[MalcolmTucker]

Monitor the West of what? for what? Grizzly attacks?
To make sure we aren't secretly remobilizing intercontinental nuclear weapon delivery systems, the number of which have been limited by treaty.

The west, as in NATO.

[EdmTrekker]

On a lighter note:

I am puzzled about the new SunWing announcements.

The first is: flights from Grande Prairie to Puerto Vallarta with a stop in Prince George enroute. Which City YVR, YYC or YEG will this impact the greatest...as obviously the traffic will come from somewhere.

The second is the news that all SunWing flights are going into the new international terminal. I wonder what this means in terms of US Pre-Clearance. Does it mean that Canadian airlines flying will still be pre-cleared and now using 2 areas: Domestic Arrivals if with Star Alliance (such as AC) and Westjet going to International to join Sunwing as it has no alliance partner? Your thoughts?
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/sunwing-moving-brand-terminal-3-143900772.html
http://www.lvrj.com/business/mccarran-embraces-spacious-new-terminal-3-160156955.html

edit: I see all Canadian airlines fly into T3. It is puzzling that the Canadian airlines are lumped in with all other international.
https://test36.mccarran.com/Fly/WhichTerminal.aspx

[Robag]

On a lighter note:

I am puzzled about the new SunWing announcements.

The first is: flights from Grande Prairie to Puerto Vallarta with a stop in Prince George enroute. Which City YVR, YYC or YEG will this impact the greatest...as obviously the traffic will come from somewhere.

The second is the news that all SunWing flights are going into the new international terminal. I wonder what this means in terms of US Pre-Clearance. Does it mean that Canadian airlines flying will still be pre-cleared and now using 2 areas: Domestic Arrivals if with Star Alliance (such as AC) and Westjet going to International to join Sunwing as it has no alliance partner? Your thoughts?
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/sunwing-moving-brand-terminal-3-143900772.html
http://www.lvrj.com/business/mccarran-embraces-spacious-new-terminal-3-160156955.html

edit: I see all Canadian airlines fly into T3. It is puzzling that the Canadian airlines are lumped in with all other international.
https://test36.mccarran.com/Fly/WhichTerminal.aspx

This is a matter of logistics. The new T3 will still have domestics using the terminal as well as internationals. Cities like Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Winnipeg will still have pre-clearence when flying to Vegas, but cities like Victoria, Kelowna, Saskatoon, and Regina do not have pre-clearence. This will mean when a flight originating in Regina for instance, will disembark their passengers at T3 and the aircraft can stay at that terminal rather than it being ferried over to another terminal. This was happening before as Westjet was based at the B gates in Vegas, but when flying in from a city that doesn't have pre-clearence, the aircraft had to arrive at the international terminal so the passengers and flight crew could do customs. The plane would then be ferried over to the B gates for it's return flight to Canada. An aircraft from Calgary would still do pre-clearence and when it arrives in Vegas, will still be considered a domestic flight at that point, and the travellers would not have to do customs.

[Airboy]

The TU-154 was Russias answer to the western Boeing 727 although slightly larger and more powerful. Its part of a treaty to openly monitor the west and the U.S also has a aircraft for similar purposes (a modified 707.)

The aircraft is currently at CFB Trenton but begins its journey mid week this week.

Russia has also added a second aircraft in this role, the TU-214 but the 154 will be used for this ''Mission''.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2732/4500965210_a5436afbe0_z.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2785/4500947940_14b885a9ce_z.jpg

That’s one parked beside the Airbus.
And just for curiosity sake that is a jet engine mounted on the truck for snow removal.
From my time in Siberia.

[hilman]

Great news!


Canadian Helicopters chooses EIA as western Canadian headquarters

International company to lease space in new Central Tower

June 26, 2012 (Edmonton, Alta.)—Canadian Helicopters Group Inc. (TSX: CHL.A, CHL.B) has selected Edmonton International Airport (EIA) as its new western Canadian headquarters. The international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services will move into its offices in EIA’s new Central Tower when it opens in late fall.

“We welcome the highly successful and growing Canadian Helicopters Group to EIA,” says Reg Milley, EIA President and CEO. “They are an exciting addition to our growing mix of business aviation services at EIA and we are equally delighted they are leasing the fourth floor of our beautiful new Central Tower.”

Canadian Helicopters has operated in Edmonton for over 60 years and is making the move to EIA from Edmonton City Centre Airport.

“We are pleased to continue contributing to Edmonton’s thriving business community and supporting our national and international operations from EIA,” says Don Wall, Canadian Helicopters President and CEO. “Edmonton will serve as an expanded training centre for the company and EIA is a convenient transportation hub to support this initiative. EIA is also well positioned to provide improved logistic support to our fleet and to the movement of our personnel on domestic and international assignments.”

http://www.flyeia.com/news/general/canadian_helicopters_chooses_eia_as_western_canadian_headquarters.aspx?navID=11901

[Coldrsx]

Excellent news indeed.

[hilman]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/314869_10150986752319253_1379877787_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/552700_10150986752459253_1610954765_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/525886_10150986752579253_1559049448_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/307037_10150986752804253_466008909_n.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150986752109253.445578.34601729252&type=1#!/photo.php?fbid=10150986752319253&set=a.10150986752109253.445578.34601729252&type=3&theater

[EdmTrekker]

Good news day!!!. Cheers to Candian Helicopters for the move and promoting the move as a win for them. And cheers to our folks at EIA for having aces up their sleeves. :tup:

[hilman]

WestJet Places Conditional Order for Up to 45 Bombardier Q400 NextGen Aircraft

- Canadian airline to acquire 20 aircraft with options for 25 more

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 28, 2012) - Bombardier Aerospace announced today that WestJet, an Alberta partnership, has signed a conditional order for 20 Q400 NextGen turboprops following the letter of intent to purchase the aircraft that was announced by WestJet on May 1, 2012. The transaction also includes options on an additional 25 Q400 NextGen aircraft.

Based on list price, a firm order for 20 Q400 NextGen aircraft would be valued at approximately $683 million US, and could increase to approximately $1.59 billion US should the 25 options be converted to firm orders.

The announcement was made today in Calgary where WestJetters and their families were on hand for a close-up look at the Q400 NextGen aircraft on display at the airline's Campus. Also in attendance, were potential regional airport delegations from across the country and media representatives. Earlier this year, an internal WestJet poll revealed that over 90 per cent of WestJetters were in favour of launching a regional airline to serve more communities across Canada. Set to begin operations in the second half of 2013, the regional airline is anticipated to serve regional airports from coast to coast that are currently considered under-served.

http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/westjet-places-conditional-order-for-up-to-45-bombardier-q400-nextgen-aircraft-tsx-bbd.a-1675119.htm

[tuffyy]

Anyone wanting to see the Tupolev it arrived at YEG at 1300 and is overnighting at the Shell Aerocentre.

[tuffyy]

Anyone wanting to see the Tupolev it arrived at YEG at 1300 and is overnighting at the Shell Aerocentre.

Disregard, aircraft departed at 1500.

[alexisantonakis]

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2732/4500965210_a5436afbe0_z.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2785/4500947940_14b885a9ce_z.jpg

That’s one parked beside the Airbus.
And just for curiosity sake that is a jet engine mounted on the truck for snow removal.
From my time in Siberia.

The aircraft besides the A310 is an IL-62, 4 engine, rear mounted airliner. The Russian's answer to the VC-10.

[Airboy]

The aircraft besides the A310 is an IL-62, 4 engine, rear mounted airliner. The Russian's answer to the VC-10.

Sorry bout that should have counted the engines.

[alexisantonakis]

Sorry bout that should have counted the engines.

No worries, be very unlikely to see any IL-62's flying nowadays, if any

[dansk]

On my flight from Denver the other day I noticed that there was an amazing spread on Airports and interior design. EIA had one full page in the united magazine hemisphere, of pictures

[tuffyy]

Anyone have any info on the Atlas Air 747-400 freighter at YEG??? It's on the webcam and has been there all day... Mechanical diversion?

[BLACK STAR]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/314869_10150986752319253_1379877787_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/552700_10150986752459253_1610954765_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/525886_10150986752579253_1559049448_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/307037_10150986752804253_466008909_n.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150986752109253.445578.34601729252&type=1#!/photo.php?fbid=10150986752319253&set=a.10150986752109253.445578.34601729252&type=3&theater

Dam is that a sexy tower. And she doesn't even have all her clothes off. Or is that on!

[dansk]

MSP is being reduced to 2x daily this fall/ winter, actually less than 2x daily some days.

United making normal adjustments. IAH remians at 1.8X daily so far this winter.

Seems to me that the ERAA is just floating along, our numbers have to be mainly organic since seat capacity has not grown much the last 3 years. Hopefully 2013 improves, but looks like our winter flights are flat lined at this point. AC doesn't look like they will be flying to Cancun or Jamacia from Edmonton either. Unless they change something in there next winter sked update.

[Mercucio]

I am interested to see what will happen when AC gets their 787 metal. Isn't aircraft supply tight for them at the moment?

And where's Westjet in terms of metal inventory? Don't they have a bunch of new units on the way too?

[dansk]

I am interested to see what will happen when AC gets their 787 metal. Isn't aircraft supply tight for them at the moment?

And where's Westjet in terms of metal inventory? Don't they have a bunch of new units on the way too?

I wouldn't expect the 787 to do much for YEG, except replace the 767-300 to LHR. Maybe we'll see FRA.

WestJet is adding Q400, expected next fall (2013). Probably YEG's best bet to funnel smaller northern communities through YEG, and then have WS add more flights to the US.

That being said WS and AC both are hubbed out of YYC, YEG is luckily at Focus city for WS, but YYC will aways be first priority for both.

[Mercucio]

^ Gotcha. That's what I'm thinking on the 787. We may see FRA out of that.

Good point on the Q400 for WJ's new airline. That may free up some metal for more USA routes (EWR please) on the mainline switching to Q400s for places like YXE and YQR (and maybe even YWG).

[MalcolmTucker]

^ Gotcha. That's what I'm thinking on the 787. We may see FRA out of that.

Good point on the Q400 for WJ's new airline. That may free up some metal for more USA routes (EWR please) on the mainline switching to Q400s for places like YXE and YQR (and maybe even YWG).
I could see Edmonton with a FRA flight on the future AC low cost carrier seasonally, but unless the market changes hard to support both full time. Calgary really benefits from the tourism to the mountains that Edmonton has to make up otherwise.

[dansk]

I could see Edmonton with a FRA flight on the future AC low cost carrier seasonally, but unless the market changes hard to support both full time. Calgary really benefits from the tourism to the mountains that Edmonton has to make up otherwise.

You got that right. Calgary has the strong head office presence and mountains. Edmonton has business and services, but not the same draw. EIA's traffic is a lot of local traffic flying out.

[hilman]

WestJet says its regional fares will be cheaper than Air Canada’s
Company’s financial performance ranks high among world airlines
By Amanda Stephenson and NICOLE MORDANT, Calgary Herald and Reuters July 10, 2012

CALGARY — WestJet’s planned Canadian short-haul carrier will likely charge about a third less than its main rival Air Canada for last-minute travel, the company’s chief executive said on Tuesday.“Our last-minute, walk-up fares are 30 per cent lower than Air Canada’s. I would expect at minimum that fares in the regional space would have a similar relativity,” WestJet CEO Gregg Saretsky said in an interview.

WestJet — which plans to make a $200 million capital investment in 2013 to launch its regional carrier — has said it will begin the new service with five to seven aircraft in the first year, in either Western or Eastern Canada. The goal will be to expand the service to the other half of the country the following year. The company expects to hire about 1,800 employees for the airline, which will allow WestJet to compete with Air Canada in smaller markets.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/WestJet+says+regional+fares+will+cheaper+than+those+Canada/6913881/story.html?cid=dlvr.it-twitter-edmontonjournal

[Bigtime]

Worth bolding part of that WestJet quote:

WestJet’s planned Canadian short-haul carrier will likely charge about a third less than its main rival Air Canada for last-minute travel

They want to make money too, so I would expect fares right there with the AC and AC Express flights to cities that WestJet Regional will be serving (perhaps cheaper at startup).

[MalcolmTucker]

Perhaps going back to the old PWA 'airbus' model? Porter is sort of like that in the east, you can buy 10 flight vouchers and such, in different fare classes even. The different vouchers allow you to book within different number of hours of departure and whatnot.

[oiler-dude]

I'm still holding out hope WestJet will introduce an Edmonton <--> Prince George flight when they start doing their Q400 flights. I'm tired of 5 hours of YEG --> YVR --> YXS for a flight that could be 1 hr long. But I doubt the demand is there. :(

[Bigtime]

I think initial focus (asides from a few new destinations like Lethbridge and others) will be to increase frequency to locations like Saskatoon to try and attract more of the business travelers. I know I have chosen AC over WS many times just due to the many more flight times available from AC to places like that.

[dansk]

Off topic: Kelowna now has the same amount of flights to LAX as YEG

Los Angeles – Kelowna eff 19DEC12 1 Daily CRJ700 service
UA6248 LAX1840 – 2144YLW CR7 D
UA5583 YLW0800 – 1051LAX CR7 D eff 20DEC12

[Jaws]

I'm still holding out hope WestJet will introduce an Edmonton <--> Prince George flight when they start doing their Q400 flights. I'm tired of 5 hours of YEG --> YVR --> YXS for a flight that could be 1 hr long. But I doubt the demand is there. :(

Demand probably isn't there for EDM-PG, but throw FSJ in the mix and there probably is enough demand to justify service between YEG and NE BC.

[dansk]

I would beg to differ that the demand isn't there...

[hilman]

Off topic: Kelowna now has the same amount of flights to LAX as YEG

Los Angeles – Kelowna eff 19DEC12 1 Daily CRJ700 service
UA6248 LAX1840 – 2144YLW CR7 D
UA5583 YLW0800 – 1051LAX CR7 D eff 20DEC12

Must be all those retirees lol, you would think there would be a huge market for Edmonton to LAX. Looks like Kelowna has 66 seats per day versus our 136.

[dansk]

on airliners.net they are saying UA got an offer from the authority there to test the flight.

Would be nice to UAL (star alliance) return to that market.

[tuffyy]

It'll be interesting to see if the airline can sustain that route, there only competition on transboarder flights is Horizon/Alaska with a Dash-8-400 to Seattle.

On a side note I know the little airline that could(northwestern air) is rumored to be eyeing Edmonton-Prince George flights. They would use a 16 seat Jetstream and I think that could be ideal for the flight from YEG.

[hilman]

Edmonton International Airport

Passenger Statistics for June 2012



Highlights

¨ Overall 527,981 passengers (3,268,083 Year to Date)

¨ Domestic 437,531 passengers (2,420,268 Year to Date)

¨ Transborder 71,210 passengers (606,308 Year to Date)

¨ International 19,240 passengers (241,507 Year to Date)

¨ Rolling 12 Month 6,483,105 (New All-Time High)



Growth%

¨ Overall 3.8% (6.7% Year to Date)

¨ Domestic 4.0% (6.4% Year to Date)

¨ Transborder 0.2% (8.7% Year to Date)

¨ International 14.6% (5.1% Year to Date)

¨ Rolling 12 Month +5.6%

[Coldrsx]

As CMD would say, 'stellar'.

[Rocket252]

Amazing considering we seem to continue to lose frequencies and see no new routes in site.

[dansk]

International is good.

The rest is not so good. Think they numbers are lagging...we'll have to see what yyc posts to get a feel.

[dansk]

Calgary for June:
International : -1% (lost LH)
Domestic: 5.8%
Transborder: 6.6%

So ERAA isn't far off... I was wrong

[bkd]

Domestic and transborder are underwhelming. Transborder especially. International is impressive.

Pretty "meh" month overall.

[Johnny Aussie]

Calgary for June:
International : -1% (lost LH)
Domestic: 5.8%
Transborder: 6.6%

So ERAA isn't far off... I was wrong

Where did you get that info? As far as I am aware, June has not been finalised yet.

[Johnny Aussie]

The transborder figure is actually a good result considering capacity was down about 2.9%. I can only guess that the LF's would be higher compared to June 2011. Although, I do understand there were a couple of Allegiant charters to Laughlin again, which of course would offset some of the losses.

However, don't read too much into the large % increase in International. Remember during the summer months there really is very little international capacity.

AC - daily LHR (no change from 2011)
Westjet - one weekly each to CUN and PVR (no change)
Air Transat - one weekly to LGW (TS replaced TC - TS has 345 seats to TC's 323. Plus it now originates in YEG instead of being a through flight from YVR)
Sunwing - one weekly each to CUN and PVR (PVR is new)
Canjet - twice weekly to CUN and 1 weekly to PVR (the second CUN flight started in very late June last year).

Sooooo, going from 13 to 15 weekly flights should give a decent increase between 12% - 15%.

Domestically, Westjet did add an additional three weekly flights net.

AC was pretty flat.

[hilman]

https://p.twimg.com/AyMSjBjCEAAjmWP.jpg
https://twitter.com/FlyEIA/status/226044799214555136/photo/1


North Cariboo adds secure terminal wing in Edmonton
edmontonjournal.com July 19, 2012

EDMONTON - North Cariboo Air has doubled the size of its Edmonton passenger facilities with the addition of a secure terminal wing.

The charter airline officially opened its secure passenger facility at its Edmonton base. It moved to the Northgate Hangar at Edmonton International Airport from the Executive Flight Centre in 2009.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/North+Cariboo+adds+secure+terminal+wing+Edmonton/6959886/story.html

[LO 044]

A bit of a trip report for something different on here to read.

Flew YEG-YYZ-FRA-POZ outbound which turned into YEG-YYZ-FRA-MUC-POZ due to thunderstorms over YYZ. A long flight especially with a 1.5 year old but we got there. My family flew in executive while i flew in economy so there were some perks but my meal on the YYZ-FRA flight was atrocius. Basically a Michelina's pasta meal and pretty poor cabin service with AC. The intra-European flights of course were quite opposite with a hot snack in economy on LH and Augsburg Airways (LH Regional).

Flew TXL-LHR-YEG inbound to Edmonton. The TXL-LHR was a LH flight operated by British Midland. Once again a hot snack and great service. Quite impressed by the BD crew especially the captain who made numerous calls to the Hethrow's staff to get us off the plane, more later on this. The LHR-YEG flight on AC was very good as well. A good meal, a hot snack and some cold snacks took care of the 9hr flight quite easily and this was in economy class. The cabin service here was excellent. The 763 was one of the oldest in the fleet with IFE. Parts of the outside of the aircraft looked like a house needing new siding but the flight was very smooth and quiet inside. I was surprised to see another 763 parked at the terminal when we arrived on Monday. Not sure if this was a replacement aircraft for the YEG-LHR run or not. Customs was pretty smooth and the area looks very nice albeit a bit of a walk from gate 58. I am assuming international arrivals / departures will move down the line once the new part of the terminal opens.

LHR is atrocious. Delays in the air meant circling of course. Upon landing they changed the gate so you got off on stairs and climbed back again and no elevator. Our baby stroller was transferred straight to the AC flight so a bit of a pain. As well, we sat at the gate since there were no stairs. The captain made numerous attempts to speed things up and made it know to us which was great. Add another 15 minutes. The one bright spot was the quick 1 minute bus ride from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3. Then the fun of going through security started for 20-30 minutes as British custom officers couldn't figure out what a baby food jar was. The bag went through the screening machine 7 times no joke. We also had to open all the jars and taste them. How this proves that the baby food was not some type of explosive i am not sure. I have never gone through such lengths to get through the screening process. The officers are in no hurry to get you through and the jokes didn't help. Then it was off to get boarding passes as we could not get them in TXL, strange. Then off to gate 26 with people lining up in the corridor. There was a waiting area past getting your ID checked wih fit maybe 100 people, no sense there.

Obviously a good vacation with some interesting experiences on the trip to and from. I would like to try using LHR again on the inbound and outbound but i would probably overnight it twice there as things at LHR do not seem to be smooth at all relative to FRA. The connections at LHR do not work well for me as i've mentioned before.

Oh yeah, LHR-YEG was 100% full in business and economy. There were some connecting passengers to the US as well as they missed their connections in LHR. The night before the seatmap looked as if 12 seats in economy and 6 in executive would be empty although i know this is not always accurate. Hopefully this flight keeps on getting high load factors.

[Jasper and one o nin]

Pretty Typical for LHR

[Coldrsx]

YEG is getting a CaffeS and one of these http://www.belgianbeercafe.com apparently

[Airboy]

Didn't get a chance for a shot on my way out today, but the new tower is looking fantastic. Cladding is mostly done on the east side. West side still need more work. And the hotel is being topped off. I'll try to get a shot on my way back through Friday.

[Coldrsx]

...and the hotel?

[Airboy]

...and the hotel?

I reserve opinion for now, it is a big white box with little rectangular window. When I get back I will have a good look at it and maybe decide.

[alexisantonakis]

Then the fun of going through security started for 20-30 minutes as British custom officers couldn't figure out what a baby food jar was. The bag went through the screening machine 7 times no joke. We also had to open all the jars and taste them. How this proves that the baby food was not some type of explosive i am not sure. I have never gone through such lengths to get through the screening process. The officers are in no hurry to get you through and the jokes didn't help.


Having worked at Heathrow Airport at the time of the Lockerbie PAN AM bombing, they take security VERY seriously and I am glad that they do.

There was a TV show in the UK over 15 years ago called Airport, and it included a number of different Americans at security, who seemed to think that the whole security thing was a big joke..even after being held 24 hours they still could not see what they had done wrong...5 odd years later, that same American lackadaisical attitude towards airline security caused one of the biggest tragedies of the 21st century. So please, NEVER take security as a joke.....Obviously, security also need to realise that people have flights to catch, and unfortunately they do tend to forget this at times...So ALWAYS allow extra time for this...and transferring through somewhere like LHR can be a nightmare...45 minutes simply to get from security to the further stand in Terminal 3...most transit times Air Canada quote are WAAAY to short...personally I would suggest 4 hours if transitting at LHR...should give a good hour for inbound flight delays as well..but hey, what di you expect from the world's busiest intl airport

[LO 044]

^I have no problem with security at airports but if 2 hours and 10 minutes isn't enough time to transfer between flights than you shouldn't be in the airport business. You are right security is no joke and that is why i mentioned the screeners making jokes to my family while moving at snails pace to actually look at the bags themselves. I looked at the guy annoyingly thinking you're holding us up and you're asking me to respond to a joke? Apparently he didn't get it. Here's a novel idea, hire more screeners.

[Jasper and one o nin]

I just transfered from LHR 5 to 3 and it took me about 35 minutes. I was expecting much worse (although it was just me, and I can appreciate and relate to anyone travelling through LHR with an infant). LHR to YEG was delayed 7 hours so they booked me on the LHR-YYC flight. I havent been in YYC for about 10 years as I avoid it like the plague. That is one ugly airport. First of all, it is dark and dingy. I had 90 minutes to transfer and I nearly missed my connection. What a gongshow. There is no priority for transferring passengers. As we got off the LHR flight, there were two middle-aged "cowgirls" to greet us. Just seemed so tacky. I remember when I was young transfering through YYC and thinking it was such a big airport. Now it seems like an outdated bunker. I realize I only saw a piece of it, and they are building their international facilities wing, but our airport terminal exceeds Calgary's in many respects.

[christopherj]

LHR to YEG was delayed 7 hours so they booked me on the LHR-YYC flight.

What is with that flight? I was delayed 8 hours a week and a half ago. 2-3 weeks ago I know someone else delayed 8-9 hours on it. It seems like it is regularly delayed 7-8 hours?

[LO 044]

What is with that flight? I was delayed 8 hours a week and a half ago. 2-3 weeks ago I know someone else delayed 8-9 hours on it. It seems like it is regularly delayed 7-8 hours?
Tough to say what the reasoning is but looking at AC's schedule, i believe the flight routing of the aircraft is YYZ-LHR-YEG-LHR-YYZ and so on as flights AC 858-AC 899-AC 898-AC 859. Once you put YYZ into the flight routing, you never know what's going on.

[Jasper and one o nin]

^I think you are right. When my flight was delayed aparently there was an emergency with the YYZ-LHR flight. Passengers had to be evacuated and leave their belongings on the plane. I couldn't find any news/information on it.

[Bigtime]

WestJet announces their Alberta-Hawaii schedule for this winter.

2 757's leased from Thomas Cook.

YYC-HNL 2x weekly
YYC-OGG 4x weekly
YEG-OGG 3x weekly

Service will operate from December 13 to April 21.

[hilman]

Airline's popular non-stop service returns with additional aircraft and more flights

CALGARY, July 25, 2012 /CNW/ - WestJet announced today it has leased two Boeing 757-200 aircraft from Thomas Cook Airlines to deliver more non-stop, daytime service between Calgary and Honolulu and Maui, and between Edmonton and Maui.

Pending regulatory approval*, flights are scheduled to begin December 13, 2012, and continue through April 21, 2013. Details of WestJet's seasonal non-stop service include:


Between Calgary and Honolulu, Twice weekly

Between Calgary and Maui, Four times weekly

Between Edmonton and Maui, Three times weekly


Just as in the previous year, WestJet flight attendants will be on board the Boeing 757-200s to ensure the same great WestJet guest experience. Thomas Cook Airlines will provide the aircraft and pilots. The agreement complements the announcement in April that WestJet's Boeing 737 aircraft will provide more seat capacity for Thomas Cook in the 2012-2013 winter season. As an expansion to its successful, two-year, Canada-wide, partnership, WestJet is the only airline providing capacity for Thomas Cook's tour operator arm in the Canadian market.


http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/media-investors/index.shtml


Increased from 2x weekly to 3x weekly

[Rocket252]

We took that flight in march and it was ok. Nonstop is the way to go. The 757 is one beauty of a plane.
I wish Westjet would provide Honolulu to YEG as well.

[Bigtime]

I wonder if it would hurt WS at all to just go Alberta-OGG exclusively? In my discussions with people it seems like Maui has quickly become the "go to" island for most. If you really wanted to hit up HNL you could always spend a day or two by taking a quick inter-island flight.

[hilman]

I agree, I know numerous people who went to OGG in the last year (myself included) and don't know anyone who went to HNL.

[Bigtime]

Yup, it seems like Maui is really becoming an extension of Alberta. Very rare to get a blank look when someone asks where you are from and you say Calgary or Edmonton. Usually they respond with "Oh yeah? So and so is from Calgary/Edmonton that has a place over there.".

[EdmTrekker]

I agree, I know numerous people who went to OGG in the last year (myself included) and don't know anyone who went to HNL.

We like Honolulu and Oahu. So we fly via Alaska though SeaTac. And NO interest going through US Customs in YYC when we can go though here.

[codeman9669]

I guess it just depends on what circles you roll in. :) I also prefer Oahu to Maui, and of the 6 different couples I know that went to Hawaii in the last year, all but one went to Oahu.

I think a 2xOGG and 1xHNL would have been much more attractive than 3xOGG. ESPECIALLY when they are flying 2xHNL out of YYC.

[Rocket252]

A little variety in route destinations would be nice.

[Jasper and one o nin]

I heard a rumor that low-cost airline Allegiant Air is planning to provide scheduled service to YEG. Destinations would include Phoenix, Las Vegas, Honolulu, LA, and Palm Springs. The rumor also suggested that Edmonton would be their Canadian focus City (which suggests maybe a agreement/codeshare with WJ). Wiki notes that their business model is to focus on secondary cities and stay away from bigger hub airports (save for McCarran and LAX).
Similar business model as Ryanair and Easyjet. This isn't part of the rumor, but - it would be awesome if Ryanair and Allegiant Air could codeshare and use YEG as a transferpoint between the two airlines.

[Bigtime]

I heard a rumor that low-cost airline Allegiant Air is planning to provide scheduled service to YEG. Destinations would include Phoenix, Las Vegas, Honolulu, LA, and Palm Springs. The rumor also suggested that Edmonton would be their Canadian focus City (which suggests maybe a agreement/codeshare with WJ). Wiki notes that their business model is to focus on secondary cities and stay away from bigger hub airports (save for McCarran and LAX).
Similar business model as Ryanair and Easyjet. This isn't part of the rumor, but - it would be awesome if Ryanair and Allegiant Air could codeshare and use YEG as a transferpoint between the two airlines.

I read something this morning about Allegiant leasing some A319's, they've operated the odd casino charter in YYC with the MD-80's.

[hilman]

^ They also fly the same YEG-Laughlin casino charters.

[Jasper and one o nin]

I read something this morning about Allegiant leasing some A319's, they've operated the odd casino charter in YYC with the MD-80's.


http://www.nycaviation.com/2012/07/allegiant-air-to-add-19-airbus-a319-aircraft-to-fleet/

[LO 044]

Does anyone know why there is/was a Delta Boeing 757 or 767 parked at YEG at around 4:30pm? At least that's what it looked like from Hwy 2. The aircraft was parked near the US departure gates.

[MacLac]

Does anyone know why there is/was a Delta Boeing 757 or 767 parked at YEG at around 4:30pm? At least that's what it looked like from Hwy 2. The aircraft was parked near the US departure gates.

Now that you mention it, there is often a Delta plane - 737 and larger at the Executive Terminal on Thursdays when I land and deplane at the Canadian North terminal now.

[dansk]

I heard a rumor that low-cost airline Allegiant Air is planning to provide scheduled service to YEG. Destinations would include Phoenix, Las Vegas, Honolulu, LA, and Palm Springs. The rumor also suggested that Edmonton would be their Canadian focus City (which suggests maybe a agreement/codeshare with WJ). Wiki notes that their business model is to focus on secondary cities and stay away from bigger hub airports (save for McCarran and LAX).
Similar business model as Ryanair and Easyjet. This isn't part of the rumor, but - it would be awesome if Ryanair and Allegiant Air could codeshare and use YEG as a transferpoint between the two airlines.

Have not heard anything about this, and usually I get wind of things like this in the industry. Hope it's true, but.... I doubt it.

[Jasper and one o nin]

I heard it second hand.

[tuffyy]

Does anyone know why there is/was a Delta Boeing 757 or 767 parked at YEG at around 4:30pm? At least that's what it looked like from Hwy 2. The aircraft was parked near the US departure gates.

Appears it was a diversion on the MSP-ANC flight by DL and it was a 757-200.

[LO 044]

Sunwing will begin offering flights to Mexico from Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie. I think overall this news does not bode well for YEG.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/Fort+McMurray+Grande+Prairie+offering+charter+flights/7058768/story.html

[s211]

Sunwing will begin offering flights to Mexico from Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie. I think overall this news does not bode well for YEG.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/Fort+McMurray+Grande+Prairie+offering+charter+flights/7058768/story.html

Quite possibly, until YEG finally lets up on the sunshine-destinations-r-us single track it seems to be fixated upon. More Europe, PLEASE!

[LO 044]

Quite possibly, until YEG finally lets up on the sunshine-destinations-r-us single track it seems to be fixated upon. More Europe, PLEASE!
Couldn't agree with you more. An airline offers one flight per week to Anywhere, Mexico from YEG and this for some reason is considered progress in terms of an international destination.

[adeep88]

Booked a flight to Rio, Brazil flying through Minnesota -->Atlanta.

Return from Peru to Houston to Edmonton.

Fly YEG :tup:

Stop the Calgary habit.

Any recommendations for a 21 hour layover in Minneapolis?

Mall of America? :haha: Does it have close train connections to the airport?

[Jasper and one o nin]

[QUOTE=adeep88;5792622]Booked a flight to Rio, Brazil flying through Minnesota -->Atlanta.

Any recommendations for a 21 hour layover in Minneapolis?

QUOTE]

1. Drop some acid;
2. Chew on tin foil;
3. Stand in one place; or
4. See the sights in Minni.

All have about the same entertainment value.

[adeep88]

[QUOTE=adeep88;5792622]Booked a flight to Rio, Brazil flying through Minnesota -->Atlanta.

Any recommendations for a 21 hour layover in Minneapolis?

QUOTE]

1. Drop some acid;
2. Chew on tin foil;
3. Stand in one place; or
4. See the sights in Minni.

All have about the same entertainment value.

K.

[Robag]

Booked a flight to Rio, Brazil flying through Minnesota -->Atlanta.

Return from Peru to Houston to Edmonton.

Fly YEG :tup:

Stop the Calgary habit.

Any recommendations for a 21 hour layover in Minneapolis?

Mall of America? :haha: Does it have close train connections to the airport?

The light rail runs from both terminals to Mall of America.
Try this link - http://www.metrotransit.org/hiawatha-line-route-55.aspx

[Jasper and one o nin]

Edmonton International Airport
Passenger Statistics for July 2012

Highlights
• Overall 599,502 passengers* (3,867,522 Year to Date)
• Domestic 496,103 passengers (2,916,371 Year to Date)
• Transborder 83,555 passengers (689,863 Year to Date)
• International 19,844 passengers (261,288 Year to Date)
• Rolling 12 Month 6,514,405
*New July Record

Growth%
• Overall 5.5% (6.5% Year to Date)
• Domestic 6.2% (6.4% Year to Date)
• Transborder 2.7% (8.0% Year to Date)
• International 2.0% (4.8% Year to Date)
• Rolling 12 Month +5.7%

[cyeg66]

:cheers:
Nice job EIA. Where's the growth coming from. Canadian North? ;)

[Rocket252]

Must be all those big route announcements to Yellowknife that we keep getting. :)

Sorry Yellowknife if I dissed you.

[alexisantonakis]

Calgary Diversions

Well, AC851, a B77W from Heathrow to Calgary just diverted into YEG, and a couple of nights ago, an American Airlines MD80, did likewise, amongst other aircraft. Don't hear of too many aircraft diverting the other way round though...now if EIA were to offer say a 'diversion kit' to the effected passengers, it may encourage more passengers and even more airlines to YEG

[Rocket252]

Pretty bad when the only news we can scrap up about YEG is diversions.

And we get excited about it!!

Someone out there must have some interesting route news/rumors/gossip?

[Bigtime]

I was wondering where our 77W went, I wanted to watch it land in our crazy high winds and fun weather.

Edit: I see she is already on her way down from YEG now.

[TimB09]

Must have been all the crazy weather in Calgary that caused these planes to land here...???

[Bigtime]

Must have been all the crazy weather in Calgary that caused these planes to land here...???

Yes it was, there was a ground stop in YYC during the storm yesterday afternoon. Some planes opted to hold, some opted to divert to YEG to wait it out.

[dansk]

Someone out there must have some interesting route news/rumors/gossip?

Nothing... not even ERAA is creating false promises like they usually do. I'm sure 2013 we'll see some new flights in Q4 especially.

[s211]

Pretty bad when the only news we can scrap up about YEG is diversions.

And we get excited about it!!

Someone out there must have some interesting route news/rumors/gossip?

I'm sure there's another winter booze-run direct to Vegas and another summer run up to mosquito heaven in the NWT in the offing.

Sorry, but that was too close to reality to be a rumour.

[Johnny Aussie]

Nothing... not even ERAA is creating false promises like they usually do. I'm sure 2013 we'll see some new flights in Q4 especially.

Glad to see I'm not the only one who thinks that about ERAA. Used to get massively flamed for suggesting their press releases were/are a tad fluffy!

[EdmTrekker]

Glad to see I'm not the only one who thinks that about ERAA. Used to get massively flamed for suggesting their press releases were/are a tad fluffy!

Ouch...I try my best not to get pulled into the gang bang negativity. Not that I am a saint. It is frustrating not to see the "news" so many people here are hoping for including me. I think our little group here needs some cheering up - a beer session with the folks at EIA.

[Coldrsx]

Another one of those EIA beer and chats would be welcomed.

[dansk]

Meetings are good, but they aren't going to tell you more as the GP, than they tell the media. They are going to just give you we're hopeful for new routes to NY and Europe in the next 12 months. I have know doubt that once WS frees up from of their 737 next year we'll see some minor expansion from Edmonton. With so much competition out of YYC for Europe I see it as struggle for YEG to get a flight to FRA in the next year. Hopefully I'm wrong.

[LO 044]

I have a feeling WS's minor expansion will include sun flights from Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray and further expansion from YYC.

[Clearshades]

Wouldnt mind that; i have never been to one... If that does happen,
We should all brainstorm and come up with possible solutions to help. I don't want them to just answer trivial questions for us, but hopefully they come out of it with provoking insights as well. Hopefully, if we do that, their brains might get inspired with refreshimg concepts to approach future endeavours.

[MalcolmTucker]

Wouldnt mind that; i have never been to one... If that does happen,
We should all brainstorm and come up with possible solutions to help. I don't want them to just answer trivial questions for us, but hopefully they come out of it with provoking insights as well. Hopefully, if we do that, their brains might get inspired with refreshimg concepts to approach future endeavours.
Time travel to 1995 and land swap Namao for YEG? Closer to the city and not on the way to Calgary.

[LO 044]

Time travel to 1995 and land swap Namao for YEG? Closer to the city and not on the way to Calgary.No that's not it. Time travel to 1985 and keep private businesses taxes lower to attract businesses to stay in Edmonton and actually develop Jasper to be something more than a sleepy town. Alternatively, move the mountains a bit to the east.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Time travel to 1965 and shutdown YXD once YEG opened.

[rapid_business]

/\ And have YEG open around Ellerslie as originally planned and not the land swap that actually happened. (truth is, I don't know enough about what actually happened to say anything else about it)...