Transport Canada has announced it has suspended the Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) of Island Express Air (Abbotsford) effectively February 28.

In a statement, the regulator said it had taken the action in the interest of public safety due to the airline’s February 23, 2018, accident in Abbotsford, BC, wherein one of the carrier's two Beech (twin turboprop) King Air B100s, C-GIAE (msn BE-8), veered off the runway during an aborted takeoff attempt. Four of the ten occupants onboard received minor injuries but the aircraft itself sustained significant damage. TC says it has also found contraventions of Canadian Aviation Regulations.

"In light of these threats to public safety, Transport Canada will not allow Island Express Air to resume its commercial air service until it proves it can keep its operations consistently compliant with aviation safety regulations," it said.

Launched in 2007, Island Express Air operates two Beech (twin turboprop) King Air 100s and eight Piper (twin piston) Cherokee/Navajos on scheduled passenger flights connecting Abbotsford with Victoria International, Nanaimo, BC, Comox, Vancouver Boundary Bay, and Qualicum. It also offers charter flights to destinations across British Columbia, Canada, and the United States.