Canada Jetlines Ltd. (TSX-V: JET) (the “Company” or “Jetlines”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tony Lefebvre as an independent director, effective February 5, 2018. Mr. Lefebvre brings over 27 years of executive experience, including eight years with Spirit Airlines, a leading ultra low-cost carrier based in the United States.
“Mr. Lefebvre is a welcome addition to the board,” stated Mark Morabito, Executive Chairman of Canada Jetlines. “His extensive experience in the ultra-low cost airline industry will be invaluable to the company as we commence and grow operations.”
Tony held progressively senior executive positions with Spirit Airlines, most notably Chief Operating Officer. He was responsible for Spirit Airlines operating functions including: flight operations, maintenance, inflight, airport operations, systems operations control, safety and security. Tony was part of the senior management team that successfully publicly listed the company on the NASDAQ and lead cost cutting initiatives resulting in a sustained sub $0.06 CASM (Cost Per Available Seat Mile). Prior to working with Spirit Airlines, Tony worked with US Airways for 15 years as a Managing Director. In this role he led US Airways’ European operations across 16 countries, covering sales and marketing, 28 airport operations, call centres sales and customer support, finance and alliance management.
Tony is currently President and Chief Operating Officer at BBA Aviation. He is responsible for BBA’s Global Engine Services and Signature MRO businesses, providing flight support services to business aircraft owners, government and commercial aviation customers.
Tony holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Maryland.
The Company has also appointed Warren Kinsella and Tayfun Eldem to its Advisory Board.
Warren Kinsella is the president of Daisy Group. Previously, he was a partner at the law firm of McMillan Binch, in its Public Policy Group, and has also worked as a consultant, journalist, and political Chief of Staff in Canada. Mr. Kinsella has considerable experience representing the airline industry. For a number of years, he was United Airlines’ chief consultant in Canada. In addition, Mr. Kinsella was the chief government and public relations advisor to the Toronto Port Authority during the period when Porter Airlines was taking off. Mr. Kinsella received a Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) from Carleton University and his law degree from the University of Calgary; he has also completed executive education courses at Harvard’s law school and its school of business.
Tayfun Eldem is a seasoned business executive located in Montreal, Quebec. He has held senior roles with several large multinational organizations. Mr. Eldem has significant experience in operations management, business development, capital markets, government relations, project management and technical marketing. Mr. Eldem was recently reappointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Toronto Stock Exchange listed Alderon Iron Ore Corp. Previously, Mr. Eldem was Managing Director and Associate at Hatch Ltd., leading Hatch’s business development, client engagement and project delivery functions in Eastern North America as well as overseeing the business globally for the iron ore and coal commodities. He previously worked for the Iron Ore Company of Canada, a Rio Tinto subsidiary, for more than 20 years. During this period, Mr. Eldem held many senior roles including Vice President, Expansion Projects & Engineering and COO. Mr. Eldem is a professional engineer who graduated from Dalhousie University.
Jetlines has granted a total of 225,000 stock options to Mr. Lefebvre in his role as a director. The stock options have been issued for a five-year term, with one quarter vesting every six months from the date of grant.
Jetlines also announces the resignation of Mr. Mark Lotz from the Board of Directors and would like to thank him for his significant contribution to the Company’s development to date.