The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that Air Canada has tapped St. John's-based PAL Airlines to boost its flight schedule in the Atlantic provinces amid a shortage of pilots. The Globe's Eric Atkins writes that PAL will fly as many as six De Havilland Canada Dash 8 aircraft for Air Canada on regional routes beginning in July, according to a preliminary agreement announced by the companies on Tuesday. The five-year deal is intended to cover the shortfall of pilots at Chorus Aviation's Jazz Aviation, which is Air Canada's longtime operator of regional flights in the East. Air Canada made the deal as it expands its schedule to meet pent-up demand for travel. PAL, owned by Exchange Income Fund, will acquire the aircraft and fly them in addition to its own fleet of 13 planes. According to Air Canada's agreement with Chorus, pilots can switch to the larger carrier and retain part of the seniority they earned at Jazz. Many have done so to fill vacancies left by pilots who have taken higher-paying jobs at U.S.-based airlines, leaving Chorus unable to meet Air Canada's fast-rising demand. Experts say the trend of poaching pilots from smaller carriers is worrisome because it puts regional service at risk.