- Joby Aviation has announced the completion of a 523-mile flight with its eVTOL using a combination of batteries and an on-board hydrogen fuel cell. The only emission the aircraft produced during the flight was water vapour. For this proof-of-concept flight, engineers downsized the batteries which the standard, all-battery eVTOL flies with, and installed a hydrogen fuel cell and a fuel tank. See this week’s featured video for a closer look at Joby’s accomplishment.
- The first collective agreement between WestJet’s mechanics and technicians and their union, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), was ratified on Friday (July 12). “While we are grateful to have achieved resolution with a clear path forward together as a unified team, we recognize that the unprecedented impact of the disruption over July long weekend is still concerning for our guests, the communities we serve and our people,” commented WestJet’s president Diederik Pen.
- In other labour news, production workers at Bombardier’s Toronto-Pearson airport plant have ended their strike. Members of Unifor Locals 112 and 673 ratified a contract that will provide for a 12.5 percent wage increase over the length of the three-year contract. “After a highly effective strike, I am proud to say that our members ratified a landmark agreement that delivers a substantial economic package at a time when aerospace workers need it most,” said Unifor national president Lana Payne. The Toronto facility builds the Global fleet of aircraft.
- One of only two Second World War-era Avro Lancasters still flying, C-GVRA will make an appearance at Winnipeg’s Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada on July 16 and 17 and will be available for viewing and tours. Over 7,270 Lancasters were built, 430 by Victory Aircraft Ltd. in Malton, Ont. The aircraft is based at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Port Hope, Ont., and a flight on it can be purchased, although all remaining 2024 flights are sold out.
- A new commander of the 1 Canadian Air Division was appointed on July 11. Major-General Chris McKenna will simultaneously assume command of the Canadian NORAD Region, Search & Rescue Region Trenton and Joint Air Force Component. Gen. McKenna’s prior post was as Director General Air and Space Force Development. He has previously served in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Mali.