Nolinor Aviation Upgrades 737 Safety Measures
Nolinor Aviation is set to enhance safety in its B737-200 fleet by installing Fire Containment Covers (FCCs) and specialized nets, in compliance with Transport Canada’s mandate to transition from Class B to Class F cargo compartments. This upgrade comes as part of the airline’s response to the cancellation of the Alternative Methods of Compliance for Airworthiness Directive 93-07-15, which applied to large transport aircraft with Class B cargo compartments, including models from the Boeing B707, B727, B737, B747, and B757 families.
Under the new regulatory framework, Transport Canada has given airlines until June 2025 to meet the required changes. Nolinor Aviation has already begun preparations for a fleet-wide rollout of the FCC solution and expects to be fully compliant by the deadline. The installation of FCCs and specialized nets will allow the airline to maintain its existing Combi configuration, which is essential due to its operations on gravel runways. Changing aircraft types was not a viable solution, so the company’s engineering team sought an alternative that would both improve safety and preserve operational flexibility.
The primary purpose of the FCCs and specialized nets is to upgrade the fire safety capabilities of the cargo compartments on the main deck. Under the United States Federal Aviation Administration’s classification, a Class B cargo compartment is designed in such a way that a crew member can extinguish a fire using a handheld extinguisher without entering the compartment. However, a Class F cargo compartment is equipped with systems that suppress a fire without requiring any crew entry. The retrofit solution adopted by Nolinor Aviation eliminates the need for fixed bulkheads, which would otherwise limit the flexibility of the aircraft configuration. Instead, the FCCs provide passive fire containment protection for up to six hours and have a service life of three years, offering a balanced approach to safety and operational efficiency.
Marco Prud’Homme, the president of Nolinor Aviation, explained that the decision to retrofit the fleet was driven by the need to meet new regulatory standards while preserving the unique operational advantages of their aircraft. He stated that his team had found a solution that not only improved safety but also allowed them to retain the Combi configuration, which is critical for operations at airports with challenging runway conditions.
According to ch-aviation’s fleet module, Nolinor Aviation currently operates 16 aircraft. Its fleet includes various models of the Boeing 737 series such as two B737-200s, one B737-200(QC), six B737-200Cs, one B737-300(QC), three B737-400s, and one B737-800, as well as smaller jets like a Learjet 45 and a Learjet 45(XR). The focus on retrofitting the existing fleet rather than acquiring new aircraft demonstrates the company’s commitment to maximizing safety and efficiency while managing operational costs effectively.
This strategic move by Nolinor Aviation is expected to set a new standard for safety in the regional charter market and ensure compliance with the evolving regulatory landscape in Canada. By proactively addressing these new safety requirements, the airline aims to continue offering reliable, secure, and flexible air travel services to its customers, all while maintaining the unique advantages provided by its current fleet configuration.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com