Join us on November 27th at 1:00 PM EST for an exclusive live broadcast where PAL Aerospace opens the doors of the flight deck to the pilots behind global surveillance, medevac, and coast guard operations. From emergency medical flights in the North Atlantic to maritime patrols safeguarding international waters, you’ll hear firsthand what it takes to fly for purpose – not just passengers.

Special mission flying sits at the intersection of skill, purpose, and adventure yet few pilots get the opportunity to learn about the day-to-day of special mission operations. This is your backstage pass to the aircraft, the missions, and the people behind them.

Meet the pilots – Hear directly from PAL Aerospace captains and air ambulance leaders flying surveillance, medevac, and coast guard missions across Canada and abroad.

Discover the pathways – Learn how Canadian pilots can fly special missions; the training, mindset, and skills required.

Ask Questions Live – Get candid insights from the cockpit. From flight ops to lifestyle, our pilots are ready to answer what you’ve always wanted to know.

Gain real-world perspective – See how purpose-driven flying differs from commercial airline operations and why many pilots call it the most rewarding work of their careers.

Join the discussion with pilots:

• Luke West: Training Manager, Force Multiplier Program

Based out of Halifax and operating internationally, Luke leads training for PAL Aerospace’s Force Multiplier program in the UK. With a diverse flying background across multiple mission types, he brings a global perspective on how technology, training, and mission readiness come together in special-mission aviation. 

• Iain Allison: Captain, Air Ambulance & Airborne Maritime Surveillance | 6,500+ flight hours

With over a decade at PAL Aerospace, Iain has flown both air ambulance missions in Halifax and maritime surveillance operations across Canada’s coastlines. His experience bridges the worlds of life-saving rapid response and long-range surveillance showcasing the versatility required in PAL’s special-mission fleet.

• Richard Bradford: Captain, Airborne Maritime Surveillance Division (AMSD) | 10,000+ flight hours

A seasoned pilot with nearly 10 years in AMSD, Richard has spent his career navigating the demands of daily surveillance operations. From harsh northern conditions to cross-coast deployments, he brings insight into what it takes to sustain Canada’s surveillance readiness year-round. 10,000 + flight hours.

• Teri Childs: Director of Air Ambulance | 18,000+ flight hours

Teri began her career with AMSD in June 2006, later flying the Dash 8 with PAL Airlines before returning to AMSD as Captain in 2010. She moved into leadership roles soon after, becoming Training Manager in 2011, serving as Chief Pilot from 2019–2020, and then East Coast Base Manager from 2020–2024. In 2025, she transitioned into her current role as Director of Air Ambulance, bringing nearly two decades of operational, training, and leadership experience across air ambulance, airline, and special-mission surveillance operations. 

Partnership between Medavie Health NL and PAL Aerospace under the Integrated Emergency Health Services program strengthens Newfoundland and Labrador’s air ambulance system with modern aircraft, harmonized medical layouts, and long-term stability.

St. John’s, NL — PAL Aerospace announces it has entered into a contract with Medavie Health NL Inc. (Medavie) to deliver fixed-wing air ambulance operations for Newfoundland and Labrador under the province’s Integrated Emergency Health Services (IEHS) program. The 10-year agreement, with an option to renew for an additional five-year period, establishes a single, long-term provider responsible for modernizing and operating the province’s fixed-wing air ambulance service. The fleet will consist of four King Air 350 aircraft based in St. John’s and Goose Bay with harmonized medical layouts and proven short-field performance, providing air clinical crew with a consistent, reliable platform while ensuring patients in both urban and remote communities can be transported quickly and safely to care. Each aircraft features dual LifePort systems, large cargo doors, and consistent medical equipment stowage – providing crew the equipment they need to provide a high level of care to patients.

Rendering for reference only. Actual aircraft livery and configuration may vary.

As part of Medavie’s integrated offering, PAL Aerospace will operate and maintain a fleet of King Air 350 aircraft for Newfoundland and Labrador’s fixed-wing air ambulance service. Air Borealis, a PAL-partner company, will play a critical role in this agreement by providing patient transportation for coastal Labrador communities using two dedicated Twin Otter aircraft configured for schedevac and one Twin Otter configured for medevac. These aircraft will support daily scheduled medical flights on the North and South coasts, Monday through Friday, and provide essential medevac capability as required.

“PAL Aerospace, Air Borealis and the entire PAL Group of Companies family are excited and honoured to have the privilege of delivering this vital program for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Calvin Ash, President of PAL Aerospace. “As essential service providers with deep roots across our province, PAL knows firsthand the responsibility with which we’ve been entrusted. With a new fleet of advanced aircraft and the backing of the broader EIC national medevac footprint spanning provincial fixed-wing programs in B.C., Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and extensive Arctic operations – PAL Aerospace is ready to deliver the fixed-wing air ambulance solution for Newfoundland and Labrador for the next ten to fifteen years.”

“In partnership with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and NL Health Services, we’re proud to work in collaboration with PAL Aerospace to help strengthen emergency care across the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. This is about supporting the delivery of high-quality care across the province, and doing it with purpose and a commitment to excellence.” John Ferguson, Vice President, Operations and Business Development, Medavie Health Services

This program ensures a stable long-term fixed-wing provider, standardized medical cabins for clinical teams, and reliable reach from bases at St. John’s and Goose Bay and into remote communities with Air Borealis Twin Otter support. It also anchors stable, skilled jobs for pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, and program operations in Newfoundland and Labrador. Learn more about how PAL Aerospace delivers end-to-end air ambulance solutions at: palaerospace.com/air-ambulance

PAL Aerospace

A proud member of the Exchange Income Corporation family of companies, PAL Aerospace is a Canadian-owned and operated global aerospace and defence company. With a focus on special missions, in-service support solutions, aircraft engineering and modification and crew resource management training. PAL Aerospace is internationally recognized by governments, militaries, and industry for on time/on budget delivery and high reliability rates. PAL Aerospace offers a single point of accountability for its programs and takes pride in being the trusted choice for clients worldwide.

Medavie Health Services

Medavie Health Services is Canada’s largest contracted provider of emergency medical services in Canada, managing ground and air ambulances, medical communications, 911 Public Safety, 811 Telehealth, and clinical training. We’re also a national leader in primary health care solutions, managing Mobile Integrated Health and Community Paramedicine programs, home health care, mental health, and addictions services. Together with Medavie Blue Cross, an all-in-one private health insurer and public health program administrator, we’re part of Medavie, a national not-for-profit, health solutions partner committed to improving the wellbeing of Canadians so that every life can be lived to the fullest. Medavie is one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures, one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, certified as a Caring Company by Imagine Canada, and Rainbow Registered as an organization that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion.

To learn more, visit us online: medavie.ca

Pairing Proven Global Aerospace Solutions With Airtask Group’s Decades of UK Operational Excellence to Scale In-Country ISR, Accelerate R&D, and Grow Export-Ready Mission Solutions Across Security, Infrastructure, and Environmental Domains.

MILTON KEYNES, England, Aug. 25, 2025 /CNW/ – PAL Aerospace has completed its acquisition of UK-based Airtask Group, subject to certain regulatory matters. In continuous service since 1983, Airtask Group is a renowned UK integrated aviation solutions provider known for maritime surveillance and fisheries enforcement, global atmospheric and environmental research, and lifeline passenger services to remote UK islands. The combination pairs PAL Aerospace’s global special mission footprint with UK operations, reinforcing in-country ISR capability, ensuring continuity of service for government and commercial customers, and positioning Airtask Group for long-term growth in innovation, sustainability, and export markets.

As a UK-led subsidiary, Airtask Group will continue to maintain sovereign operations and ensure uninterrupted delivery for government and commercial customers. Airtask Group is renowned for low-level maritime surveillance, advanced sensor integration, and regulatory excellence. Backed by PAL Aerospace’s global experience of over 350,000 special mission flight hours, the integrated team will fast-track aerospace R&D, field advanced mission technologies, and grow exports, while expanding their combined infrastructure and personnel UK footprint in order to meet the demand for helping to address today’s safety, environmental, economic, and security threats.

“This acquisition reflects our long-term commitment to our UK customers, stakeholders, and aerospace sector,” said Calvin Ash, President, PAL Aerospace. “By combining our global special mission experience with Airtask Group’s recognized operational excellence, we are investing in UK jobs, infrastructure, and innovation. Together, we will strengthen in-country ISR capacity, expand export opportunities, and ensure continuity of service for customers who rely on these essential missions every day.”

“From the outset, our priority was to work with like-minded people who put the mission and the people behind it first,” said Julie Simper, Managing Director of Airtask Group. “As impressive as the technology is, you can’t deliver these missions without skilled pilots, operators and ground teams. This partnership brings the resources and reach to grow our capabilities while keeping that mission-first culture intact. I look forward to continuing to lead Airtask Group alongside PAL Aerospace while ensuring we remain a trusted partner for our customers.”

With expanded synergistic capabilities, deeper resources, and a shared commitment to operational excellence, Airtask Group and PAL Aerospace are positioned to deliver greater value to customers in the UK and worldwide – putting our customer’s mission first. Always.

Learn more at C4ISR.uk 

About PAL Aerospace
A proud member of the Exchange Income Corporation family of companies, PAL Aerospace is a Canadian-owned and operated global aerospace and defence company. With a focus on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, in-service support solutions, aircraft engineering and modification and crew resource management training. PAL Aerospace is internationally recognized by governments, militaries, and industry for on time/on budget delivery and high reliability rates. PAL Aerospace offers a single point of accountability for its programs and takes pride in being the trusted choice for clients worldwide.

To learn more, visit us online: palaerospace.com

About Airtask Group
Airtask Group is a pioneering aviation company known for its innovative solutions, strong regulatory expertise, and commitment to quality in diverse industry sectors. Our global Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and extensive experience in special missions plus dedication to Lifeline air services firmly position us for growth.

To learn more, visit us online: airtask.com