No. P01/06
For release January 23, 2006

TRANSPORT CANADA
SUSPENDS INTERNATIONAL EXPRESS
AIRCHARTER LTD.’S AIR OPERATOR CERTIFICATE

VANCOUVER, B.C. — Transport Canada today announced the suspension of International Express Aircharter Ltd.’s air operator certificate, effective immediately. Without an air operator certificate, a company cannot provide commercial air services in Canada. International Express Aircharter Ltd. also does business as Regency Express Flight Operations and Sonicblue Airways.

The decision to suspend the Air Operator Certificate was based on a review of the company's record and concerns with the company’s ability to exercise operational control, including proper record keeping and aircraft maintenance. Today’s suspension does not preclude any further regulatory action at a later date.

Transport Canada has taken this action in the interest of public safety and will be conducting a full audit of International Express Aircharter Ltd’s operation. The company will need to demonstrate that it meets all applicable rules and regulations before its air operator certificate will be re-instated.

This action follows the January 21, 2006 tragic accident near Port Alberni involving a Cessna 208 Caravan operated by Sonicblue Airways, enroute to Vancouver International Airport from Tofino. Transport Canada is cooperating fully with the Transportation Safety Board investigation into the Port Alberni accident and appointed a Minister’s Observer to keep the department informed of the investigation’s progress. Any safety deficiencies identified through the Transportation Safety Board's investigation will be addressed immediately.

International Express Aircharter Ltd. has the right to appeal Transport Canada's enforcement action to the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada.

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