Canadian police are set to reveal the results of a major fraud investigation involving a former airline captain who allegedly operated hundreds of commercial flights without holding the required licence.
The investigation, known as Project Icarus, was conducted by the Peel Regional Police in the Greater Toronto Area. Authorities announced they will provide details of the case during a news conference on Tuesday.
According to investigators, the case centers on a former airline captain who is accused of flying commercial aircraft despite lacking a mandatory airline transport pilot licence, a credential required for captains operating large passenger aircraft in Canada.
Police have described the case as a “complex fraud” investigation but have not yet disclosed the identity of the individual or the full scope of the alleged misconduct.
Air Canada Says Passenger Safety Was Not Affected
In a statement, Air Canada emphasized that passenger safety was never compromised.
The airline explained that all pilots undergo mandatory recurrent training every six months and complete annual flight checks conducted by certified Transport Canada examiners.
Air Canada stated that the pilot involved possessed a valid Commercial Pilot Licence and successfully met all training and competency requirements throughout his employment. However, the airline acknowledged that he did not hold the required Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), which is legally required for airline captains in Canada.
Upon discovering the licensing issue, Air Canada said it immediately removed the individual from active flying duties and notified Transport Canada.
Pilot Union Responds
The Air Line Pilots Association also commented on the matter, stating that the case remains under investigation.
The union stressed that the safety and security of passengers and flight crews remain its highest priority and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strict regulatory and licensing standards across the aviation industry.
More Details Expected
The upcoming police briefing is expected to include remarks from Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich and Peel Regional Chair Nando Iannicca.
Authorities say additional information regarding the alleged fraud scheme and its impact on the aviation industry will be released once the investigation results are formally presented.
