Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news for the airline and airports industry, as well as pilots and other aviation-professionals.

Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-03-16
End Date: 2025-03-22

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Partnership to Advance Aerospace Nano-Coating Technologies

On March 21, 2025, the Government of Canada, through the Strategic Innovation Fund, announced a partnership with MDS Coating Technologies Corporation to support a $100 million project in Prince Edward Island. This project aims to expand MDS’s facility, doubling its capacity to manufacture environmentally friendly nano-coating technologies for aircraft engine components. The initiative is expected to improve performance, reduce fuel consumption, and lower carbon emissions in the aerospace sector.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Aircraft Movements Data Released by StatsCan

Statistics Canada has released data on aircraft itinerant movements for March 1 to 7, 2025, providing insights into travel patterns and aircraft activity. This dataset is essential for understanding trends in air travel and aviation logistics.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Increase in US Travel to Canada in January

According to StatsCan, January 2025 saw a 20.8% increase in trips to Canada by US residents, reaching 1.1 million trips. Meanwhile, visits from overseas residents continued a downward trend, marking the fourth consecutive month of year-over-year declines beginning in October 2024.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Theresa Redburn Appointed to CATSA Board

Theresa Redburn has been appointed as a Director of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, as announced in the Canada Gazette.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Perimeter Aviation's Terminal Expansion

Perimeter Aviation has unveiled an expanded terminal aimed at improving connectivity, though some First Nations express concerns over service quality.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.cbc.ca

CBSA Foils Ketamine Smuggling at Toronto Pearson

The CBSA and RCMP reported on March 20, 2025, the arrest of four individuals at Toronto Pearson International Airport for attempting to smuggle 154 kg of Ketamine from Europe, valued at $4.6 million. The accused, Alison Louise Olmes, Courtney Linda Johanne Desbois, Lamia Hamici, and Britney Carolyn Allen, faced charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. They will appear in court later in March and April.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Freeland Discusses Airport Infrastructure with Toronto Pearson CEO

Chrystia Freeland met with Deborah Flint, CEO of Toronto Pearson, discussing investments in airport infrastructure to boost aviation services and connectivity.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Freeland Acknowledges TSB Investigation on Delta Airlines Incident

MP Chrystia Freeland noted the ongoing investigation by the Transportation Safety Board into a Delta Airlines incident at Toronto Pearson on February 17, underscoring passenger and crew safety as a top priority.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Stelia Aerospace's Innovation in Aerospace

Rick Perkins, MP, visited Stelia Aerospace in Lunenburg, recognizing their contributions to aerospace and defense manufacturing, which supports local employment.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Freeland on Canada's Air Force Readiness

James Bezan, MP, highlighted concerns over Canada's air force inventory readiness, citing a CBC report that only 40% is considered serviceable.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Freeland on TSB Investigation into Delta Airlines Incident

Chrystia Freeland tweeted about the ongoing investigation by TSB into a Delta Airlines incident at Toronto Pearson on February 17, emphasizing passenger safety.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Freeland Discusses Airport Infrastructure Improvement

Freeland tweeted about her meeting with Toronto Pearson's CEO, focusing on infrastructure investments to enhance aviation services and connectivity.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Canadians on crashed Delta flight at Pearson: Lawsuits claim violations of industry standards.
• Government partners on aerospace nano-coating technologies: Investment aims to enhance aerospace innovation.
• Bombardier announces winners of aviation innovation challenge: Celebrating student innovations in sustainable aviation.
• Perimeter Aviation's terminal expansion: Expansion praised, but service improvements needed.