First Air’s inaugural Airline Foundations program prepares students for industry jobs

Wednesday after nine days of classroom study. Fourteen students from across Nunavut will successfully
complete the program which took place at Nunavut Arctic College Nunatta Residence.

“The Airline Foundations program is the first of several training programs that First Air will offer young
people interested in a career in aviation, and we are thrilled with the level of interest,” said Scott Bateman,
President and CEO of First Air. “Together with our partners, we are providing the resources and curriculum
to prepare more northern youth with the skills and opportunities for future employment.”

At no cost to students, this program provides an overview of aviation customer service careers and preemployment
training that will help candidates seek employment within the airline industry. Delivered by
subject matter experts working at First Air, specific topics will include: understanding the airport
environment, airline terminology and acronyms, aircraft overview, industry regulations, safety and security
procedures.

“We are impressed that there were over 50 interested candidates to this program, which tells us there is a
strong desire for this type of training,” says Harry Flaherty, President of Qikiqtani First Aviation.
Patrick Tagoona, President of Sakku First Aviation adds, “We are looking forward to increasing our pool of
qualified job candidates as a result of this training program.”

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be provided with a First Air Training
Certificate and will have a better understanding of the various customer service roles in the airline industry
such as Cargo Attendant, Station Agent, Ticket Counter Agent and Flight Attendant. Graduates can expect
to have a higher placement rate with First Air or other airlines as a result of the Airline Foundations
program.

The graduation ceremony takes place on Wednesday July 20, 2011 at 2:00pm at Nunavut Arctic College
Nunatta Residence. Graduate students will be presented with an award of achievement for their hard work
and accomplishment.

First Air, Sakku First Aviation and Qikiqtani First Aviation are partner airlines providing cargo, charter and
scheduled service to more northern destinations than any other airline. Sivurariaqnik is our proactive
employment initiative, providing a focus and dedication of resources to increasing northern employment.
For more information, visit www.firstair.ca or www.sivurariaqnik.ca.

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Contact:

Jennifer Alldred
Manager, Marketing Communications, First Air
Tel: (613) 254-6395 E-mail: jalldred@firstair.ca