Regional 1 Airlines providing Humanitarian Air Support
December 1, 2008, Calgary AB.
Regional 1 Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Avmax Group of Companies, has dispatched an aircraft and crew to Afghanistan in support of humanitarian efforts underway in that war-torn country.Arriving last week, the aircraft and its team were immediately pressed into service providing air transport from Kabul to Kandahar and will continue doing so for the next year.
The flight crew did not hesitate to step up and do their part to assist, despite the security concerns and having to be away from friends and family during the Christmas holidays.
This is the latest undertaking by Regional 1 in its ongoing commitment to provide service when and where needed.Past requests for services include the Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for humanitarian air support, as well as contracts providing passenger air services to many Canadian cities.
For further information, please contact Mr. Don Parkin at (403) 291-2464, extension 430.
PRESS RELEASE - January 31, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Avmax Group Inc., and Lufthansa Technik Aero (LTAA)
January 31, 2008- Great Falls, Montana
Avmax Group Inc., the Calgary-based aviation company, with MRO Regional Jet Maintenance facilities also located in Great Falls, Montana, USA, is pleased to announce that it has signed an engine overhaul and maintenance agreement with Lufthansa Technik Aero, a division of Lufthansa Airlines. This agreement will allow the two companies to offer total regional jet airframe and engine maintenance support to the regional airline industry throughout North America, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The signing of the agreement by Avmax Ex VP Don Parkin, and Lufthansa Technik Aero, VP Norbert Frank, in Calgary, is the first step of a total maintenance support package the two companies will be offering. Lufthansa Technik Aero is well know for its extensive engine overhaul support and has facilities in both the US and Europe.
Focusing on what the regional jet operator�s needs are both now and in the future allows the two companies to offer fast and cost effective maintenance support on both jet and turbo prop aircraft.
Further inquiries may be made by contacting:
Steve Rugg - Lufthansa Technik Aero @ 954-384-8019
Marty Craig - Avmax Montana Inc. @ 843-686-3949
PRESS RELEASE - January 30, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Great Falls, USA - January 30, 2006- Great Falls Montana Tribune article
Avmax has landed.
By PETER JOHNSON, Tribune Staff Writer
A Calgary-based aviation company is making significant progress on its plan to establish an aircraft maintenance facility in Great Falls.
Just a month after the company, Avmax, announced its expansion, a $1.2 million renovation of a World War II vintage hangar at Great Falls International Airport is moving along rapidly, says Gary Graham, Avmax vice president for corporate development. �Sletten Construction workers are all over the project, like ants in an ant hill,� Graham said.
�A lot of unknowns can crop up when you�re renovating an older facility,� he added. �But the Sletten crew, with help from airport authority officials, has been quick to react and take care of things.�
Meanwhile Great Falls economic developers, Montana Job Service officials and Avmax itself have been inundated with job inquiries and applications. The flood started shortly after Avmax announced its Great Falls expansion plans a few days before Christmas.
�We probably received 40 or more applications even though we haven�t begun advertising yet, and plenty more inquiries,� Graham said. �We�ve taken a quick look at the applications, and most are from people with the expertise we need. And that�s just through word of mouth, so we feel confident that we�ll get a whole lot more good applicants.�
The job inquiries are coming from around the U.S., he said, but many had at least some ties to Montana, such as military mechanics wanting to quit the service and return to their home state.
�Our intention is to hire primarily Montana people, in part because we don�t want to pay a huge amount of moving expenses,� Graham said. �And the worst thing we could do would be to hire people without the work ethic that Albertans and Montanans share or people from urban areas who discover they don�t like living in Montana.�
John Kramer, president of the Great Falls Development Authority, said he�s glad to see the interest from mechanical people with Montana ties.
A Montana Job Service survey conducted to help recruit Avmax had shown nearly 250 Montana workers have aircraft maintenance or similar technical skills.Company executives told business and civic leaders on Dec. 20 that the company would expand into Great Falls as soon as April, bringing 70 to 80 aircraft maintenance jobs that pay between $8.50 and $26.50 an hour.
Avmax, which does required maintenance on mid-sized regional jets, could expand its Great Falls work in phases by 200 more workers in five years, officials said.
In mid-January, Avmax began posting descriptions of the first 50 Great Falls jobs on its Web site, at www.avmax.ca. The company is seeking 10 specialists in aircraft structures, 10 in aircraft avionics, or electronics, and 30 specialists in aircraft maintenance.Graham said the company will advertise more widely soon and start conducting interviews in Great Falls and hiring the second or third week of February.
The company will start training in mid-March. The amount of training will depend on the trade for which workers are hired and their previous experience.The employees will be ready to work by early April, about when renovation work will be completed on the 25,000 square-foot concrete hangar.
�We�re concrete contractors and this heavy concrete building is one of the neatest buildings I�ve seen,� said Mark Visocan, project manager for Sletten. �We�re awed by the building�s size and how well it was built so long ago.�
The hangar was built in 1942 as part of the Lend-Lease Program that helped ferry U.S. war planes from Montana through Alaska to Russia, a World War II ally, said Airport Director Cynthia Schultz.In recent years part of the hangar was rented out for storage.The hangar is structurally sound and its massive 36-feet-tall doors still work, which Graham said was a big factor in the renovation decision since replacement hangar doors are so expensive.
Still, the $1.2 million renovation, subsidized by a State Board of Investments job incentives program, involves a lot of work, Visocan said.The building is being reinsulated. A boiler, not used for years, was removed and a radiant heating system is being installed in rows from the ceiling.A top-notch fire suppression system is being installed with a large pump to spray foam.Lean-tos are being added along one side of the hangar as a break room, restrooms and tool rooms.
The Sletten crew also is installing energy-efficient windows, twice as many light fixtures and a white epoxy floor covering. �It�s cleaning up really nice,� Schultz said. �With white flooring and vapor barriers and bright lights, the hangar will look new.� Avmax will pay the Great Falls International Airport Authority about $160,000 a year over 20 years to lease the hangar. Graham said Avmax already is starting to line up additional maintenance work for its Great Falls facility. �We�re expanding, not simply shifting work to Great Falls,� he said.
Avmax crews will be able to work on two or three regional jets at once in the hangar, he said. The company eventually would like to be able to work on four planes at a time.That�s why if things go well in the first Great Falls hangar, Avmax might expedite plans to either rehabilitate an existing wooden hangar or build a new one, he said.
Schultz called it great news for the airport and community to have Avmax do significant aircraft maintenance in Great Falls. The flights generated by that work can help spread the cost of airport fees, she said, and possibly lead to extra commercial service. That�s because airlines will get a good look at Great Falls when they bring planes in for servicing, she said. Most would rather fly in planes for service work with paying customers rather than empty, she added.
Reach Tribune Staff Writer Peter Johnson at (406) 791-1476, (800) 438-6600 or pejohnso@greatfal.gannett.com.
Avmax Group Inc. Announces Plan to Expand Aircraft Heavy Maintenance Repair and Overhaul and Avionics Sales and Service Operations to Great Falls, Montana
Great Falls, Montana
December 20, 2005 � Avmax Group Inc, a privately held corporation announced today the expansion of its Calgary Alberta heavy maintenance and avionics operation to the Great Falls International Airport, in Great Falls Montana. This facility will be in addition to and will compliment the company�s existing operations in Calgary, Alberta. The business expansion is the result of continued company growth in the regional aviation industry.
Don Parkin, Executive Vice President of Avmax Group Inc, states �The Avmax Group of companies have grown to become the leader in Regional Aircraft Heavy Maintenance. With this growth we identified a need for additional heavy maintenance space in an area with a motivated and dedicated work force. After an extensive search of locations throughout the US, we found Great Falls to be the best location for our expansion into the US. Great Falls offers an exceptional business and living environment that will enable us to attract and retain quality employees. In addition, during the search process for a new facility, the various Great Falls community development organizations were invaluable in showing us Great Falls is the place to grow!.� Parkin also states, �Our market research has shown our present and future customers whole heartedly support this expansion into the Great Falls community.�
The company expansion is located at 1930 Airport Court and Hangar #1 on the Great Falls Airport. This 40,000 square foot expansion will consist of two heavy maintenance lines as well as housing the support organizations (front office, engineering, quality control and various small breakout shops). Infrastructure modifications will start in December, with company operations starting in the beginning of April. As part of a multi-phased project to be implemented over the next five years, Avmax plans to initially employ 70-80 people with the possibility of creating an additional 200 jobs at the Great Falls facility.
About Avmax Group Inc.
Avmax Group Inc. is a group of companies including Avmax, Western Avionics, Avmax Aircraft Leasing and Region 1 Airlines. Through these companies Avmax provides worldwide solutions to all aviation needs including: Heavy Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul, Modifications and Reconfigurations, Mobile Repair Parties, Import/Export Services, Lease Returns and Refurbishments, Regional Aircrews, Aircraft Leasing, ACMI Operations and Charters, Avionics Sales (New and Used), Avionics & Instrument Service and Installations, and Authorized Service Center for All Major Avionics Manufacturers.
Avmax Group Inc, History
1976 Formation of Corporate Group with Western Avionics, now one of Canada�s largest Avionics support facilities.
1996 Avmax Group Inc. is established with the creation of the Heavy Maintenance Center which provides major repair and overhaul service for regional airlines, operators and leasing companies.
1998 Avmax Group establishes the Aviation division to support the needs of new, existing and expanding regional airlines.
2003 Avmax develops a fourth division, Avmax Aircraft Leasing, dedicated to providing aircraft for sale or lease to customers on a timely, cost-effective basis.
2003 Avmax expands to include regional airline operations through Regional 1.
2006 Avmax expands into the United States with the creation of a Heavy Maintenance Center and Avionics Sales/Service Center in Great Falls, Montana.
John Kramer of Great Falls Development Authority and Cynthia Schultz of the Great Falls Airport were pleased to be involved in the process. Mr. Kramer said �This is a culmination of a team of resources Federal, State and local that came together to create a quality solution for a quality company. Mrs. Schultz indicated that this operation will be a major asset for the Airport. Avmax will be well received and served by aviation talent produced by Montana. Montana mirrors the unique culture and work ethic of Calgary that helped build Avmax to the aviation star it is today.
The information provided in this press release contains forward-looking statements that relate to future events and the future financial performance of Avmax Group Inc. These forward-looking statements represent the company�s best estimates as of December 20, 2005. As always, the economy dictates all growth.
For more information on Avmax Group, please visit their web site at: www.avmax.ca
Avmax Group Inc launches its new scheduled airline division, Regional 1 Airlines
September 23, 2004
Regional 1, an Alberta based airline, today announced that on October 6, 2004 they will begin Dash 8 scheduled aircraft service at Red Deer, Lethbridge, Kelowna and Vancouver Airport�s South Terminal.
New direct air service between Lethbridge, Kelowna and Vancouver South Terminal will operate six days a week. Regional 1 will also provide a unique six-day a week direct service between Red Deer, Kelowna and Vancouver South Terminal. These new direct services will make air transportation between the Okanagan and Alberta affordable and a lot simpler.
Tracy Medve, CEO of Regional 1 said today, �The non stop Dash 8 service together with Regional 1�s affordable pricing formula will be aimed at new travellers who currently cannot fly directly between Red Deer and Lethbridge. The Regional 1 product from the Kelowna Airport to our Alberta cities will make flying a very real transportation alternative for family visits, getaways and business commuters. The Dash 8 aircraft and our no hassle passenger handling to these regional airports will have a lot of appeal�.
In addition Regional 1 will offer twice daily service (except Saturdays) between Kelowna and the South Terminal at the Vancouver International Airport. Ms. Medve added, �The convenience and easy access of the South Terminal at Vancouver will be a refreshing alternative to the current air service between Vancouver and Kelowna. Once again Regional 1 is about providing a unique and comfortable short haul service to terminals not currently served out of these cities�.
LOCAL COMPANY AWARDED 2002 CALGARY EXPORT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS.
CALGARY, CANADA � MARCH 4TH, 2003
The Calgary based company; Avmax Group Inc. was presented the award, by Mr Daryl S. Fridhandler, Chairman, Calgary Economic Development, for the collaborative partnerships that the company had developed to successfully increase export sales into China, under the direction and management of it�s Aviation Division, Vice President, Michael Zelenski.
With vast experience in aviation, from pilot training to airline start-ups to maintenance, Avmax Group Inc. seized the opportunity to enter into the Asian market. Capitalizing on in-house expertise and identifying its own deficiencies, Avmax Group Inc. formed a team that would bring the adaptability required and proceeded to fill the deficiencies by welcoming complimentary organizations with an equally proven track record and the same desire to promote excellence with a long-term vision.
Partners and Relations of Avmax Group Inc. for the development of aviation in China include:
Lufthansa Consulting GmbH (LHC), Germany
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Canada
Western Avionics, Canada
Shandong International Aviation Training Centre (SIATC), China
Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), China
Civil Aviation University of China (CAUC), China
WestPoint Air Training College Ltd. (WestPoint), Canada
The courses presently being developed or currently offered by Avmax Group Inc. in Canada or China include: Ab-Initio Pilot Training; Multi-Engine Pilot Training; Military Transition Training; Flight Attendant Training; Cockpit Resource Management; Aircraft Type Rating; Pilot Ground School; Technical Aviation English; In-Flight Training; Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology; Aircraft Structures Technician; Avionics Technician; Airport Management; Airline Management; Air Cargo; and a host of other courses specific to aviation.
Avmax Group Inc. was formed over five years ago by small group of local businessmen and it presently employs over 300 skilled people. In the past year Avmax Group Inc. has expanded and has satellite offices in Vancouver, Canada, Beijing & Qingdao, China, M�nchengladbach, Germany and Cairo, Egypt. A large and successful part of Avmax Group Inc. is the operation of Western Avionics (Canada�s Largest Avionics Company) and participation in the development of Airdrie Airpark, which is located north of Calgary.
CALGARY, Canada � October 8th, 2002 � The runway of the Calgary International Airport lit up today with the arrival of Avmax Group Inc.�s new Corporate Aircraft.
The aircraft is an impressive painted Challenger 604, Corporate Jet with a seating capacity for 12 passengers. This is the second in a growing fleet of fully managed aircraft for Avmax Group Inc. and remained in Calgary for only one night before departing for its base, Maastricht, Netherlands. The aircraft will be utilized for private and air taxi within Europe and parts of the Middle East.
Avmax Group Inc. was formed over five years ago by small group of local businessmen and it presently employs over 300 skilled people. In the past year Avmax Group Inc. has expanded and opened satellite offices in Vancouver, Canada, Beijing & Qingdao, China, M�nchengladbach, Germany and Cairo, Egypt. Other activities of Avmax Group Inc. include the operation of Western Avionics (Canada�s Largest Avionics Company) and participation in the development of Airdrie Airpark, which is located north of Calgary.
CALGARY, Canada � April 19, 2002 - Three locally owned aerospace companies have joined together in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.
Avmax Group Inc., Western Avionics, and Kenn Borek Air have supported their employees by initiating friendly competition between their companies and employees and during the celebratory head shaving ceremony this afternoon; they awarded prizes to the company and the employee who had raised the most money. In total, thirty-six men and women shaved their heads, in hopes of raising approximately $10, 000.00 for cancer research.
The Canadian Cancer Society strives for the enhancement of the quality of life and identifies that as part of their mission.,� said Tracy Smith, of Avmax Group Inc. �We recognize their need and hope that our contribution will take them one step closer to achieving this�.
Alberta has one of the top Cancer Research centres and it is with help from their donors, that the Canadian Cancer Society is able to fund research. Improving the quality of life during and after treatment, and offering hope for a future without cancer.
Avmax Group Inc. is an internationally renowned Aviation Support, Maintenance and Management Company, who recently signed a contract to provide aviation related programs and courses into China and a four year maintenance contract with Skywest Airlines.
Western Avionics is Canada�s premier avionics company with offices in Calgary and Vancouver. They recently secured a million dollar contract to retrofit a Hawker 700 corporate jet with a state of the art avionics suite.
Kenn Borek Air a diversified aircraft charter and leasing operation employing pilots, maintenance and administration personnel worldwide. Kenn Borek is widely known for their accomplished rescue last year in the South Pole.
For more information contact:
Tracy Smith MRP Manager, Social Club Chair Avmax Group Inc. (403) 735 3299 voice (403) 735 5905 fax
CALGARY, Canada � April 15, 2002 - Avmax Group Inc. a privately owned, Calgary based company providing global aviation support, maintenance and management services, signed an Agreement with the Shandong International Training Co., LTD. of Quindao, China today.
The agreement identifies Avmax Group Inc. as the provider for aviation related programs and courses both at the Shandong International Aviation Training Co., LTD. in China and in Canada, and was the last of three signed by Avmax Group Inc. to solidify this project.
Avmax Group Inc. also entered into agreements with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and Lufthansa Consulting GmbH (LHC). Together, SAIT and LHC will come under the umbrella of Avmax Group Inc. to offer a full scope of programs and courses including, Technical Aviation English, In-Flight Training, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology, Aircraft Structures Technician, Avionics Technician, Airport Management, Airline Management, Flight Attendant, Air Cargo courses plus many other specialty aviation courses.
The Shandong International Aviation Training Co., LTD is the largest Simulator training Centre in Asia. It is located near the Quindao LuiTing Airport. The 193,680 square foot facility has eight-simulator bays and five stories of classroom space. These will be partially utilized by SAIT and Lufthansa Consulting under the umbrella of Avmax Group Inc. for the implementation of the programs and courses in China.
Students requiring maintenance training in Canada will utilize SAIT�s facilities and as a partner in Airdrie Airpark, Avmax Group Inc is currently at the development of Airdrie Airpark as the instructional location for those students travelling to Canada requiring Flight and Type Ratings.
Avmax Group Inc. was formed over five years ago by small group of local businessmen. It presently employs over 150 skilled people and is projected to double that number by the year 2007. In the past year Avmax Group Inc. has opened three satellite offices in Vancouver, Beijing and Cairo. And has begun o offer Full aircraft management for corporate aircraft customers. Avmax Group Inc. also has a sister company, Western Avionics, Canada�s premier avionics company with over 80 employees in Calgary and Vancouver.
"Avmax Group strives to provide a broad range of services to satisfy customer needs. This includes aircraft heavy maintenance and overhaul, complete avionics services,aircraft operations, aircraft leasing, spares and support."
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