 19 crew members.

A full investigation of the incident is being undertaken.

Babcock Canada awarded contract to replace HF Monitor Receiver systems

BabcockCanada Inc. announced Tuesday that it has been awarded a $1.6 million contract for the replacement of High Frequency (HF) Monitor Receiver Systems at select Department of National Defence (DND) facilities.

The work to be performed consists of the replacement of legacy HF Monitor Receiver systems at six DND stations and two support facilities across Canada. These receiver systems are in place to guard and monitor various key HF frequencies that are used for aircraft radio communications, namely in support of search and rescue operations, arctic patrol and global transport flights. In addition to equipment modernization, Babcock Canada will also deliver associated console operator and technician training for the new systems. The contract is scheduled to be completed by July 31, 2016.

Babcock has over 70 years of experience in managing communications systems, specializing in delivering high frequency military communication solutions for international armed forces and NATO. Babcock's innovative technical solutions are at the forefront of new technology across the radio frequency spectrum, from very low frequency to super high frequency.

Lack of training contributed to 2014 seaplane accident in Canada

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada on Tuesday released its investigation report into the loss of control and subsequent collision with water and fatality involving a Cessna 185E at Taylor Lake, Ontario, Canada.

On May 24, 2014, a privately-registered Cessna 185E, equipped with amphibious floats, departed the Guelph Airpark for a flight to Taylor Lake, Ontario. The pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft. While conducting a glassy-water landing, the pilot lost control and the aircraft cartwheeled and sank. The aircraft fuselage was damaged by impact forces and the pilot's door could not be opened. The pilot survived the impact but was not able to escape the submerged aircraft before drowning.

The investigation found that the right float contacted the water first, dug in, and resulted in a loss of control and the aircraft cartwheeling. With respect to contributing factors, the investigation determined that the number of hours the pilot had flown in recent years had decreased, and the pilot was likely less proficient than in earlier years. This would make the glassy-water landing more difficult. Glassy-water conditions are considered to present the most difficulty for landing a seaplane, regardless of experience. The mirror effect created by glassy-water conditions affects depth perception making it difficult for pilots to determine the aircraft's height above the water.

The investigation also found that the pilot did not have emergency egress training. Although not required by regulation, egress training has been shown to improve the chances of exiting a submerged aircraft following a survivable accident.

Canadian Solar stock advanced 20 percent in past year

Canadian Solar Inc.'s stock finished Tuesday's session 0.79 percent lower at $33.92. A total of 1.37 million shares were traded, which was below its three months average volume of 2.91 million shares. The stock moved between $33.83 and $34.53 during the session.

Canadian Solar's shares have gained 1.10 percent in the last one month and 54.60 percent in the previous three months. Additionally, the stock has advanced 19.65 percent in the past one year.

The company's shares are trading above their 50-day and 200-day moving averages. Moreover, the stock's 50-day moving average of $29.61 is greater than its 200-day moving average of $29.17. Canadian Solar Inc.'s stock traded at a PE ratio of 8.45 and has an RSI of 59.81.

Source: Investor Edge

Disclaimer: This post is provided for information purposes only and should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. I am neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. Keith Stein has no position in any stocks mentioned in this post. DCNewsroom has no position in any of the stocks mentioned in this post.

What we know about Air Canada ACA624 crash

On Sunday, Air Canada flight ACA624, an Airbus A320 aircraft, on a scheduled flight from Toronto's LesterB. Pearson International Airport, Ontario, to Halifax, Nova Scotia, collided with terrain approximately 1,100 feet from the threshold of Runway 5, eventually coming to rest about 1,100 feet down the runway. There were 133 passengers and five crew members on board; all of whom exited the aircraft. Twenty-five people were taken to hospital for treatment of injuries.

The initial impact was significant and caused substantial damage to the aircraft. The main landing gear separated and the underside of the aircraft was heavily damaged (fuselage and wings). During this impact, the aircraft collided with a localizer antenna array - part of the instrument landing system - and became airborne again, traveling forward on Runway 5. There is an extensive debris field between the localizer antenna location and the threshold of the runway.

The cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder were recovered from the aircraft and have been sent to the TSB Engineering Laboratory in Ottawa, Ontario.

The investigation is ongoing and the next steps include the following:

• survey the impact and wreckage site.
• continue examining and photographing the wreckage.
• removing the aircraft from the runway to restore normal operations.
• gather Air Traffic Control voice and data recordings.
• conduct witness interviews.
• gather meteorological information.
• collect operational information from the aircraft.
• preliminary review of the recorders at the TSB Lab to assist field investigators.
• determine which wreckage to collect for closer examination.
• further examination will be at the TSB Lab Communication of safety deficiencies.

A definitive look at the sexual habits of Canadians

Hockey isn't the only activity that keeps Canadians busy in the winter. More than half of Canadians (56 percent) say they have more sex in the winter months, because it is a great way to stay warm. This is according to the Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Report, the definitive look at Canadians' sexual habits and preferences. The research was conducted by Environics Research Group between Jan. 9-16.

It may be no surprise that men are more likely than women to say they would like to have sex more often than they already do (57 percent), but nearly half of women (47 percent) say they would like some extra lovin' more often too.

More than eight in 10 Canadians (84 percent) would be more likely to do the horizontal mambo when their private parts are groomed and looking good. Plus, 73 percent prefer a partner who is neatly trimmed. Just nine percent of those surveyed responded "the hairier the better!"
 

Twenty-three percent of Canadian women say they would consider trimming their bikini area into a heart shape to surprise their partner on Valentine's Day. What's more surprising? The 10 percent of thoughtful women who would consider trimming their partner's favorite sports logo.

If you are like more than half of the nation who has sex at least once a week (57 percent), it's likely to be on the weekends. Make sure to knock before you enter on Saturdays, in particular, as that is the friskiest day of the week for most Canadians. Planning for some alone time? Schedule yourself in Monday to Thursday as those are the loneliest days of the week.

Although only one in five sexually active Canadians have done the deed with more than one person at the same time, one-third would jump at the chance to add to the fun.

Canada receives first 787 Dreamliner jet

The Boeing Company delivered the first 787 Dreamliner to Air Canada on Sunday. Air Canada is the first airline in Canada to fly the plane. The airplane, the first of 37 787s ordered for delivery through 2019 by Air Canada, departed Paine Field in Everett, Wash. for its delivery flight to Toronto.

Air Canada has announced it will use the 787 on its Toronto-Tel Aviv routes, as well as launch a new destination – Tokyo's Haneda Airport. The 787 is 20 percent more fuel efficient than similar-sized airplanes it will replace in Air Canada's fleet.

Air Canada's 787 launches the airlines' new International Business Class Cabin with 20 seats. The airplane offers 21 seats in Air Canada's Premium Economy Cabin and 210 seats in Air Canada Economy. Customers will be more comfortable with improved lighting, bigger windows, larger overhead bins, lower cabin altitude and enhanced ventilation systems, among other features.

Made from composite materials, the 787 Dreamliner is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes.

Air Canada will receive flight and maintenance training services from Boeing. The company will provide Air Canada's fleet with crew planning solutions; electronic charting for electronic flight bags; Maintenance Performance Toolbox, a digital real-time-information tool that enables quick resolution of airplane maintenance issues; and Direct Routes and Wind Updates services for more efficient flights to reduce fuel consumption.

Canadian Solar leads upward trend in solar stocks

Click image to enlarge.

Consistent research and development efforts to improve solar cell efficiency have yielded positive results for stock investors year over year. The increasing focus in the U.S. on green energy will see more and more power being produced from solar cells.

In 2013, only 0.2 percent of the power produced in the U.S. will come from solar generation, according to a report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. However, solar generation is expected to grow by 79 percent in 2013 and 49 percent in 2014. The whole solar market is predicted to provide nice returns for the long-term investors, with Canadian Solar Inc. leading the sector.

Canadian Solar Inc.

Canadian Solar (NASDAQ:CSIQ), designs, develops, and manufactures solar wafers, cells and solar module products that convert sunlight into electricity for a variety of uses. The company’s products include a range of standard solar modules built to general specifications for use in a range of residential, commercial and industrial solar power generation systems. It also designs and produces specialty solar modules and products based on its customers' requirements. Specialty solar modules and products consist of customized solar modules that its customers incorporate into their own products, such as solar-powered bus stop lighting, and complete specialty products, such as portable solar home systems and solar-powered car battery chargers.

CSIQ stock shares are up 258 percent over the last 52 weeks (July 23, 2012 to July 19, 2013). This year alone, the stock is up 294 percent, closing Friday at $13.42 per share, up one percent for the day. CSIQ has a 52-week low of $1.95 and a high of $14.47.

Disclaimer: This post is provided for information purposes only and should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. I am neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. Keith Stein has no position in any stocks mentioned in this post. DCNewsroom has no position in any of the stocks mentioned in this post.

Back to work at Canada gold mine after forest fire extinguished

Goldcorp Inc. announced Monday that a period of rain in the James Bay region of Quebec has extinguished a forest fire that had previously threatened the Éléonore gold mine project. The company evacuated employees from the site on Thursday due to the fire.

“Cooler temperatures and shifting winds have eliminated the smoke at site, and a resumption of fuel and supply deliveries to the site has been authorized by the Public Safety Department,” Goldcorp said in a press statement. “The crew that had remained at site to manage and implement preventive emergency measures remains safe. All infrastructure and equipment at Éléonore, including power and communications, were undamaged. The Éléonore project team will immediately commence the re-mobilization of the project team to site with no material impacts to the construction schedule expected.”

Goldcorp is one of the world's fastest growing senior gold producers.

The Éléonore project is one of the significant gold mine projects in the Goldcorp development pipeline and a key component of the company's next generation of growth projects, according to their website. A 2011 pre-feasibility study update for Éléonore calls for robust, low-cost gold production in the heart of one of the most attractive mining jurisdictions in the world.

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Goldcorp evacuates employees from gold mine due to forest fires

Goldcorp Inc. announced Thursday that it has commenced the evacuation of employees from the Éléonore project due to forest fires in the James Bay region of Quebec, Canada. A fire currently located approximately 62 miles from Éléonore is advancing with prevailing winds toward the mine site. All construction activity has ceased.

The Éléonore project is one of the significant gold mine projects in the Goldcorp development pipeline and a key component of the company's next generation of growth projects, according to their website. A 2011 pre-feasibility study update for Éléonore calls for robust, low-cost gold production in the heart of one of the most attractive mining jurisdictions in the world.

“A crew will remain at site to manage and implement preventive emergency measures,” the company said in a press statement. “Goldcorp is working with local and provincial authorities to safeguard the health and safety of all people in the area.”

Goldcorp is one of the world's fastest growing senior gold producers.

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An astronaut's guide to life on Earth

Random House Canada is proud to announce that it will publish Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield's first book on Oct. 29. The book, "An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth," is the first in a two-book agreement that was completed with literary agent Rick Broadhead of Rick Broadhead & Associates.

“Chris has a delightful capacity to bring home the fascinating details of what it takes to be an astronaut and what it's like to live in microgravity, and then to dig deeper into all the surprising training and lessons learned that help him, and the whole astronaut corps, do the impossible as if it's another day at work,” said Anne Collins, the publisher of the Knopf Random Canada Publishing Group. Collins is working on the book with Hadfield.

Chris Hadfield

Chris Hadfield was a top graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School in 1988 and U.S. Navy test pilot of the year in 1991, Hadfield was selected by the Canadian Space Agency to be an astronaut in 1992. He was Capsule Communicator for 25 shuttle launches and served as director of NASA Operations in Star City, Russia from 2001-2003, Chief of Robotics at the Johnson SpaceCenter in Houston from 2003-2006, and Chief of International Space Station Operations from 2006-2008. Hadfield most recently served as commander of the International Space Station where, while conducting a record-setting number of scientific experiments and overseeing an emergency spacewalk, he gained worldwide acclaim for his breathtaking photographs and educational videos about life in space. His music video, a zero-gravity version of David Bowie's "Space Oddity," received over 10 million views in its first three days online.

In “An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth,” Hadfield takes readers deep into his years of training and space exploration to show how to make the impossible possible. Through eye-opening, entertaining stories filled with the adrenaline of launch, the mesmerizing wonder of spacewalks, and the measured, calm responses mandated by crises, he explains how conventional wisdom can get in the way of real achievement--and happiness. His own extraordinary education in space has taught him some counter-intuitive lessons: don't visualize success, do care what others think, and always sweat the small stuff.

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