Jazz Aviation and Air Canada Cargo will begin operating the recently approved Dash 8-400 Simplified Package Freighter to short and medium haul markets.
These reconfigured aircraft, developed by De Havilland Canada, will operate under the Air Canada Express banner and carry a total of 18,000 lbs [8.1 tonnes] of freight in the passenger cabin and belly.
Randolph deGooyer, President, Jazz Aviation, said: “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.”
Tim Strauss, Vice-President Air Canada Cargo, said: “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.
“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.
To facilitate the cargo-only flights, Air Canada Cargo has created five, segment-specific sales teams to focus on the unique needs of customers at different levels in the supply chain.
Enquiries from shippers interested in Air Canada Cargo’s services may be sent to a special freighter email address that is monitored 24 hours per day: AC.freighter@aircanada.ca.
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