Jazz and Sault College renew professional pilot career pathway program agreement

Agreement renewed for ninth consecutive academic year

HALIFAX, April 19, 2016 /CNW/ - Jazz Aviation LP ("Jazz") is pleased to announce a further commitment to Canada's future professional pilots with a renewed agreement between the airline's Jazz Aviation Pathway Program ("Jazz APP") and Sault College's Aviation Technology – Flight program.

"We're very proud to acknowledge Sault College's participation in the Jazz APP since its inception in 2007," said Steve Linthwaite, Vice President, Flight Operations, Jazz. "Their longstanding commitment to our organization, and the quality of their aviation program, allow us to work together on improving the professional pilot career pathway."

First signed in 2007, the industry-leading Jazz APP program and Sault College 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 Sault College's top-performing Aviation Technology – Flight graduates to transition to first officer positions at 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 Technology – Flight 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 Sault College program chair or designate in consultation with Jazz to ensure the criteria as outlined are respected. On March 22, 2016, Jazz was pleased to award the inaugural Aviation Pathway Award for Professionalism at Sault College to Tristan Fisher from Carlisle, ON.

The Jazz Aviation Pathway Award for Professionalism and Diversity. Awarded to a full-time student in his or her final year of the Aviation Technology – Flight 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 Sault College program chair or designate in consultation with Jazz to ensure the criteria as outlined are respected. On March 22, 2016, Jazz was pleased to award the inaugural Aviation Pathway Award for Professionalism and Diversity at Sault College to Rebecca Charles from Listowel, ON.

"This collaboration is a great opportunity for our students and staff. This pathway for students builds upon our strong relationship with Jazz and enhances employment opportunities for students. We are also excited that Jazz is giving our students the benefit of two new scholarship opportunities," said Greg Mapp, Director of Aviation, Sault College School of Aviation.

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. To-date, Jazz has announced agreements between the Jazz APP and the following aviation colleges and universities: 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 Sault College - #yestothebest

The vision of Sault College is to provide a transformative life experience through empowering those who study with us to think and learn in progressive, innovative ways, including those we have not yet imagined. Ranked #1 in the province for two years in a row with a score of 88.6% in overall student satisfaction by students themselves, Sault College grants Ontario College certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, graduate certificates, and degrees to its graduates. The College is one of the largest deliverer of apprenticeship training in all of Northern Ontario. Educating over 3,900 students each year, Sault College has a significant economic impact on the community, with spin-offs in excess of $158 million. Over $1.8 million dollars in scholarships, bursaries and awards are distributed annually to students at the College. Located on the border to the United States and situated in the middle of three of the largest Great Lakes on the planet, Sault College is one of 24 publicly-funded colleges in the province of Ontario.

For more information, visit www.saultcollege.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]; Sault College: Rick Webb, [phone] ext. 2694, [email protected]