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CBAA to host 2009 convention in Montreal

eb. 3, 2009, Ottawa – The 48th annual convention of the Canadian
Business Aviation Association (CBAA) will be held in Montreal, the 3rd
largest economic center for aviation in the world, May 27-29.  The
theme for Canada’s premier business aviation event is the celebration
of the 100th anniversary of powered flight in Canada. 

To commemorate and celebrate this historic occasion a number of
activities are planned, including having a replica Silver Dart aircraft
on display, as well as a number of other historic aircraft.  In the
early 1900s the Aerial Experiment Association, led by Canadian inventor
and industrialist, Alexander Graham Bell, designed and built the
aircraft, named the Silver Dart.  On February 23rd, 1909 on Baddeck
Bay, Nova Scotia, the first aircraft to fly under power in Canada flew
off the ice-covered bay for half a mile, reaching an altitude of 60
feet.

At this year’s convention the CBAA, which represents over 500 members
across Canada, will address crucial issues facing the global and
Canadian business aviation industry.  Many changes and improvements are
being made to this year’s event to offer more value and to increase
participation.  In spite of the challenging economic times the CBAA
expects this to be the strongest event it has ever hosted.

One of the highlights this year will be Richard Aboulafia of the Teal
Group, a highly regarded industry analyst, who will provide his
perspective on what is in store for business aviation with emphasis on
global as well as Canadian challenges. 

The 2009 convention headquarters is Fairmont’s The Queen Elizabeth
Hotel, with the trade show and static display hosted by Skyservice
Business Aviation, at Pierre Trudeau International Airport (CYUL). The
16th annual charity golf tournament will be held on May 27, benefiting
Hope Air, which provides free flights to major treatment centers for
people who cannot afford air travel.

“Our association is clearly focused on the real value that business
aviation brings to the North American economy, coast to coast,” said
CBAA president, Sam Barone. “For 100 years this country has been built
on the wings of aircraft designed for business. Our mandate is to
continue these contributions for the next century,” he added.

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The Canadian Business Aviation Association is a non-profit organization
that was incorporated in 1962 to act as a collective voice for the
business aviation community in Canada, and to assist its members in all
aviation related matters.

CBAA’s mission is to represent and promote the Canadian business
aviation community globally, advocating safety, security, and
efficiency.

For more information contact: Janet Maslin (613) 236-5611 ext 225 or visit our website at http://www.cbaa.ca .