Jazz adds Seneca flight instructors to its professional pilot career pathway program

Also introduces student scholarships

HALIFAX, April 5, 2016 /CNW/ - Jazz Aviation LP ("Jazz") is pleased to announce a further commitment to Canada's future professional pilots with an extended agreement between the airline's Jazz Aviation Pathway Program ("Jazz APP") and Seneca College's School of Aviation ("Seneca"). The enhancements to the agreement include the addition of a flight instructor pathway and two scholarships for student pilots enrolled in the Bachelor of Aviation Technology program at Seneca.

"Jazz's relationship with Seneca allows us to fully engage with their program and to provide our industry experience in safety and airline operations," said Steven Linthwaite, Jazz vice president of flight operations. "We are committed to cultivating a strong future for the pilot profession and we're pleased to support the hard work demonstrated by both top students and now top instructors to further their professional pilot careers."

Flight instructor pathway

Jazz and Seneca have evolved the career pathway for student pilots to make the Jazz Aviation Pathway Program available to top Seneca flight instructors. In order for these top flight instructors to have an opportunity for employment as a professional pilot with Jazz, they must be recommended by Seneca and meet experience criteria that includes employment with Seneca as flight instructors for a minimum of 18 months, a minimum of 1000 hours of flight experience, and 250 hours of multi-engine time. These flight instructors must also be past graduates of the Seneca Bachelor of Aviation Technology program.

Scholarships

The Jazz Aviation Pathway Award for Professionalism. Awarded to a full-time student in his or her final year of a Bachelor of Aviation Technology degree in Airline Pilot Flight Operations 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 recipient will be selected by the Seneca 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 a Bachelor of Aviation Technology degree in Airline Pilot Flight Operations who has self-identified as an Aboriginal, a person with a disability, a 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 recipient will be selected by the Seneca program chair or designate in consultation with Jazz to ensure the criteria as outlined are respected.

"We are delighted to further strengthen our successful relationship with Jazz through the addition of a flight instructor pathway and new scholarship opportunities," said Lynne McMullen, director of business development, Seneca School of Aviation. "This collaboration empowers future pilots by providing both hands-on training and professional experience, which prepares them to enter a rewarding career in aviation."

In December 2015, Jazz announced a renewed agreement with Seneca's School of Aviation. The agreement outlined the Cadet program whereby a group of top performing students are selected as Jazz Cadets following completion of the third year of their Aviation degree and evaluated on professionalism, discipline and both flight and academic performance during their fourth year. Upon completion of the degree program, the Jazz Cadets undergo a comprehensive review and simulator evaluation with Jazz. Cadets meeting the qualification and hiring standards consistent with Jazz hiring policies will be offered employment opportunities. First signed in 2012, this industry-leading program includes collaboration on training and curriculum, and the continued opportunity for top-performing Seneca graduates to transition to first officer positions at Jazz.

Since 2007 Jazz has been actively involved in shaping the curriculum and training of Canada's future professional pilots through active engagement with aviation college and universities. In 2015, Jazz rebranded these efforts under the Jazz Aviation Pathway Program banner.

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 4200 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 111 Canadian-made Bombardier aircraft.

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.

About Seneca College School of Aviation

Seneca's Bachelor of Aviation Technology program is the only one of its kind in Canada. It provides a rigorous aviation technology-based curriculum and the application of this theory to aviation. The breadth of knowledge and skills prepares students to operate a complex aircraft in a multi-crew environment, to understand the technologies and human factors that affect the successful operation of an aircraft and to assume the professional responsibility associated with being a commercial pilot. Students also learn about business management, airport operations and planning, and air carrier administration to gain a broad perspective of the aviation industry and ultimately gain access to a greater variety of careers in the industry.

For more information, visit www.senecacollege.ca/aviation.

SOURCE Jazz

Media contacts: Jazz Aviation LP, Teri Udle, [phone], Halifax, NS, [email protected]; Manon Stuart, [phone], Halifax, NS, [email protected]; Debra Williams, [phone], Toronto, ON, [email protected]; Seneca College, Lisa Pires, [phone], Markham, ON, [email protected]