"The introduction in recent years of new aircraft types in the regional airline market, along with service life extensions of existing models, are both creating opportunities for MRO organizations which can deliver quality services on time and at competitive rates", commented Jean Genest, CTO and Executive Vice President of Technical Services. "As an operator of over 130 aircraft in Canada and abroad, Discovery Air understands the needs of operators and is positioned to deliver a superior MRO experience to its customers, as well as a wide range of specialised engineering services such as aircraft modification, conversion and upgrades."
DATS' decision to locate in Quebec City was motivated by the availability of a pool of highly-qualified staff specializing in regional aircraft maintenance and overhaul. DATS' personnel hold qualifications on a large number of regional aircraft including the DASH 8, SAAB 340, ERJ 135/145, CRJ 100/200 and Boeing 737. DATS' well-equipped maintenance facility will enable the delivery of an extensive range of capabilities including welding, avionics, engineering, machining, heat treatment, composite and sheet metal repairs.
ABOUT DISCOVERY AIR AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
Founded in 2004, Discovery Air Inc. is a specialty aviation services company operating across Canada and in select locations internationally. With over 130 aircraft, it is one of the largest air operators in Canada, employing 450 flight crew, maintainers and support staff to deliver a variety of air transport, maintenance and logistics solutions to a wide range of government, airline and business customers. The Company's Government Services segment includes two subsidiaries: Top Aces Inc., which delivers airborne training and special mission services to the Canadian military, and Hicks & Lawrence, a supplier of airborne fire management services to the Ontario government and charter services to government agencies and corporate customers. The Company's Northern Services segment includes three subsidiaries: Great Slave Helicopters, the second-largest VFR helicopter operator in the country; Air Tindi, a fixed-wing aircraft charter provider throughout Northern Canada; and Discovery Mining Services, which constructs and rents all-weather exploration camps and provides expediting and logistics support services. Discovery Air also provides a range of maintenance, repair and overhaul solutions to airline customers through Discovery Air Technical Services Inc., based in Quebec City.
CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Discovery Air's public communications may include written or oral forward-looking statements (as defined in applicable securities laws) regarding the future performance of the company and/or its subsidiaries. Forward-looking statements by definition are based on assumptions and are as a result subject to risks and uncertainties, including those identified in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section of Discovery Air's financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010, available at www.sedar.com. As a result of such risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those discussed in forward-looking statements, and readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. Forward-looking statements represent expectations as of the date they are made, and Discovery Air disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements it may make, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws.
Discovery Air's shares and debentures trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (Symbols DA.A and DA.DB respectively).
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