[240glt]

Tony ? Out to lunch ? I don't believe it.


/sarcasm

[rapid_business]

If by 'citizens' he means 'taxpayers' then he is out to lunch. Taxpayers are not contributing anything to the airport. Revenue is generated solely by those who use the airport (airlines and passengers).

The fear they were promoting on CBC this morning was that the burden would fall on passengers as an expensive airport improvement fee.

[240glt]

^ Didn't EIA already state that the AIF would be maintained as is ?

[IKAN104]

I'm pretty sure they recently admitted that they can no longer keep the fee low and are increasing it.

[rapid_business]

CBC Radio had a story on the EIA expansion. The point was that because officials and board members are not elected, they are not accountable to the regions citizens - or to those who use the airport. Our friend Tony Caterina was interviewed and was saying that airport authorities, including Edmonton's are spending money unnecessarily at the expense of the citizens. CBC asked for "the listeners" opinion.
The question was "what do you think of the EIA expanding?"
to answer... http://www.cbc.ca/edmontonam/contact.html#


My Comments:

"What do I think of EIA expanding?"

If the airport is experiencing the strains of rapid and unprecedented growth, there is no reason why they shouldn't expand to meet capacity and future demand. Despite airlines and other airports around the world feeling the effects of the economic crunch, Edmonton International's market and usage continued to grow. Not only was Edmonton the fastest growing airport in Canada in 2008, It also was the only Canadian airport to report growth every month over the year before.
(Found here: http://www.anna.aero/2009/02/13/edmonton-achieves-growth-in-every-month-of-2008/)

As a regular user of the International airport, and as a citizen who takes pride in our main gateway to the world, I welcome the expansion and growth of its facility to meet the growing demands of its expanding clientele.

As per the concerns of Con. Tony Caterina, please call his inflated and unfounded concern of the expansion process at the International for what they are; Nothing more then leverage and a bait and switch tactic in his fight to keep the City Centre airport open.

[Jasper and one o nin]

:tup: :previous:

[EdmTrekker]

I am soooo sick of that Tony guy. He will be sorry in the debates for the during election - I will be front and centre and rip into him big time!! He is a whining sniveling little sht. Lets gather all his erroneous comments, lies and save them so we can flood the forums and debates with his sht lies and expose him.

[mode]

Changing the subject (sorry!), while checking the vacation charter flights, I noticed that the various Transat or Nolitours flights during the summer (which used to be Westjet), now seem to change daily from Canjet to Air Transat. Today I noticed a flight to the Dominican Republic as this:

30th May Edmonton to Punta Cana JAA Flight 640
6th June Punta Cana to Edmonton JAA Flight 641

Who is JAA?

[Jasper and one o nin]

enerjet

[EdmTrekker]

spotted this news release...from a Stockholm company

"Across the border in Alberta, Canada, Cavotec is to deliver a range of fuel systems to Edmonton International Airport. The equipment will be used for Alberta’s Terminal Express and South Apron Expansion programmes."

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090528005562&newsLang=en


I am not familiar what this technology does. Perhaps someone can put it in simple terms.

[Coldrsx]

Group launches pro-Muni campaign with poll


BY GORDON KENT, EDMONTONJOURNAL.COMJUNE 1, 2009 12:02 PMBE THE FIRST TO POST A COMMENT


STORYPHOTOS ( 1 )



Children watch an airplane get ready to depart form the City Center airport from the Shell Aerocentre.
Photograph by: Candace Elliott, Edmonton Journal
EDMONTON - The Kingsway Business Association released a poll Monday indicating 74 per cent of respondents disagree with shutting down the City Centre Airport and turning it into housing.

The poll, part of the association's new "Fight for Flight" campaign to keep the facility open, also shows 75 per cent of the Edmonton residents questioned say they'd vote today to continue operating it as a general aviation airport, chairwoman Mary Anne Stanway told a news conference.

"It's a vital part of the community -- it should not be squandered, and talk about redeveloping it doesn't make sense."

The telephone poll of 415 people across Edmonton was conducted in late March and early April. Given that sample size, it is considered accurate within 4.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

On the question "Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree or strongly disagree that the City Centre Airport should be closed completely and turned into housing?" 19.5 per cent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed, while 74 per cent disagreed or strongly disagreed.

Another 6.5 per cent didn't know.

The last question asked "If you had an opportunity today, how would you likely vote on the airport issue?" In answer, 19.3 per cent of respondents chose "Close the airport completely and convert the land to residential uses," 74.9 per cent picked "Keep the airport operating as a general aviation airport" and 5.8 per cent didn't know.

Two reports last year indicated the city could earn almost $500 million over 15 to 20 years by ending aviation on the 217-hectare property and turning it into a community for 32,000 people featuring LRT service, commercial and office space, and expansion room for NAIT.

The airport needs about $35 million worth of upgrades by 2017 if it stays in operation, the reports said.

More information about costs, development opportunities and other details about a potential closure are due June 19, with three days of public hearings set for the end of the month.

City council is scheduled to make a final decision on the issue in July.

gkent@thejournal.canwest.com

© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Life/Group+launches+Muni+campaign/1651529/story.html

[y2k_pony]

^ close the damn thing and be done with it.

[rapid_business]

The public is by and large unaware of the how the CCA can and does opporate, and have been bombarded by unfounded fears of medivac patients, loss of connection with northern communities, etc.

The whole fight is rediculous. Would the business owners not be happier with a flood of new residents and increased land-values instead of a dead hobby airport?

[RTA]

^ One would think so, but adapting to change is apparently more difficult than fighting tooth-and-nail for the status quo.

If these groups manage to convince city council to keep the airport open...

[Jasper and one o nin]

put anyone on the spot with a question that they are uninformed and uneducated about and see how they will answer.
That is why we have Council to make these decisions for the greater good of the community..

[S_B_Russell]

Somebody talking sense at the Sun? I must be high:

Edmonton doesn't need two airports
By ANDREW HANON
Last Updated: 2nd June 2009, 2:21am

Mayor Stephen Mandel is right when he says defenders of City Centre Airport need to "let go of the past and move forward."

There's no question that Blatchford Field is a proud part of Edmonton's history. The ghosts of aviation legends Wop May and Wiley Post still walk the grounds. It played a major role in the Second World War as a major stopover point on the Northwest Staging Route.

To let this rich past fade from memory would be a tragedy.

That's why we have museums and archives. But to continue the municipal airport's stranglehold on the city's development out of nostalgia is wrong-headed.

Edmonton is a rapidly growing metropolis, one of the most dynamic and energetic cities in Canada. The oilsands make it one of Canada's most important economic hubs.

But it's also one of the most sprawling, ungainly and inefficient major urban centres in North America.

Development continues to sprawl outward, driving up the costs of building and maintaining the road network, straining emergency services and making us all spend far too much time in traffic.

Meanwhile, 217 hectares of prime real estate near the centre of the city, worth an estimated $500 million, sits underutilized. For the most part, only a handful of small carriers who take passengers north continue to use the municipal airport.

It even hinders development of the downtown because building heights are restricted by flight paths.

Defenders say the international airport, 26 km south of the downtown core, is too far away, especially for people who fly into Edmonton from northern communities. But when it's complete in the next few years, Anthony Henday Drive will make it easier for out-of-towners and locals alike to go around Edmonton and get to the International.

While the number of passengers and amount of airplane traffic remains stagnant at the muni, the International continues to grow at a phenomenal rate. Passenger traffic each year has increased from just under 4 million to nearly 6.5 million in less than a decade.

As city council mulls the future of the municipal airport, let's hope logic and common sense prevail.

ANDREW.HANON@SUNMEDIA.CA

http://www.edmontonsun.com/comment/editorial/2009/06/02/9646661-sun.html

[EdmTrekker]

2 posts on Airliners appears to indicate AC as cancelled the MBJ flight from YEG.

http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/general_aviation/read.main/4422225/?threadid=4422225&searchid=4429090&s=YEG#ID4429090

Quoting JM079 (Reply 79):
Air Canada has updated there winter schedule and will provide flights to MBJ from the following cities.

YYZ - MBJ (daily)
YYC - MBJ (mon)
YVR - MBJ (fri)
YWG- MBJ (sat)
YUL- MBJ (sat/sun)
YOW - MBJ (sat)

[0773|=\]

^^

Well said, Andrew!

Perhaps a piece of this land can somehow be developed in a way to honor the historical significance of Blatchford Field. Just not the whole bloody thing!

[tuffyy]

2 posts on Airliners appears to indicate AC as cancelled the MBJ flight from YEG.

http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/general_aviation/read.main/4422225/?threadid=4422225&searchid=4429090&s=YEG#ID4429090

Quoting JM079 (Reply 79):
Air Canada has updated there winter schedule and will provide flights to MBJ from the following cities.

YYZ - MBJ (daily)
YYC - MBJ (mon)
YVR - MBJ (fri)
YWG- MBJ (sat)
YUL- MBJ (sat/sun)
YOW - MBJ (sat)

Transat will continue the YEG-MBJ route for winter 09/10, so no worries...

[hilman]

Transat will continue the YEG-MBJ route for winter 09/10, so no worries...

The Transat flight is a better flight as the AC flight was on a Thursday. I took the Transat flight in March and it is YEG-YYC-MBJ (1 hour layover) and MBJ-YEG-YYC on the way home using an Airbus A330-300 (seating capacity of 342). This flight leaves around 21:30 on a Friday and returns on the following Sunday afternoon around 14:30. Both flights were packed when we went and definitely recommend going to Jamaica if you like the sun and sand.

[Coldrsx]

^i highly recommend ocho rios and specifically the riu ocho rios.

[Hooter]

Glad you guys like Jamaica, Mon....

Personally, Jamaica is probably my least favorite of the Caribbean islands. I found that once you get away from the resort, things can get kind of scary safety wise. Although that is typical in most places in the Caribbean.

If you want a calm ocean and a relaxing holiday (not too touristy) try Aruba....beautiful. I know it's a common destination but really, if you like the party seen, you can't beat Cancun..IMO.

Cheers.......from the cheap seats in Ontario...Hooter

ps..back on track...Love the fact that the EAA is going great guns ahead with the CYEG expansion, now lets hope this city council will finally close CYXD and move on to a bigger and better future at CYEG. Should have been done 25+ years ago. It is long overdue to get back service at CYEG that we handed to CYYC on a silver platter decades ago, because of the Muni. :tup:

[EdmTrekker]

The Transat flight is a better flight as the AC flight was on a Thursday. I took the Transat flight in March and it is YEG-YYC-MBJ (1 hour layover) and MBJ-YEG-YYC on the way home using an Airbus A330-300 (seating capacity of 342). This flight leaves around 21:30 on a Friday and returns on the following Sunday afternoon around 14:30. Both flights were packed when we went and definitely recommend going to Jamaica if you like the sun and sand.

Since when is stopping in YYC ever a better flight? It is inconvenient one way or the other. What IS relevant is that we lost the non-stop (both ways) from AC.

That folks in YYC share 1/2 the pain is irrelevant - as they still have their AC non-stop as does...Winterpeg.

[hilman]

^Better flight as in it leaves Friday night and returns Sunday, ergo you can take a week off work and go. The AC flight leaves Thursday and returns Thursday which doesn't work well with most peoples schedule.

[tuffyy]

Since when is stopping in YYC ever a better flight? It is inconvenient one way or the other. What IS relevant is that we lost the non-stop (both ways) from AC.

That folks in YYC share 1/2 the pain is irrelevant - as they still have their AC non-stop as does...Winterpeg.


Yes, but your numbers still show as Edmonton numbers.And the stop the one way is fairly painless...Who knows maybe transat holidays will see AC wont be flying the route and make it nonstop thru and thru...

Anyway hows everyone doing? Weather getting better?

It's been too humid here at the moment.And very quiet even though the travel advisorys have been lifted...No one I know got sick down here thankfully...

[LO 044]

LOT Polish Airlines announces launch of LOT Charters

27.05.2009

LOT Polish Airlines is to launch charter operations under the name of LOT Charters. It is expected that by the end of 2009 LOT Charters’ dedicated fleet will have carried 400,000 passengers on short- and long-haul flights. The announcement of the launch of LOT Charters has been positively received by tour operators.

The first aircraft in LOT Charters livery will take off on 1st June 2009. LOT Polish Airlines expects 400,000 passengers on chartered long- and short-haul flights this year, which would allow the company to reach a 25 per cent market share and establish a leading position among charter carriers operating on the Polish market.
“Over the past 10 years the market of charter flights in Poland has been showing a steady growth rate of 9 - 11 per cent. Despite the industry crisis we expect this trend to continue albeit at a slightly slower rate,” says Andrzej Kobielski, Director of Charter Operations at LOT Polish Airlines. “However, this will allow us to achieve our goals.”
Most LOT Charters flights will be operated using six Boeing 737-400 aircraft. For the first time LOT charter flights will also be flown by a Boeing 767 which will allow direct long-haul operations. The possibility of taking passengers, especially in winter season, to distant and exotic destinations, e.g. Thailand, Mexico or the Caribbean, makes the service offered by LOT Charters particularly attractive.
“The launch of LOT Charters has been well received on the market,” adds Andrzej Kobielski. “For our business partners LOT Polish Airlines is a guarantor of stability.”
LOT Charters has already established partnerships with several major tour operators such as Neckermann, TUI, Rainbow Tours, Orbis Travel or Triada.

Perhaps EIA should jump on this. I'm sure the 767 would be available during summer time unless they specifically return the aircraft to LOT. Whether or not this will piss off AC and affect the YYZ-WAW route, i'm not sure. But why not try? The flight would be once weekly anyways i'm sure and these flights have always been full previously.

[Coldrsx]

Would be 'very nice' to see LOT back here.

[EdmTrekker]

Yes, but your numbers still show as Edmonton numbers.And the stop the one way is fairly painless...Who knows maybe transat holidays will see AC wont be flying the route and make it nonstop thru and thru...

Anyway hows everyone doing? Weather getting better?

It's been too humid here at the moment.And very quiet even though the travel advisorys have been lifted...No one I know got sick down here thankfully...

Tuffy.."es, but your numbers still show as Edmonton numbers.And the stop the one way is fairly painless.."

only 50% of numbers are Edmonton departures...and who says the stopover at YYC is painless...I would rather die than do that....I am a BIG user of YEG and will fly anywhere first rather than YYC for a connecting flight. I see GREAT pain in landing at YYC.

[Jasper and one o nin]

http://flyeia.com/flights/fight_for_your_flights

[Coldrsx]

I absolutely love this image.....

http://flyeia.com/images/1/1213.jpg

[240glt]

Good campaign. I'd like to see that in the journal and on the side of busses.

[Hardhatdan]

Good campaign. I'd like to see that in the journal and on the side of busses.
Great campaign. Some of the best marketing material I have seen for an Edmonton company.

[EdmTrekker]

THAT is great visualization - a great idea. I agree - buses, and newspaper.

[EdmTrekker]

Well..its not YEG. But it is ours...CZVL. A great increase in aircraft movements:

http://www40.statcan.gc.ca/l01/cst01/econ148-eng.htm

No need for City Centre - shut it down, sell part, turn th rest over to NAIT, extend 109th Stt and LRT and lets get on with it....

[CanadianCentaur]

I absolutely love this image.....

http://flyeia.com/images/1/1213.jpg

So do I. :D

[TheBronze-]

I was flying home from Bangkok yesterday via ICN and SFO.. and was surprised to see about 15 people on the SFO - YEG flight transferring to the Air Canada flight to LHR.. (the flight from SFO was delayed and connection was tight so they had to be rushed off the plane first hence how I know they were connecting to LHR)
Seemed weird to me that people in SFO get laid over in YEG to catch a flight to LHR.. is this common? Good to see nonetheless

[Jasper and one o nin]

Probably taking advantage of a seat sale, or not
either way, its good to hear

[EdmTrekker]

I am sitting at the new Chilis Bar having my second Heinekein after a great meal...surfing on my on macbook tethered to my iPhone...watching the planes come and go....life is sweet and YEG has arrived baby.

[ibz]

The Chilis is awesome. I was intersted to find out that it is in fact the only full service restaurant airside that actually has a full kitchen where the meals are cooked.

[Coldrsx]

I am sitting at the new Chilis Bar having my second Heinekein after a great meal...surfing on my on macbook tethered to my iPhone...watching the planes come and go....life is sweet and YEG has arrived baby.

...that it has... that it has!:tup:

[Coldrsx]

not a good month for YEG...


Edmonton International Airport
Passenger Statistics for May 2009

Highlights
¨ Overall 488,415 passengers
¨ Domestic 398,763passengers
¨ Transborder 73,841 passengers
¨ International 15,811 passengers
¨ Rolling 12 Month 6,355,031

Growth%
¨ Overall -8.5%
¨ Domestic -9.5%
¨ Transborder -3.7%
¨ International -4.1%

[Jasper and one o nin]

hmmm

[RTA]

We held out a lot longer than everyone else...

[CMD UW]

Yes we did. I think some of this can also be attributed to the Swine Flu outbreak in Mexico, which cancelled many flights.

[Jasper and one o nin]

I suspect we will have a strong summer.

[Jasper and one o nin]

I have to say, the local tour companies have to do a better job - or EAA need to do a better job of putting the message to the tour companies. My mom went on a eastern european tour. 50 people from Edmonton, all together and funnelled through YYC. I wrote the tour company a letter, because you would think it would be in their best interest to take advantage of the direct flight from YEG.
Why couldnt the EAA provide an incentive for tour groups?

[MalcolmTucker]

^ Depends. They can't really get on a charter that goes there that originated from Europe (at least in my limited understanding of aviation agreements). Sure, could go on the LHR flight, but it isn't nearly as good as FRA for transfers east (plus ease of transfers), and it isn't daily anymore (down to 4x a week is it not?)

[EdmTrekker]

I am YYZ, YOW and then to YUL.....seated next to me heading to YYZ from YEG is a guy going to Chicago and then to points south bitching about his wasted time getting his connecting flight to Chicago...so I asked him why he simply did not fly non-stop and he said he did not know he could and his agent booked him right on through with AC. When he said this I wanted to say dumb fxxk! but didn;t. I am sure my tooth got chopped when I was grinding my teeth!

Sounds like EAA/YEG needs to work with the travel agents (those that actually get a commission) to find how they can still get compensated using other airlines...and get some Oilers on there promo's YEG Non-Stop..."grow YEG and help build our future"...

[Coldrsx]

^similar to me running into a person i knew in LAX comign back from vegas. He was flying back to YEG through YYC because he did not "know" there was a direct.

booked through travel agent

[Airboy]

The other problem is services like Expedia; most don't show the direct routing. I have tried booking YEG to LHR and Expedia always seem to have me trough YYZ or YYC. Even AC webs site has a tendancy to route trhough those two.

That said I have a semi direct flight to YFB next week.

[Jasper and one o nin]

Thats because it generally sorts according to price and AC makes it cheaper to connect - believe it or not.

[Rocket252]

AC will do anything it can to route through its hubs - part of their economic plan.

EIA is fighting an uphill battle on this one.

[MalcolmTucker]

^ there are sound economic reasons to route through hubs for the airlines. You guys make it seem like it is malicious intent!

[Coldrsx]

^ there are sound economic reasons to route through hubs for the airlines. You guys make it seem like it is malicious intent!

black helicopters descend upon us...

[Jasper and one o nin]

How does it make more economic sense to pay less to take two airplanes vs. taking one airplane?

[m0nkyman]

Small airplanes running at full capacity from regional airplanes to hubs.
Large airplanes running at full capacity from hub to hub.

vs

Mid size planes never running at full capacity but flying directly.

There is some economic sense to be had given that binary choice.....

[Airboy]

My point earlier was that when you know there are direct flights, the various services do not reflect the options. You are required to contact a travel agent or the airline directly. I want a simple, easy to use way of finding the most economical routing(not nessacarily the cheapest).

If I have to pay 1-200$ more for a direct route so be it.

Case in point a flight to McMurray last week was cheaper if I went to YYC and YVR first.

And they don't show that the fastest route to YFB is through YZF ( Yellowknife) instead of YOW.

[dansk]

Wait until tour operators can get their hands on BA and KLM flights via WestJet. You think they'll use that funnell and hub? Count on it.

[tuffyy]

My point earlier was that when you know there are direct flights, the various services do not reflect the options. You are required to contact a travel agent or the airline directly. I want a simple, easy to use way of finding the most economical routing(not nessacarily the cheapest).

If I have to pay 1-200$ more for a direct route so be it.

Case in point a flight to McMurray last week was cheaper if I went to YYC and YVR first.

And they don't show that the fastest route to YFB is through YZF ( Yellowknife) instead of YOW.

WOW!!! YEG has more flights to YMM than YYC and they want you to fly south and then fly past YEG again on your way to YMM???

I am in the industry and see alot of things but sheesh give me a break...

[Airboy]

WOW!!! YEG has more flights to YMM than YYC and they want you to fly south and then fly past YEG again on your way to YMM???

I am in the industry and see alot of things but sheesh give me a break...

Hey it was an option. I'd drive before going through YYC. But the company pays me to fly.

[Jasper and one o nin]

Small airplanes running at full capacity from regional airplanes to hubs.
Large airplanes running at full capacity from hub to hub.

vs

Mid size planes never running at full capacity but flying directly.

There is some economic sense to be had given that binary choice.....
That begs the question, why would AC give YEG a direct flight to London if they are going to do everything they can to discourage passengers from using it?

[dansk]

Because Edmonton is a major Canadian centre that Air Canada knew they needed to enter the LHR before competition did.

Since they do not have partner that would serve the route they did.

[Jasper and one o nin]

i understand, it just really seems stupid. they give us a route, and then discourage people to use it.

[dansk]

How do you come to the conclusion they don't want people to fly that route? I can assure you they want that route to do well.

[tuffyy]

So it seems at least initially, guests in Calgary who want to go to Cancun will be making a connection in Edmonton. That's a welcome switch!

WestJet Comments on Canadian Gov't Designation for Mexico
Airline receives OK to fly to popular resort destinations

CALGARY, June 9 /CNW/ - WestJet (TSX:WJA) today commented on the federal
government's granting of designation for WestJet to provide increased
scheduled service to Mexico.
Sean Durfy, WestJet President and Chief Executive Officer, said these
designations are a continuing expression of the government's confidence in
WestJet to provide Canadians with high-value, low-cost travel.
"This announcement today is another step forward in our strategic plan,
which includes significant international expansion," he said. "Our ability to
deliver our exceptional guest experience to Mazatlan and San Jose del Cabo has
now resulted in further designations from the Transport Minister. We
appreciate the minister's confidence and look forward to providing service to
these new and exciting destinations in Mexico."
Included in this announcement are designations that apply immediately and
some that apply in December 2009. As WestJet's fleet continues to expand, the
airline remains well positioned to serve these destinations on a scheduled
basis.
Specific information regarding dates and fares will be available in the
coming weeks.

WestJet received the following designations effective immediately:
Vancouver-Mazatlan
Calgary-Puerto Vallarta
Edmonton-Cancun
Edmonton-Puerto Vallarta
Winnipeg-Mazatlan
Winnipeg-Puerto Vallarta
Halifax-Cancun

WestJet received the following designations effective December 2009:
Vancouver-Cancun
Vancouver-Puerto Vallarta
Calgary-Cancun
Winnipeg-Cancun
Toronto-Cancun
Toronto-Puerto Vallarta
Montreal-Cancun

Durfy said today's news is exciting for both WestJet and its guests. "Our
network connectivity into major Canadian cities, our comfortable,
Next-Generation 737s, the incredible packages that WestJet Vacations offers
and, of course, our fun and friendly service...they are all reasons why more
and more Canadians are choosing WestJet each and every day."

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's leading high-value low-cost airline offering
scheduled service throughout its 47-city North American and Caribbean network.
Named Canada's most admired corporate culture in 2005, 2006 and 2007, WestJet
pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom and
leather seats on its modern fleet of 75 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft,
and live seatback television provided by Bell ExpressVu. With future
deliveries for an additional 46 aircraft, bringing its fleet to 121 by 2013,
WestJet strives to be the number one choice for travellers.



For further information: WestJet, Gillian Bentley, Media Relations,
1-888-WJ 4 NEWS (1-888-954-6397), Email: gbentley@westjet.com, Website:
www.westjet.com
Index of Releases

Link here http://micro.newswire.ca/release.cgi?rkey=1606093950&view=87295-2&Start=0


Its now been set in stone...
WestJet will begin 3 times weekly nonstop service from Edmonton to Cancun on Dec 8/09.Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays utilizing a mix of 737-700's and a 737-800 on the Thursday flight.The flights will also continue into the spring/summer season of 2010 with those schedules to be announced later in 2009.The carrier had formerly been operating the route for Transat holidays and will now operate in its own right.

[Coldrsx]

oh hello

http://www.hsea.ca/downloads/7001.pdf

[ExcaliburKid]

That's one alluring rendering.

[RTA]

LookittheSHINEY

[0773|=\]

Hot. Now if only there was a direct DT<->YEG rail line running right underneath it...

[IKAN104]

oh hello

http://www.hsea.ca/downloads/7001.pdf

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HHHw6IpdgGg/SkOd5Gm69eI/AAAAAAAAArw/ENLWggIihGM/s800/YEG%20Tower%201.JPG http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HHHw6IpdgGg/SkOd5QeaPrI/AAAAAAAAAr0/vdWwKOlKYpk/s800/YEG%20Tower%202.JPG

[itom 987]

That control tower looks better than most downtown office buildings.

[IKAN104]

Of course it's only a proposal. Who knows what we'll actually end up with.

[rapid_business]

/\ Not that.

[MalcolmTucker]

Yeah., I would bet a pretty standard NavCan design out in the field. Why have a needless expense.

It would be the first thing deleted from airport renovations.

[RTA]

It would certainly be a neat sight to behold on landing.

[Coldrsx]

Yeah., I would bet a pretty standard NavCan design out in the field. Why have a needless expense.

It would be the first thing deleted from airport renovations.

new tower not in field but on terminal

[240glt]

And remember it's not just a control tower. EA will be moving a lot of their operations into the new tower as well.

[CanadianCentaur]

How soon could construction of the new tower get started if the study should favour it?

That control tower looks better than most downtown office buildings.

Quite true! :tup:

[LO 044]

I'm curious which floor would be good for a proper observation deck for ya know, the people actually using the airport. Sadly EA will probably lease all the space to the highest bidder or sit their head honchos in the best viewed offices facing the runways.

[IKAN104]

There's gotta be some kind of observation deck in there because what we have right now (though it can hardly even be called an observation deck) will be blocked by the new tower.

[dancinb]

Love the new control tower! I wonder what kind of external lighting they'll incorporate (if any).

On another note, does Edmonton still have an airshow? If so, when is it? Is there a website?

Thanks in advance!

[Airboy]

Not in the last few years, There is a small event at CCA (I think this weekend) unless the F18 thats doing Touch and Goes is lost.

There is one in Ponoka and Cold Lake though.

[Coldrsx]

^i was outside on a site tour when it decided to do a flyby at around 200'

[Jasper and one o nin]

when the terminal was originally built in 59, the observation area was outside, open air, on the roof, I believe(I could stand to be corrected).
actually probably not in 59, because I believe although the airport was in operation, the terminal was not finished (they used the SPAR hanger as the main terminal) - but when the terminal was complete, im pretty sure the observation deck was outside on the roof.
I certainly remember the two penthouses atop the roof in the original terminal. (then one - then none)

[Jasper and one o nin]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyts73Q014w

[CMD UW]

How soon could construction of the new tower get started if the study should favour it?
Quite soon my friend, there are plans in the works as we speak.

[YYCguys]

That new tower design looks like a NASA shuttle launch site!

[tuffyy]

2 posts on Airliners appears to indicate AC as cancelled the MBJ flight from YEG.

http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/general_aviation/read.main/4422225/?threadid=4422225&searchid=4429090&s=YEG#ID4429090

Quoting JM079 (Reply 79):
Air Canada has updated there winter schedule and will provide flights to MBJ from the following cities.

YYZ - MBJ (daily)
YYC - MBJ (mon)
YVR - MBJ (fri)
YWG- MBJ (sat)
YUL- MBJ (sat/sun)
YOW - MBJ (sat)


Skyservice will now also fly this route this winter in co-operation with sunquest vacations using a B 757-200.So that should cover the AC drop of the route with both TS and 5G flying this winter from YEG.

[Rocket252]

Thanks Air Canada.

I knew I can count on you.with regards to providing southern sun service to YEG.

[IKAN104]

when the terminal was originally built in 59, the observation area was outside, open air, on the roof, I believe(I could stand to be corrected).
actually probably not in 59, because I believe although the airport was in operation, the terminal was not finished (they used the SPAR hanger as the main terminal) - but when the terminal was complete, im pretty sure the observation deck was outside on the roof.
I certainly remember the two penthouses atop the roof in the original terminal. (then one - then none)

Yes, but in later years they closed off access to the roof top patio, leaving just a small indoor viewing area.

[EdmTrekker]

Skyservice will now also fly this route this winter in co-operation with sunquest vacations using a B 757-200.So that should cover the AC drop of the route with both TS and 5G flying this winter from YEG.

Thanks Tuffy - that IS great news. I see that SW on their drop down menu shows YEG to Run a Way Bay (Jamaica I assume)...but their winter schedule does not appears up yet??

[ExcaliburKid]

This article is more than a week old, but I read through it and I think it makes some good points. I know the CCA debate is old hat, but its a slow day for me and I thought this made for some good reading.

Muni is not 'my' airport
Campaign an attempt to get taxpayers to foot bill for private interests By Lorne Gunter, Lgunter@shaw.caJune 21, 2009

"Airport Not For Sale" is the message on the indignant placards that are springing up on private lawns and public boulevards around the city in an effort to pressure council into not selling the City Centre Airport for commercial and residential redevelopment.

"Save Your Airport," the signs add. "Fight for Flight."

Pardon me. Save whose airport? "Your Airport," the signs proclaim, meaning yours and mine.

Sorry, but I fly in and out of Edmonton a dozen or more times each year. And I have not taken a flight from "the Muni" in 20 years.

No, wait, that's wrong. The department of National Defence once flew me and a bunch of other journalists up to Cold Lake to watch jet fighter training exercises and we left from City Centre. So once in 200 or more flights, I have flown out of that airport.

If by "Your Airport," the organizers of the sneering "Airport Not For Sale" campaign mean "My Airport," then they are mistaken. My airport is Edmonton International.

I may not like the fact that I have to drive so far south of the city to reach "My Airport," although since the Anthony Henday opened the drive is now about five minutes shorter.

I may wish scheduled passenger flights were still operating out of the downtown airport. Certainly those people who work downtown and fly back and forth to Calgary wish it.

But the fact remains, the voters of this city decided by plebiscite more than two decades ago to make Edmonton International "Our Airport." Too much work and momentum has

gone into diverting air business to the North Leduc location to go back now. It's time city council finished the process by turning the land our other airport sits on into housing for nearly 25,000 people.

Those who want City Centre kept open are really just demanding that the rest of Edmontonians subsidize their desired outcome.

They want the airport to survive, but they don't want to pay its full annual operating costs themselves and they don't want to make up to ratepayers the property tax reduction we would enjoy if the land were sold to developers, to say nothing of the loss of an exciting new development in the city core.

On Thursday, the City released consultants' reports that show the profit from sale of the airport would net between $91 million and $335 million.

While this is down from projections of $486 million a year ago, it is still a sizable chunk of change, enough in the best-case scenario to lower property taxes by two per cent or more a year for 35 years.

It would also end the annual operating losses at the Muni-estimated at over $1 million a year-that users of the regions' other airports must cover in higher landing taxes and airfares.

It's not much, admittedly. But I don't see the supporters of City Centre clamouring to pay extra out of their own pockets to cover the real annual costs of their airport choice.

If the effort to save the airport was more than a selfish, self-interested endeavour, the organizers' slogan would be: "Sell Us the Airport."

If the Kingsway Business Association and the Edmonton Enterprise Group and others want the airport kept open, let them buy and operate it as a private airport. If they are so sure a second airport in a city of one million is such a viable enterprise, let them take the risk to own and run it.

But, of course, if they had to pay $483 million for it or $335 million or even just$91 million, they would never do it. So their demand boils down to insisting that you and I pay for their vision for them by leaving the airport as is and for the next three-and-a-half decades paying higher municipal taxes than we would have to.

No thanks. The airport savers should also stop trying to argue that the use of the 217-hectare site as an airport generates anywhere near the economic activity that would be generated were the field converted into a residential community for nearly 25,000 with a transportation hub, an expanded campus for NAIT and shops, restaurants, parks and offices. The reason airports are built on marginal land on the fringes of cities -as City Centre was when it opened 80 years ago-is that their low-intensity activities (relative to commercial and residential uses)make airports uneconomical in city centres where land prices are at a premium.

What's more, the medevac argument is a canard. Of the 87,000 takeoffs and landings at the airport last year, just three per cent were medevac flights and fewer than 400 of those (less than one-half of one per cent)were flights with critical patients. If fixed-wing medevac flights were impossible after City Centre closed, those 400 would not die. Rather, their rescues would most likely be switched to helicopters that land directly at hospitals.

There may be a lot of arguments for keeping City Centre an airport, but none of them is convincing.

© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Health/Muni+airport/1717970/story.html

[lightrail]

when the terminal was originally built in 59, the observation area was outside, open air, on the roof, I believe(I could stand to be corrected).
actually probably not in 59, because I believe although the airport was in operation, the terminal was not finished (they used the SPAR hanger as the main terminal) - but when the terminal was complete, im pretty sure the observation deck was outside on the roof.
I certainly remember the two penthouses atop the roof in the original terminal. (then one - then none)

The north observation "penthouse" is still there. You can still get to it. A sign says it is closed, but the stairs are open and last time I was there, you could still go up to it. Not sure why it says closed as it's a nice quiet area to relax.

[lightrail]

I find the "keep th emuni" open debate interesting. Obviously, there are a lot of short-sighted people out there and people with very short memories.

When I lived in Edmonton, it had two airports - CYXD and CYEG. At that time, Pacific Western Airlines operated the Airbus service - 737-200s departing as frequently as every 20 minutes in the peak (and at least every hour in the day) to Calgary International Airport (CYYC). They also operated flights to other provinces out of CYXD going as far as Winnipeg and Vancouver. A rule that flights leaving CYXD could only travel so far was overcome by having the plane land at CYYC enroute, thus providing a single seat ride from CYXD to CYVR (for example).

The Airbus was aimed at the business traveller going between Calgary and Edmonton. The airlines quickly realised that they could save money by funnelling Edmonton traffic to CYYC and then only flying one 747 to Europe, instead of one from each airport.

A further problem occurred when most northern airlines started flying into CYXD. A connection in Edmonton meant a taxi ride to CYEG to contineu on to the US or Toronto or Europe. Most northern flights continued to CYYC anyway.

Air Canada got into the act and started flying DC-9s out of CYXD to CYYC - though these planes were not suited for the short take-off field at CYXD.

The result was that Edmonton's two airports made Edmonton a poor choice for transferring passengers; it provided an easy way to funnel traffic from Edmonton to Calgary; and it helped to reduce the traffic numbers at CYEG resulting is less Federal investment in terminals and infrastructure; and helped CYYC raise as the main airport in Alberta,

The muni, while oh historical importance, has indirectly contributed to holding Edmonton back in development. Not only in air services, but also in commerical and residential construction. The height limit downtown is because of CYXD. When 737s were flying - the noise was a big factor, with a jet aircraft landing or taking off up to three times an hour over a very built up city.

There is so much that can be done with the airport lands that could be a showcase in high-density sustainable development. Start with a World's Fair on the site (or part of it), master plan the development with parks, commercial residential, institutional, new roads and LRT, bikes roads and pedestrian paths and develop it to top LEED neighbourhood standards. It could be Edmonton's False Creek - the choice address in alberta - funky and fun. And don't forget, commemorate the original Blatchford Field - maybe keep the air terminal as a museum or public facility. Aircraft oriented parks. Name the roads using aeronautical terms, etc.

[Jaws]

^ accurate and nicely said.

[lightrail]

^ accurate and nicely said.

Thanks. I have to say that I love airports and aeroplanes. I've spent many an hour watching the planes taking off and landing at CYXD, and the experience landing in a 737 on Runway 30 coming in low over the Royal Alex and Kingsway Mall, feeling like the plane will land on the roof of the mall, was a highlight for me. I flew the Airbus a few times and I always preferred the Runway 30 approach from sheer excitement.

Still, I think it's time has past as a useful addition to the Edmonton aeronautical scene.

Here's a 2005 article about the history of Blatchford Field (aka Edmonton Municipal Airport, aka Edmonton City Centre Airport, CYXD)

http://www.rewedmonton.ca/content_view2?CONTENT_ID=890

[IKAN104]

Still, I think it's time has past as a useful addition to the Edmonton aeronautical scene.



Unfortunately its time passed 30 years ago and the damage has already been done. sigh. Still, better late than never.

[Coldrsx]

some good news!

Edmonton gets year-round WestJet service to Yellowknife


BY BILL MAH, EDMONTONJOURNAL.COMJULY 8, 2009 3:12 PMBE THE FIRST TO POST A COMMENT


STORYPHOTOS ( 1 )



Edmonton will get year-round service to Yellowknife, WestJet Airlines announced Wednesday as part of what it described as the largest single-season expansion in the company’s history with the addition of eight new international destinations and three new U.S. destinations for the winter of 2009-2010.
Photograph by: Todd Korol/Reuters, Todd Korol/Reuters
EDMONTON — Edmonton will get year-round service to Yellowknife, WestJet Airlines announced Wednesday as part of what it described as the largest single-season expansion in the company’s history with the addition of eight new international destinations and three new U.S. destinations for the winter of 2009-2010.

The Edmonton-Yellowknife flights were launched in May but on a seasonal basis.

“We’re just announcing today as part of the winter schedule that we are doing it year-round,” said WestJet spokesman Robert Palmer.

By late fall, the company said in a statement, the discount carrier will provide service to 66 cities in more than 10 countries, as compared with 51 cities in eight countries one year ago.

The new destinations to be served by WestJet and WestJet Vacations are Varadero, Holguin and Cayo Coco in Cuba; Ixtapa and Cozumel, in Mexico; St. Martin; Providenciales, of the Turks and Caicos Islands; Freeport, in the Bahamas; Lihue (Kauai), in Hawaii; Miami, Fla; and Atlantic City, J.J.

“This is part of a strategic plan by WestJet to increase profitable market share in the transborder and international markets,” Palmer said. “This represents a 45-per-cent increase in transborder and international capacity. The increase is because of the delivery of seven new aircraft year-over-year as well as the growth in popularity of our vacation arm WestJet Vacations.”

Although Edmonton gets only the new year-round Yellowhead service under the expansion, Palmer said the airline increased the frequency of service from Edmonton to Cancun to three times a week from once weekly as of Nov. 1.

Edmonton to Los Angeles goes to daily from four times a week. Edmonton to Palm Springs goes to daily from three times a week in November.

The new schedule also includes new, year-round flights between Calgary and San Diego, Calif. The service was launched on a seasonal basis in May.

With files from Canwest News Service

© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/WestJet+adds+year+round+service+Yellowknife/1771887/story.html

[Airboy]

As much as I like the extra flights this will drastically effect CN and FA. Any one heading past YK will either pay more or possibly loose the services of at least one of the regionals.

If WJ can work on a code share with CA or FA that could help.

I'll stick with FA for now. I like some of the extras if I have to go to Rankin or Resolute.

[s211]

some good news!

Edmonton gets year-round WestJet service to Yellowknife

Wouldn't you rather have an airport that's a gateway to the world than a gateway to the North?