Miss the Delta Hotels Marriott Kamloops preferred room rate deadline? 

Our Year-Round Travel Partners have you covered!

We're pleased to announce that the Delta Hotels Marriott Kamloops is our official conference headquarters and hotel, however, the preferred room rate for conference attendees has expired plus we basically sold out the hotel (a first). You can try calling the reservation desk directly at +1 250-372-2281 to see if they can assist you but availability is extremely tight. Visit the "Hotel Partner" tab on the Conference Registration webpage for more information.

Fortunately, two of our Travel Partners, Sandman Hotel Group and Coast Hotels, also have comfortable and convenient facilities in Kamloops, available at discounted rates for BCAC Members. The Sandman year-round, network-wide code is BCAVIATION. (If you choose to book with the Sandman Hotel, make sure that it's the Signature Sandman, as it's closest to the conference HQ.)

The year-round, network-wide BCAC Member discount code for hotels in the extensive Coast Hotel network (including Kamloops) is BCAC97 but it is further from the main conference facilities at the Delta Hotels Marriott.

Questions? Contact us!

Great Deals from BCAC's Travel Partners

If you need to rent a car during your stay in Kamloops, we're proud to introduce our newest Travel Partner, Budget Car Rentals. Budget is now offering BCAC Members a Business Corporate Discount (BCD) on your next vehicle rental throughout Canada and year-round. Visit the Travel Partners webpage on the BCAC website for more information.

Additionally, Travel Partner Park'N Fly offers BCAC Members favourable parking rates and optional, additional services at your home airport. When you reserve online with your local airport, put #1136298 into the Discount Code field to take advantage of Park'N Fly's services.

If you're flying commercially into YKA Kamloops for the BCAC Innovation conference, we have more good news. Check out our Travel Partners tab on our Conference Registration webpage for discounted rates on airfare into Kamloops from Air Canada and Pacific Coastal Airlines.

Finally, private planes are welcome at YKA Kamloops. Please visit the Private Aircraft tab on the Conference Registration webpage for important details and YKA contact information.

Questions? Contact us!

Sips & Suds Tasting Tour Add-on Event

Attending the BCAC Innovation Conference? Join us Sunday for YKA’s World Famous "Sips & Suds Touring Extravaganza" ($49) with your hosts YKA Airport Manager, Jim and Conference Chair, Tracy leading the charge! Visit a local cidery and winery as well as two craft breweries. Transportation will be provided and gratuities are covered. Numbers are limited so please register early to avoid disappointment. Dinner is available at our final stop, The Noble Pig. Please visit the Conference Registration webpage to sign up for this popular add-on event.

There is also the Monday $29 tour of the BC Wildfire Operations Centre plus YKA.

These events are still available for Sponsorship; please contact Dave for more information.

Questions? Contact us!

BCAC 2025 Innovation Conference Topics Outline

JUNE 2ND - 4TH: FINALIZING SPEAKERS AND TIMES FOR THE FOLLOWING TOPICS (Not all confirmed)

• Welcoming Reception: Some Brief Innovation Comments-Al Meinzinger, President, Boeing Canada
• 1^st Breakfast: Getting Started with Artificial Intelligence (AI) 4 Dummies-Laura Mortimer, BCAC Director
• Prognostications by a Leading Industry Thinker-Solomon Wong, CEO InterVISTAS
• BC's World-Leading Drive Toward Net Zero Carbon Airport System-Update, Global Lessons, Now What
• Lower Carbon Fuels: Supply vs. Regulation-SAF Supply Report, YVR Incentive, Local SAF, Air Canada
• 1^st Lunch: Policy Innovation, Jennifer Little, Director General, Air Policy, Transport Canada-National
• Human Resources Innovation-Qatar’s Skilled Labour Model, Peopled, DEI for Strategic Advantage
• Supporting Innovative Approaches-Excellence Manufacturing Coalition, INSTAD, Vehicle Conversion
• Wild Innovation-Falcon Wildlife Management, Wildfire Suppression
• Innovation and Government: Is it an Oxymoron? Jamie Johnson Transport Canada-Pacific, CTA, TSB, Reg Bawa ADM BC Ministry Transportation and Transit
• Signature Dinner: Remote Radio Broadcast/Keynote Speaker-Shane Hewitt, Host/Aviation Aficionado
• 2^nd Breakfast: Economic Forecast in Turbulent Times-Chief Economist, Central 1 Credit Union of BC
• Don’t Neglect Innovation in General Aviation: Tourism, Insurance, Experimental Aircraft Association
• Tackling Costs: Desperate Need for Innovative Thinking-Flair, YXX, Helicopter Association Canada
• Tourism Innovation-Regional Tourism Leaders
• Tacking Challenge: Innovation at Nav Canada and Update
• 2^nd Lunch: Aviation Legend-Joe Sparling Founder/CEO Air North
• Simulation Innovations: An Affordable Community Outreach Tool-John Clark, Spatial Engagement
• Medical Transport: Case Studies in Innovation-Helicopters Without Borders, Hope Air, MAF
• Innovations in Emergency Communications-tartonbond
• Cooperative Innovation for Policy/Program Change-Cathy Press Chair BCAC, Other Associations
• Interactive Summarization-The Anthony Norejko Show, CEO Canadian Business Aviation Association

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

June 1^st

• Add-on Event ($49): Sips and Suds Tasting Tour – 13:35 Bus Leaves Delta Marriott

June 2^nd

• Add-on Event ($189) Tobiano World Class Golf – 07:45 Make Way to Course
• Add-on Event ($29): BC Wildfire Provincial Operations Centre/YKA Tour – 12:15 Bus Leaves Delta
• Volunteer Recognition (by invitation) – 16:45 Delta Hotel Marriott Cordo Lounge
• Welcoming Reception Supporting Scholarship – 18:00 Delta Hotels Marriott Mountain View Terrace

June 3^rd

• Signature Dinner Featuring All Sun Peaks Mountain Village Has to Offer – First Bus Departs Delta Hotels Marriott at 16:15

June 4^th

• No Host Wrap Up Dinner Noble Pig – 16:15 Turn Left Main Door Delta Marriott, ¾ Block

Eight in conference Innovation Displays (new); Ongoing Online Auction 32Auction.com/BCAC25

Please visit the BCAC 2025 Conference: Innovation – Eyes on the Horizon Conference registration page tabs for more information. We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions? Contact us!

World-class Tobiano Golf Add-on Event

Enjoy a game on one of Canada's top ten fairways, designed by renowned course designer Thomas McBroom. Add-on fee of $189 includes green fees, power cart, access to practice facilities, range balls and taxes. On June 2nd, there are two morning tee times beginning at 8:20am which will be assigned so book early. This event will sell out before the May 29th deadline.

Please Note: Golfers must arrange their own transportation to/from course. (35km, approximately 30+ minutes). Options include:

• Uride. Download the app to book your rideshare (approximately $60)
• Taxi from hotel (approximately $85)
• Car rental from our Travel Partner, Budget Car Rentals. Find the conference discount promo code under the Travel Partners tab on the Conference Registration webpage.

If you are willing to drive fellow golfers to/from the course, please let your hosts David and Ethan know.

Course details: https://gtcctobiano.com/contact/know-before-you-go/

Questions? Contact David and Ethan

Welcoming Reception Mountain View Terrace

Our official conference launch is our Welcoming Reception, taking place at the scenic rooftop pool and lounge atop our conference hotel, the Delta Hotels Marriott Kamloops. 

Enjoy the musical stylings of local award-winning musician Jeremy Kneeshaw while perusing the plentiful array of enticing appetizers. This convivial atmosphere is further enhanced by a no-host bar, providing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including a locally distilled gin tasting.

Learn about the BCAC's Aviation and Aerospace Scholarship Program (at $200K offered per annum, the largest in Canada!) while connecting and building relationships with industry leaders and innovators. We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions? Contact us.

BCAC Innovation Conference - Signature Dinner

Our conference Signature Dinner takes place on Tuesday, June 3rd, at the Sun Peaks Centre. Our Keynote Speaker, NewsTalk Radio Host Shane Hewitt, will make their presentation during the Cocktail Reception, then local musician Kris Ruston will provide live music during the communal, long-table dinner in the Great Hall. Menu items will include:

• Family-style Charcuterie Boards
• Soup or Salad (hot or cold-plated)
• Buffet-style main course
• Elevated, interactive S'mores

Transportation from the Delta Hotels Marriott Kamloops hotel will be provided. Visit the Conference Registration webpage for more details!

(Photos/Left and Right: Kelly Funk Photography, Middle: KJMountainMedia Instagram)

BCAC Innovation Conference Sponsorship Opportunities still available and high-visibility Online Action Items being accepted

Interested in sponsorship? We have several sponsorship opportunities still available for the BCAC 2025 Innovation Conference. Get your logo in front of industry leaders and innovators. Please see the attached "Sponsorship and Online Auction Opportunities" PDF for details.

For sponsorship inquiries, please contact BCAC Executive Director, Dave Frank at dave@bcaviationcouncil.org or call (direct) 1.604.644.6426

All the Military Planes Boeing delivered in the 1st Quarter of 2025

In 2025's first quarter, Boeing delivered 26 military aircraft, including marine patrol jets, fighters, and helicopters. According to Boeing, the deliveries included eight distinct models, including the MH-139, F-15, F/A-18, CH-47 Chinook, AH-64 Apache, and the P-8. The diversity of the orders illustrates the range of missions and platforms currently in demand around the world.

Around the world, militaries are updating their capabilities and replacing their fleets in response to changing defense needs. The goal of diversifying procurement between new airframes and remanufactured units is to increase cost-effectiveness and readiness simultaneously.

The United States Army, Navy, and Air Force are the top operators, but a number of foreign allies are also loyal customers, investing in Boeing's catalog for missions ranging from maritime patrol to heavy-lift operations or close attack support. These platforms all have different impacts on theater-level strategy and battlefield tactics.

Boeing delivered eleven remanufactured Apaches and four new AH-64 Apaches to clients who need close air support helicopters of the highest quality. Though some went to foreign operators, these deliveries were mostly made to US Army units. A European defense agency in need of a rotary heavy-lift platform received one new CH-47 Chinook, and two Chinooks that had been upgraded were given to an existing customer that had older airframes.

The figures don’t specify who received the units delivered, but the majority are US Department of Defense (DOD) acquisitions, as the US Armed Forces are the primary customers of Boeing Defense. Although there are many other operators of Boeing military aircraft around the world, thanks to the proliferation of America’s alliances, NATO joint operations, and the shared interest in common defense among friendly nations.

Most of these aircraft are being delivered to operators that have decades of experience with Boeing platforms. Every handover signifies ongoing efforts to modernize, from long-distance freight transportation to protecting marine commerce routes, operators need airframes that can perform missions in difficult environments.

Apache out front

With a first flight in 1975, the Apache development began with Hughes Helicopters before moving on to McDonnell Douglas and then Boeing. In addition to the US Army, a wide range of countries employ it, including Greece, Japan, Israel, and the Netherlands. The mighty Apache has become an icon of airpower, proving its capability on the battlefield over decades of outstanding performance.

According to Boeing, the Apache has accumulated millions of flight hours in hostile environments and is widely recognized as the best attack helicopter in the world to this day. With fifteen Apaches (four new, eleven remanufactured), the AH-64 airframes account for the greatest portion of Q1 deliveries. Budgetary concerns are mitigated while maintaining performance levels by remanufacturing older airframes to like-new condition.

The US Army Acquisition Reports and other public sources highlight the AH-64E's increased engine power and digital upgrades. Better mission lethality and flying performance are selling points of this revised variant. The radar dome over the main rotor allows operators to identify targets even while they are undercover, allowing them to accomplish the most difficult missions.

Key AH-64 Apache Specifications (Table)

The Chinook

Two refurbished and one freshly constructed Chinook highlight the awesome helicopter’s continued use by heavy-lift fleets across the globe. More than 20 operators have been using this tandem-rotor helicopter for specialty deliveries, rescue operations, and military transport for decades. In theaters that need quick-lifting solutions, the three Q1 handovers offer alternatives for strategic insertion and extraction.

Upgraded cockpits and modified fuel tanks are features of newer airframes. According to Boeing statistics, modernized Chinooks now come equipped with mission-adaptive software and digital flying controls as standard. With this configuration, operators can load or unload items with little assistance from the ground. When land routes prove risky, operators like the US Army depend on the Chinook's dependability to transport people and equipment.

CH-47 Chinook Specifications

The F-15EX Strike Eagle

The lone F-15 delivered this quarter continues a legacy that dates back to the 1970s. Its exceptional, all-around ability to conduct ground-attack and air-to-air operations has made it an invaluable tool for many air forces. The Boeing F-15 EX Strike Eagle is currently operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Air National Guard.

The F-15 is known for its exceptional mobility, which is a result of its powerful engine and super-heavy payload capacity. AIM-9 Sidewinders, AIM-120 AMRAAMs, and a 20 mm Gatling cannon are among the missiles that variants can carry, according to the US Air Force Fact Sheet. The platform can adjust to new threats with the support of ongoing hardware and software updates.

Fighter Specification Comparison

The Super Hornet

The United States Navy's five F/A-18 arrivals align with ongoing naval aviation needs. For precision strike and aerial warfare, the versatile design is top-notch. The armed forces of the United States, Australia, Canada, Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain, and Switzerland all rely on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

Advanced Tactical Targeting Network Technology, a Distributed Targeting Processor-Networked (DTP-N), a large area display, improved electronic warfare capabilities, updated radar systems, and cockpit displays are some of the most recent Super Hornet features, especially in the Block III configuration.

Carrier-based fighter squadrons rely on dependable platforms for their wide range of missions. Preliminary testing procedures guarantee that every delivered jet satisfies performance requirements for catapult launches, arresting gear landings, and endurance in maritime environments. Air-to-air intercepts and ground attacks are only two of the multi-role missions that the F/A-18 family has shown to be adept at.

MH-139 and its niche

Based on the successful commercial AW139 helicopter, Boeing's MH-139A Grey Wolf is a multi-mission helicopter intended to transport American government officials and security personnel as well as safeguard intercontinental ballistic missiles. The MH-139A is a readily available, off-the-shelf solution that combines safety, operational flexibility, and performance. It is manufactured in the United States. The helicopter is primarily used for government transport and airlift operations.

With a fleet of over 250 customers, 900 aircraft, and two million flight hours, the Boeing MH-139A will leverage a worldwide supply network to provide exceptional affordability, supportability, and reliability for long-term life cycle savings.

USAF awarded Boeing a $2.4 billion replacement contract for the UH-1N, following the cancellation of the CVLSP. The MH-139 will replace UH-1Ns in ICBM-field security and support roles, as well as DV lift and aircrew survival training. The service plans to procure up to 84 MH-139s at Andrews, F. E. Warren, Kirtland, Malmstrom, Minot, Fairchild and Yokota.

MH-139 Helicopter Specifications

King of the High Seas

The Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom, the Royal Norwegian Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and the Indian Navy all use the P-8 Posiedon in addition to the US Navy. The Royal Canadian Air Force, the German Navy, and the Republic of Korea Navy have also issued orders for it.

The P-8's adaptable payload for anti-ship missiles, sonobuoys, and torpedoes makes it a flexible platform. In-flight refueling allows crews to stay on station for longer. This aids in the tracking of surface or subsurface vessels that could endanger resource exploitation areas, maritime trade routes, or naval activities.

There will likely be many more P-8 buys in the future, according on recent orders from allies. Amid growing maritime tensions in many locations, sea control continues to be a major focus of budgets. When marine disasters occur, coastal defense personnel can react swiftly thanks to this sizable, multi-engine platform.

(Source: Simple Flying, Luke Diaz. Photos/Supplied)

UAE begins mapping Air Corridors for Air Taxis and Cargo Drones to transform urban transportation

The UAE has taken a bold step towards redefining urban transportation with the commencement of air corridor mapping and regulatory framework development for piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones. This transformative initiative marks a major leap forward in the nation’s mission to lead the future of mobility.

Through a strategic partnership between the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) entities—Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and ASPIRE—the UAE is on track to reshape the way people and goods move through urban spaces.

With aerial corridors and regulations set to be defined within the next 20 months, this pioneering effort demonstrates the UAE’s unwavering commitment to deploying safe, advanced, sustainable transportation solutions that will not only ease congestion but also set a global benchmark for future urban mobility systems. These routes will connect key international airports and iconic places in the UAE, extending further to ensure seamless integration of piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones across the nation’s urban landscapes.

His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA said: “Air corridor mapping for piloted and autonomous air taxis and drones is a crucial milestone that will enable the seamless implementation of Advanced Air Mobility into the UAE’s infrastructure. This initiative ensures the safe and efficient adoption of air mobility, delivering transformative solutions to urban transport and paving the way for a smarter, more connected future.”

The UAE’s forward-thinking approach to urban transportation will be supported by TII’s expertise in airspace management, ensuring the safe integration of piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones into urban environments. These new air corridors will offer innovative solutions for passenger and cargo transport, relieving pressure on traditional road networks and improving connectivity.

Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said: "This transformative collaboration with GCAA is reshaping the future of urban transportation. By advancing airspace management and integrating piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones, we are not only enhancing urban connectivity but also driving sustainable and accessible mobility solutions that will benefit future generations."

Stephane Timpano from ASPIRE said: "Addressing real-time urban mobility challenges through innovative solutions like air taxis and drones is a major step forward. This initiative directly supports sustainable economic growth by creating a flexible and diverse transport system that eases pressure on urban infrastructure and fosters smarter, more resilient cities."

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) refers to the use of automated aircraft in urban and suburban settings to deliver innovative transport solutions for people and goods. With TII at the helm of developing the technical aspects of AAM and ASPIRE focusing on creating a network of stakeholders, including regulators, industry leaders, and researchers, this collaboration aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework that ensures safety and operational efficiency

Prof. Enrico Natalizio, Chief Researcher of the Autonomous Robotics Research Center at TII, commented: "At TII, we’re developing advanced AI-powered control, vision and communication algorithms for autonomous systems that enable real-time decision making for air taxis and drones. Having mastered this technology, we are able to propose methodologies for AAM corridors design to optimize routes, ensure collision avoidance, and integrate seamlessly with urban airspace, marking a key step toward efficient and safe autonomous air mobility in complex urban environments."

Together with GCAA, these entities will define the airspace regulations and develop airspace management systems, making the UAE a global benchmark for advanced urban mobility.

(Source + Photo/ Technology Innovation Institute)

Visit our amazing Travel Partners for year-round Supporter savings.

The BCAC gratefully acknowledges the Vancouver International Airport as a Pillar Partner. Thank you for your support! The Council is actively pursuing a number of additional potential Pillar Partners.