Good morning! This is 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: 2025-05-25
End Date: 2025-05-31

Canadian Federal GR News

CBSA Reports Significant Seizures of Illicit Cannabis at Montreal and Halifax Ports

On May 28, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported two major cannabis interdictions at Canadian ports. In Montreal, officers discovered 641.83 kg of suspected cannabis, valued at over CA $4.8 million, in a container destined for Spain. The contraband, concealed in pallet bags, was seized and transferred to RCMP authorities for further investigation. In a separate event in Halifax, CBSA, assisted by intelligence officers, intercepted 1,610 kg of suspected cannabis valued at nearly $12 million in a marine container bound for Barbados. The drugs were falsely declared as tiles and concealed in 80 boxes. The CBSA and RCMP continue to cooperate on cross-border drug smuggling enforcement, underlining the legal risks associated with unlicensed cannabis exports.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca

CBSA Concludes Operation Blizzard Targeting Mail, Air, and Marine Shipments

The CBSA released summary findings from Operation Blizzard, a month-long national surge running February 12 to March 13, 2025, aimed at intercepting illicit narcotics in mail, air cargo, and marine containers, with emphasis on cross-border activity to and from the United States. Officers executed over 2,600 seizures, with 67.5% involving trafficked narcotics inbound from the US and 17.5% outbound. Notable results included 1.73 kg of fentanyl, 59.73 kg of other narcotics, and major quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine across various Canadian ports of entry including Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto. The operation involved targeted risk assessments by CBSA’s National Targeting Centre and led to advanced coordination with law enforcement authorities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan: Civil Aviation Revenue Climbs, Passenger Traffic Slightly Down in March

Statistics Canada reported that in Q4 2024, the 24 largest Canadian air carriers generated $8.7 billion in operating revenue, marking an 8.1% increase over the same period the year prior. In March 2025, major airlines carried 7.5 million passengers on scheduled and charter flights, a 1.7% decrease compared with March 2024. The new statistics reflect a continued rebound in overall commercial aviation financials, despite slight fluctuation in monthly passenger volumes.

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

Defence Minister Calls for Accelerated Procurement and International Partnerships at CANSEC

On May 30, Minister of National Defence David McGuinty addressed CANSEC in Ottawa, outlining a government strategy to expand Canadian defence and aerospace output. The minister stated the government aims to accelerate investments that will triple defence spending from 2014 levels by 2030 and highlighted current projects including the new B Jetty at CFB Esquimalt, the $11.2 billion Future Aircrew Training program, and the River-Class Destroyer initiative. He also referenced enhanced bilateral agreements, such as Canada-Australia collaborations on missile defence and Over the Horizon Radar. The speech detailed the creation of the Secretary of State for Defence Procurement and announced progress in recruitment and training of CAF members. Engagement with aerospace and manufacturing sectors, including targets for Canadian steel, aluminum, and critical minerals, formed a substantial portion of the remarks.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Weekly Aircraft Movement Data Now Available

Statistics Canada released weekly aircraft itinerant movement data covering May 10 to 16, 2025. The release extends ongoing data availability for scheduled and charter activity trends through Canadian airports.

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

StatsCan Reports on Barriers to Travel for Persons with Disabilities

From January 2022 to February 2025, 52% of Canadians with disabilities or long-term conditions took an out-of-town trip, often by airplane, train, bus, or ferry. Of those travellers, 40% reported experiencing at least one barrier at transportation terminals due to their condition.

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

TSB Investigates Sherbrooke Aerodrome Collision Involving Piper PA-32

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada published its investigation report on a privately registered Piper PA-32-260 Cherokee Six (C-GEEV), which experienced a loss of engine power and collided with terrain at Sherbrooke Aerodrome (CYSC), Quebec, on May 10, 2024. The incident is under review for broader implications on private aircraft operational safety.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

FAA Issues Airworthiness Directive for Airbus Canada C Series Model BD-500-1A11

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has published Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-11-06, effective June 16, 2025, for Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A11 aircraft. The AD supersedes an earlier directive, correcting errors in acceptable repair approvals. Only Generic Repair Engineering Orders (GREOs) issued post-September 22, 2022, are regarded as valid. The directive requires continued review, reporting, and restriction of structural repairs according to Transport Canada AD CF-2023-70, with specified exceptions. Compliance costs are projected at $170 per aircraft, covering 71 US-registered planes.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

FAA Finalizes Airworthiness Directive on Airbus SAS A319, A320, A321 Models—RMP Data Synchronization

On May 27, the FAA adopted AD 2025-11-02, applying to certain Airbus SAS A319, A320, and A321 aircraft with specified modifications. The AD addresses reports of lost synchronization between radio management panels, which can result in loss of radio and transponder functionality. Operators must revise their Airplane Flight Manuals within seven days of the effective date to incorporate new emergency procedures. The rule responds to EASA AD 2025-0037 and takes effect June 11, 2025. The FAA estimates a compliance cost of $85 per affected aircraft across more than 500 US-registered planes.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

FAA Publishes AD for Bombardier BD-700 Series Hydraulic System Inspection

A new FAA Airworthiness Directive (2025-07-11), effective July 2, 2025, applies to certain Bombardier BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 aircraft, covering aircraft serial numbers 60001–60076, 60083, 60087, and 60089. The AD mandates a borescope inspection for damage or minimum clearance between engine-driven pump hydraulic pressure hoses and adjacent structures, with specific corrective actions for non-compliance. Applicable Bombardier service bulletins are referenced, and the required inspection must be performed within 500 flight hours or 18 months.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

White House Promotes 'One, Big, Beautiful Bill' Covering Tax Reform and Aviation Modernization

On May 29, the White House published an article summarizing organizational support for President Trump's 'One, Big, Beautiful Bill', which pledges tax reform, infrastructure, and air traffic control modernization. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy cited the importance of updating air traffic systems. The bill has garnered endorsements from industry stakeholders in transportation and aviation, citing permanent tax relief and related infrastructure investments. The administration is seeking swift Senate passage.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

B.C. Invests $30 Million to Scale Airport-Centric Tech as Part of Integrated Marketplace

On May 30, the Government of British Columbia committed $30 million over three years to expand the Integrated Marketplace program, supporting technology deployments at sites including Vancouver International Airport and Prince Rupert Port Authority, with federal and industry partnership.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Manitoba Funds Virden Airport Upgrades for Medical and Commercial Expansion

The Manitoba government is investing $1.65 million into the expansion and rehabilitation of Virden Regional Airport. Upgrades will support increased commercial operations and enable medical transfer and air ambulance services.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca

Government Consultations

IAA Announces Funding for York Factory First Nation Ten Shilling Aerodrome Consultation

Funding is available for Indigenous and public participation in the federal impact assessment of the York Factory First Nation Ten Shilling Aerodrome Project in northeastern Manitoba. The consultation remains open through June 6, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Maninder Sidhu acknowledged the role of the defence and aerospace industries in supporting jobs and highlighted the international reach of Canadian firms during CANSEC, referencing the largest-ever attendance and over 40 global delegations.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

On May 30, MP Sean Fraser noted that Atlantic Canada, home to 6.5% of the population, accounts for 20% of the nation's aerospace and defence sector, crediting regional investments and industry growth.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Brad Vis questioned recent CBSA policy changes, citing confusion among Canadian businesses and vowing to seek answers in Parliament regarding the impact on small business operations.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Dan Albas posted about travelling to Ottawa, referencing Canadian aviation history author Craig Baird, and engaging with constituents on issues relating to airport infrastructure.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Marilou McPhedran joined Senator Osler in congratulating Major Joelle Thorgrimson, an aerospace medicine expert from Manitoba, for her selection as one of 2025’s Top 20 Women in Defence.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Frustrated Air Canada pilot slams air traffic controller shortage to passengers on flight: Coverage of air traffic controller staffing issues impacting flight operations.
• B.C. man sentenced to 5 years in prison after investigation triggered by silencers found at airport: An airport security incident leads to a criminal conviction in British Columbia.
• Virden airport expansion will accommodate larger planes, air ambulance service: Synopsis of Virden airport's recent infrastructure upgrades to support expanded roles.
• Aerodrome or airport? The Township of Ignace will consider both: The Township of Ignace reviews potential upgrades and reclassification for its airfield.
• Strong action will be taken for planes, drones violating G7 no-fly zone, says RCMP: RCMP prepares enforcement for potential airspace incursions during high-security events.