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#1 ·
World Vision Canada and Air Canada team up to aid tsunami victims


1/4/05
TORONTO, Jan 04, 2005 (The Canadian Press via COMTEX) --

The first relief agency flights from Canada to tsunami-stricken Indonesia are expected to take off from Toronto this week.

The first of the two Air Canada cargo flights will leave Toronto's Pearson International Airport on Tuesday, ferrying aid workers and more than 40,000 kilograms of desperately needed supplies.

A second plane will carry more than 85,000 kilograms of relief supplies to Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, on Wednesday, said Air Canada spokeswoman Laura Cooke.

The relief material, supplied by the World Vision Canada, is headed for Indonesia's hard-hit Aceh region.

"Things like dried food, water purification tablets, clothing, blankets, tarps, tents, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, which might sound funny, but soap and that sort of thing are very important now because of the risk of disease," said Judy Burrell, a spokeswoman for World Vision Canada of the supplies.

"Some of it was on hand - we do store things in bulk ahead of time just in case - some if it did come from storage facilities, but the rest of it was donated by companies."

As of Tuesday, World Vision Canada had raised $8 million for the tsunami relief effort - part of the millions donated to charitable organizations by Canadians. The federal government has said it will match donations by individual Canadians up to Jan. 11.

Large charitable organizations say they prefer cash and not donations of food or clothing. They buy the items they need in bulk overseas, which reduces sorting, storage and shipping costs.

But Air Canada made an offer of two flights to World Vision Canada that the charity couldn't refuse.

"It was really terrific. We would rather people give us cash because you save a lot of money if you buy things there and in bulk. Transportation is a huge cost, but with Air Canada making this donation to us, we took advantage of it," said Burrell.

Air Canada made the offer after being approached by employees who were anxious to help in relief efforts following the Boxing Day natural disaster.

Cooke said the employees involved are helping out on their own time and will not be paid for the efforts, although she added the airline will cover their expenses.

Cooke could not say how many employees had volunteered.

"We had a significant number of employees come forward wanting to volunteer to be part of the mission. Whether that was as simple as working at the airport getting the relief mission organized, working on the ramp, or with the cargo, right down to the crews that will operate the flight," said Cooke.

She also said of our pilots taking the controls for a leg of one of the flights is a retiring captain who wants to make his last flight part of this relief flight.

The online source for news sports entertainment finance and business news in Canada


Copyright (C) 2005 The Canadian Press (CP), All rights reserved


 
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#430 ·
Jazz Announces Temporary Suspension Of Toronto City Centre Airport Services
15 February 2006

HALIFAX, N.S. (Dow Jones)--Jazz Air LP has advised Air Canada that it will temporarily suspend service to and from Toronto's City Centre Airport during March.

Jazz, a regional airline, cited "continuing uncertainty created by its eviction from the Toronto City Centre Airport, and the unwillingness of the Toronto Port Authority to assist in securing an alternate facility."

In a news release, Jazz said it operates five weekday round trips to Ottawa from that airport. It noted that the suspension leaves the small Toronto airport without commercial air service.

Jazz and Air Canada are part of ACE Aviation Holdings Inc. (ACE.B.T). Air Canada is Canada's largest air carrier.

As of Feb. 1, Jazz operated scheduled passenger service on behalf of Air Canada with about 738 departures per weekday to 56 destinations in Canada and 22 destinations in the U.S.
 
#431 ·
Canada probes international air cargo services

MONTREAL, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Air Canada parent ACE Aviation Holdings Inc. said on Wednesday that Canada's antitrust agency is investigating carriers that provide international air cargo services in a widening of the global investigation of suspected price-fixing.

"We did receive yesterday a letter from the Competition Bureau of Canada stating that it has begun an investigation into the activities of carriers that are engaged in the provision of international air cargo services to and from Canada," Isabelle Arthur, spokeswoman for ACE Aviation, told Reuters.

"We will co-operate fully with the Competition Bureau. It is our policy to conduct our business in accordance with all applicable competition laws," she added.

Arthur could not offer further details on the nature of the probe. Air Canada is the country's top airline.

Competition Bureau spokesman Donald Plouffe confirmed his agency had sent a letter to the company on Tuesday but declined to say which, if any, other Canadian firms may be involved in the probe.

The agency is cooperating with its European and U.S. counterparts, but each investigation is being run separately, Plouffe added.

The investigation of airlines suspected of fixing prices widened to Asia on Wednesday as authorities searched the offices of some of the world's biggest carriers from Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong. The European Union's executive arm and the U.S. Justice Department raided a number of airlines on both sides of the Atlantic a day earlier.

The probe centers on surcharges that airlines have imposed for fuel, added security and higher war risk insurance since the Sept. 11, 2001, hijackings in the United States, according to some of the carriers being questioned.

ACE Aviation's restricted voting shares rose 83 Canadian cents to C$34.73 on the Toronto Stock Exchange on Wednesday.

(Additional reporting by Gilbert Le Gras in Ottawa)
 
#433 ·
chiccoplease said:
Everytime they show an A380 in production on TV it's parts are green or yellow. Does this mean the metallic body is first painted those colors and then gets the respective airline livery? I don't understand that.
The green coating is a protective layer (I think it has something to do with delaying corrosion), and the livery is applied on top.
 
#434 ·
:weirdo: One of these days they are going to make you Throw up- before boarding to weight less and save money...........................
 
#436 ·
it looks nice without the paint anyway:)
 
#437 ·
Air Canada gets licence for cargo
17 February 2006
The Globe and Mail

Air Canada has obtained a domestic licence to operate an all-cargo service using Canadian aircraft and crew, but only after the Canadian Transportation Agency chastised the airline for concealing information about improperly hiring U.S. planes and staff to do the job.

“It is the manner in which this contravention was dealt with by Air Canada that is inexcusable and reprehensible,” the agency ruled.

Air Canada had sworn in an affidavit last May that it hadn't leased American cargo planes, but it hired Virginia-based Gemini Air Cargo in November, 2004, for a major shipment from Toronto to Vancouver. The affidavit accompanied the Montreal-based airline's application for a domestic cargo licence.

Air Canada used Gemini on eight other occasions, but the agency accepted the airline's explanation that those small shipments were inadvertently transferred to Gemini.

Cargojet Income Fund, Canada's main domestic cargo carrier, had complained that Air Canada wasn't abiding by the rules to use Canadian aircraft and crew.

Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick said that the airline regrets its failure to keep the agency informed. “There was a breakdown in internal communications on the Nov. 26, 2004, all-cargo flight.”

He said no decision has been made on what domestic cargo services Air Canada will introduce.

Cargojet president Ajay Virmani played down the prospect of vigorous domestic cargo competition, saying Mississauga-based Cargojet operates a strong network and has numerous long-term contracts to move goods within Canada.
 
#438 ·
Oil boom spurs flight from Fort McMurray to St. John's: New Air Canada route
Jon Harding
18 February 2006
National Post

CALGARY - Air Canada is cashing in on the large concentration of Newfoundlanders living in Fort McMurray, Alta., and the booming activity in the oilsands industry in the region.

The Montreal-based carrier said yesterday it will begin offering the first non-stop flights between Fort McMurray and Toronto on April 8. The flight will continue non-stop to St. John's.

"It sounds pretty wonderful," said Goldie Canning, a cook at the McMurray Newfoundlanders Club who followed her daughter west four years ago. "I went home last summer and flew from here to Edmonton, then to Toronto, then to Halifax and then to St. John's. It took two days."

There are about 11,000 Newfoundlanders in Fort McMurray -- about 18% of the city's population and the largest concentration of Newfoundlanders outside of that province.

Air Canada spokesman Angela Mah said the pull of the oilsands, where some $100-billion worth of investment is due to take place by 2020, coincides with the arrival of Air Canada's 93-seat Embraer 190 jets, smaller planes that can make long hauls and serve smaller markets.
 
#439 ·
INTERVIEW-Air Canada parent sees stronger 2006 result
By Bradley Perrett

Feb 20 (Reuters) - Air Canada parent ACE Aviation will improve on its 2005 profit this year, its chief executive said, citing the airline's new business model and excellent industry conditions marred only by fuel prices.

Chief Executive Robert Milton said on Monday he was satisfied with the result for 2005 announced on Feb. 10, a net profit of C$258 million ($224 million).

Asked whether ACE Aviation Holdings Inc. would improve on that this year, he told Reuters: "It is absolutely my intention. It is expected of us and I expect it as well."

He declined to give a specific forecast.

"The economy is strong and traffic levels are extremely buoyant," he said on the sidelines of a conference in Singapore. "Fuel is the only negative."

The reorganised company emerged at the end of September 2004 from 18 months of bankruptcy protection and has reshaped itself with much lower costs to compete with cheap, no-frills airlines.

One example of cost-cutting is greater use of Internet sales, which save on fees paid to travel agents.

"Today we distribute about 60 percent of our domestic sales by the Internet," Milton told the conference, organised by the International Air Transport Association.

Traditional airlines globally are suffering tough competition from no-frills airlines that enjoy low costs thanks to simple services and the advantages of starting from a clean sheet of paper.

Milton said Air Canada was fighting that competition by combining its own newly lowered costs with the higher level of service offered by a traditional airline.

The strategy was based on offering economy seats at exactly the same price as its competitors, giving them no advantage, he said.

But to draw more passengers and earn more revenue, Air Canada let customers add on extras that its competitors did not offer, choosing from a menu of benefits such as business class check-in, frequent flyer points or valet parking.

"Our ultimate goal is not to become a low-cost carrier but a full-service carrier that competes with low-cost carriers," Milton said.

Air Canada's competitors include WestJet Airlines Ltd.

High fuel prices have hit aviation harder than most industries. Fuel accounts for about a quarter of airline costs. (C$1.1493 = $1)
 
#440 ·
Jazz loses court bid to stay at island airport
Staff and Canadian Press
28 February 2006
The Toronto Star

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has refused a last-minute injunction to let Air Canada Jazz continue flying from Toronto's downtown island airport while it seeks an alternative home.

Jazz, controlled by the same parent company that owns Air Canada, asked for the injunction after it received an eviction notice from City Centre Aviation Ltd., which operates the airport on behalf of the Toronto Port Authority.

City Centre Aviation is controlled by Robert Deluce, who is setting up a new airline that will operate from the airport in competition with Jazz.

Jazz will suspend all flights from Toronto City Centre Airport after today and fly to Ottawa from Pearson International Airport instead.

"We're certainly viewing this as a temporary suspension of service," Jazz spokeswoman Debra Williams said.

Porter Airlines, the new business being backed by Deluce, welcomed the court's decision and said a rejuvenation of the airport's terminal will begin shortly.

Deluce, who founded Air Ontario - one of several regional airlines that were acquired by what is now Jazz Air - has been trying for years to launch a new airline based at the island airport, despite opposition from Toronto City Council.

Porter Airlines is planning to begin scheduled service in late summer to short-haul destinations in Canada and the U.S.
 
#441 ·
Air Canada launches non-stop Embraer E190 service between Edmonton and Montreal

EDMONTON, March 2 /CNW Telbec/ - A new Air Canada Embraer E190 jet took to the skies today from Edmonton non-stop to Montreal, launching daily, year-round service between the two cities.

"We know our customers appreciate the choice and convenience of non-stop flights year round," said Marc Rosenberg, Vice President, Sales and Product Distribution. "The addition of new, state-of-the-art aircraft to Air Canada's fleet allows us to deploy the right aircraft to meet travel demand, while offering more frequencies and superior comfort for our customers in Edmonton."

The new Embraer jets are outfitted with Air Canada's new personal entertainment system that is being introduced fleet-wide, and features 8.9-inch wide digital in-seat monitors with touch-screen controls offering
audio and video on demand programming at every seat. Other amenities include Air Canada's new seating and cabin design with in-seat power within reach of every customer, no middle seats, spacious overhead bins and cabin interiors that offer plenty of head room with extra-wide aisles.

The 93-seat E190 aircraft is configured to provide a choice of two
classes of service with 9 window or aisle seats in Executive Class offering
39 inches of legroom, and 84 window or aisle seats in Hospitality service
offering 33 inches of legroom. The E190 has a cruising speed of 830 km/h and a range of up to 4,260 km with a maximum payload of 12,720 kg. Air Canada has firm orders for 45 E190 aircraft with additional options for up to 60 additional E190 aircraft.

"The introduction of the new Embraer jets is a clear demonstration of Air Canada's commitment to serving the growing air travel needs of our region," says Reg Milley, Edmonton Airports President and CEO. "We're pleased that the Edmonton-Montreal route is one of the first in Western Canada to receive the new E190 and the state-of-the-art comfort and entertainment it provides."

The renewal of Air Canada's North American fleet enables more non-stop flights and enhanced services for Edmontonians:

Edmonton-Los Angeles: daily non-stop flights starting May 1 with 75-seat
Bombardier 705 jet offering a choice of Executive Class or Hospitality
service.

Edmonton-Ottawa: one additional flight for a total of two daily non-stop
flights with 93-seat Embraer E190 offering a choice of Executive Class or
Hospitality service.

Edmonton-Winnipeg: one additional flight for a total of three daily
non-stop flights with 50-seat Bombardier CRJ-200.

Edmonton-Fort McMurray: one additional flight for a total of five daily
non-stop flights.

Edmonton-Grande Prairie: one additional flight for a total of five daily
non-stop flights.

From Edmonton, Air Canada and Air Canada Jazz offer more than 370 scheduled flights each week to 11 destinations across Canada and the U.S.
 
#442 ·
WestJet's February Load Factor Increases to 80.8%

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(CCNMatthews - March 7, 2006) - WestJet (TSX:WJA) announced its traffic statistics for February 2006 today, featuring a 22% increase in revenue passenger miles (RPMs) to 727.3 million, up from 597.8 million in February 2005. Year to date, RPMs increased 21% to 1.469 billion from 1.212 billion in the same period in 2005.

Available seat miles (ASMs) grew 10% to 899.9 million in February 2006, up from 820.5 million in February 2005. Year to date, ASMs have increased 11% to 1.882 billion, up from 1.701 billion in the same two-month period in 2005.

WestJet's load factor for February 2006 was 80.8% compared with 72.9% in February 2005, featuring a 7.9% percentage-point increase. During the first two months of 2006, the company's load factor increased 6.8 percentage points to 78.0% compared with 71.2% during the same period in 2005.

"We are extremely pleased with our operating results for February, producing a year-over-year 22% increase in RPMs and an important increase in load factor." said Clive Beddoe, WestJet's President and CEO. "These numbers point to us producing stronger first quarter results than last year as we continue to see improvements in both load factors and yield."

"Today's announcement indicates that our marketing and operating strategies are working very well."

Marking its tenth anniversary this year, WestJet is Canada's leading low-fare airline offering scheduled service throughout its 33-city North American network. Named Canada's most respected corporation for customer service in 2005, WestJet pioneered low-cost high-value flying in Canada. With increased legroom and leather seats on its modern fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, and live seatback television provided by Bell ExpressVu on the majority of its fleet, WestJet strives to be the number one choice for travellers.
 
#450 ·
Air Canada launches 'Oil Express Pass' to/from Fort McMurray, offers oil patch workers convenience of new multi-trip flight pass

FORT MCMURRAY, AB and ST. JOHN'S, NL, March 8 /CNW Telbec/ - Less than three weeks after Air Canada announced 'Newfoundland Express' direct flights between Fort McMurray, Alberta and St. John's Newfoundland & Labrador beginning April 8th, the carrier today introduced a multi-trip Flight Pass specially tailored to meet the travel needs of oil patch workers in northern Alberta. By offering pre-purchased flight credits conveniently online, Air Canada's 'Oil Express Pass' simplifies planning travel for work and leisure between Fort McMurray and Atlantic Canada, select destinations in Eastern Canada and the southwestern United States.

Air Canada's 'Oil Express Pass' provides pass holders with six pre-purchased one-way trips, including connecting flights, to/from Fort McMurray and all points served by Air Canada and Air Canada Jazz in Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, as well as Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Travel must commence or finish in Fort McMurray.

"Air Canada's 'Oil Express Pass' is designed to provide oil patch workers in northern Alberta, their friends and family with the peace of mind to travel for work or leisure whenever they want," said Sean Menke, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. "This newest addition to our growing range of multi-trip Flight Passes offers great value for the simplicity and convenience it provides to plan travel between Fort McMurray and some of the most popular destinations in Eastern Canada and the U.S. Southwest. We look forward to introducing more multi-trip Flight Passes tailored to suit the
individual needs of our customers."

Flight Pass holders receive one Aeroplan Mile for every $3 spent, plus mileage accumulation. The 'Oil Express Pass' is now available for purchase for $2,334 including airport fees and charges, excluding GST and QST if applicable. The pass is valid for a one year period offering the booking conditions of Air Canada's everyday low Tango fare product, plus complimentary seat selection when done online.

Air Canada's multi-trip Flight Passes are available exclusively online at aircanada.com and through travel agents, for residents of Canada. Convenient online access through the customer's personalized Flight Pass at aircanada.com provides an easy and quick way to book travel and make changes. To purchase a pass, customers or their travel agent simply visit aircanada.com, click on 'Flight Pass' on the home page, and enter their Aeroplan membership number and personal identification number. Complete details on booking conditions are available at aircanada.com.

Air Canada's new 'Oil Express Pass' joins the carrier's growing range of 'North America Passes' featuring its popular 'Rapidair Pass,' valid on the carrier's frequent shuttle services between Toronto-Montreal and Toronto-Ottawa, its multi-user 'Small Business Pass' for companies and its leisure flight passes for sun seekers including 'Sun Pass East,' 'Sun Pass West' and 'Hawaii Pass' - now all offered on a permanent, year-round basis.

Air Canada has led the industry in launching multi-trip air passes that provide customers with the convenience to self manage frequent air travel using pre-purchased flight credits in a personalized online Flight Pass. In addition, Air Canada is the first network carrier in North America to have introduced everyday low, simplified online fares across its Canada and U.S. route network. It further simplified its value-driven fare products by eliminating Saturday stay and return fare requirements.

Air Canada and Air Canada Jazz operate more non-stop flights within Canada and to the United States than any other airline. Within Canada, the carriers operate more than 955 non-stop flights per day on 135 routes to and from 59 Canadian airports. Between Canada and the United States, the carriers operate more than 385 non-stop flights per day on 85 routes to and from 51 U.S. and 7 Canadian destinations. In 2005, an independent survey of more than 12 million international air travellers ranked Air Canada as the Best Airline in North America.
 
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