Jazz Aviation, Chorus Aviation Modify Dash 8-400 for COVID-19 Response

Chorus Aviation Inc. and its subsidiary Jazz Aviation, 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 of cargo in the passenger cabin and belly to help fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

“De Havilland Canada’s Dash 8-400 Simplified PackageFreighter will allow us to redeploy aircraft, while contributing to thecollective fight against COVID-19 by supporting our customer, Air Canada, inthe delivery of essential cargo,” said Randolph deGooyer, President, JazzAviation LP.

“This aircraft will allow us to provide critical cargo lifton short- and medium-haul routes that have been impacted by the reduction ofpassenger flights,” said Tim Strauss, Vice-President Air Canada Cargo. “Theconverted cabin, which can accommodate a cargo volume of 1,150 cubic feet isperfectly suited to loose load cargo like medical supplies, PPE and other goodsneeded to support the ongoing fight against COVID-19.”

Under an agreement with De Havilland Canada, Jazz hasordered a Service Bulletin and conversion kit that will be applied to the firstof 13 select Dash 8-400 aircraft. De Havilland Canada will be the exclusivesupplier of all future Dash 8-400 aircraft Simplified Package Freightermodifications for Jazz’s fleet.