Jazz and Mount Royal University enhance professional pilot career Pathway Program agreement

HALIFAX, April 26, 2016 /CNW/ - Jazz Aviation LP ("Jazz") is pleased to announce a further commitment to Canada's future professional pilots with an extended and enhanced agreement between the airline's Jazz Aviation Pathway Program ("Jazz APP") and Mount Royal University's ("MRU") Aviation program.

"Jazz is thrilled to renew our agreement with MRU for an additional five years. Our longstanding relationship adds strength to both the Jazz APP program and the professional pilot career path," said Steve Linthwaite, Vice President, Flight Operations, Jazz. "Working together on safety and professionalism allows us to prepare new graduates for airline operations while continuing to provide Jazz with a high quality source of new hire pilots."

First signed in 2007, the industry-leading Jazz APP program and MRU agreement includes collaboration on training and curriculum to promote safety and professionalism, while providing relevant 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 MRU's top-performing Aviation graduates to transition to first officer positions at Jazz. The enhanced agreement provides all qualifying MRU graduates the opportunity for a job interview with Jazz.

Two awards were recently 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 the 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 recipient will be selected by the MRU program chair or designate in consultation with Jazz to ensure the criteria as outlined are respected. On April 30, 2016, Jazz will award the inaugural Aviation Pathway Award for Professionalism at MRU.

The Jazz Aviation Pathway Award for Professionalism and Diversity. Awarded to a full-time student in his or her final year of the 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 $3000 scholarship and an opportunity to participate in the Jazz Aviation Pathway Program selection process. The award recipient will be selected by the MRU program chair or designate in consultation with Jazz to ensure the criteria as outlined are respected. On April 30, 2016, Jazz will award the inaugural Aviation Pathway Award for Professionalism and Diversity at MRU.

"Our students benefit from strong links with industry leaders such as Jazz," said Leon Cygman, PhD, chair of Mount Royal University's Aviation department. "The program provides a clear pathway for our graduates to realize their career ambitions as airline pilots. We are delighted to continue this agreement between our organizations, and we look forward to finding new ways of strengthening our collaboration in the future."

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 aviation colleges and universities: Mount Royal University, 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 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 110 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 Mount Royal University

Mount Royal University is one of Canada's top destinations for undergraduate studies. It offers small class sizes and personalized student services within a scholarly community renowned for academic excellence and a focus on teaching and learning. Founded in 1910, Mount Royal remains dedicated to the success of its students. Today, over 11,000 credit students take a variety of programs and courses including bachelor's degrees and diplomas. More than 90,000 Mount Royal alumni are contributing to their communities worldwide.

For more information, visit www.mtroyal.ca.  

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]; Mount Royal University: Bryan Weismiller, [phone], Media [phone], [email protected]