Chorus Aviation provides update on benchmarking arbitration timing
HALIFAX, May 3, 2013 /CNW/ – Chorus Aviation Inc. ("Chorus") (TSX: CHR.B CHR.A CHR.DB) today provided an update on the expected timing of the arbitration relating to the benchmarking provisions in the Capacity Purchase Agreement ('CPA') with Air Canada.
On February 20, 2013 Chorus confirmed the next hearing before the arbitration panel would take place in April 2013. The hearing occurred as scheduled, but the parties did not complete their respective submissions within the time available. As a result, further hearing dates have been scheduled for July 2013 and a date for oral argument in September 2013.
"The benchmarking arbitration is proving to be an extended process that unfortunately won't likely be concluded before the fourth quarter of this year," said Joe Randell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chorus. "We remain confident in our position that the controllable mark-up of 12.5% in our Capacity Purchase Agreement with Air Canada should not change as a result of this benchmarking exercise. While this process is outside of our control, we continue to believe this period of uncertainty will result in a positive conclusion."
Caution regarding forward-looking information
Certain statements in this news release may contain statements which are forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "predict", "project", "will", "would", and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. Such statements may involve but are not limited to comments with respect to strategies, expectations, planned operations or future actions.
Forward-looking statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and other uncertain events. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are based on assumptions, including those described below, and are subject to important risks and uncertainties. Any forecasts or forward-looking predictions or statements cannot be relied upon due to, amongst other things, changing external events and general uncertainties of the business. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Results indicated in forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results for a number of reasons, including without limitation, risks relating to Chorus' relationship with Air Canada, risks relating to the airline industry, energy prices, general industry, market, credit, and economic conditions, competition, insurance issues and costs, supply issues, war, terrorist attacks, epidemic diseases, acts of God, changes in demand due to the seasonal nature of the business, the ability to reduce operating costs and employee counts, secure financing, employee relations, labour negotiations or disputes, restructuring, pension issues, currency exchange and interest rates, leverage and restructure covenants in future indebtedness, dilution of Chorus shareholders, uncertainty of dividend payments, managing growth, changes in laws, adverse regulatory developments or proceedings, pending and future litigation and actions by third parties. The forward-looking statements contained in this discussion represent Chorus' expectations as of May 3, 2013, and are subject to change after such date. However, Chorus disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.
About Chorus Aviation Inc.
Chorus Aviation Inc. ("Chorus") was incorporated on September 27, 2010 and is a dividend-paying holding company which owns Jazz Aviation LP, and Chorus Leasing III Inc.
Chorus is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbols of CHR.A, CHR.B and CHR.DB.
For more information, visit www.chorusaviation.ca
SOURCE: CHORUS AVIATION INC.