HALIFAX, June 21, 2017 /CNW/ – Chorus Aviation Inc. (‘Chorus’) (TSX: CHR) announced today that Jazz Technical Services (‘JTS’) – a division of Chorus subsidiary, Jazz Aviation (‘Jazz’) – has successfully completed the Extended Service Program (ESP) on the first of 19 Dash 8-300 aircraft. Chorus is the launch customer for Bombardier’s Dash 8-300 ESP; the first of its kind for this aircraft type.

“Our relationship with Bombardier goes back many years and we are proud to be the first operator in the world to conduct the Extended Service Program on Dash 8-300s,” said Colin Copp, President, Jazz. “I commend our maintenance engineers for this significant achievement.”

The ESP extends the service life of Jazz’s Dash 8-300 aircraft by 50 per cent, or approximately 15 years, through the replacement of certain structural and systems components. Jazz Technical Services will complete the ESP work on a minimum of 19 Dash 8-300 aircraft over the next five years at its facility in Halifax, NS.

“I congratulate the JTS team on this important milestone,” said Joe Randell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chorus. “The range of technical expertise we possess across all facets of regional aviation differentiates us from our competition as we work toward our vision of delivering regional aviation to the world.”

“Bombardier is excited to celebrate this milestone alongside Chorus, Jazz and JTS and we congratulate all the teams that contributed to the successful execution of the Dash 8-300 aircraft Extended Service Program,” said Todd Young, Vice President and General Manager, Customer Services and Q400 Aircraft Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The Dash 8-300 aircraft ESP, and the Dash 8-100 aircraft ESP, which was available earlier, extend the economic life of these robust and reliable aircraft for years to come — allowing for enhanced operational value for our long-standing customer, Chorus.”