February 13, 2017 Dear Sirs: Travel Industry Act Review: As outlined below, I have been a business law practitioner in Ontario for a considerable number of years, with our firm having an emphasis on the aviation and travel industries. The comments below are my personal comments from that experience. Background As a legal practitioner in […]
August 2, 2017 Dear Sirs: We apologize for not having met your July 24, 2017, requested deadline for commentary on the Phase II repo1t of your review of the Travel Industry Act. In our original submission of February 13, 2017, we indicated our concern that the review should focus on the virtual disappearance of the […]
ACASS is a leading provider of highly customized support services for business aviation worldwide. Since 1994, we have been empowering leaders and visionaries to own their journeys with world-class expertise and best-in-class services, including sales & acquisition, flight crew staffing, aircraft management, leasing, and charter. We have maintained our status as a ISBAO stage 3 operator, providing world-class management services to Canadian and International customers.
Base of Operation
Montreal
Steve Tedeschi
Sales Director, Aircraft Management – Worldwide
6700 Chemin de la Côte-de-Liesse,
Suite 206 I Saint-Laurent,QC I H4T 2B5
ACASS is a leading provider of highly customized support services for business aviation worldwide. Since 1994, we have been empowering leaders and visionaries to own their journeys with world-class expertise and best-in-class services, including sales & acquisition, flight crew staffing, aircraft management, leasing, and charter. We have maintained our status as a ISBAO stage 3 operator, providing world-class management services to Canadian and International customers.
Base of Operation
Montreal
Steve Tedeschi
Sales Director, Aircraft Management – Worldwide
6700 Chemin de la Côte-de-Liesse,
Suite 206 I Saint-Laurent,QC I H4T 2B5
Chartright Air Group, with over 35 years of service, stands as a leading name in the Canadian private aviation
sector. Offering a comprehensive suite of services including private jet charter, aircraft management, FBO services,
and maintenance, Chartright commits itself to exemplary safety standards, outstanding customer service, and
operational excellence. Chartright’s respected reputation is a testament to their unwavering dedication in serving
the dynamic needs of the aviation industry across Canada.
Bases of Operation
Calgary, Hamilton, Kitchener/Waterloo, Lake Simcoe, Ottawa, Regina, Toronto, Vancouver.
Dave Shaver
VP of Sales & Marketing
2450 Derry Road East
Hangar #6
Mississauga, ON
L5S 1B2
Innotech-Execaire Aviation Group (IEAG) provides a full range of aviation and technical support solutions to business aircraft OEMs, owners, operators, and commercial airlines.
Headquartered in Montreal, Québec, IEAG offers tailored 360° solutions through its aircraft sales & acquisitions, management, charter and aviation technical services teams, with the highest levels of service and operational integrity.
IEAG is part of IMP Group Ltd, a Halifax-based private investment company focused on global sustainable growth across diverse industry sectors, including aerospace & aviation, healthcare and information technology. IEAG is a leading provider of aviation and technical support solutions to business aircraft OEMs, owners, operators, and commercial airlines. Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, IEAG is a full-service aircraft sales, management, charter and aviation technical services provider with operations in Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Hamilton, Windsor, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary and Vancouver. Through its various businesses and facilities coast to coast in Canada, including a purpose built 180,000 square foot hangar and state of the art paint facility in Montreal, IEAG offers a comprehensive range of aircraft maintenance, inspection, refurbishment (interior/exterior) and technical services capabilities, including non-destructive testing, line servicing and ground handling both at its Cessna Authorized Service Facility at Toronto Pearson as well as at facilities and FBO locations at airports across Canada. IEAG has also increased it’s hangar footprint at Toronto Pearson to 130,000 square feet, with the acquisition of the SkyCharter FBO in July of 2022.
Bases of Operation
Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Hamilton, Windsor, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary and Vancouver
Jeremi Austin
Director Business Development, Aircraft Management Services
Headquarters:
Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport
Dorval, QC
10225 Ryan Ave,
Dorval, QC
H9P 1A2
Jetport provides business aviation services since 1997 from its facilities located at Hamilton International Airport. An expert in aircraft charter services, Jetport has developed a strong safety culture and operational expertise around its VIP services. Our experienced FBO, flight operation and maintenance teams support 24/7 aircraft handling, fuel, hangar, charter, aircraft management and other aviation consulting services as requested around the ever-growing popularity, convenience and efficiency of Hamilton Airport.
London Air Services (LAS) was been operating our commercial charter operations (704) & Private (604) for over 20 years based at Vancouver International (CYVR). LAS is privately owned by a local family. Over the 20 years LAS has purchased 22 aircraft from Bombardier from the Lear 45/75, Challenger 604/605 to the Global 5000 and AW139 helicopters. We currently operate a fleet of 3x Lear 75, 1x Challenger 605 , 1x Global 6000 and 2x AW139.
LAS operates out of our own state of the art hangar London Aviation Center. This is the newest hangar at YVR and was completed in 2007. It is the largest non-airline hangar at YVR and the only facility that will fit the larger business jets (G650, Global 7500,BBJ etc). LAS is in partnership with Signature Flight Support (LAS is 49% owners of Signature YVR) which guarantees LAS aircraft the best fuel pricing at YVR. We have a Canadian and US operating certificate for private and commercial operations. Please view our hangar on our virtual tour here.
All of our pilots are bombardier trained and complete additional jet upset training in the US. We maintain the highest standards in the industry. LAS is the only Canadian company that meets the Wyvern Wingman standard and we hold IS-BAO stage II as well. All of our maintenance staff are OEM trained. The LAS DOM sits on the Lear jet Tech committee and our Deputy DOM sits on the Global 7500 technical committee.
Base of Operation
Vancouver
SULI UMAR
Sales Manager
4580 Cowley Crescent
Richmond, British Columbia
V7B 1B8
Skyservice is a North American leader in business aviation dedicated to innovation, responsible operations, safety, and service excellence. Celebrating over 37 years of distinction, Skyservice is at the forefront of the business aviation industry, with best-in-class facilities across North America. Our skilled maintenance teams, award-winning fixed base operation facilities, first-class aircraft management, private jet charter services, aircraft sales, and acquisitions teams combine to deliver an exceptional experience to our valued customers. At Skyservice, we aim higher and reach further to best serve our clients. To learn more, visit skyservice.com
Base of Operation
Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Bend OR, Helena MT, Redmond OR, Seattle WA, Napa CA, Fort Lauderdale FL* and Miami FL* *Fontainebleau Aviation A Skyservice Company location
KAREEN FRANCIS
Director Business Development, Aircraft Management
Skyservice is a North American leader in business aviation dedicated to innovation, responsible operations, safety, and service excellence. Celebrating over 37 years of distinction, Skyservice is at the forefront of the business aviation industry, with best-in-class facilities across North America. Our skilled maintenance teams, award-winning fixed base operation facilities, first-class aircraft management, private jet charter services, aircraft sales, and acquisitions teams combine to deliver an exceptional experience to our valued customers. At Skyservice, we aim higher and reach further to best serve our clients. To learn more, visit skyservice.com
Base of Operation
Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Bend OR, Helena MT, Redmond OR, Seattle WA, Napa CA, Fort Lauderdale FL* and Miami FL* *Fontainebleau Aviation A Skyservice Company location
KAREEN FRANCIS
Director Business Development, Aircraft Management
Coast Capital Equipment Finance offers tailor-made solutions that meet the needs of both buyers and sellers with fast processing and competitive rates and terms. We request aircraft only as collateral (which does not tie up personal or corporate assets). Available for certified new or used aircraft.
Assets of focus:
Business rotary wing aircraft
Light Certified Piston engine aircraft
Business and owner operated turbo-prop
Business and corporate light jet
Deal Size:
$100,000 to $2,000,000 is the sweet spot
Term:
Up to 15 year amortization on new aircraft
Up to 10 year amortization on used aircraft depending on the hours and TBO
At PNC Aviation Finance, aircraft loans are what we do … and we do them well. With our team of experienced professionals dedicated exclusively to aircraft financing, we believe that our commitment to service is unmatched in the industry.
Our Breadth Of Solutions
We offer a full menu of competitively structured loans that can be custom-tailored to meet your specific aircraft financing needs. Solutions include:
Echo Aviation Leasing Corporation is a well-established independent business aircraft and helicopter finance company. Headquartered in Montreal, Echo provides distinctive and specialized value-added financing solutions for clients who seek knowledgeable advice from industry experts. Our team has a strong track record of industry experience and a unique set of expertise to assist our clients on:
CWB has a dedicated team of aviation financing professionals headed up by Peter Greenway, Director who has over 25 years experience in the industry and sits on the board of the Helicopter Association of Canada. CWB provides full service banking solutions for cash management and loans in CAD or USD for fixed and rotary wing aircraft operated on a commerical, corporate or private basis as well as loans for operating facilites and aviation-related real estate. Our deal size generally starts at CAD $3M and our single name limit is up to CAD$125M with syndication possibilties as well.
PETER GREENWAY
Director, Aviation Financing Centre
1211 Summit Dr #101
Kamloops, B.C.
V2C 5R9
Shaul’s journey in the field of aviation law has been marked by a distinguished blend of academic excellence and professional expertise. After completing his LL.M. in Air and Space Law at McGill University, where he delved into intricate aspects of airline business law and private international air law, Shaul has developed a profound understanding of the multilateral treaties and conventions that underpin aviation law. His academic journey began with a summa cum laude graduation in French Studies from the University of Pennsylvania, leading to a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Civil Law from McGill University in 2019.
In the professional realm, Shaul’s tenure at YYZlaw over two years has seen him engage in a wide array of Canadian and international aircraft transactions, including purchase and sale agreements, leases, sale and leasebacks, and financings. His work significantly contributes to the regulatory aspects of aviation law, where he has amassed considerable experience in assisting foreign air operators in obtaining licenses from Transport Canada and the Canadian Transportation Agency. Shaul’s expertise extends to drafting tariffs and terms and conditions for air carriers, as well as aiding travel retailers and wholesalers in registering with the Travel Industry Council of Ontario.
Beyond his legal pursuits, Shaul’s passion for fencing has seen him compete at the highest levels of the sport. As a longstanding member of the Canadian national fencing team since 2011, he represented Canada at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and is on the path to qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. His linguistic proficiency in English, French, and Italian, along with a proficiency in Hebrew, complements his global perspective, fueled by a love for travel and exploration.
Favorite Business Aircraft:
Among the many highlights of Shaul’s engagements with the aviation sector is his admiration for the Bombardier Challenger 650. His encounter with this business aircraft at a Canadian Business Aviation Association convention left a lasting impression, thanks to its gorgeous interior, spacious cabin, and exceptional range. The Challenger 650 embodies the qualities Shaul values in an aircraft: elegance, comfort, and superior performance. This admiration for the Challenger 650 not only reflects his personal tastes but also symbolizes the convergence of his professional interests in aviation law and his passion for the finer aspects of aviation.
Kellie-Ann Machete’s connection with the aviation industry spans over 25 years, a journey that began at Transport Canada and the Canadian Aviation Safety Board (now the Transportation Safety Board of Canada). Her deep-rooted passion for aviation law has been the driving force behind her successful career, which includes significant positions at major Toronto law firms and, more recently, as Legal Manager at the world’s largest regional aircraft leasing company. Kellie-Ann’s expertise in aviation law is both broad and detailed, encompassing Canadian and international transactions, such as purchase/sale agreements, leases, sale and leasebacks, novations, financings, and redeliveries.
Her extensive aircraft transactional experience in dealing with international clients and coordinating with local jurisdiction counsel across multiple jurisdictions has significantly broadened her knowledge base. Kellie-Ann has also been instrumental in managing the aviation regulatory aspects of an aviation law practice, showcasing her versatile skill set in this niche field.
Kellie-Ann holds a Law Clerk certificate from the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario and has dedicated herself to continuous learning and networking within the aviation community. Her participation in aviation conferences, International Registry seminars, and her involvement with organizations such as Women in Aviation, Women in Aerospace, and the International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA) highlight her commitment to the advancement of women in the industry.
Her expertise extends to understanding the intricacies of Transport Canada Civil Aviation, the Federal Aviation Administration, various Canadian and U.S. aviation regulations, the Aviation Working Group and AWG Legal Panel policies and procedures, and the Cape Town Convention/Aircraft Protocol. Additionally, her knowledge covers the International Registry and applicable procedures and regulations, including aircraft enforcement procedures and bankruptcy laws in both Canada and the U.S.
Outside of her professional achievements, Kellie-Ann has a vibrant life filled with hobbies such as baseball, travelling, and spending quality time with her family. She also has a unique interest in collecting aviation memorabilia, a passion she shares with her husband, who is also part of the aviation industry.
Favorite Business Aircraft:
Despite her affinity for the de Havilland Canada Beaver, the Lancaster and the joy of flying War Birds at the Hamilton Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Kellie-Ann’s dream business aircraft is any model from the Bombardier Global Express series. Her preference for this particular series stems from its Canadian manufacturing roots, embodying sleek design and swift performance. This choice reflects Kellie-Ann’s pride in Canada’s contributions to the aviation industry and her appreciation for the advanced capabilities of the Global Express aircraft.
With an impressive tenure of 34 years in the aviation law sector, Joanne Rodriguez has become an integral figure at a renowned aviation and travel law boutique in Toronto. A graduate of Seneca College’s Legal Assistant program, Joanne’s expertise extends far beyond her initial academic training, having immersed herself deeply into the world of aviation law in Canada. Her career is highlighted by her significant contributions to the ongoing operations of air carriers to Canada, where she regularly liaises with the Canadian Transportation Agency on critical matters such as air carrier licensing and insurance.
Joanne’s specialization in securing charter permits for airlines looking to operate passenger or cargo charter flights between Canada and other countries underscores her pivotal role in facilitating essential air travel operations. Her responsibilities also encompass supporting aviation lawyers and contract administrators by managing and performing a wide range of administrative duties within the firm. This support is not only vital for the smooth running of aviation law-related tasks but also crucial for client-specific matters.
Beyond her professional commitments, Joanne is dedicated to her family, cherishing the time spent with her two beautiful children. Her community spirit shines through her active role in organizing various community sporting leagues, contributing significantly to the social fabric of her community.
Favorite Business Aircraft:
Joanne’s favorite business aircraft is the Embraer Legacy 450. This choice is inspired by her love for visiting Florida, a destination where these aircraft are completed. The Embraer Legacy 450 stands out to her for its spacious cabin, offering an exceptional level of travel comfort for her and her family. This preference for the Embraer Legacy 450 not only highlights Joanne’s appreciation for the technical and comfort aspects of aircraft but also showcases her personal connection to where these aircraft are manufactured and completed.
Shakshi’s journey through the world of aviation law and management is a testament to her profound passion and dedication to the field. With a rich academic background, including an LL.M. in Air & Space Law from McGill University, an MBA in Aviation Management from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, and a Juris Doctor from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, her credentials are impressive and well-rounded. Her academic pursuits led her to an invaluable internship at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, where she deepened her understanding of the aviation industry’s legal framework, including bilateral and multilateral agreements, the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) program, and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
Before embarking on her Air and Space Law LL.M., Shakshi honed her legal expertise in India as an Associate at a prestigious litigation firm, representing a leading low-cost air carrier in defending complex passenger claim suits across multiple jurisdictions.
Shakshi’s passion for aviation extends beyond the courtroom and into the realm of academia and public discourse. She is an avid writer and researcher, with her blog “100 Knots” capturing the attention of over 30,000 aviation enthusiasts on LinkedIn. Her contributions to the literature on aircraft leasing and financing have been published by Bloomsbury, further establishing her as an authoritative voice in aviation law.
Her adventurous spirit is not confined to her professional life, it also manifests in her love for hiking, trekking, and exploring diverse cultures and cuisines worldwide. Fluent in English and Hindi, and proficient in Spanish, Shakshi’s linguistic skills complement her global perspective and ability to connect with various cultures.
Favorite Business Aircraft:
Shakshi’s dream business jet is the HondaJet Elite II, admired for its speed, range, and altitude capabilities, making it the leader in the Very Light Jet class. The aircraft’s design for single-pilot operations, dual-engine safety, and impressive safety record align with Shakshi’s values of convenience, reliability, and excellence in aviation. The HondaJet Elite II symbolizes the pinnacle of innovation and efficiency, mirroring Shakshi’s aspirations and achievements in the aviation law field.
Ehsan’s journey through Canadian Aviation Law has been both comprehensive and distinguished. Even before completing his Juris Doctor at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Law, Ehsan delved deeper into the complexities of aviation law. Before commencing his studies at the McGill Institute of Air and Space Law as a visiting student, focusing on private international air law and airline business law, his favourite book in law school was the Treatise on Air-aeronautical Law, (Matte, 1974). Prior to attending law school, Ehsan obtained a B.Sc. in Technical Management, summa cum laude, from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Ehsan also holds a Diploma of Airline and Flight Operations from the British Columbia Institute of Technology and is also the holder of a Canadian commercial pilot license with a multi-engine IFR rating.
In his professional capacity, Ehsan has become a trusted advisor in Canadian aviation law, guiding both public and private entities within the aviation sector through the complexities of commercial transactions and regulatory frameworks. Ehsan is also extensively involved with business aircraft transactions, and his experience includes the negotiation of agreements pertaining to aircraft purchases and dispositions, aircraft and engine maintenance and overhaul, engine and parts purchase, lease, consignment and sale, and aircraft interiors procurement, where he has represented clients on both the buy-side and the sell-side. Ehsan also currently acts for several Canadian lessors of aircraft, acting as transactional counsel on domestic and international aircraft leasing operations. His representation of clients in negotiations related to aircraft purchases, sales, maintenance, leasing, and interior procurement highlights his adeptness in both the strategic and operational aspects of aviation law in Canada.
Ehsan’s contribution to the commercial air travel sector is noteworthy, with a significant portion of his practice dedicated to assisting clients in navigating the regulatory environment. His role in licensing new foreign air operators with Transport Canada and drafting tariffs and terms for air carriers underlines his comprehensive understanding of the industry’s legal requirements. His negotiation skills have also benefited airline clients in securing advantageous contracts for premium passenger services and forging strategic partnerships in car rental and lodging accommodations.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ehsan’s passion for entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and community service shines through. His active involvement in EscroAir, Canada’s pioneering aircraft escrow service provider, and co-founding Flight Club, a peer-to-peer aircraft rental platform, exemplify his commitment to innovation and community engagement within the aviation industry. Ehsan’s multifaceted career in Canadian aviation law not only reflects his deep-seated expertise, but also his dedication to advancing the aviation sector through legal excellence, innovation, and community service.
Favorite Business Aircraft:
The first business aircraft Ehsan had the pleasure of flying on was the Bombardier Challenger 300. He accompanied a client on their way to the Bombardier facility in Montreal to assess an upgrade to a Bombardier Challenger 350. Within less than 50 minutes of arriving at the airport in Toronto, Ehsan was touring the Bombardier assembly line in Montreal. His dream aircraft became the Bombardier Challenger 300/350/3500 family. Business aircrafts are the most advanced form of time machines that humans have built to date, and for Ehsan, the Bombardier Challenger 3500 represents the most functional aircraft and best value for Ehsan’s ongoing missions.
Negotiating the purchase of a DeHavilland Otter DHC-3T
Negotiating the purchase of a Gulfstream G-V
Advising creditors concerning a loan facility, securitized against a Canadian airline’s fleet of passenger aircraft and associated engines
Negotiating the sale of a Gulfstream G-IV SP
Advising a creditor in regard to the lease and securitization of several Canadian-registered helicopters to various Canadian operators
Advising a creditor in regard to the lease and securitization of two Canadian-registered Boeing aircraft to a Canadian airline
Negotiating the lease of a Bombardier Challenger 604
Negotiating a joint-use agreement concerning a Bombardier Challenger 601
Negotiating the purchase of a Cessna Citation X
Negotiating the purchase and finance of a Dassault Falcon 900EX
Negotiating the purchase of an Airbus H160 Helicopter
Negotiating the purchase and finance of a Sikorsky S76D Helicopter
Negotiating the purchase and progress payment finance of a Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft
Negotiating the purchase of a new Bombardier Challenger 350
Negotiating the purchase and finance of a new Bombardier Challenger 650
Negotiating the purchase of a Cessna 208B
Negotiating the purchase and finance of a Robinson R44 helicopter
Acting for a Canadian aircraft lessor in the lease of numerous turbine-powered aircraft to lessees located in South America and Southeast Asia
Assisting a creditor with discharges and filing of new international interests on the International Registry in respect of their loan facility, securitized against a Canadian airline’s fleet of passenger aircraft and associated engines
Assisting a creditor with the International Registry aspect of a partial release of security interest against a Canadian airline’s fleet of passenger aircraft and associated engines
Bill Clark: Legal Counsel
Bill is a distinguished Canadian aviation lawyer with a focus that is uniquely dedicated to the commercial and regulatory legal frameworks of aviation and travel companies. With a practice that spans several decades, Bill’s expertise in aviation law has made him a crucial figure for both domestic and international entities operating within Canada’s aviation sector.
Starting his career by providing essential legal advice to air carriers serving remote parts of Canada, Bill’s early work with bush pilots laid the foundation for his deep understanding of the aviation industry’s legal landscape. His practice evolved significantly when he began advising foreign air carriers eager to establish routes to Toronto, Canada’s burgeoning economic capital. At the time, only two foreign carriers served Toronto, but under Bill’s legal guidance, numerous foreign air carriers commenced services to Toronto, with the city’s international airport growing to host the second-largest number of foreign carriers in North America.
Bill’s contributions to aviation law in Canada are extensive. He has assisted numerous foreign air carriers from their initial operations in Canada, covering charter and offline services, through to complex bilateral negotiations with the Government of Canada for scheduled services. His advisory role extends beyond international airlines to include domestic operators and entities in related sectors, such as ground handlers, parts suppliers, engine overhaulers, and flight training schools, among others.
A pivotal aspect of Bill’s aviation law practice focuses on the executive aircraft segment, where he has served on the Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA) board for over a decade, having been recognized by the CBAA with an Honorary Lifetime Membership award in 2015. Bill is also an active member of several committees of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). His expertise is also recognized through his long-standing role as the designated legal counsel for the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) since its inception.
Bill’s reputation as a leading expert in aviation law is further solidified by his frequent participation at key industry conferences, where he shares his knowledge on the Canadian aviation regulatory framework, aircraft security, and travel industry regulations. His commitment to the field of aviation law has not only shaped the industry but has also provided a foundation for its growth and development in Canada.
After graduating from the University of Western Ontario with honors in Business Administration and from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law, Bill started his legal career when he was called to the Ontario Bar in 1971. Before founding Clark & Company (now YYZlaw) in 1999, he practiced at Nobbs, Woods & Clark, continuing a legacy of dedicated aviation law practice that began in the mid-1950s.
Favorite Business Aircraft:
Bill’s aviation dreams have evolved alongside his illustrious career. Initially, he aspired to pilot a Cessna 206 on floats to his summer home north of Toronto. In more recent years, his dream business aircraft has evolved into the market-leading Bombardier Global 7500, a reflection of the market leadership he has shown to the aviation industry over the decades. This transition from a modest bush plane to one of the most sophisticated business jets on the market today highlights Bill’s journey and contributions to aviation law and the broader aviation industry.
