Jazz, Air Canada Cargo to be first to operate Dash 8-400 as cargo-only flights
Jazz Aviation and Air Canada will operate the Dash 8-400 Simplified Package Freighter developed by De Havilland Canada
Chorus Aviation’s subsidiary Jazz Aviation and Air Canada, through its freight division Air Canada Cargo, will begin operating the recently approved Dash 8-400 Simplified Package Freighter developed by De Havilland Canada to short and medium haul markets under the Air Canada Express banner. These reconfigured aircraft will carry a total of 18,000 lbs [8,165 kg] of cargo in the passenger cabin and belly.
“De Havilland Canada's Dash 8-400 Simplified Package Freighter will allow us to redeploy aircraft, while contributing to the collective fight against COVID-19 by supporting our customer, Air Canada, in the delivery of essential cargo,” said Randolph deGooyer, President, Jazz Aviation LP.
The converted cabin, which can accommodate a cargo volume of 1,150 cubic feet
“This aircraft will allow us to provide critical cargo lift on short and medium-haul routes that have been impacted by the reduction of passenger flights,” said Tim Strauss, Vice-President Air Canada Cargo. “The converted cabin, which can accommodate a cargo volume of 1,150 cubic feet is perfectly suited to loose load cargo like medical supplies, PPE and other goods needed to support the ongoing fight against COVID-19.”
Under an agreement with De Havilland Canada, Jazz has ordered a Service Bulletin and conversion kit that will be applied to the first of 13 select Dash 8-400 aircraft. De Havilland Canada will be the exclusive supplier of all future Dash 8-400 aircraft Simplified Package Freighter modifications for Jazz's fleet.
Jazz Aviation LP, commonly shortened to Jazz, is a Canadian regional airline based at Halifax Stanfield International Airport in Enfield, Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chorus Aviation.
As an integral part of Air Canada’s strategy and North American market presence, Jazz provides service to and from many smaller communities in Canada and the United States under the brand name Air Canada Express. As well, we operate to larger centres at off-peak times as a complement to Air Canada’s schedule.
Jazz has a commercial agreement with Air Canada that is the core of its business. Under the Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA), Air Canada purchases substantially all of Jazz’s seat capacity based on predetermined rates. In reality, Jazz is a contract carrier for Air Canada and operates flights on their behalf.
