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: 2025-10-12 to 2025-10-18

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar

• House Public Safety and National Security Committee to examine Canada-U.S. border management, October 21 and 23: The Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security will hold meetings on October 21 and 23 to study Canada-United States border management. Scheduled witnesses include Thomas Boyle (Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority), Kenneth N. Bieger (Niagara Falls Bridge Commission), and Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree, with senior officials from the CBSA, Department of Public Safety, Privy Council Office, and RCMP. Both sessions run 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with webcasts available.
• Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs to discuss national security and defence matters, October 20: The Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs meets October 20 at 5:00 p.m. to examine national security and defence issues, including testimony from Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree.

Canadian Federal GR News

CBSA schedules tours at major border crossings amid ongoing focus on border security

Members of Parliament and senior federal officials are set to tour Canada’s key border crossings this week. On October 17, Arielle Kayabaga, Deputy Government House Leader, will visit the Ambassador Bridge port of entry in Windsor, Ontario, alongside CBSA representatives. Media have been invited to observe detection dog and mobile X-ray demonstrations, reflecting ongoing investments in security measures at points of entry widely used by air cargo and passenger transport companies. Simultaneously, Secretary of State (Nature) Nathalie Provost will tour the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle port of entry in Quebec, also accompanied by CBSA. A media briefing will follow each event, providing updates on federal responses to cross-border operational issues. Both visits place renewed attention on inspection protocols directly relevant to aviation freight, customs processing, and supply chain efficiency at high-traffic international gateways.

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

Canada advances Artemis II lunar participation as Minister Joly and astronaut Jeremy Hansen address upcoming mission

On October 16, Minister Mélanie Joly, together with Canadian Space Agency President Lisa Campbell and astronaut Jeremy Hansen, provided operational details and public engagement around Canada’s involvement in NASA’s Artemis II lunar mission. The event, held in the Greater Montréal area, offered a briefing on mission preparedness, astronaut training schedules, and Canada's contribution to the international lunar program. The presentation, simultaneously streamed online, illustrated the Canadian Space Agency’s current capabilities and outlined steps in support of Canada's first crewed lunar flyby. These developments are shaping the direction for the Canadian aerospace and space transport sectors, with implications for research partnerships and commercial contracts linked to the Artemis portfolio.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Transport safety agency raises alarm over record number of runway incursions in Canadian airports

The national transport safety agency has raised concerns regarding a surge in runway incursions at Canadian airports, according to coverage published October 15. The agency cites a new record in reported incidents, which are under review with a view to assessing current airfield procedures, pilot communication, and ground operations. Aviation stakeholders are monitoring the outcome of these reviews and the agency’s findings, which may affect national regulations, airport operational guidelines, and requirements for technology upgrades pertaining to runway safety.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.ctvnews.ca

StatCan releases weekly aircraft itinerant movements data for late September to early October

Statistics Canada has released weekly aircraft movements data for the period September 27 to October 3, 2025. This dataset provides the latest volume figures for domestic and international itinerant flights across Canadian airports, serving as a benchmark for operational planning in passenger and cargo transport. The industry utilizes these metrics for forecasting activity, analyzing capacity utilization, and tracking trends that may inform infrastructure or logistics investment.

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

Monthly Survey of Manufacturing reports 1% transportation equipment sales decline in August

Manufacturing sales across Canada fell by 1.0% in August, with the transportation equipment subsector contributing significantly to the decrease, according to the latest Monthly Survey of Manufacturing. The data, published October 15, is used as an indicator of market cycles and demand for new aircraft, components, and transportation technologies, informing outlooks for commercial aviation production and maintenance supply chains.

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

Canacha Inc. fined for non-compliance with hazardous export order after CBSA and ECCC operation

Canacha Inc. has been ordered to pay $125,000 following conviction on one count of failing to comply with a federal environmental protection order. The case dates to 2022, when containers declared as paper bales and destined for export to India were found by CBSA and Environment and Climate Change Canada inspectors to contain unapproved household waste at the ports of Montréal and Halifax. The company’s failure to submit an environmental management plan as required resulted in a court order and fine, with its name added to the Environmental Offenders Registry. This enforcement action, paired with CBSA cooperation, showcases ongoing regulatory scrutiny of exports classified under aviation and freight operations.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Joly issues statement on Canada’s first astronaut flyby mission to the Moon

Minister Melanie Joly released an official statement recognizing the achievement of Canada preparing for its first astronaut to fly around the Moon under the Artemis II mission. The statement, issued through the Canadian Space Agency, reflects current government emphasis on space excellence and international collaboration, drawing industry attention to domestic opportunities emerging in crewed spacecraft missions and related aerospace research.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister McGuinty outlines National Defence’s integration of climate risk into military and aviation operations

At the Montreal Climate Security Summit, Minister of National Defence McGuinty addressed the impact of climate change on defence operations and infrastructure, including military airfields and northern bases. The Minister referenced a comprehensive vulnerability assessment, which found 64% of DND assets are at high risk from climate events, particularly in coastal and Arctic regions. Measures currently underway include energy resilience initiatives and greenhouse gas emission reductions by the Royal Canadian Air Force, with specific mention of a net-zero plan for government air platforms and the future integration of sustainable aviation fuels. The remarks indicate a government-wide shift in operational planning for the defence aviation sector.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

FAA issues airworthiness directive for Continental Aerospace Technologies GmbH engines over cylinder head contamination risks

The Federal Aviation Administration has adopted a new airworthiness directive (AD) pertaining to all Continental TAE 125-02-125 engines, following reports of cracked cylinder heads and engine coolant leaks. The directive, effective October 30, 2025, mandates a one-time coolant contamination inspection and, depending on results, either replacement of coolant or of affected cylinder heads. The background notes the potential for leakage to lead to in-flight engine shutdown or forced landings. The AD prohibits reinstallation of affected cylinder heads unless verified as serviceable, with compliance required within five flight hours for engines exceeding 50 hours since last coolant replacement. This measure follows coordination with the European air safety regulator and affects operators using these engines in North American fleets, particularly in cross-border operations.

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

FAA finalizes directive to address thrust fluctuation in certain Airbus A330 series aircraft

The FAA has finalized a new airworthiness directive on Airbus SAS A330-200, A330-300, and related models. This rule addresses reported occurrences of thrust fluctuation during descent when the autothrottle system is active. The directive mandates modification of Flight Management Guidance Envelope Computers (FMGECs) by activating the N1 mode function via pin programming. Compliance is required to counter the risk of unstabilized approaches, impacting operators of affected Airbus widebody aircraft. The effective date is set for October 30, 2025, and the directive incorporates EASA AD 2025-0178. Costs and procedural information for U.S. fleet operators are detailed; the move is considered by regulators as interim pending further evaluation.

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

FAA adopts repetitive inspection requirement for Airbus H160-B main gearbox supports

A new FAA airworthiness directive targets all Airbus Helicopters H160-B series following reports of broken main gearbox center and rear rail support assemblies. The directive requires repetitive inspections for cracks on right- and left-hand center rail supports and mandates corrective action depending on findings. Certain main gearbox support assemblies cannot be installed unless specific requirements are met. The effective date is October 30, 2025, and the directive references EASA AD 2025-0165. The FAA has noted that the risk requires prompt action due to the potential for in-flight loss of cowling and loss of helicopter control.

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

CBP moves to electronic payment of supplemental duty bills under National Customs Automation Program

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has announced a revision to its National Customs Automation Program test requiring that participants transmit supplemental duty bill payments electronically through ACH, replacing prior check payment options. The policy becomes operational December 15, 2025. This adjustment is intended to promote operational efficiency for companies involved in importing goods by air. Test participants must use either ACH Debit via Pay.gov or ACH Credit, with protocols provided by CBP, and all aspects of previous rulemaking not expressly changed remain in effect. This affects aviation supply chain participants involved in regular cross-border trade under the Periodic Monthly Statement system.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Quebec Transport Ministry publishes 2024-2025 management report with update on air access program

Quebec’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility released its 2024-2025 annual report on October 8, including reference to the revised Air Access Program for regional service and the progress of the Île-d'Orléans bridge project.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada transport safety agency flags concerns over record cases of runway incursions: Coverage of ongoing investigation into rising runway incursions.
• The government shutdown is putting a renewed spotlight on the cracks in the US aviation system: Analysis of impacts stemming from U.S. federal government shutdown on aviation infrastructure.
• Canadian military pilot’s terminal cancer likely linked to service, appeal board rules: Report on Veterans Affairs appeal for a Canadian pilot.
• Airport hacks in B.C., Ontario should be a wake-up call, federal official says: Commentary on recent security breaches at Canadian airports.
• Frontier Scientific Solutions and Air Transport Services Group Announce Strategic Partnership to Launch Dedicated Air Services for Life Sciences: Details on partnership launching new air services for the life sciences sector.
• Canadian Air Force pilots conduct highway landing in Estonia: Story about RCAF operations in Europe.
• ‘Life-changing:’ How a new app at BNA is helping blind, deaf people navigate the airport: Technology feature on inclusive navigation at airports.
• Industry minister pushing F-35 maker for economic benefits in Canada: Update on DND procurement and domestic industry offsets.
• Ports of entry are the ‘Achilles heel’ of border security: analyst: Commentary on CBSA staffing and border vulnerability.

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