[LO 044]

Here are some schedules for you lucky dogs down south.

Air Canada launch 3 weekly Calgary – Tokyo from 27MAR10
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As expected, Air Canada today announced it’ll launch 3 weekly Calgary – Tokyo Narita service from 27MAR10. Reservation this route is now available.

AC009 YYC1220 – 1400+1NRT 763 246
AC010 NRT1600 – 1045YYC 763 357

[KrisYYC]

YYC-NRT starts March 27 and will be using a 763.

MX is going up to 5 weekly from 4 weekly in YYC but dropping YEG altogether.

Also hearing some chatter about YYC-Beijing (AC) but I think it's just rumour from all the buzz of getting NRT.

I'll keep my ears open.

[Yume-sama]

Are they selling anything other than economy? I've tried a range of dates and only "Tango" shows up for each of them.

I can't imagine the YYC - NRT route could survive without "Executive First"...

Also, what are the 3 days? I know Sunday is one of them!

[wild wild west]

The Narita flight is great news! We now have direct flights to the two biggest cities in the World, Tokyo and Mexico City!:tup:

I feel for the Edmonton folks...I hope Mexicana goes back there once the economy improves. I must admit I was skeptical of Alberta being able to support that many flights to Mexico City ...AB is a market of less than 4 million people. Even factoring in travellers from SK and MB, the whole Prairie region combined has only 6 million.

[Bigtime]

Also, what are the 3 days? I know Sunday is one of them!

The flight days are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

This according to http://www.iflycalgary.ca/

[Yume-sama]

The flight days are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

This according to http://www.iflycalgary.ca/

Oh, yes you're right. The return flights are Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday :yes:

[Blader]

Are they selling anything other than economy? I've tried a range of dates and only "Tango" shows up for each of them.

I can't imagine the YYC - NRT route could survive without "Executive First"...

The aircraft will be XM'd - 24 Executive First lay flat seats

[Aegis]

Awesome news about the flights to Tokyo! I'm always excited more wide-body jets make use of our airport. Makes for good flight-watching.

[Wooster]

I think the article in the Herald expanded. I noticed this quote:

The success of the flight could lead to other connections down the road.

Smith noted that when Air Canada takes delivery of its 787s in 2013, that will open a number of other opportunities.

“That airplane, of course, is perfectly sized for launches like Calgary and have the range and the economics to make a lot of other routes viable for us,” he said.

Poirier said the authority would in the future like a Chinese connection, and is talking with Air Canada about at possible routes like Beijing and later Shanghai, but that those will be dictated by the economic development of the city and the region.

Air Canada has introduced seven new routes serving Calgary in the last 10 months.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/Tokyo+route+connect+Calgary+Asia/2236984/story.html

[Blader]

^^^
The 787 will be a game changer - lower operating costs and extended range - for thin routes - more point to point non stops.

[Ferreth]

Is Dubai next? (http://www.calgaryherald.com/that+glitters+Dubai/2220887/story.html)

To quote the interesting bit:

Residents of the U.S. have been reluctant to embrace the city as a tourist destination, but Canadians have, especially since Emirates Airlines started direct flights three times a week on the A-380 from Toronto in June, with great success, says Mary Heron, Emirates airlines’ manager in Canada.

Once those flights become daily, Heron says, the next planned gateways in Canada include Calgary and Vancouver.

“We are doing a lot behind the scenes but it’s anybody’s guess as to when,” Heron says, referring to the need for government approval.

“It’s definitely on our radar.”

[Yume-sama]

What is actually really exciting about this is, the connections you can make while in Tokyo. For example, I just searched on March 27th, you can connect in Tokyo and fly with any other Star Alliance airline, to pretty much any city in Asia. I tried Calgary - Singapore, it connects you with All Nippon Airways, and for $200 more you end up Singapore a few hours later. This will be amazing at opening up this region to Asia, in general.

You can go ANYWHERE from Narita :)

[Wooster]

China is obviously the next logical step. Dubai would be great too.

[MalcolmTucker]

Woot. It will be nice when the bilateral with the Chinese is opened up a bit.

As for Dubai, not going to happen. Until Canada gets the equivalent of open skies with India, the government isn't going to modify the bilateral to allow more than 6 flights a week between UAE and Canada.

[tuffyy]

And no one believed me when I tipped you off...just bigtime.
I also see YEG although losing MX for the time being has got a couple things upcoming and one involves one of your European friends tying a YEG/YYC combined route.

[wild wild west]

What is actually really exciting about this is, the connections you can make while in Tokyo. For example, I just searched on March 27th, you can connect in Tokyo and fly with any other Star Alliance airline, to pretty much any city in Asia. I tried Calgary - Singapore, it connects you with All Nippon Airways, and for $200 more you end up Singapore a few hours later. This will be amazing at opening up this region to Asia, in general.

You can go ANYWHERE from Narita :)

Very true...Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, China, Indonesia, Thailand...just about any major city in Asia is now a one-stop flight. Although, isn't most of Tokyo's domestic air traffic routed through Haneda?

On TV this morning they said they'd have introductory round-trip fares as low as ~$580 + taxes, which is very reasonable. I've paid that much to fly to Houston or Toronto/Ottawa from here.

[Tarsus]

That's freaking awesome! Good news about Mexicana adding more flights to Calgary. Bad news for Edmonton, but at least Mexicana still has a presence in Alberta, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them back in Edmonton later on when things pick up.

I'm stoked about the possibility of direct flights to Dubai and China. :)

I'm mainly a lurker in this forum, but thought this might catch a few glipses here...

Air Canada launches Calgary-Tokyo direct flight

http://www.calgaryherald.com/Canada+launches+Calgary+Tokyo+direct+flight/2236984/story.html

[Bokimon]

Very true...Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, China, Indonesia, Thailand...just about any major city in Asia is now a one-stop flight. Although, isn't most of Tokyo's domestic air traffic routed through Haneda?

On TV this morning they said they'd have introductory round-trip fares as low as ~$580 + taxes, which is very reasonable. I've paid that much to fly to Houston or Toronto/Ottawa from here.


But the taxes will be like another 400-500 bucks ontop making it around teh 1000 dollar marker. I guess for convenience and the direct flight benefit, that aint bad at all.

[MalcolmTucker]

I wonder when we will next hear news about the international facilities project...

[Yume-sama]

Very true...Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, China, Indonesia, Thailand...just about any major city in Asia is now a one-stop flight. Although, isn't most of Tokyo's domestic air traffic routed through Haneda?

On TV this morning they said they'd have introductory round-trip fares as low as ~$580 + taxes, which is very reasonable. I've paid that much to fly to Houston or Toronto/Ottawa from here.

Well, there are scheduled flights out of Narita, a couple per day (every few hours, instead of every 15 to 30 minutes like Haneda), to Osaka, Fukuoka, and Sapporo. Other than that, yes, you will have to go to Haneda. But luckily you can catch a bus (very clearly marked in English as soon as you leave customs) that will get you there in about 1 hour, or you could hop a train... which will also get you there in about an hour.

[Surrealplaces]

Wow, that's great news about the flights to Tokyo. It's also great to hear that Shanghai and Dubai are also potentially in the works. That would be amazing.

When they say 'direct' flight, do they mean, with a quick pit stop in YVR or a non-stop flight?

[MalcolmTucker]

The release had this headline, which should clear anything up:

Air Canada to launch Calgary-Tokyo non-stop service; Offering convenient connecting flights throughout Asia

[Bokimon]

I wonder when we will next hear news about the international facilities project...

Oh ya, heres what i know about the new International wing.
It is under design development by Cohos Evamy. Probably the same design team that is working on Edmonton's new terminal and tower (which looks amazing btw)
It will have 14 gates and a handful would be double bridges like in the D wing to accomodate super heavies. I think it should be a good design when its released.

[MrBigStuff]

Oh ya, heres what i know about the new International wing.
It is under design development by Cohos Evamy. Probably the same design team that is working on Edmonton's new terminal and tower (which looks amazing btw)
It will have 14 gates and a handful would be double bridges like in the D wing to accomodate super heavies. I think it should be a good design when its released.

That would be awesome to come by there and see one or two A380's sitting there, prepping for their next flights out of YYC.:yes:

Anyone out there that has been up in the A380???

[RedStar]

But the taxes will be like another 400-500 bucks ontop making it around teh 1000 dollar marker. I guess for convenience and the direct flight benefit, that aint bad at all.

A little less then that (Tango fare, including Aeroplan miles):

Base Fare 598.00
Options 0.00
Taxes, fees, charges and surcharges 238.85
Grand Total - Canadian dollars $836.85

[Yume-sama]

What is the timeframe on the sale to Tokyo? I just checked for Summer and it is $1500 round trip. Not $800 :(

[YYCguys]

Oh ya, heres what i know about the new International wing.
It is under design development by Cohos Evamy. Probably the same design team that is working on Edmonton's new terminal and tower (which looks amazing btw)
It will have 14 gates and a handful would be double bridges like in the D wing to accomodate super heavies. I think it should be a good design when its released.

It's unfortunate that the one double loading bridge in the D wing (D40) has been taken out (the rear door bridge) due to constant malfunctions.

[Deepstar]

Calgary to Tokyo non stop. :cheers:

This just shows how much Calgary is showing up on the global radar.

[FormerWingTipper]

I don't think that this has been posted yet, but just so people know, the new YYC-NRT flights originate in YYZ. That is where they will get the aircraft from.

So in addition to YYZ-NRT daily nonstop flights, there will be a YYZ-NRT direct flight that makes a stop in YYC.

Flights are as follows:

YYZ-NRT NONSTOP
AC1 / 777
Departs YYZ 13:15
Arrives NRT 15:00 +1 day
AC2 / 777
Departs NRT 17:00
Arrives YYZ 15:50

YYZ-NRT DIRECT (via YYC)
AC9 / 767 - operating Tu/Th/Sat
Departs YYZ 08:00
Arrives YYC 10:06
Departs YYC 12:20
Arrives NRT 14:00 +1 day
AC10 / 767 - operating We/Fri/Su
Departs NRT 16:00
Arrives YYC 10:45
Departs YYC 12:30
Arrives YYZ 18:10

All passengers would deplane in YYC going both ways (due to preperation for the international flight on the outbound and Customs clearence on the inbound).

Since the direct flight via YYC departs YYZ first, it is actually listed first in the GDS, websites (when sorted by time), etc. so who knows how many people might booked the direct flight instead of the nonstop flight, thus filling up more seats on the YYC-NRT run.

This is also very good for YYC since you can now fly domestically to YYZ three days a week on a 767 offering lie flat seats. The business flyers will like the addition of a larger aircraft on the YYC-YYZ run.

Thanks!

[lubicon]

I don't think that this has been posted yet, but just so people know, the new YYC-NRT flights originate in YYZ. That is where they will get the aircraft from.

So in addition to YYZ-NRT daily nonstop flights, there will be a YYZ-NRT direct flight that makes a stop in YYC.

Flights are as follows:

YYZ-NRT NONSTOP
AC1 / 777
Departs YYZ 13:15
Arrives NRT 15:00 +1 day
AC2 / 777
Departs NRT 17:00
Arrives YYZ 15:50

YYZ-NRT DIRECT (via YYC)
AC9 / 767 - operating Tu/Th/Sat
Departs YYZ 08:00
Arrives YYC 10:06
Departs YYC 12:20
Arrives NRT 14:00 +1 day
AC10 / 767 - operating We/Fri/Su
Departs NRT 16:00
Arrives YYC 10:45
Departs YYC 12:30
Arrives YYZ 18:10

All passengers would deplane in YYC going both ways (due to preperation for the international flight on the outbound and Customs clearence on the inbound).

Since the direct flight via YYC departs YYZ first, it is actually listed first in the GDS, websites (when sorted by time), etc. so who knows how many people might booked the direct flight instead of the nonstop flight, thus filling up more seats on the YYC-NRT run.

This is also very good for YYC since you can now fly domestically to YYZ three days a week on a 767 offering lie flat seats. The business flyers will like the addition of a larger aircraft on the YYC-YYZ run.

Thanks!

Thank you for making the distinction between non stop and direct!!!! It drives me nuts to see the 2 terms interchanged.

Regarding your second point, are you sure passengers would have to deplane in Calgary in each direction? Sure, they have to coming from NRT, but I don't see the point on the outbound (to NRT) portion for those passengers originating in YYZ. I think AC does the same thing on some YYZ-YVR-Asia one stop flights, do they have do deplane in YVR before continuing on to Asia? I'm asking, I don't know the answer.

[Yume-sama]

I can't think of a flight that goes YYZ - YVR - Asia, however, I see no reason why they would have to deplane.

[lubicon]

I can't think of a flight that goes YYZ - YVR - Asia, however, I see no reason why they would have to deplane.

I just looked at their timetable and there are 2 flights (at least) that do so:

AC 25 which flies YYZ-YVR-Shanghai
AC 29 YYZ-YVR-Beijing

[Cow-garian]

Thank you for making the distinction between non stop and direct!!!! It drives me nuts to see the 2 terms interchanged.


So in a nutshell what is the difference between non-stop and direct? :sly:

[Yume-sama]

Well, I'm not sure of what they do :P It may land in Domestic and transfer over to an International Gate? Or, somehow they land in International... and there is a way to divert people away from customs.... either way, that likely wouldn't be a problem in Calgary, as I imagine they'd be taking off from Domestic terminal (like BA to London, Thomas Cook, etc.) since you don't pre-clear customs to go to Japan, though in Vancouver you do have to go to International Terminal. Confusing!

[MalcolmTucker]

^ There are swing gates between domestic and international on the Westjet side - are there on the Air Canada side?

Perhaps this will be the first AC flight to operate out of D?

[Riise]

So in a nutshell what is the difference between non-stop and direct? :sly:

Using our new flight (YYZ.YYC.NRT) as an example. A non-stop flight would be, like the name suggests, a flight without any stops (i.e. the YYC.NRT component of the YYZ.YYC.NRT route). A direct flight on the other hand, would be a flight on a single aircraft that has one or more stops in-between its origin and destination but passengers are not allowed to deplane at these intermediary stops (i.e. the YYZ.NRT component of the YYZ.YYC.NRT route).

Edit: For my example to work, the passengers on the flights coming into Calgary from Toronto on the new YYZ.YYC.NRT route would not allowed to deplane.

[outoftheice]

Yes, passengers will deplane in YYC. As mentioned by FormerWingTipper.... on the outbound flight, Air Canada off-loads passengers so they can prep and groom the aircraft. On the return, passengers will clear customs in YYC and then the flight will be operated as a domestic flight between YYC and YYZ. I'm guessing this flight will operate out of the B gates along with the majority of Air Canada's international flights.

[Bigtime]

Even with the flight arriving from YYZ before continuing on to NRT I think that the flight will utilize the B gates. You don't have to pass through customs to access a lot of the AC flights that already utilize it (LHR & FRA as examples). Plus anyone connecting to other domestic AC flights can take the walkway that leads over to the A wing from the B gates without having to leave the secured area.

I'm guessing passengers will have to deplane, as the flight for NRT will need to undergo a full cabin clean and catering for the long flight over to NRT.

[mr.A]

Now you only need a BETTER srceening set up. Traveled last week from YVR through Calgary to Houston and back. The only trouble was in Calgary. All their sensors are unrealistic sensitive!!!!!!.Had absolutely nothing on me and I beeped. Finally she ask if i had a heart surgery (7 years ago, wired my chest bones!) Get a life Calgary!

[Bigtime]

Now you only need a BETTER srceening set up. Traveled last week from YVR through Calgary to Houston and back. The only trouble was in Calgary. All there sensors are unrealistic sensitive!!!!!!.Had absolutely nothing on me and I beeped. Finally she ask if i had a heart surgery (7 years ago, wired my chest bones!) Get a life Calgary!

One bad experience is hardly a cause for concern. I just went through YYC security on Wednesday with my wife and daughter and none of us beeped on the sensors.

Did it really upset you that much? Also last I checked security is completely independent of the airport authority and is all run by CATSA now. So take your beef up with them.

[mr.A]

A national catsa standard for all Canadian airports would be nice. This is not the first time i had trouble. 2 weeks ago from Kamloops to YYC and back to YVR other hassels with CATSA Calgary.

[Stang]

I fly out of YYC at least 8 times a year and I don't find the security procedure any better or worse than YVR, YYZ, or any other airport that I have been to.

Some days you get a little extra attention, and other days you slip right through. I have a couple of surgical plates in one of my arms, so I expect the odd beep every now and then. I don't find it an inconvenience to have to be "wanded" for about 10 seconds. I just tell they guy I have some plates, unbutton my cuff, and let him have a look while he wands my arm. Done and done.

I'm not saying that I wouldn't welcome a little more consistency though. For example, I often travel with a small projector. Some airports want it out for the swab, some airports are just happy to know what it is, and other airports wonder why you tell them about it.

[Yume-sama]

Speaking of security procedures, does YYC have the new self-serve custom check machines yet?

You insert your declaration card, it reads it, you scan your passport, and off you go. I managed to avoid a HUGE lineup in YVR by using it :D

Hopefully it gets around to other airports if it hasn't yet.

[FormerWingTipper]

Thank you for making the distinction between non stop and direct!!!! It drives me nuts to see the 2 terms interchanged.

Regarding your second point, are you sure passengers would have to deplane in Calgary in each direction? Sure, they have to coming from NRT, but I don't see the point on the outbound (to NRT) portion for those passengers originating in YYZ. I think AC does the same thing on some YYZ-YVR-Asia one stop flights, do they have do deplane in YVR before continuing on to Asia? I'm asking, I don't know the answer.




Yes, through YYZ-NRT passengers stopping in YYC will disembark. While I have no idea which gate the flight will land it, it will most likely take off from the same gate it comes into. It will be either an A or B gate. Passengers can then strecth their legs, grab a bite to eat, and roam the concourse before reboarding.

The passengers traveling YYZ-YYC-NRT will disembark in YYC for many reasons, including crew change, preperation for international flight (e.g.: groomers will leave a pillow, blanket, etc. at each economy seat), etc. not to mention who wants to stay onboard the plane for more than two hours when they got a long flight ahead of them and just arrived off a short one (remember the stop is over two hours long for these very reasons). I have no clue how many through passengers to expect but I do suspect that the direct flight, being listed first in the GDS, may have some people booking it by mistake.

The passengers will also disembark NRT-YYC-YYZ in YYC as it all passengers will clear Canadian Customs in YYC so that the YYC-YYZ portion of the flight can also carry domestic passengers.

I have no clue how they do it in YVR but YVR is a different ballgame.

[FormerWingTipper]

I just looked at their timetable and there are 2 flights (at least) that do so:

AC 25 which flies YYZ-YVR-Shanghai
AC 29 YYZ-YVR-Beijing



I think AC63/AC64 go YYZ-YVR-ICN / ICN-YVR-YYZ.
And I know we said Asia but AC33/AC34 go YYZ-YVR-SYD / SYD-YVR-YYZ

[SubwayRev]

I think AC63/AC64 go YYZ-YVR-ICN / ICN-YVR-YYZ.
And I know we said Asia but AC33/AC34 go YYZ-YVR-SYD / SYD-YVR-YYZ

I took AC001 in March, it was YYZ-YVR-NRT and AC002 was NRT-YVR-YYZ

[Deepstar]

Now you only need a BETTER srceening set up. Traveled last week from YVR through Calgary to Houston and back. The only trouble was in Calgary. All their sensors are unrealistic sensitive!!!!!!.Had absolutely nothing on me and I beeped. Finally she ask if i had a heart surgery (7 years ago, wired my chest bones!) Get a life Calgary!

I've gone through security here several times in the last couple of years and never had a problem with oversensitive equipment. The most sensitive of equipment I've run across was in fort McMurray.

[Deepstar]

As a passenger I don't mind having to disembark, if you've got enough time to go grab a bite or do a bit of shopping.

Yes, through YYZ-NRT passengers stopping in YYC will disembark. While I have no idea which gate the flight will land it, it will most likely take off from the same gate it comes into. It will be either an A or B gate. Passengers can then strecth their legs, grab a bite to eat, and roam the concourse before reboarding.

The passengers traveling YYZ-YYC-NRT will disembark in YYC for many reasons, including crew change, preperation for international flight (e.g.: groomers will leave a pillow, blanket, etc. at each economy seat), etc. not to mention who wants to stay onboard the plane for more than two hours when they got a long flight ahead of them and just arrived off a short one (remember the stop is over two hours long for these very reasons). I have no clue how many through passengers to expect but I do suspect that the direct flight, being listed first in the GDS, may have some people booking it by mistake.

The passengers will also disembark NRT-YYC-YYZ in YYC as it all passengers will clear Canadian Customs in YYC so that the YYC-YYZ portion of the flight can also carry domestic passengers.

I have no clue how they do it in YVR but YVR is a different ballgame.

[Bigtime]

September passenger numbers show the first increase in 2009:

Domestic: 746,398 (+6.9%)
Transborder: 173,538 (-3.3%)
International: 83,964 (-11.6%)

Works out to an overall increase of 3.2%. I really hope the international can bounce back, don't want any of our newer routes to be in jeopardy of ending.

[The Chemist]

Nice to hear about the flight to Tokyo. I may have to try it out on my return from Calgary to Shanghai next summer (though I'm not sure if connecting through Tokyo will be better than connecting through Vancouver).

I'll be super happy when there's a direct flight to Shanghai. :)

[Just Build It]

I like the fact that they are starting up this new Tokyo flight in the midst of a downturn. It shows confidence in Calgary.

September passenger numbers show the first increase in 2009:

Domestic: 746,398 (+6.9%)
Transborder: 173,538 (-3.3%)
International: 83,964 (-11.6%)

Works out to an overall increase of 3.2%. I really hope the international can bounce back, don't want any of our newer routes to be in jeopardy of ending.

[Danma]

Prices in April (for selected flights on AC's website) for the roundtrip flight are about $860 after all taxes etc are added in, and the flight is 10h40 there, 9h45 back. For those who travel to Asia this is a great thing -- it cuts about 2-3 hours out of the overall flight time and it's a little bit cheaper as well. Gotta love it.

Unfortunately, going to Tokyo with a newborn and a toddler doesn't seem practical... :)

Dan

[Surrealplaces]

^That's a great price for a trip to Tokyo. Makes me want to go there, even if just for a few days to go take some photos. Any idea on whether prices will stay like that, or is it just a promotional offering?


It seems like this direct flight to Tokyo is really more of a way for AC to top up their flights from Toronto to Tokyo. If this is the is case, I don't mind, maybe AC will look at stopping in Calgary for other flights from Toronto to Asia. Thoughts?

[Bokimon]

Snowbirds and 2x CF18 hornets will be in town for the weekend doing flybys on Sunday over the stadium at halftime. Also there is a grey cup parade somewhere in between in which the CF18s will also do a flyby over downtown similar to the stampede parade. Maybe over stephen ave?

Anybody around town keep your cameras out. It should be a fun weekend.

[bookermorgan]

I had read the Snowbirds were doing the parade flypast, cool that the C/F-18's will be here too

[Danma]

^That's a great price for a trip to Tokyo. Makes me want to go there, even if just for a few days to go take some photos. Any idea on whether prices will stay like that, or is it just a promotional offering?

It seems like this direct flight to Tokyo is really more of a way for AC to top up their flights from Toronto to Tokyo. If this is the is case, I don't mind, maybe AC will look at stopping in Calgary for other flights from Toronto to Asia. Thoughts?

This is a promotional price for certain days as they try to get some traffic going on the route. As usual there's deals to be found all year round.

This may open up more flights to Asia. One to Shanghai or Hong Kong may be worthwhile. Lots of Koreans in Calgary these days... perhaps a direct to Seoul?

Dan

[Yume-sama]

The deal is pretty amazing. They have already sold out the first flight.

If I knew for sure the Flames would be eliminated in round 1 I would book, since the deal goes until May 31st :P

Makes me feel ripped off, as I booked a flight to NYC yesterday for just $20 less than a trip to Tokyo... :haha:

And my flight to Boston costs more :(

[Bigtime]

Snowbirds and 2x CF18 hornets will be in town for the weekend doing flybys on Sunday over the stadium at halftime. Also there is a grey cup parade somewhere in between in which the CF18s will also do a flyby over downtown similar to the stampede parade. Maybe over stephen ave?

Anybody around town keep your cameras out. It should be a fun weekend.

I'm going up on the roof in a bit to try and get some shots of the flybys for the parade at 11am.

[bestnickever]

I'm going up on the roof in a bit to try and get some shots of the flybys for the parade at 11am.


I scrambled to get a lousy iphone pic of the flyby today on their second pass over downtown. Took it at Sait while working. Wasn't really that dark, but iphone doesnt do too well in the low light of November... so please excuse the quality :yuck:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v727/brk/photo.jpg?t=1259475541

[MrBigStuff]

The deal is pretty amazing. They have already sold out the first flight.

If I knew for sure the Flames would be eliminated in round 1 I would book, since the deal goes until May 31st :P

Makes me feel ripped off, as I booked a flight to NYC yesterday for just $20 less than a trip to Tokyo... :haha:

And my flight to Boston costs more :(

From where I sit - it looks like the closer your destination, the more you pay for air fare - no understand!!!:brickwall:

[ummagumma66]

and F-18 flew over my house earlier (about 4pm). It was moving at a fair clip and in the midst of an aggressive turn (i.e. Wingtips were perpendicular to the ground)

[yeeg]

the F-18's were doing a flyover for the grey cup to signal the opening kickoff.

[mersar]

Yep. I spotted the snowbirds as they did their flyover as I was heading west on 16th ave (the smoke trails were quite impressive to see, especially as low as they were), then the 2 F18's as I was heading north on Shag, the F18's looked to be heading west out of the city and were doing a few turns while they were leaving

[Surrealplaces]

Bigtime has some great pictures of the Snowbirds on his Flickr account....and needs to post them here :whip:

[Bigtime]

Bigtime has some great pictures of the Snowbirds on his Flickr account....and needs to post them here :whip:

Ask and ye shall receive:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/4140755293_c048f25e30_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2666/4140755885_2d13b2533c_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2558/4140757003_5c16ce1a74_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/4141515954_9a75f8c096_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2654/4140758515_c5cfd5a752_b.jpg

[Stang]

Imagine if the torch had been lit... damn.

Great photos nonetheless!

[Bokimon]

great pictures man! Damm I was sound asleep that morning after getting off work at 5am :( I guess next time then..

[bestnickever]

Awesome pictures. Damn near see the pilots nose hairs!

[Surrealplaces]

You really nailed those Snowbird shots Bigtime! :cool:



Here's a few airport shots from Jonsey737 on Flickr.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/4150963519_0d0f2ec66f_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4151540284_ef23769810_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2640/4151540534_55672ec8ba_b.jpg



The private jet of the Phoenix Coyotes
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2558/4133576366_9100ae843d_b.jpg



Private jet of the Dallas Stars
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/4137934754_8fb79a0126_o.jpg

[Innersoul1]

Hmm well the Flames need a private jet!

[Bigtime]

That's odd, both of those private 727's have the same registry N698SS. Is one an older picture?

[Riise]

That's odd, both of those private 727's have the same registry N698SS. Is one an older picture?

Considering the financial situation of the Coyotes, they probably sold the plane to the Stars in order to pay the player's salary this week.

[MalcolmTucker]

Hmm well the Flames need a private jet!

Don't the Flames fly on AirCanada Jetz, the specialty charter?

[Bigtime]

Yes they do.

[Cow-garian]

Considering the financial situation of the Coyotes, they probably sold the plane to the Stars in order to pay the player's salary this week.

:haha:

I believe the Dallas Stars sold the jet to the Coyotes. I remember seeing a video (this season) on their website giving their "fans" a walk about of the jet

[KrisYYC]

With China granting Canada "approved destination status" the possibility of Calgary getting direct flights to China have improved.

Rumour mill is AC brass were talking about when they were in town a couple of months ago.

We'll see.

[Bigtime]

I had to do it Kris, I just posted that rumour onto the thread at a.net about the Narita flight. We'll see how quickly it gets ripped apart by the haters.

[KrisYYC]

^^ Oh it won't take long I'm sure. Especially from one paticular Vancouverite who can't seem to fathom that YYC just might be able to compete with YVR on some things. I remember his shock and dismay when the 777's were doing YYC-LHR when YVR-LHR was only an A330. How on earth could YYC possibly outperform the amazing YVR on a route?? :rolleyes:

Anywho, regarding China flights, I believe it was Rovinescu himself that was mentioning things like "Beijing" on his last visit. I didn't hear it from him myself, but somebody who would be in the know with such things.

Kris

[korzym]

Don't the Flames fly on AirCanada Jetz, the specialty charter?

Yes they do.

That's too bad, I wish it was Westjet...keep that western pride alive. [I would assume AC is losing money on flying the flames around, just because its AC]. I would take a guess as well that costs of owning a private jet are substantially lower in the U.S., for vehicles gas is like 30-40% cheaper, whatever it is for plane fuel...the costs must be sizable, just the way Canada is I doubt the Flames could afford a private jet

[KrisYYC]

That's too bad, I wish it was Westjet...keep that western pride alive. [I would assume AC is losing money on flying the flames around, just because its AC]. I would take a guess as well that costs of owning a private jet are substantially lower in the U.S., for vehicles gas is like 30-40% cheaper, whatever it is for plane fuel...the costs must be sizable, just the way Canada is I doubt the Flames could afford a private jet

It's actually very lucrative for AC.

These aircraft are a special all business class layout with larger tables near the middle of the aircraft.

I believe most of the Canadian NHL teams use them, and the odd one off thing like the U2 North American tour as well.

[Bigtime]

I've heard that Jetz is a very good operation for AC as well. I think they are even flying a few of the American NHL teams.

[MrBigStuff]

Bigtime - Do you know if Air Canada B777's are still coming into YYC, or the British Airways B777's - have not seen any for a while.

[MrBigStuff]

Those B727's look so sleek - and they look like they could be supersonic.
Not hard to find a seat ahead of the wings on these jets.

[thager]

I've heard that Jetz is a very good operation for AC as well. I think they are even flying a few of the American NHL teams.

Air Canada’s Jetz service provides charters to all six Canadian NHL teams as well as the Raptors basketball team.
http://www.thestar.com/business/article/696979

[KrisYYC]

Bigtime - Do you know if Air Canada B777's are still coming into YYC, or the British Airways B777's - have not seen any for a while.

Nope, BA dropped down to a 767 quite a while ago. AC is back to using A330's for FRA and LHR.

[Bigtime]

Yup, we are currently 777'less. Hopefully AC will put them back on the LHR run.

[lubicon]

I've heard that Jetz is a very good operation for AC as well. I think they are even flying a few of the American NHL teams.

I know they were up until recently. They may not be anymore though, as the U.S. clamped down on 'cabotage' after complaints from some U.S. carriers.

[Bigtime]

I know they were up until recently. They may not be anymore though, as the U.S. clamped down on 'cabotage' after complaints from some U.S. carriers.

I believe that matter got sorted and Jetz is still flying a few of those teams around.

[Bigtime]

Well today is the kind of day that the pilots earn their money. Safe flying to all of them out there.

[Blader]

Well today is the kind of day that the pilots earn their money. Safe flying to all of them out there. Many are not flying. Havoc at Calgary International (http://www.calgaryairport.com/Departures.aspx?cid=7&lang=1#current). Probably down to one runway at the moment.

[bigcanuck]

Many are not flying. Havoc at Calgary International (http://www.calgaryairport.com/Departures.aspx?cid=7&lang=1#current). Probably down to one runway at the moment.

Dang - better clear up by Sunday when I have to fly out of YYC...

[Blader]

Dang - better clear up by Sunday when I have to fly out of YYC...

You should be fine - the ugly system should have blown through by Saturday evening. Sunday should be sunny and cold.

[Bigtime]

Looking at the forecasts I am actually surprised by the amount of cancelled flights. It looks more like the departures are being affected by the few flights that cancelled coming in. The snow clearing is probably slowing down arrivals and departures, but I would bet they are keeping both 34 and 28 active right now. The crosswind may be reducing the use of 28 though.

METAR CYYC 041900Z 35023G33KT 1/4SM SN +BLSN OVC008 M04/M05 A2973 RMK
SC8 RVR RWY 34 3500 + 28 3000 FT /S02/ SLP125=

Wind is 23 gusting 33 knots, 1/4 statute mile visibility, snow and heavy blowing snow, overcast at 800', temperature -4, dewpoint -5. Runway visual range for 34 is 3500+.

[evolv]

Korean air makes it official: ICN-YYC with 747 equipment July 25 - August 25. Hopefully this becomes a more regular occurence throughout the year

[Aegis]

Korean air makes it official: ICN-YYC with 747 equipment July 25 - August 25. Hopefully this becomes a more regular occurence throughout the year

This is great news. The more 747s the better.

[Bigtime]

New parkade and cheaper rates announced at YYC

CHQR Newsroom
12/10/2009

It just got a little easier to find a parking spot at the Calgary International Airport - just in time for the busy holiday travel season.
YYC has announced its new parkade is open, adding another 1,930 stalls.
The airport is also reducing weekly parking rates to $99 in the covered areas and $49 in the surface economy lot.

In all, there are close to 7,500 spots at the airport, thanks to this multi-phase parking project, which is now finished.

Link (http://www.am770chqr.com/News/Local/Story.aspx?ID=1174385)

[Bigtime]

October 2009 Passenger Numbers

1,000,908 people through YYC in October, beating the '08 number by 0.4%. It doesn't sound like much but look at this breakdown:

Domestic: 724,378 (+0.2%)
Transborder: 199,901 (-1.5%)
International: 76,629 (+7.8%)

International up 7.8%, this is a great sign and hopefully indicative of what our future international services (NRT) will bring.

[Cow-garian]

October 2009 Passenger Numbers

1,000,908 people through YYC in October, beating the '08 number by 0.4%. It doesn't sound like much but look at this breakdown:

Domestic: 724,378 (+0.2%)
Transborder: 199,901 (-1.5%)
International: 76,629 (+7.8%)

International up 7.8%, this is a great sign and hopefully indicative of what our future international services (NRT) will bring.

Did you get these numbers from there website? I'm curious to see what their numbers for 2009 were

[Bigtime]

Yes the numbers are on the YYC website.

[evolv]

For interest sake and nothing to do with YYC but the 787 makes its first flight tomorrow... fingers crossed