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.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Aviation? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Freight & Ports and Oil & Gas.

Dates: 2025-09-14 to 2025-09-20

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ House of Commons Committee Meetings
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

House of Commons Committee Meetings

• House OGGO Committee Schedules Auditor General Briefing on Fighter Jet Capacity and Federal Operations (Sept. 23): The House Committee on Government Operations and Estimates will meet September 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a televised briefing with Auditor General Karen Hogan and colleagues. The agenda includes discussions on reports regarding fighter jet capacity, office space use, and federal contracts. Scheduled witnesses are from the Office of the Auditor General.

Canadian Federal GR News

Government of Canada Proceeds to Next Phase of Airline Sector Unpaid Work Probe

On September 15, Employment and Social Development Canada announced the next steps in the federal probe into alleged unpaid work in the airline sector. The probe, announced by Minister Patty Hajdu, follows allegations of unpaid work and substandard working conditions for flight attendants and other airline staff. Under the Canada Labour Code, federally regulated employees must receive at least minimum wage. The investigation now enters a consultative phase, involving employer and employee representatives. The ministry noted that the probe is intended to inform future government action, particularly regarding airline payroll practices and hours-of-work reporting. This process addresses rising concerns among aviation labour groups regarding pay during non-flight duties and pre/post-flight activities for crews. Industry stakeholders are engaging with government representatives as part of the review. The outcome of the probe could affect obligations for airlines under the federal code.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Joint Statement on International Equal Pay Day: Government Addresses Airline Labour Practices

On September 18, Minister Patty Hajdu, Minister Rechie Valdez, and Secretary of State John Zerucelli issued a joint statement marking International Equal Pay Day. The statement cited recent labour participation statistics and pointed to ongoing pay gaps in the federally regulated private sector. It also reiterated federal attention to allegations of unpaid work among Canadian airline personnel, with reference to the ongoing probe led by Employment and Social Development Canada. The statement emphasized existing legislative measures, including the Canada Labour Code and the Pay Equity Act, and mentioned the launch of the Equi'Vision transparency website to make pay gap data more accessible to employees in the aviation sector and other federally regulated industries. These developments signal intensified regulatory and data reporting oversight for airlines on pay equity and wage transparency.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Canada Gives Parliamentary Update: Airline Competition Market Study Under Review

On September 17, Competition Bureau Commissioner Matthew Boswell addressed the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology, providing updates on enforcement activity and recent market studies. The Bureau recapped legal action against major firms for misleading pricing and monopolistic practices and highlighted increased investigative capacity under recent amendments to the Competition Act. The Commissioner specifically called attention to the June 2025 publication of a report on airline competition, which analyzed the impacts of foreign investment restrictions and merger review processes on the sector. The Bureau is monitoring ongoing changes in aviation market structure and has recently launched a market study of SME lending, while maintaining focus on regulatory tools that influence competitive intensity. The hearing, held in Ottawa, confirmed that Parliament is scrutinizing aviation sector oversight amid broader policy reforms.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada and Portugal Sign General Security of Information Agreement, Facilitating Defence and Aerospace Collaboration

On September 16, Canada signed a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) with Portugal, formalizing bilateral cooperation on sensitive government information and classified technical data. Ministers Joël Lightbound and Anita Anand stated that the agreement will allow Canadian and Portuguese government organizations and authorized contractors to share classified information and technological data, including defence intelligence relevant to NATO operations. For aerospace and aviation firms, the GSOIA provides new avenues for participating in Portuguese government contracts, accessing specialized workforce pools, and collaborating on advanced technology projects. The agreement aligns with growing bilateral merchandise trade, which exceeded $3.2 billion in 2024, and is expected to create improved access to European defence and dual-use markets.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Weekly Data on Aircraft Itinerant Movements

Statistics Canada published its weekly update on aircraft movements for August 30 to September 5, 2025. The data reflect the number of itinerant flights at Canadian airports, covering both commercial and general aviation activity. The release provides sector stakeholders with updated metrics to track operational recovery, throughput capacity, and regional flight trends.

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

StatsCan Manufacturing Survey: Rise in Transportation Equipment Sales

Statistics Canada's July 2025 Monthly Survey of Manufacturing, released September 15, reported a 2.5% increase in manufacturing sales, led by the transportation equipment, petroleum and coal product, and primary metal subsectors. The growth in transportation equipment sales is likely to reflect activity in aerospace manufacturing, as well as broader supply chain recovery. The data add additional context to changing demand profiles facing Canadian aircraft manufacturers.

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

US Federal GR News

FAA Finalizes and Proposes Multiple Airworthiness Directives for Airbus Canada (Bombardier) Series

Between September 15 and September 18, the FAA issued final and proposed airworthiness directives (ADs) for Airbus Canada Ltd. (formerly Bombardier) BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 aircraft. The final rule (AD 2025-19-01) requires installation of updated primary flight control computer (PFCC) software to address multiple in-service reports of control system anomalies, including unintended messages and potential loss of control. Proposed ADs address insufficient thread engagement in overhead stowage tie rods, an incorrect use of titanium fasteners at the wing box interface, and defective fuel transfer float valves with the risk of fuel starvation during ETOPS flights. Inspection, adjustment, and parts replacement procedures are specified, and many are based on previously issued Transport Canada ADs. Compliance costs are outlined for U.S. operators. Operators are invited to submit comments on proposed mandates prior to late October deadlines.

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

FAA Issues AD Targeting Boeing and Airbus SAS Fleets Over Oxygen, Structural, and Lightning Protection Concerns

The FAA released a series of airworthiness directives impacting both Boeing and Airbus SAS fleets. On September 15 and September 17, directives affecting Boeing 777 models require expanded inspections and maintenance program changes to address latent failures in lightning protection of engine fuel systems, while new requirements for Boeing 787s mandate inspection and potential rerouting of passenger oxygen supply tubing to prevent kinks that could restrict oxygen delivery. For Airbus SAS, new directives involve repetitive inspections and repairs for fastener and fatigue issues on A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft, and visual inspection of slide cover latches on A350s after reports of detached slide packs. A further AD expands mandatory inspections of oxygen containers in Airbus A350 passenger supply channels following findings of damaged or unlocked fasteners. Deadlines and inspection details are as outlined in the respective EASA and FAA bulletins.

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

FAA Mandates Pitot-Static Tubing Inspection for Boeing 767-300 Converted Freighters

On September 18, the FAA adopted a final airworthiness directive for certain Boeing 767-300 aircraft converted to freighter configuration under STC ST02040SE. The requirement, based on Israel Aerospace Industries Service Bulletin 368-34-106, mandates a visual check for low points in pitot-static rigid tubes and flexible hoses installed during passenger-to-freighter conversions. Improper drainage could result in water accumulation, system malfunction, and potential loss of control. Affected operators must inspect, and if needed, adjust or replace components within 36 months.

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

FAA Issues Final Rule on GE Aviation Czech Turboprop Engines: Repetitive Compressor Case Inspections Required

On September 16, the FAA issued AD 2025-18-08 for GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. turboprop engine models (M601 family) found on a number of commuter and regional aircraft. The directive supersedes a prior AD and now requires repetitive detailed visual inspections for cracks in the compressor case pad welds, with reporting of results and replacement if necessary. This regulatory action follows revised compliance intervals and methodology as adopted by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and is effective October 21, 2025.

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

White House Marks 78th Anniversary of U.S. Air Force, Citing Recent Operational Achievements

In a September 18 Presidential Message, the White House commemorated the 78th anniversary of the United States Air Force and referenced recent missions including Operation Midnight Hammer, which purportedly targeted Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The statement outlines the Air Force's ongoing involvement in combat operations, disaster response, nuclear deterrence, and homeland defense. The message recognizes the contributions of Airmen and their families while affirming the Air Force’s role in national and global security.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Quebec Government Air Service Launches Recruitment Campaign for Tanker Co-Pilots and Avionics Technicians

Transports et Mobilité durable Québec has begun a recruitment campaign to fill positions at hangars in Quebec City and Saint-Hubert airport. Openings include co-pilot roles for tanker aircraft and technicians in aeronautics and avionics, supporting government missions such as firefighting, rescue, charter operations, and medical evacuation.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Air Transat pilots file notice of dispute in contract talks, seeks conciliator: Pilots at Air Transat have initiated a dispute process in labour contract negotiations, seeking a government-appointed conciliator.
• Air Canada says flight attendants’ union requested cancellation of mediation: The flight attendants' union at Air Canada has asked to halt ongoing mediation as part of collective bargaining discussions.
• Military aircraft scramble over Calgary airport after reports of bomb threats: Calgary airport experienced a security disruption involving military aircraft response following bomb threats.
• SAIT, Lufthansa Technik partner on new airline maintenance hub in Calgary: Calgary gains a new airline maintenance hub through a collaboration between SAIT and Lufthansa Technik.
• How 3 northwestern Ontario communities hope to restore commercial airline services: A study explores efforts by three northwestern Ontario towns to re-establish regular air services.
• ‘Unruly passenger’ forces Europe-bound flight to land in Newfoundland: A transatlantic flight diverted to Newfoundland due to a disruptive passenger incident.
• U.S. airlines should do more to make sure passengers don’t try to evacuate with their carry-on bags, FAA says: The FAA signals airlines need stricter policies regarding passenger baggage during emergency evacuations.
• Here’s why a USAF plane was flying over Ottawa on Tuesday: A U.S. Air Force training mission over Ottawa involved cooperation with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
• Military aircraft scramble over Calgary airport after reports of bomb threats (duplicate): Additional coverage of bomb threats at Calgary airport prompting military response.
• SAIT, Lufthansa Technik partner on Calgary maintenance hub (duplicate): More on the new airline maintenance hub to support industry workforce.

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