AC*/TS/PD/WS | Canada-Based Carriers

[noir-dresses]

Originally Posted by YU-AMC

I always wanted to know what happened to Skyservice and they flights to ZAG/BEG? There was a plan to install winglets on those B757 in order to fly nonstrop to ZAG. I think the planes did get it, but the flights were halted after 2007. I always wondered what made them cancel the flights? I suppose they never got around stealing those transit passengers that connect via Germany/Austria. I am pretty sure there is more demand besides a single flight per week. Too bad it was all meant for failure from the start due to choice of equipment to serve ZAG/BEG....

You remember those flights, good call ?

Any service that is a one weekly with pit stops cannot be profitable.

We were sappose to get some American charter company flying into ZAG this summer using a 763 frame, but I don't know what happened to that either.

I remember when JAT was flying the D10 into YYZ before 91, those flights always had high loads. I'm sure a daily, if not a twice daily YYZ-ZAG/BEG could be very profitable in the summer season, just surprised no airline is stepping up to the plate.

[YU-AMC]

Originally Posted by noir-dresses

You remember those flights, good call ?

Any service that is a one weekly with pit stops cannot be profitable.

We were sappose to get some American charter company flying into ZAG this summer using a 763 frame, but I don't know what happened to that either.

I remember when JAT was flying the D10 into YYZ before 91, those flights always had high loads. I'm sure a daily, if not a twice daily YYZ-ZAG/BEG could be very profitable in the summer season, just surprised no airline is stepping up to the plate.

I think the flights did noT sell well. When they started flying, they had an A330 available because Airtransat and AC were busy with Italian market. I doubt they could fill the A330 because it was configurated with 330pax? So that is extra 100 seats per flight. It was quite obvious that legacy carriers took they pssengers. Let alone the adventage of having the A330 over the 757....

[hkskyline]

Porter Airlines, WestJet enjoy record passenger traffic in 2011, despite economy
Published On Thu Jan 05 2012
The Canadian Press

TORONTO—Two of Canada’s largest airlines reported some record passenger numbers in December as global economic concerns appeared to have little affect on the quantity of travellers.

WestJet, the country’s second-largest airline after Air Canada, said it flew a record 1.4 million passengers in December as the airline reported a load factor of 80.9 per cent, tying its second-highest December load factor ever.

Revenue passenger miles increased eight per cent from a year earlier as capacity — measured in available seat miles — grew 7.1 per cent over the same period.

“We finished the year with strong traffic results confirming that our capacity continues to be absorbed by the market,” president and CEO Gregg Saretsky said in a release accompanying the results.

“On a full-year basis, we have flown over 867,000 additional guests in 2011 versus last year,” he added.

Due to strong bookings made and flown in December, WestJet said it anticipates that the year-over-year revenue per available seat mile growth for the fourth quarter will now be closer to that achieved in the third quarter of 2011.

For the full year, WestJet reported a load factor of 79.7 per cent, down slightly from 79.9 per cent last year as available seat miles grew 8.5 per cent to 21.2 billion from 19.5 billion. However, revenue seat miles lagged slightly, rising 8.2 per cent to 16.9 billion from 15.6 billion.

Toronto-based Porter, which offers routes in Eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, also reported a strong December, a month that featured continuing volatility on stock markers amid continuing fears for the global economy, including a return to recession in parts of Europe.

Its load factor for the month was 63.9 per cent, up 1.5 percentage points from December 2010 and a record for the airline.

The figure was based on 117.6 million available seat miles, an increase of 26.7 per cent over the same month in 2010 as the airline expanded its number of routes over the year, and 75.2 million revenue passenger miles, up 29.9 per cent.

For the full year, Porter said it flew a record 2.1 million passengers, up from 1.56 million the previous year.

“Porter is one of the fastest growing airlines in North America,” president and CEO Robert Deluce said in highlighting the results. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished as a team and are ready to make our mark in 2012.”

Besides adding new destinations in 2011, Porter, based at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, took delivery of six new Bombardier (TSX-BBD.B) Q400 aircraft.

[deasine]

And more evidence of WS seriously taking on the transborder market; fresh from the pressroom.

This can definitely start more price wars between WestJet and Star Alliance carriers United and Air Canada. On the East Coast, Porter, Air Canada, and WestJet have offered fares to New York at unbelievably low prices.

WestJet adds Chicago to growing network

Airline complements eastern code-share flights with new service from the West

CALGARY, Feb. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced it will launch daily non-stop service between Chicago and Vancouver, and between Chicago and Calgary, effective May 14, 2012.

While WestJet will fly these routes with its own Boeing 737 Next-Generation aircraft, the airline will continue to market non-stop service from Chicago to Toronto, Chicago to Ottawa and Chicago to Montreal on our partner American Airlines' code-share flights. Chicago is an American Airlines' major hub, providing connections to key destinations in the U.S. and across the world.

"We're pleased to introduce service to and from Chicago," said John MacLeod, WestJet Vice-President, Network Management and Alliances. "The addition of Chicago shows how our continued growth and code-share agreements are working together to provide guests with non-stop service from the East and West. We believe this balance appeals to both business and leisure travellers looking to experience what Chicago has to offer, as well as for northbound travellers looking to visit Banff and the Rocky Mountains via Calgary or board cruise ships from Vancouver. We look forward to welcoming new and returning guests on board these exciting new services."

WestJet non-stop service between Vancouver, Calgary and Chicago is subject to government approval.

Full schedule details and great introductory one-way fares start at $149 from Calgary and $169 from Vancouver, plus applicable taxes and fees. Fares are available by visiting westjet.com, by calling WestJet's Sales Super Centre at 1-888-WESTJET (937-8538) or through your preferred travel agent.

With more access to more vacation destinations than ever before, WestJet Vacations offers flexible and convenient packages to popular destinations throughout WestJet's network, including Chicago. Guests can enjoy Chicago's Magnificent Mile with the convenience of booking flights and hotel together. Vacation packages will be available prior to the launch of service in May. For more information, visit westjetvacations.com, contact a WestJet Vacations Experience Specialist at 1-877-737-7001 or see your preferred travel agent.

The new destination announcement follows the release of the airline's summer schedule, which includes:

Seven-times daily service to New York (LaGuardia)
Daily service to Whitehorse, Yukon
Three-times weekly service to Kingston, Jamaica
Weekly non-stop service to Aruba
About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's favourite airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 76-city North American and Caribbean network. Inducted into Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures Hall of Fame and named one of Canada's best employers, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom and leather seats on its modern fleet of 97 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 38 aircraft through 2018, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

About WestJet Vacations
WestJet Vacations provides guests with affordable, reliable and easy-to-book travel experiences to 45 destinations in 12 countries, including the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. Leveraging WestJet's fun and friendly image, extensive network and world-class guest experience, WestJet Vacations offers guests a great flight schedule and a wide variety of hotel and resort options to create fun and affordable vacation experiences. For more information, visit www.westjetvacations.com.

Connect with WestJet on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westjet
Follow WestJet on Twitter at www.twitter.com/westjet
Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at www.youtube.com/westjet

For further information:

Media contact
Robert Palmer, Media Relations, telephone: 1-888-WJ 4 NEWS (1-888-954-6397), email: media@westjet.com.

(via WestJet)

[hkskyline]

A Canadian government plane in Guangzhou from : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/556/5563764.html

[hkskyline]

WestJet employees approve regional airline
CBC News
Posted: Feb 8, 2012 10:37 AM ET

WestJet employees have voted overwhelmingly to endorse the company's plans to launch a regional subsidiary starting in 2013.

"There are not many organizations that would put such a strategic decision in front of the employees for their input and approval," said Antonio Faiola, a WestJet flight attendant that represents employees on the company's board of directors.

WestJet chief executive Gregg Saretsky said he's pleased that 91 per cent of non-union employees, known internally as WestJetters, voted in favour of the proposal. The proposal includes the purchase of up to 40 smaller turboprop aircraft.

"The opportunity presented to WestJetters has been very well received and I thank them for their input and consideration," said Saretsky.

WestJet says now that the plan has been endorsed by its employees, it will send request for proposals to two airplane manufacturers to make those smaller aircraft: Bombardier, which makes the Q400 currently in use by Porter Airlines, and ATR, which makes the ATR 72-600.

Profit falls

WestJet is raising its dividend by 20 per cent, as the airline reported Wednesday that profits fell 4.3 per cent in the fourth quarter.

The Calgary-based company said the quarterly dividend will climb a penny to six cents per share, to be paid on March 30.

WestJet posted lower profits of $35.6 million, or 26 cents per share, compared to $37.2 million, or 26 cents per share in the comparable period of 2010.

The results beat average analyst expectations of 20 cents per share, according to a poll by Thomson Reuters.

Revenue grew 12.9 per cent to $721.5 million from $692.2 million.

[hkskyline]

Looks like this AC jet will find a new home.
Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/557/5570475.html

[Davodavo]

http://www.aviationcorner.net/show_photo.asp?id=240506

[deasine]

Originally Posted by hkskyline

Looks like this AC jet will find a new home.
Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/557/5570475.html

It looks incredibly odd and lonely.

[deasine]

WestJet sets new single-day record today

Students and families return home from mid-term break

CALGARY, Feb. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced it will fly 52,992 guests today, setting a new single-day record for the airline. The previous record, set on December 22, 2011, saw 52,397 guests fly across the airline's network.

The new single-day record follows a busy week for travel which saw students at many Canadian post-secondary institutions head out for mid-term break. In provinces with a Family Day holiday, families took the week off to enjoy a warm-weather vacation.

"We love to welcome our guests on board and with each new record, it's clear that more Canadians are choosing our low fares and high value, our great guest experience and to travel with our fun and friendly WestJetters," said Bob Cummings, WestJet's Executive Vice-President, Sales, Marketing and Guest Experience. "We would like to thank our growing base of business travellers and, for this week in particular, students and their families for choosing to fly with us. We hope they had a fabulous break and we look forward to welcoming them on board a WestJet flight again in the very near future."

On average, WestJet flies approximately 40,000 guests on 425 flights per day. To reduce line-ups and save time, especially on busy travel days like today, WestJet offers four convenient check-in options:

Web check-in is available at westjet.com. Guests can check in from 24 hours to 60 minutes before scheduled departure.

Mobile check-in allows guests to check in with a cell phone from 24 hours to 60 minutes before scheduled departure.

Self-serve check-in kiosks are available at most Canadian and U.S. airports in WestJet's network from 24 hours to 60 minutes before scheduled departure. Select serve-serve kiosks also offer self-serve bag-tagging, allowing guests to print and attach their bag tags as part of their check-in process.

Traditional counter check-in is available in all airports. Our friendly WestJetters are always happy to greet guests and help them on their way.
About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's favourite airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 76-city North American and Caribbean network. Inducted into Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures Hall of Fame and named one of Canada's best employers, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Named a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion, WestJet offers increased legroom and leather seats on its modern fleet of 98 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 37 aircraft through 2018, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

Connect with WestJet on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westjet
Follow WestJet on Twitter at www.twitter.com/westjet
Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at www.youtube.com/westjet

For further information:

Media contact:
Robert Palmer, Media Relations, telephone: 1-888-WJ-4-NEWS (1-888-954-6397), email: media@westjet.com.

(WestJet 2012)

[YU-AMC]

Originally Posted by deasine

It looks incredibly odd and lonely.

Is it a B767 non ER? I used to think they need those 767s before the 787s start coming in.

[hkskyline]

Air Canada March Break strike looms: ‘If we hit the lines, this airline is grounded’
Published On Wed Mar 07 2012
Toronto Star

Air Canada’s 8,600 baggage handlers, mechanics and ground crews are threatening to strike next Monday, possibly leaving March Break travellers stranded.

“I believe if we hit the lines, this airline is grounded,” said Dave Ritchie, Canadian general vice-president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, told reporters. “Unfortunately the public is going to be inconvenienced.”

However, Ritchie conceded Labour Minister Lisa Raitt may intervene, as she has in previous disputes involving other unions at Air Canada in the past year.

“I’m pleading with the minister. Let us do our job,” said Ritchie, referring to having the union and company negotiate a deal.

If Raitt does force some legal maneuver to block the union, Ritchie said they would obey the law.

“We will respect the law. We have no other choice. Will we like it? The answer is no,” he said.

In the House of Commons, Raitt said the government is concerned about this, given it’s the busy travel time.

Raitt, who has not indicated her next step, encouraged the parties “to step back from the breach, to go back to the table and to, indeed, find their way around a work stoppage and restore confidence to the travelling public.”

At Pearson airport, many travellers heading off on March break vacations on Wednesday were doing so not knowing that the strike date of 12:01 a.m. Monday was set.

Roma Huculak and Victor Korotky of Etobicoke were heading to Florida with their daughters Katrina, 10, and Mia, 5.

“At least we’re getting there. So if we have to stay for an extra few days, that’s okay,” Huculak said.

Katrina is scheduled to perform Ukrainian folk dancing at Disney’s Magic Kingdom as part of Arkan Dance Company next week.

Katherine More was dropping off her daughter Glenys Robinson, 17, who is heading off on a 10-day school trip to Italy with about two dozen Richmond Hill classmates.

“I’m hoping she doesn’t get stranded there,” More said. “The trip is booked. What can you do?”

The union says it is highly unlikely that the airline could operate without its members, who do everything from moving cargo and luggage to signing off that an aircraft is airworthy.

The last strike by machinists’ union was in 1987, which grounded the airline, and lasted 20 days.

Air Canada’s chief operating officer Duncan Dee said in a statement that the notice of strike action during the peak March Break travel period will cause uncertainty for thousands of customers.

“The lines of communication remain open and we are hopeful that there remains sufficient time to avoid a work disruption,” Dee said.

The strike date came after a tentative four-year deal was rejected last month by nearly two-thirds of the membership. They then gave their union a 78 per cent strike mandate.

Ritchie said his members who were hoping to make gains after making concessions including letting Air Canada waive certain pension payments.

“They are absolutely disgusted that this corporation will not recognize that they have given to the point they are no prepared to give any more,” he said, noting top executives have earned huge bonuses.

The airline’s 3,000 pilots are also in a legal strike position, though they have said they do not want a strike. The two sides in that contract dispute held talks on Wednesday.

After question period in Ottawa, NDP MP Yvon Godin, who is labour critic, said Raitt should facilitate negotiations.

“She should not get mixed in free bargaining and legislate people back to work. That’s the freedom of people to be in the union, freedom of organization and freedom of negotiating a collective agreement,” said Godin.

“The problem is if the government gets involved, every time there’s a dispute, that will make the worst strikes in our country that we ever see,” he said. “Business will say ‘we don’t have to negotiate a contract, we don’t have to negotiate, the government is going to do it for us.’

Liberal human resources critic Rodger Cuzner said urging parties to get back to the table is probably what any government would do.

“The trouble is what’s taken place prior to this particular labour agreement and the fact that the government has brought forward legislation, back to work legislation on two occasions prior, so you know, it sort of melts that iceberg that the union stands on,” he said, adding the union knows she’ll be willing to come back with it again.

[Equario]

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Air-C...-ER/2082231/L/

[YU-AMC]

http://www.airliners.net/aviation-fo....main/5422569/

[YU-AMC]

Looks like I got lucky to board their newly refurbished A330. (If that is it)

[deasine]

That looks nothing like their bright and airy rendering!

[hkskyline]

A330 has a 3-3-X configuration?

[YU-AMC]

Originally Posted by deasine

That looks nothing like their bright and airy rendering!

Yeah I just saw the video again, and it's not what I was expecting.

[Ulisesrguez]

[QUOTE=YU-AMC;90539117]Looks like I got lucky to board their newly refurbished A330. (If that is it)



Those are Ex-Mexicana's birds that's why they have high density configuration and PTV's

[hkskyline]

Bombardier’s Q400 faces dogfight for WestJet fleet order
BRENT JANG
Globe and Mail
Published Wednesday, Apr. 18, 2012 7:22PM EDT
Last updated Wednesday, Apr. 18, 2012 7:26PM EDT
Excerpt

WestJet Airlines Ltd. (WJA-T14.530.352.47%) is facing a tough decision for its new regional fleet – fast planes made in Canada, or fuel-sipping foreign models.

The Calgary-based carrier is expected to pay as much as $1-billion on 40 new turboprop aircraft for planned short-haul flights. Bombardier Inc.’s Q400 has long been seen as the leading contender. But now a European rival is jockeying to win the order, claiming its plane is superior.

The Q400 burns up to 47-per-cent more jet fuel on shorter routes than the French-Italian ATR 72, the European manufacturer argues, highlighting that the foreign-built turboprop will provide substantial reductions on soaring fuel bills amid stubbornly high oil prices.

Montreal-based Bombardier’s emphasis on its Canadian content, including parts from the West and Quebec, is designed to sway WestJet. By contrast, European aerospace giant EADS co-owns the ATR joint venture with Italy’s Alenia Aermacchi.

WestJet initially favoured the Q400, assembled at Bombardier’s Downsview plant in Toronto, but an aggressive campaign by the ATR 72 team has tightened the race to supply WestJet with the 40 planes at a lower purchase price, industry insiders say.

The airline asserts that it needs the regional arm to improve profit and increase the number of destinations served. In January, WestJet confirmed its plans to launch the new division in 2013 to battle Air Canada, hoping to lure passengers in smaller markets and also increase flight frequencies on some existing routes.

WestJet knows that the Q400 can attain faster speeds and has a longer range, but the company has to weigh that against the fuel-efficient mileage achieved by the foreign plane, said one aviation consultant, who noted that the ATR 72 could potentially add 13 extra minutes to a trip from Toronto to Montreal that takes 70 minutes on the Q400.

****************************************

Bombardier spokeswoman Marianella de la Barrera said the Q400 seats more passengers than the competing plane, so that has to be factored into any analysis. WestJet is considering configurations that would place 68 seats in the ATR 72 and perhaps 76 seats in the Q400.

****************************************

Addison Schonland, a partner at aerospace consulting firm AirInsight, said the Q400 has 4.6 cents in fuel costs per available seat mile, compared with the ATR 72’s 6.3 cents. He also pointed out that the Q400’s maximum cruising speed of 667 kilometres an hour outpaces its rival’s 510 km an hour.

****************************************

Expansion-minded WestJet is steadily growing in commercial and charter markets. On Wednesday, WestJet said it signed a deal to fly charter flights for Thomas Cook Canada Inc., just days after the leisure travel firm discontinued its contract with Jazz Aviation LP.

WestJet said the new pact will allow the carrier to provide extra seat capacity for passengers who book on Thomas Cook’s Sunquest Vacations unit next winter. “As an expansion to its successful two-year, Canada-wide partnership with Thomas Cook, WestJet will be the only airline providing capacity for Thomas Cook’s tour operator arm in the Canadian market,” the airline said.

****************************************