BCAC26 Conference Kelowna – Opening Insightful Speaker, Dr. Suzanne Kearns

Arguably Canada's leading aviation and aerospace post-secondary educator, first class author, academic and facilitator, Dr. Kearns will launch a variety of topics designed to promote open discussion throughout our policy/programs conference.

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Suzanne Kearns, Founding Director of the Waterloo Institute of Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) and Associate Professor, Aviation, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo, will be our future thoughts Opening Speaker at our 2026 Conference in Kelowna.

Dr. Kearns is an leading academic with a focus on education and improving pilot performance. Her research explores how to optimize the next generation of aviation professionals (NGAP) by analyzing processes to attract people to the field of aviation.

An accomplished educator both in the classroom and through electronic courseware, Dr. Kearns has taught thousands of aviation professionals worldwide. She is a former airplane and helicopter pilot and is internationally recognized within the aviation and aerospace industry.

Dr. Kearns is the author or co-author of six books, including the textbook “Fundamentals of International Aviation” which is used around the world in multiple translations. In 2021, she founded the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA), a research institute at the University of Waterloo which she leads as its Director.  WISA includes more than 140 faculty members and has a mission to become the world’s leading hub for sustainable aeronautical research, technology, and education.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear Dr. Kearns speak – register today for the 2026 BCAC Conference Kelowna: Soaring Above Challenges – Eyes on the Horizon. Event details can be found on the conference registration page at bit.ly/BCAC26.

Note: We are an industry that books everything at the very last minute. Fight that tendency for this conference. Memorial Cup is being held 5km north of BCAC26; plus, due to the boutique nature of the facility, we are limited to 185 delegates. No wiggle room.

Interested in sponsorship opportunities? We've attached the BCAC26 Sponsorship and Online Auction Opportunities Guide to this edition of the Frequent Flyer e-newsletter. Or you can download it here. Need assistance? Contact Dave our Executive Director and/or Simon, Co-Chair Event Oromotion Committee.

(Source: University of Waterloo. Photo/Waterloo News)

Historian Author, Ted Barris, OC, "Battle of Britain" Presentation/Book Signing Thursday, 5:45pm - a BCAC Hangar Hangout/BCIT Aerospace Campus Coproduction

This one kinda fell into our laps!

We are absolutely thrilled to be presenting with the BCIT Aerospace Campus one of Canada's greatest non-fiction storytellers, Ted Barris, OC. You will come away from this event marveling at the absolutely critical contribution Canada made during the Battle of Britain in World War II when it was basically the British Commonwealth, Soviet Union and a few others that desperately began to turn the tide of the war.

Ted makes this pivotal moment in history become vibrantly alive. Registration is by completely voluntary donation to our Youth Engagement Program. Don't miss the best live presentation you will see all year.

Shout out to the BCAC Hangar Hangout Committee plus Rory O'Brien and the Team at BCIT's Aerospace Campus for their "we have six days to pull this off including the weekend - no problem" attitude. Hence it is our first ever "pop-up" Hangar Hangout event!

Light food and beverages, tour of the BCIT Aerospace Campus including training hangar (in our opinion the best in Canada), book signing, Uber vouchers for groups needing to get back to the Canada Line, and wind down conversations at the Flying Beaver round out Ted's presentation.

Open to all. Details/registration.

Enjoy!

Testimonial via WhatsApp, Co-Founder and Principal, Peopled, Skilled Int'l Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services, BCAC Corporate Supporter

Scholarship Applications Are Open

Calling all students interested in aviation and/or aerospace careers. This year BCAC is offering $250,000 worth of awards.

The BCAC operates the largest aviation and aerospace scholarship program in Canada. With an annual growth rate averaging over 25% and an ever increasing diversity and number of awards, the Scholarship Committee has had to continuously invest in enhancing its systems. This has included the migration to a modern and far more powerful online application form that is (almost) identical to the applicant.

This new system automatically generates the four "electronic binders" (over 1200 pages in 2025) of applications that are reviewed by the committee during the selection process - cutting another 2-3 weeks from between the end of April when applications close to the actual dispersement of the scholarship funds.

Up until seven years ago, scholarship funds were distributed at the mid-October Silver Wings Industry and Scholarship Awards Celebration. This year, thanks to a continuous system enhancement attitude and approach, much needed funds will start flowing in late-June, if not sooner!

The four scholarship categories, criteria, descriptions and histories can be found on the BCAC scholarship application webpage. Other sources of aviation and aerospace Student support are listed near the end of that (lengthy) webpage.

Applications are due no later than midnight on April 30th.

If you have any questions, please contact us. Good luck!

COPA Helps Facilitate Transport Canada Medical Certificate Experience Survey

We recently received an email from George Farrington, COPA's director, advocacy and external affairs. COPA is the national organization that supports the private pilot aviation sector and indirectly the extremely high-value and under-appreciated general aviation tourism industry. Excerpts and link below:

"...COPA has been increasing our activity on medical advocacy, starting with processing times and service standards. We have created a survey to collect data on processing times and additional testing, to be used in contrast with Transport Canada's data. We are looking to collect as much data as we can on this from across industry. If this is something your Members/Supporters would be interested in doing, the form can be accessed here:

Transport Canada Aviation Medical Certificate Experience Form – Fill out form"

Smart airports: Clearing the runway for digital takeoff

An introduction to a transformative application of IT to large airports. However, there is a huge opportunity to scale many of these applications for smaller airports. British Columbia, with one of the very top Gateway Airports in the world, YVR, combined with our strong IT sector, could become the world leader in this area - as we are about to become in airport climate sustainability. I wonder if non-profit Strix, with its mandate to promote innovation research in Canadian aerospace and defense, can support initiatives in this area. Attend their special Monday May 25th afternoon workshop at our YLW policy/programs conference and ask them! Bit.ly/BCAC26 .

Many airports are overdue for a digital transformation. Adopting cutting-edge infrastructure technology could improve traveler experiences, streamline operations, and create substantial value.

Today’s airports can look sleek and modern, with convenient self-check-in kiosks and eye-catching digital signage. But that traveler-facing technology doesn’t always tell the whole story. Behind the scenes, airport infrastructure technology (infratech) is often outdated. It might be hampered by legacy software systems, scattered data, and stalled infratech projects that seem forever stuck in pilot mode. While many airports harbor grand ambitions for digital transformation, few are capturing measurable results.

McKinsey conducted individual interviews about digital transformation efforts with more than 20 senior executives at airports across the Asia–Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and North America—ranging from regional hubs to global destinations—to better understand what’s working, what’s not, and how infratech is getting used on the ground. This research informed the creation of a maturity benchmark that assesses airports’ progress in implementing important core technologies, including AI, digital twins, and predictive maintenance. The resulting findings suggest that when it comes to airport infratech, there’s much enthusiasm for experimentation, coupled with much untapped potential (Exhibit 1).

Exhibit 1

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Which tech use cases are showing the most promise for airports? What headwinds can hold back progress? What are pioneering airports doing better than others? This article endeavors to answer these questions and provide any airport operator with a preflight checklist that can help prepare the way for digital takeoff.

Updating airport infrastructure technology can help returns soar

Exhibit 2

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McKinsey analysis indicates that airports using the right technologies in the right way can boost EBITDA by 6 to 8 percent, with a considerable portion of this gain achievable within just a few years (Exhibit 2). Many of the initiatives that can help produce these results aren’t moonshots. They’re practical, tested solutions that are already making a difference in some advanced air hubs:

AI to plan capacity and manage flows in real time: When planning is left to legacy software systems that rely on isolated data, the results can be bottlenecks at boarding and security checkpoints, inefficient deployment of staff to the wrong areas at the wrong times, and long passenger lines. Improved infratech powered by AI algorithms that rely on comprehensive data sets can execute real-time reallocation of check-in counters, gates, and workforces based on actual passenger flows, thereby minimizing delays and improving traveler experiences.

Predictive maintenance to cut costs and avoid disruptions: A reactive maintenance strategy in which repairs come only in response to breakdowns can lead to more frequent (and more expensive) equipment failures. This sometimes results in unplanned downtime of critical infrastructure. Digital updates can enable predictive-maintenance systems that use sensors placed on high-use components—such as baggage belts, escalators, and parts in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems—to anticipate impending equipment issues in advance of failure, create more efficient maintenance schedules, and minimize disruptions to operations.

Automated gates and smart baggage systems to speed traveler journeys: Manual processes at bag check stations and boarding gates can lead to lost bags, missed connections, and staff overload during peak hours. Switching to automated bag tracking and self-service gates can help enable faster boarding, fewer errors, shorter queues, and smoother handoffs.

Digital twins to coordinate operations and reduce energy use: With no clear overview of how systems are interacting, airports can suffer from siloed operations, unpredictable effects from disruptions, and inefficient energy use across terminals. Digital twins are virtual replicas that use sensor data to monitor conditions and provide real-time simulations. They can enable smarter decisions—on issues from gate allocations to HVAC adjustments—that flow from a high-level, holistic approach. A unified view provided by a digital twin could, for instance, automatically trigger the opening of overflow security lanes or boarding areas based on passenger flows.

These aren’t “nice to have” features. They’re becoming the baseline for competitiveness in an industry where margins are tight and expectations are high.

Common challenges leave some airports stuck at the gate

The potential for digital transformation is evident, and enthusiasm for experimentation is widespread. But scaling such a transformation across an airport is rarely straightforward. Some frequently present challenges often need to be overcome:

Fragmented data: Most airports still operate with disconnected systems across airlines, baggage handling, operations, and passenger services. Data gets trapped in silos or isn’t easily translated from one system to another. Without shared, real-time data, teams are left reacting instead of anticipating. But when data flows smoothly across systems, airports can forecast demand spikes, adjust staffing in real time, and reroute passenger flows before congestion happens.

Constrained budgets: Many airports, especially in smaller municipalities or regional hubs, simply don’t have the resources to roll out large-scale tech programs. When budgets are stretched, even proven solutions can get postponed in favor of urgent maintenance or compliance investments. By starting with low-cost initiatives (such as adding Internet of Things sensors that detect anomalies in baggage and HVAC systems), even if a full predictive-maintenance platform hasn’t yet been implemented, airports can offer proof of concept. The resulting reductions in downtime and maintenance costs can help build business cases for later, more ambitious upgrades.

Complex stakeholder coordination: Airports are complicated ecosystems. Any reactive change often requires alignment across airlines, airport staff, handlers, and regulators. Shared data platforms and collaborative decision-making tools can align actions in real time. This can accelerate operations, reduce miscommunication, and allow faster recoveries from disruptions. For example, an update about a delayed aircraft arrival that’s simultaneously shared with all stakeholders could trigger synchronized changes to baggage routing, gate allocation, and staffing—avoiding the inefficient ripple effect that can occur when reactions to disruption are uncoordinated.

Unclear path from pilot project to scaled solution: Many airports run interesting pilot projects, but few manage to turn these experiments into operational standards. Without a focused digital strategy, initiatives can remain isolated and short lived. A plan that includes clear investment thresholds and scaling criteria can help quickly identify what works and replicate it with confidence. Instead of testing five different AI tools, for instance, an airport can define a short list of must-have use cases for AI and then scale the best-performing tool (based on those criteria) across all terminals within 12 months.

These barriers can prevent experimentation from evolving into transformation. In a competitive environment, staying in pilot mode means falling behind.

Leading airports are already moving down the runway

Some airports have gone beyond trying out new technology and have transitioned to using it to solve real problems. They tend to share a few common approaches:

Begin the process by focusing on outcomes (such as capacity, costs, and passenger satisfaction) instead of getting lost in the tech weeds.

Identify a few crucial priorities, address them effectively, then scale. For instance, one European hub focused narrowly on predictive maintenance and was thereby able to achieve measurable reductions in downtime across key infrastructure assets.

Partner wisely with other airports, start-ups, or suppliers that can accelerate the process (such as by sharing needed expertise). For example, one regional airport partnered with a tech start-up to scale biometric boarding in fewer than 12 months, compressing what could have been a much longer procurement cycle.

Put the right teams—those that include proper capabilities and competencies and combine both consumer and tech experience—in place to manage change, with the understanding that people, not tools, must lead the way. For instance, one Middle Eastern airport built a cross-functional mission team that combined customer experience, operations, and tech experts to focus on managing flows and shortening queues in terminals.

These airports haven’t perfected every detail of a transformation. But making sure to take such steps as they undertake their transformation journeys is already setting them apart.

Airports can prepare now for transformation takeoff

For anyone leading an airport or working with one, this is a moment of opportunity. Necessary technologies are in place. Important use cases have been proved. The main things needed now are clarity and focus. Here’s a preflight checklist of questions that airport leaders can ask themselves as they build their digital flight plans:

What’s one digital initiative that could be realistically scaled in the next six to 12 months? Is it baggage automation, gate reallocation, predictive asset monitoring, or something else?

Which two or three technologies should be the top priorities over the next two to three years? How will they link to core business goals, such as improving experiences, increasing capacity, and lowering costs?

Where’s performance most limited by fragmented or incomplete data? Is it in disruption management, passenger flow, resource planning, or somewhere else?

Who are the right copilots for this journey? Could infrastructure investors, OEMs, start-ups, or even other airports help accelerate the digital transformation?

Modern airports aren’t just transit hubs; they’re complex ecosystems. They sit at the intersection of experience, mobility, and technology. Their ability to embrace digital transformation will shape the future of air travel.

(Source: McKinsey & Company, Alastair Green, Nicola Sandri with Alberto Chiulli and Giacomo Monari. Photo/McKinsey & Company)

SUPPORTER PROFILE

At Polar Aircraft Deicer, we manufacture high-quality aircraft deicing machines designed specifically for regional airports and FBOs.

With over 30 years of experience in the deicing industry—not just as manufacturers, but as operators ourselves—we understand the real-world challenges of working in harsh winter conditions. That firsthand knowledge, combined with valuable feedback from operators across North America, has driven the evolution of our equipment.

We’ve been building rugged, reliable, and easy-to-maintain deicing units capable of servicing aircraft up to the size of a Boeing 737. Our machines are built to perform while remaining cost-effective—typically around half the price of the larger trucks commonly found on the market.

Our aircraft deicing units are now in use across North America, including in some of the most remote and northern regions of Canada. Operators in these challenging environments consistently report high satisfaction with both the performance of our machines and the level of customer service they receive.

Now in the third generation of our product line, each unit offers a range of customizable options to suit your specific needs and budget.

At the core of everything we do is one mission: to make aviation safer, more efficient, and more resilient in winter weather.

To learn more, please contact Andy Bedard, head of sales North America, or call +1 418-266-1666. Andy will be happy to provide the information you need to choose the right unit and configuration for your operation. You can also visit us at www.polardeicer.com

Polar Aircraft Deicer will be participation in the Innovation Centre at the BCAC26 conference once again this year.

SUPPORTER PROFILE

ZBB Spotlight on Our Sponsored Pilot: Rachel Dreger

We’re thrilled to introduce Rachel Dreger, the recipient of this year’s Alpha Aviation Multi-IFR Training Scholarship through the BCAC Scholarship Program! Rachel has been making incredible strides in her aviation journey, and we are proud to support her growth at Boundary Bay Airport.

Rachel’s passion for aviation started at an early age, and she shared that she has always been fascinated by flight. Her father is also a commercial pilot, and he fostered her love of flight by sharing his experiences with her. Winning the ZBB scholarship was a turning point.

“I had applied for many scholarships and was feeling discouraged until I got the call that I had won,” She shares.

The scholarship not only boosted her confidence but also helped cover her education fees, making it easier to focus on her flight training and future career goals. For Rachel, training at Boundary Bay Airport has been a memorable experience. At first, she admits, it was overwhelming and nerve-wracking, but with support from her flight school and the ATC team, she quickly adapted to flying in the area. One of her favourite moments is flying back into ZBB during the summer sunsets. What makes ZBB truly special for her is the people.

“The fuelers are always so friendly, and I’ve always been impressed with how efficiently the (NAV CANADA) tower operates. They even congratulated me after my first solo flight!” she says.

Completing her flight training in just 15 months wasn’t easy. The program was condensed, sometimes requiring flights up to 5-6 days a week.

“The beginning was the hardest. There was a lot of information to take in, and it felt overwhelming. Being prepared, and my love of flying, helped me push through,” she explains.

In addition to flight training with Pacific Flying Club, she also took courses related to airport operations, including weather, airport security, ATC history, ground handling procedures, and other airport roles, as part of the Airline and Flight Operations program, giving her a well-rounded view of the aviation industry.

Her next steps include applying for aviation jobs and continuing her peer tutoring at BCIT, sharing her knowledge and passion with others. Her ultimate dream is to fly international, long-haul flights. We’re proud to support pilots like Rachel and look forward to seeing her soar in her aviation career. Her story is an inspiring reminder of the dedication and passion that make the ZBB aviation community so special. 

(Please Note: The ZBB Runup e-newsletter has been attached.)

(Source/Photos: The CZBB Runup – Issue #3 February 2nd, 2026.)

From Flair Airlines LinkedIn Post, late 2025

It is with deep sadness that we share the sudden passing of Captain Ken Symonds, Flair’s third-ever employee, our longest-serving pilot, and a true pillar of our airline.

Ken was more than a captain. He was a mentor, a friend, and a steady, compassionate force from Flair’s earliest days. Whether in the flight deck, on a layover, or around the office, Ken brought calm, humour, and heart to everyone he met.

We were preparing to celebrate Flair’s 20th anniversary with Ken in the spotlight, sharing stories of how it all began. Instead, we find ourselves grieving the loss of someone who helped build this company, not just in flight hours, but in culture, spirit, and humanity.

Our hearts are with Ken’s family and loved ones. To everyone who flew with him, learned from him, or simply had the privilege of knowing him: we share in your grief and honour his memory together.

Fly high, Captain Ken. You are missed.

(Photo/Flair Airlines Facebook)