ada, where government subsidies are not
provided to aid vital air transport operation.
In contrast, the U.S. and Europe follow
business models that incorporate govern-
mental funding for essential air transporta-
tion or public service obligation routes.
When van der Stege arrived in Canada
in 2013 to assume his executive position
with First Air, he brought with him years
of international experience in the field of
aviation. However, he joined the company
at a critical time, a period of change and
restructuring in response to operational
and strategic struggles. The company had
faced substantial losses over the past five
years prior to the start of the restructuring,
12
business elite canada
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APRIL 2016
