HALIFAX, May 26 2011 /CNW/ - Today, Jazz Aviation LP ("Jazz") took delivery of its first of fifteen Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft. These new aircraft will be added to Jazz's fleet over the coming months with the final airplane arriving in July 2012. Jazz also has options for an additional 15 aircraft.

Jazz's Q400 NextGen aircraft accommodates 74 passengers in a single cabin configuration featuring all-leather seating. This turboprop airliner is the most recent development in the evolution of the original Q400 aircraft. The Q400 NextGen features an enhanced cabin environment with the introduction of LED lighting, new ceiling panels, dished window sidewalls and larger overhead luggage bins. These features, combined with the Active Noise and Vibration Suppression (ANVS) system, provide for an excellent cabin experience.

"The arrival of the new Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft to our fleet will strengthen our competitive position," said Joseph Randell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Jazz Aviation LP. "We continuously strive to improve our economics to provide better value to our stakeholders. With cost efficiencies amongst the best of any regional aircraft, the Q400 NextGen will help us achieve this objective. The economics, along with the speed and passenger comfort of the aircraft make for a winning combination."

The first 15 Q400 NextGen turboprops will replace 15 50-seat regional jets. The first flight the new aircraft is scheduled to operate is flight AC8910 from Toronto to Quebec City, departing at 0700, on Tuesday, June 7, 2011.

About Jazz Aviation LP

Jazz Aviation LP has a strong history in Canadian aviation with its roots going back to the 1930s. Jazz is wholly owned by Chorus Aviation Inc. (TSX: CHR.B, CHR.A, CHR.DB) and continues to generate some of the strongest operational and financial results in the North American aviation industry.

There are three airline divisions operated by Jazz Aviation LP: Air Canada Express, Thomas Cook Canada and Jazz.

Air Canada Express: Under a capacity purchase agreement with Air Canada, Jazz provides service to and from lower-density markets as well as higher-density markets at off-peak times throughout Canada and to and from certain destinations in the United States. Jazz currently operates scheduled passenger service on behalf of Air Canada with over 800 departures per weekday to 84 destinations in Canada and in the United States with a fleet of Canadian-made Bombardier aircraft.

Thomas Cook Canada: Jazz operates Boeing 757-200 aircraft on behalf of Thomas Cook Canada Inc. in the winter season to various destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America from four Canadian gateways - Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax.

Jazz: Under the Jazz brand, the airline offers charters throughout North America with a dedicated fleet of five Bombardier aircraft for corporate clients, governments, special interest groups and individuals seeking more convenience. Jazz also has the ability to offer airline operators services such as ground handling, dispatching, flight load planning, training and consulting.

For more information, visit www.flyjazz.ca.

For further information: Media Contacts: Manon Stuart, (902) 873-5054 Halifax, manon.stuart@flyjazz.ca; Debra Williams, (519) 457-8071 London, debra.williams@flyjazz.ca