The flight crew of Flight 111 detects an unusual odour in the cockpit. There is no unusual odour being reported in the cabin area. The odour is suspected to be from the air conditioning system. A decision is made to divert and land. Bangor, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts are seen to be options for potential diversion destinations.
Some smoke is visible in the cockpit.
Flight 111 is cleared to descend to FL310 and starts a right turn for the diversion. Moncton Centre advises Flight 111 that Halifax airport is a closer alternative for landing. Flight 111 is cleared by Moncton Centre to descend to 10,000 ft. Flight 111 indicates a desire to level at about 8,000 ft. to prepare the cabin for a landing. Flight 111 is cleared by Moncton Centre to descend to 3,000 feet, and authorized to stop the descent at any intermediate altitude they wish.