Brian Semkowski is appointed interim President and CEO; David Jennings joins the Board

YELLOWKNIFE, NT, June 20, 2012 /CNW/ - Discovery Air Inc. ("Discovery Air" or the "Corporation") announced that Brian Semkowski was appointed interim President and Chief Executive Officer upon David Jennings stepping down.  Concurrent with these changes, Mr. Semkowski resigned his post as a director, and Mr. Jennings joined the Board.

Mr. Jennings served as the Corporation's President and Chief Executive Officer since September 12, 2008.  Prior to his appointment as Discovery Air's President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jennings served as the Co-Chief Executive Officer of Top Aces Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Discovery Air, which he co-founded with two other partners in 2001.  During his time as President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jennings restructured the Corporation's balance sheet, expanded its service offerings, and grew revenues and earnings.  Mr. Jennings is credited for leading Discovery Air through a difficult period and establishing a solid foundation for future growth.

Mr. Bennett, Chairman of the Board, stated "We are grateful to Dave for his significant contributions to the company over the years.  His contributions have made Discovery Air a stronger company with greater opportunities than ever before."

In addition to serving as a director, Mr. Jennings will also serve as a strategic advisor to Discovery Air.  "Dave's insights and deep relationships in our industry will be invaluable as we embark on this next phase of Discovery Air's development," stated Mr. Bennett.  Mr. Jennings stated "This new role will enable me to focus on capturing the growth opportunities available to Discovery Air, both in Canada and abroad."

Mr. Semkowski will serve as interim President and Chief Executive Officer until a permanent replacement for Mr. Jennings is hired.  Mr. Semkowski, a director of Discovery Air since 2008, is an accomplished business leader with considerable entrepreneurial and executive experience.  As interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Semkowski will be responsible for all planning, operating and reporting activities of the Corporation.

The Board intends to commence the search for Mr. Jennings' replacement immediately.

ABOUT DISCOVERY AIR AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

Discovery Air Inc. is a Canadian specialty aviation company, operating over 150 aircraft with approximately 850 team members. Its subsidiaries provide airborne training to the Canadian military; air ambulance services; airborne fire services; helicopter operations; fixed-wing air charter services; expediting and logistics support; and a range of maintenance, repair, overhaul, modification, engineering and certification services.

Discovery Air Inc.'s Class A common voting shares and unsecured debentures trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbols DA.A and DA.DB.A, respectively).