[Rocket252]

And for everyones info YEG has exactly 0 daily flights from either LHR or FRA.

Quite a disparity between the 2 cities.

[lubicon]

In the summer, AC has 2 daily flights to LHR, so that's 14 per week plus BA's 5 weekly gives 19. In the winter, AC only has one daily flight, which means there'll be 12 weekly flights to LHR.

Add in at least one daily charter flight (somedays more) and the total is even higher.

[Bokimon]

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2006/07/27/plane-spotters.html

There was a CBC article about Calgary airport on Friday.
Plane spotters have teamed up with the Airport Authority and the RCMP to bring better security to the airport. The spotters like myself would not only do our regular thing but would also be the extra eyes and ears for the airport. Anything suspicious or out of the ordinary while spotting would be reported to them and would overall make the airport more secure and safer without adding any operating costs.

43 peeps turned out for the inaugural meeting at the airport some time back and special ID badges are being made by the RCMP as well as well as clothes.

[Bokimon]

Update:

Starting Tomorrow ANA will commence flights between Calgary and Tokyo.

[Bigtime]

^^^ Bo we talking the usual summer charters? What equipment are we getting? 777 or 747?

[Bokimon]

Hey Aaron, its back to the 747-400.
Yeah Baby!

(yeah they are charters, hopin to get some folks to think this was actual new service) :D

It left Narita 2 hrs ago arriving around 9am.
August 5,7,11,13,15, and a few more days. Will have to verify those dates as this was quoted from someone else.

[Bigtime]

She looked good coming in on 34 this morning. Always nice to see a different visitor around YYC. Any chance that some of these may be operated by the 777? Or do we just have to wait for BA in December?

[Bokimon]

Looks like it was covered on Global news today.
Apparently both ANA and JAL are coming to transport as many as 2100 japanese tourists into our city in 2-3 day intervals.

[Claeren]

So are they mostly for Japanese coming in or are they filled with Calgarians heading to Japan as well?


Claeren.

[IntotheWest]

^There was actually an quick word in the Herald today in David Parker's article:

All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines will be flying in and out of Calgary with groups from Narita, Nagoya and Hiroshima on five-day packages that will take in the sights of Calgary, the Rockies and the Badlands. It is expected that more than 2,000 Japanese will take advantage of the flights that will be met with western themed welcoming celebrations at the international airport.

Among the visitors today is Yukihira Miyagishima, vice- president marketing and sales for All Nippon Airways, to acknowledge the airline's commitment to Alberta. According to Travel Alberta, Japan is this province's fourth largest international tourism market generating 87,000 visitors in 2004 who spent a total of $67 million here. And a recent Canadian Tourism Commission report says that Alberta was the most popular destination for Japanese travellers for the fall of last year.

[Bokimon]

Well today had BOTH All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines.
Very nice to have 2 of Japan's main airlines in at YYC.
The RAF planes are also a bonus.
I believe they are on 2 day intervals with Monday being next.

[dubiousmike]

^^^

Yes. I thought I saw a JAL 747-400 climbing out of Calgary today and thought of this thread.

[edzed]

I'm sure that this proves Calgary can support at least a 3-5 weekly flights to Japan. iirc JAL and ANA have 777-200 which would be perfect capacity to Calgary.

Also is BA going to be using the B or D gates?

[Bigtime]

Also is BA going to be using the B or D gates?

I base this off of nothing but pure speculation but I would go with BA using the B gates. Less distance for the passengers to walk to customs from there. And maybe it is just me, but it only seems like the smaller operators and tour companies(Zoom, Thomas Cook) get parked at the D gates when they arrive. I'm sure the airport authority wants to make BA as comfortable as possible coming here, so that's why I'm going with B. Also it will be one of the gates on the 'inside' facing towards the A concourse, purely marketing as it is more visible and people all the world over recognize the livery. Yet another thing that helps promote Calgary as a world class city.

[marts1x]

I base this off of nothing but pure speculation but I would go with BA using the B gates. Less distance for the passengers to walk to customs from there. And maybe it is just me, but it only seems like the smaller operators and tour companies(Zoom, Thomas Cook) get parked at the D gates when they arrive. I'm sure the airport authority wants to make BA as comfortable as possible coming here, so that's why I'm going with B. Also it will be one of the gates on the 'inside' facing towards the A concourse, purely marketing as it is more visible and people all the world over recognize the livery. Yet another thing that helps promote Calgary as a world class city.


Cant see them using the "inside" of b/c wing as I cant remember the last time a non-aircanada flight was there. Seeing how BA is directly competing with AC I dont see them rearranging their flights. Especially considering the fact that the BA flights are landing at the Same time as AC 851 and AC 845 London Heathrow and Frankfurt respectivly.

[evolv]

the D wing is also a lot nicer inside, my bet is that westjet joins oneworld soon and westjet ground crews start handling the BA flight (westjet uses the D wing)

[SSLL]

Wow, both ANA and JAL. I wonder if this will result in at least seasonal scheduled service?

[Policy Wonk]

The problem with service between Calgary and Japan is not a lack of a market - there is indeed a very strong market.

The problem is capacity on the Japanese end and the fact that slots at NRT are better used elsewhere than on low-yeilding package tourist routes to Calgary.

[Bigtime]

the D wing is also a lot nicer inside, my bet is that westjet joins oneworld soon and westjet ground crews start handling the BA flight (westjet uses the D wing)

Yes it is the nicest of the wings at the terminal, but have you ever had to walk to customs from there? Not so nice, it's a tad on the long side.

[Rob D]

If concourses B & C are designated for international & cross border flights then I would assume that BA will be using one or the other. Wouldn't it be up to the airport authority to decide who goes where and not Air Canada?

Excerpt from the link below:

Calgary International Airport terminal has four concourses – A, B, C and D – and these have undergone some major upgrades and construction during the period of the development plan.
Concourses B and C handle international and cross border flights while A and D handle domestic traffic. The widening of concourse C officially opened in December 2004. The B/C concourse was also widened during 2005.


http://www.airport-technology.com/projects/calgary/

[Bigtime]

Cant see them using the "inside" of b/c wing as I cant remember the last time a non-aircanada flight was there. Seeing how BA is directly competing with AC I dont see them rearranging their flights. Especially considering the fact that the BA flights are landing at the Same time as AC 851 and AC 845 London Heathrow and Frankfurt respectivly.

I think the last time I saw a non star alliance aircraft there on the inside of B was back in the Canadian days. And the RAF has used them as well sometimes from what I've seen.

However I still think they will park her on the inside, if it means shuffling a US arrival RJ to the C side I think it will happen(a United flight perhaps?). AC can still keep it's prime spots at the head of the B concourse.

Of course I hope for this too because it gives us plane nuts a better view of a 777. :yes:

[Bigtime]

Alright it is early Tuesday morning and I woke up with the light bulb over my head! Wouldn't BA have to use the B side of the B/C wing due to the USA pre-clearance area? I know that they can open the area up between the two with the sliding glass doors, but that is moreso used to accomodate the glut of US departures early morning(I for example boarded AC to LA on the B side a few weeks back). Whereas the B side departures are all heading to destinations that do not have the pre-clearance.

So does this make anymore sense for my B theory?

[IntotheWest]

Alright it is early Tuesday morning and I woke up with the light bulb over my head! Wouldn't BA have to use the B side of the B/C wing due to the USA pre-clearance area? I know that they can open the area up between the two with the sliding glass doors, but that is moreso used to accomodate the glut of US departures early morning(I for example boarded AC to LA on the B side a few weeks back). Whereas the B side departures are all heading to destinations that do not have the pre-clearance.

So does this make anymore sense for my B theory?

I'm thinking D wing also. B sucks. A isn't bad - and since B is connected, A to me would even make more sense...but, if you paid for BA, wouldn't you want some nice lounge access - which is on the A side for Air Canada, and wouldn't do you any good with BA? It's been a while since I've chosen to fly westjet, but I believe the D wing has a lounge now, not sure if BA can tap into it for their passengers (or if they'd want to).

Regardless, B/C are the international wings - so it'll likely end up there anyways.

[Bokimon]

BA Is most likely going to use the D wing. (any gates from 31-43)
It now has a premium class lounge which recently opened that caters to passengers waiting for flights out of that node only.

RAF is now at the D gates and even today, JAL parks at the D gates too.
Other carriers such as Corsair and Air Atlanta were using D as well.
I think the B/C is now strictly reserved for AC, Star Alliance Partners and U.S. Carriers.

[Bokimon]

BA Is most likely going to use the D wing. (any gates from 31-43)
It now has a premium class lounge which recently opened that caters to passengers waiting for flights out of that node only. So it competes with the perks offered at the other gates. Infact its probably the best of the terminals at the airport. There is also that people mover as well.

RAF is now at the D gates and even today, JAL parks at the D gates too.
Like tomorrow they will be parking at gate D43.
Other carriers such as Corsair and Air Atlanta were using D as well.
I think the B/C is now strictly reserved for AC, Star Alliance Partners and U.S. Carriers.

[OVERANDOUT]

I flew out of YYC a few weeks ago and noticed a new row of check in counters between the Air Canada check in area and the International check in area. I'm assuming that these new counters are for new airlines?? Will these be used for the new BA flights or for other airlines that are currently unannounced?

[OVERANDOUT]

i apologize - i AM drunk

[Bigtime]

^^^ Thanks for coming out, my night felt like it was missing something. You have filled that void sir.

Perhaps those new check in counters may be used by new airlines, or it is just part of the ongoing expansion and a lot will be used by AC/Westjet etc etc etc.

[jeffwhit]

This thread is dead !! Either that, or you all are crap.
This poster is drunk!! Either that, or he is all crap.

[Edmonchuck]

I flew out of YYC a few weeks ago and noticed a new row of check in counters between the Air Canada check in area and the International check in area. I'm assuming that these new counters are for new airlines?? Will these be used for the new BA flights or for other airlines that are currently unannounced?

They are more than likely set up for charters and the like to use as needed....that is what many airports do.

[djmichaelallen]

With the A/P parkade in Calgary, did it originally start out with that many decks? Or were decks added over the years?

[Bigtime]

I have heard that Sept. 9&10 will be aviation days this year, Bo have you heard anything regarding static display or the like? The source on AvCanada hasn't replied back to my question about it yet, but they did say it would be good.

[OVERANDOUT]

Looks like United will begin service between Calgary and Washington Dulles starting in May 2007 and will operate 5 times weekly (monday-friday) using an A319 aircraft. Finally, YYC is connected to all United hubs in the USA!! :)

Apparently United will also add service 5x weekly to YEG using a B735.

http://www.airlinernews.com/routenews.asp

[Bigtime]

That is great news! I'm assuming this will be code-shared with AC as well.

[Claeren]

An A319 5 times a week seems like overkill on a new route, no?


Claeren.

[Bigtime]

Well the 319 is only a smaller mid-size aircraft. Plus I believe United does have it in the 2 class layout, so it is better than most RJ's for the premium passengers.

[Policy Wonk]

Does anyone know if it is possible to book Belair from Calgary to Zurich?
I know it isn't possible through their website and the travel agent I asked looked at me like I was on crack.

Calgary to Zurich runs damn near $6000 in economy. The only economical alternative is first flying to London (which will be Heathrow or Gatwick), then getting your ass to Stansted or Lutton and then fly EasyJet to Geneva and take the train to Zurich. That would only cost $1500 all said and done - but would be a complete pain in the ass. Especially when there is a non-stop flight on Belair.

[Bokimon]

^^
There should be. After it arrives it goes to Vancouver and then back to Zurich.
If you cannot book a flight to ZUR from Calgary, other than the fact that it would be really odd, you can try and book YVR-ZUR and book a regular WestJet flight to Vancouver and hop on there.

FOr Aviation days, I have not heard anything as of yet. I will remind myself to call the air museum tomorrow afternoon to try and get some scopes.
I hope it will include some of the cancellations of last year...


B-52 Stratofortress

Not just one CF-18 like in 2002. Boy I remember that year like a really bad headache. Nobody came, including myself. But lately it has been getting better.

Oh and YYC-IAD has been a interest for quite some time. It was seen as a possible money making route and certainly gained interest. Glad to hear that now it is finally real.

[OVERANDOUT]

Yesterday, I booked a flight from Calgary to Halifax (YYC-YHZ) in December and was pleasantly suprised to find that Air Canada has extended their seasonal Calgary-Halifax nonstop service to year round. This may be old news, but it's new to me - correct me if I'm wrong! These are daily nonstop flights using A319 aircraft. The year round flights look like this :

AC184: Depart YYC 12:20pm Arrive YHZ 8:00pm
AC185: Depart YHZ 8:35am Arrive YYC 11:20am

Also, I keep hearing rumors that AC will be expanding their North American destinations even further out of YYC as they take ownership of the new E190s over the next couple of years. Any word on what these new routes may be? Here's a few I'm hoping for :


YYC - MCI
YYC - PDX
YYC - SAN
YYC - MIA
YYC - CLT
YYC - ATL
YYC - DFW
YYC - MEX

and possibly even

YYC-YXY
YYC-YXS

I'm just dreamin here, but do you think that we could see some of these routes in the near future?? If not, what do you think we'll be looking at for new AC North American routes?

[The Chemist]

How about YYC-BOS? If we've got JFK and IAD, why not BOS too?

[Bigtime]

Just read in today's sun that Epic Air out of the US will be moving it's HQ and all operations to Springbank airport over the next 18 months.

From what I've heard and read they refurbish and market high end turbo-prop aircraft.

This is excellent news for Springbank as it will go hand in hand with the new runway extension and emergency services building out there. Not to mention bringing 400 full time jobs and millions to the area.

Of course this is horrible news for the NIMBY's out there who will never realize why their land was slightly cheaper until they hear cessna's buzzing overhead all day, now to be joined by the more regular sound of turboprops. Springbank is poised to start taking more of the business traffic and continue to cater to more and more private traffic into Calgary. Now we just have to ensure adequate infrastructure to make that commute easier into town.

[Doug]

I heard United is planning a Calgary-Dulles (DC area) route.

[brento79]

That is the IAD route noted above.

[OVERANDOUT]

How about YYC-BOS? If we've got JFK and IAD, why not BOS too?

YYC-BOS would be great - a vital missing addition from my list. However, I know that Air Canada served YVR-BOS for several years but dropped it a couple years ago (pax numbers were not high enough). With all of the business traffic out of Calgary, I would dare to say that a YYC-BOS route would be more profitable than a YVR-BOS routing. YYC-BOS would pick up pax from YVR, YEG, YQR, YXE, and YWG, as would many other routes to the USA and Mexico. Calgary is currently in a great position, economically and geographically, to evolve into an even bigger major secondary hub for Air Canada and a bigger focal point for other airlines.

[Bokimon]

YYC did actually had flights to Boston back in the early decade.
I think low loads and lack of earnings made them pull out.

I can see a YYC-PDX in the future as well as a YYC-Charlotte. BUt those are just my predictions. Charlotte Douglas is busier than Vancouver and almost as busy as Seattle. Seattle is busier than YYZ due to all those domestic flights.

Also for aviation days, there will be no US Military planes on display.
The reason why no info about planes were posted was because it won't be as good this year. There will be a HOrnet and lots of civil stuff. So maybe a westjet and FedEx airplanes on display. I will still go though, to make use of the ramp access to the taxiway for photographs. :)

[CMD UW]

I heard United is planning a Calgary-Dulles (DC area) route.
Yea, United announced both YYC and YEG to IAD the other day.

[OVERANDOUT]

Any word on when we will see construction begin on the new runway? With all of the service enhancements announced within the past few months, will construction plans be accelerated?

[marts1x]

First and foremost will be the expanded and/or redevelopment of B/c wing and customs areas.

[OVERANDOUT]

First and foremost will be the expanded and/or redevelopment of B/c wing and customs areas.

true, but I think the whole thing will proceed quicker than originally planned (due to much higher than predicted pax nubmers and city population). do you think we could see construction begin on the whole project next year?

[OVERANDOUT]

Halifax, Nova Scotia, September 5, 2006:

CanJet Airlines, a division of I.M.P. Group Limited, regretfully announces that it will discontinue scheduled air services at the end of business September 10, 2006. I.M.P. wishes to thank its loyal customers, employees and suppliers for their support and will work to minimize the impact of this decision.

Mr. Ken Rowe, I.M.P. Chairman and CEO, said, “with the rising business risks of operating a scheduled airline, I.M.P. has decided to suspend year-round scheduled airline service and focus on their increasing charter business.”

CanJet will be offering alternate suitable travel arrangements for anyone booked on their flights after September 10th or fully refunding their tickets.


- - - - -

Full Story here
http://www.canjet.com/en_view_press_release.aspx?NewsID=145

[Bigtime]

No surprise there, good to see they will at least still be operating charter flights. I get so tired of seeing pilots get the turf.

[BlueFusion]

and possibly even

YYC-YXY
YYC-YXS

I'm just dreamin here, but do you think that we could see some of these routes in the near future?? If not, what do you think we'll be looking at for new AC North American routes?

I am pretty sure we will not see AC enter the YYC-YXS route, it does not seem to be a money maker. Both WS and 9M have both flown this route, 9M flew it on behalf of AC, and also under their own brand, and all three attempts at this route failed.

[OVERANDOUT]

Does anyone know how the pax load numbers on the new AC Jazz YYC-YZF flights are doing?

[lubicon]

I don't know how the loads are but there was a very negative article in the newspaper a few weeks ago about this route. Apparently many flight delays/cancellations and lost,missing, and late bags as well. Many, many unhappy customers. That's what you get for putting a CRJ on the route which is pretty limited in cargo capacity. Hunting trips and fishing trips make up a nice chunk of the market and they passengers don't like it when their fishing rods or rifles go missing.

[chenmau]

Does anyone know the current passenger volumes at YYC and what the full year projection are?

[LordMandeep]

Lots of flight come here and from YYZ from Calgary. Just as many as Vancouver.

[Bokimon]

The airport is undergoing modified operations. There is repavement going on at the intersection of the two main runways causing some unique and interesting changes in airport activity. The main runway of nearly 12,700' has been shortened to 7,650'. Big airplanes that go to europe take up every inch of the space and for the first time you hear airplanes taking off at full 100% power.
It is just awesome. There are also lineups galore especially around the north side if 16 is in use. Airplanes from the alfa taxiway has to do a super tight 315 degree turn to get onto the high speed exit/entry before finally turning onto the runway. It is going to last for another week, planes takeoff and land lower especially around the McKnight area.

In 2 weeks time around the same time EnCentre gets released, we should be getting a special treat to help cue in the design release.
The arrivals of half a dozen Tornadoes from UK. (Mildenhall I think)

[Riise]

So any news on new routes coming to YYC? If YEG can handle 3 LHR flights a week and have enough extra passengers to fill a flight bound for FRA I'm pretty sure our numbers can warrant another European flight. I'd love to see a KLM flight to Schiphol, and even though I don't know the numbers I'm pretty sure we could do that route! I know that Vancouver handles most of Western Canada's Asia destinations but I'd love to see at least one once a week flight to an Asian destination.

[Bigtime]

Big airplanes that go to europe take up every inch of the space and for the first time you hear airplanes taking off at full 100% power.


I know for sure the Frankfurt bound AC flights have been making a fuel stop in Edmonton before heading over the pond, how about the London flights?

Bo you will have to try and give me some dates and times for the Tornadoes, I intend to have a front row seat!

[brento79]

The LHR flights are stopping in YEG as well. I guess they had to upgrade all the flights because of the stop in YEG. Rumour has it there was two flights to FRA yesterday?

[Bokimon]

Yeah there was. I took a look at the Yegger thread and flightaware and it shows it. Also Cargolux is flying into Edmonton and sending freight by truck to Calgary during all this. I think Asiana may do the same, they come in tonight.
All heavy flights to europe is stopping at YEG.
3-5 heavies at YEG all at once. There better be people out there taking pictures!

Hey Aaron, I will see what I can do to keep you updated in the coming days.

[Bigtime]

The LHR flights are stopping in YEG as well. I guess they had to upgrade all the flights because of the stop in YEG. Rumour has it there was two flights to FRA yesterday?

Yes there were 2 flights from FRA yesterday, I know this because my dad was supposed to be coming back on the Monday flight and it was cancelled. So they arrived yesterday around 12pm, I noticed on Monday an A340 coming in to YYC, so I figured it must have subbed for the Monday evening FRA flight.

[Coldrsx]

"3-5 heavies at YEG all at once. There better be people out there taking pictures!"

no kidding...

[bigcanuck]

In 2 weeks time around the same time EnCentre gets released, we should be getting a special treat to help cue in the design release.
The arrivals of half a dozen Tornadoes from UK. (Mildenhall I think)
You casually slipped this little tidbit of information in here Bokimon... Are there any further details you can provide with regards to an exact date/time for the arrival of the Tornadoes and how exactly the timing coincides with the EnCentre announcement? Will it be at the airport?

[lubicon]

Yeah there was. I took a look at the Yegger thread and flightaware and it shows it. Also Cargolux is flying into Edmonton and sending freight by truck to Calgary during all this. I think Asiana may do the same, they come in tonight.
All heavy flights to europe is stopping at YEG.
3-5 heavies at YEG all at once. There better be people out there taking pictures!

Hey Aaron, I will see what I can do to keep you updated in the coming days.

A pilot friend who flies for Westjet told me that Fedex and DHL are also using YEG for this 2 week period rather than YYC. Flying into YEG and trucking the stuff to YYC rather than the other way around.

[Bigtime]

That's funny as I've seen both DHL and Fedex here on their usual times arriving into Calgary in the morning. I wonder if they are trucking product up for the departure flights?

[Bokimon]

The Tornadoes have nothing to do with EnCana design release but so happens to be taking place around the same time so I just put it in as a coincidence.
The fighters will be doing training runs at Suffield in Mid October.
Earlier this month we had half a dozen Hornets from Cold Lake doing the same time.
3 years ago RAF sent in the Sepecat Jaguars for the suffield training runs in mid October, so it is pretty consistent if you ask me. This from a insider connected with the military.

I also saw both DHL and FedEx in Calgary. Infact one just came in as I was typing this..

[Bokimon]

Oh and also.. Today is a busy day as there is Zoom, AC flights and Transat all stopping by at Edmonton this evening for trips to europe. This might be the rare occurence of multiple heavies at once handling over a thousand passengers at the Yegger gates. :)

[Riise]

BTW not related to YEG but word im hearing is when 777's start flying Calgary will be on track for an AC asia direct link.BTW not related to YEG but word im hearing is when 777's start flying Calgary will be on track for an AC asia direct link.

So I was in the Yeggers forum and I found a tidbit on what I posted about earlier this week; direct flight to an Asian destination. Can anybody here confirm this info, will 777's mean direct to Asia?

[Coldrsx]

Oh and also.. Today is a busy day as there is Zoom, AC flights and Transat all stopping by at Edmonton this evening for trips to europe. This might be the rare occurence of multiple heavies at once handling over a thousand passengers at the Yegger gates. :)


i saw zoom and a 67' there last thurs....so i assume the same.

[The Chemist]

So I was in the Yeggers forum and I found a tidbit on what I posted about earlier this week; direct flight to an Asian destination. Can anybody here confirm this info, will 777's mean direct to Asia?

Consider me somewhat pessimistic on this one. I have a bad feeling that AC is going to base all of their new T7s out of either YVR or YYZ - I'd be happily surprised if Calgary got a HKG or NRT route with a T7, but I'd imagine we'll have to wait until the 87s come in before AC even considers adding an Asian direct flight to Calgary.

[Coldrsx]

^agreed.

[Coldrsx]

Alberta airports unveil cargo plans

Plans for Alberta's air cargo industry are about to take off in this province



By Laura Severs - Business Edge
Published: 09/15/2006 - Vol. 6, No. 19



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Both the Calgary and Edmonton airport authorities are in the midst of rolling out strategies to put their respective cities on the radar screens of the world's cargo carriers.

Edmonton Airports is unveiling its Port Alberta initiative while the Calgary Airport Authority has just approved a 10-year cargo and logistics development plan.

Both are looking at different ways of making Western Canada more competitive.

Edmonton wants to capitalize on its untapped potential: The largest airport (in terms of land) in Canada with scheduled air service and two long runways capable of landing virtually any aircraft flying today - even the new Airbus A380, which will be the world's largest passenger aircraft when it enters into service.


Photo courtesy of Calgary Airport Authority
Calgary Airport Authority vice-president of business development Stephan Poirier wants to increase the airport's profile.
It's also highlighting its location next to Canada's largest industrial park, the Nisku Business Park, the second- largest oil and gas manufacturing park in North America after Houston.

"We recognize that the Edmonton market is vastly underserved in terms of air cargo," says Glen Vanstone, director of cargo and business innovations for Edmonton Airports. "Currently the air cargo market in Alberta is growing, but what we want to do is make sure we're positioned so we can capture all the air cargo growth potential for the Greater Edmonton Region."

Vanstone also notes that with Edmonton being the country's most northern major airport, it puts it at the crossroads of major North American air tracks (the highways of the sky).

"Air traffic from Europe to the Western U.S. crosses over Edmonton, and from Asia to the U.S. Midwest and Eastern U.S., traffic also crosses over Edmonton. Being at the intersection of these major routes or air tracks is very strategic," says Vanstone.

He adds that the airport's role as part of the federal government's transshipment program, in which air carriers carry cargo to and from Canada enroute to third countries, is very valuable.

Combining the efficiencies of air, rail and road transportation at a single point is being called the "Port Alberta" concept.

"What this does is it allows us to function effectively as a gateway to and from Asia, Canada's North, the oilsands, and for all of North America," says Vanstone. "It's a new strategic link in the global supply chain."

Calgary airport officials are also eyeing that global supply chain.

"For us, the most important thing is to increase our profile and try to attract logistics operators," says Stephan Poirier, vice-president of business development for the Calgary Airport Authority.

"If we do not connect this country with the rest of the world we are falling behind."

Calgary is looking at attracting major corporations such as LG and Samsung, says Poirier.

"We'd like to get their attention - to build a distribution centre at the airport - to transport their goods between Asia and North America," says Poirier.

He adds he's not concerned that most of the product would then be moved elsewhere, as the city would then get light value-added jobs such as pricing and ticketing products or changing the keys on keyboards to Spanish from English. "Calgary would be the main point of entry in the North American market."

Poirier says he believes the goal is achievable, by convincing the companies that they can service their customers faster and cheaper from Calgary. The 10-year plan recently presented to the airport's board of directors lays out the blueprint on reaching that objective.

Edmonton Airports' Vanstone says Port Alberta will be introduced in stages, taking what exists now and fine-tuning it to the region's needs.

Infrastructure improvements, including the addition of a new cargo aircraft apron - the concrete the planes need to sit on - are to be in place by next spring.

The authority is also working with development interests for warehousing and cargo processing facilities though the deals are not yet finalized. Initially, however, the Port Alberta focus will also be on current operators to ensure they have the capacity to grow their business.

And as for Edmonton and Calgary competing for air cargo, Vanstone says that won't be the case. "There's ample traffic for everybody."

(Laura Severs can be reached at laura@businessedge.ca)

[Reesonov]

Calgary Airport Authority vice-president of business development Stephan Poirier wants to increase the airport's profile.
It's also highlighting its location next to Canada's largest industrial park, the Nisku Business Park, the second- largest oil and gas manufacturing park in North America after Houston.



This is a typo. She obviously meant Edmonton Airport Authority.

[Bigtime]

^^^ I think the line about Calgary there was underneath the picture in the article. Then followed by the continuation of the Edmonton part. It confused me as well for a few minutes!

[Reesonov]

Ahhh yes, I see. I hereby withdraw my criticism. Indeed, I applaud their proofreader and proofreaders everywhere. Keep up the good work, boys!

[Bokimon]

The Air Canada push to connect a Calgary flight to Asia is actually ongoing. It has been since 2005. Only difference is that this year there sounds like progress is taking place. I think the issues of airplane shortages, fuel cost etc probably kept any concrete info hidden.

I think once the 777s come in next year there will most likely be a flight to asia by the spring/summer months. If not then ANA might bring a surprise for Calgary since they've flown here for a few years on charter basis. By the results of the charter flights it looks like they may return next year and who knows maybe these would be seasonal scheduled flights.

It is a matter of waiting for the announcement. My predictions, YYC-ICN or YYC-NRT.

[OVERANDOUT]

I keep wondering and waiting to see if Westjet will add more trans-border/international destinations out of YYC. I am quite interested in the fact that Westjet continues to add new routes out of YYZ (like the new route from YYZ-NAS). Currently Toronto Pearson is the most expensive airport in the world for airlines to operate in, which isn't good for any airlines but is surely not good for Westjet as it does not fit into their low-cost business structure. And with the recent announcement of another hike in fees at YYZ, I am wondering whether we will see both Westjet and Air Canada begin to focus more on YVR, YUL, YYC? any thoughts?

[Policy Wonk]

As mentioned many times serving Calgary from Narita is a difficult proposition because of the allocation of slots on the Japanese end and the low-yeild of tourist flights.

It is also a challenge from an aircraft positioning and utilization perspective. The Japanese charter service for example required alot of long-haul positioning flights which are not exactly popular these days.

I had actually heard a while ago that Asiana wanted to give pax service into Calgary a shot - no idea how that would work out but its Asia.

[Claeren]

Why would/would not a YYC-BKK connection work? Too far?

I guess a real go at YVR-BKK first makes more sense... lol...


Claeren.

[Policy Wonk]

I don't see a market, although the Airbus A340 opperated by Thai would be capable of it.

Ultra-Long Haul flying is very difficult to make economical without significant high-yielding traffic. I don't know how much traffic there would be between Calgary and Bangkok but I can't imagine much yield.

There are only a few that really click, New York and Los Angeles to Singapore for example.

[Claeren]

I don't see a market, although the Airbus A340 opperated by Thai would be capable of it.

Ultra-Long Haul flying is very difficult to make economical without significant high-yielding traffic. I don't know how much traffic there would be between Calgary and Bangkok but I can't imagine much yield.

There are only a few that really click, New York and Los Angeles to Singapore for example.

Well, literally millions of Canadians go to SE Asia every year, one of the most visited places by us out there. And the majority come from Western Canada. So it makes sense in that regard. I guess the bigger question is how you capture the attention of all of the people traveling that route. With SO many backpacker types you would really have to fight on price (despite your offered savings of time and inconvienence) all the time.

For comparison, there are a number of small Thai island airports that receive daily flights from Germany, England, HK, and Japan like Phuket and Koh Samui. If they can support dailies into such small airports in addition to BKK, you would think all of Canada could support one daily connection into one of the busiest airports/markets in the world!?

If you partnered with a company like Bangkok Airways (One of the best regional airlines in the world, which i can confirm) you could offer connections to virtually all of the go-to tourist destinations of Asia (19+ destinations in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and HK and soon the Maldives)

I will just keep dreaming.... :)


Would the A380 be able to do it (technically)? The 777? 787?


Claeren.

[Policy Wonk]

The question isn't the volume of pax who travel between the two. The question is how many of those pax will pay a premium for a direct flight?

Backpackers and Tourists are not a very high yielding market.

I know someone who went to Thailand and took FIVE stops to get there to save $70 over a single connection.

[Claeren]

The question isn't the volume of pax who travel between the two. The question is how many of those pax will pay a premium for a direct flight?

Backpackers and Tourists are not a very high yielding market.

I know someone who went to Thailand and took FIVE stops to get there to save $70 over a single connection.

I alluded to that challenge in my post. :)



Claeren.

[Bokimon]

For myself I would not mind the 5 stops to get to a place like Thailand. Because I am a plane spotter and a enthusiast it would be a treat to visit all these airports and see all the different airlines and airplane types. It would make my day very happy whereas regular people would be frusterated.

Update:
The RAF Tornadoes are coming in on Thursday direct from Fairford Airbase, England. They will be here flying almost daily in and out for the next 2 weeks doing Suffield training runs with the canadian military. Expect formation flights, flybys, and fulll on afterburners for takeoffs.
They will also all park at the Shell Aerocenter so anybody whos into fighter jets can get a nice look at the jets.

[krazycanuck]

A pilot friend who flies for Westjet told me that Fedex and DHL are also using YEG for this 2 week period rather than YYC. Flying into YEG and trucking the stuff to YYC rather than the other way around.

The way that intl freight is handled for Alberta with Fedex is the plane comes into YYC from Memphis, the YYC freight is unloaded and then the plane continues onto YEG. Trucking isn't used. For a while I believe the opposite is happening due to the runway project. to lighten the plane up it goes to YEG first, then YYC, then back to YEG for the outbound intl and then into YYC. Since outbound intl freight into Alberta is much lighter than incoming the outbound takeoffs and landings aren't so much of a problem.

[YYCguys]

I keep wondering and waiting to see if Westjet will add more trans-border/international destinations out of YYC. I am quite interested in the fact that Westjet continues to add new routes out of YYZ (like the new route from YYZ-NAS). Currently Toronto Pearson is the most expensive airport in the world for airlines to operate in, which isn't good for any airlines but is surely not good for Westjet as it does not fit into their low-cost business structure. And with the recent announcement of another hike in fees at YYZ, I am wondering whether we will see both Westjet and Air Canada begin to focus more on YVR, YUL, YYC? any thoughts?

I think Westjet's focus is on Eastern markets. Hamilton just couldn't handle Westjet's expansion, and Toronto is probably Canada's single biggest market, which Westjet would like a piece of. I think Westjet feels that they've pretty much exhausted the market out west of Winnipeg. There aren't too many markets or airports out west that can handle 737 services, at least in Westjet's view. Westjet wouid love to go to Kamloops to ease some of the pressure off of Kelowna but there are technical issues around that one and the city of Kamloops apparantly doesn't want to guarantee service. IMHO, I think service into Cranbrook would be great because of the skiing/golfing crowds. I envision the route being Vancovuer Cranbrook Calgary.

[Bigtime]

Remember how the Fairmont guys always boast about their airport being able to handle a 737? Now if only they had a terminal and some services around it, much closer to the great golf and skiing(Panorama, Kicking Horse, and all those freakin' golf courses around!)

[YYCguys]

Is the Fairmont airport that strip with the houses backing onto it, near the Riverside Golf Course? LOL, if I ever saw a 737 landing behind my house, I'd be pooping my pants! LOL

[Bigtime]

Yup that's the one, I believe for a short time a couple of years ago Montair operated flights from Calgary to Fairmont with a PC-12.

[Bokimon]

Starting May of Next year Flyglobespan of the UK will commence flights to YYC and YVR from London Gatwick, Manchester, and Glasgow using Boeing 767-300 aircraft.

Yay, another charter to fill our terminals...:yuck:
BA's move announced in June is very very nice but it would of been even nicer if it was another full service airline from europe or maybe asia rather than an a tourist driven airline.

[Policy Wonk]

I would welcome them with open arms were it not basically impossible for a Canadian to travel with them. Cheap non-stop flights to almost every major centre in Europe would be great. These days you have to first fly to Gatwick and then transfer to Easyjet.

Granted it is not always possible depending on the opperation - a charter opperating on fee for departure on behalf of a tour opperator isn't exactly at liberty to pick up additional passengers at their destination.

[Edmonchuck]

Remember how the Fairmont guys always boast about their airport being able to handle a 737? Now if only they had a terminal and some services around it, much closer to the great golf and skiing(Panorama, Kicking Horse, and all those freakin' golf courses around!)

CYCZ
Fairmont Hot Springs, BC
Reference N50 19 55 / W 115 52 25
Elevation 2661'
Runway Data: 6000 x 100 Asphalt
RCO 126.7 - ATF 123.20

With that, I'd thik twice about a 737, and it would have to be a "classic". Next Gen are heavier...

It would be a fun approach though...reminicent of Cranbrook...

[Bigtime]

CYCZ
Fairmont Hot Springs, BC
Reference N50 19 55 / W 115 52 25
Elevation 2661'
Runway Data: 6000 x 100 Asphalt
RCO 126.7 - ATF 123.20

With that, I'd thik twice about a 737, and it would have to be a "classic". Next Gen are heavier...

It would be a fun approach though...reminicent of Cranbrook...

Oh yeah I could put a classic '37 down there no problem! :D I am pretty sure you are correct in that assumption that it was the classic series. This does go back to when Canadian and Westjet were flying them all those years back. In todays reality we'd probably see a Dash 8 or Beech 1900 serve the airport if anything.

[Riise]

I have a two part question for the aviation chaps, why did Lufthansa and KLM stop flying in and out of Calgary, and what would it take to bring them back? I'd like to know how close we are to getting them back.

[Bigtime]

I have a two part question for the aviation chaps, why did Lufthansa and KLM stop flying in and out of Calgary, and what would it take to bring them back? I'd like to know how close we are to getting them back.

I'm not sure about KLM, but I'm pretty sure Lufthansa stopped since they started codesharing flights with AC once they formed the star alliance. Also there was a lot of excess capacity on those European runs with Canadian still in the game back then.

I'm sure someone could answer with a lot more detail than that though.

[tuffyy]

LH has never served YYC in its own right.CP codeshared a DC-10 with LH back in the 90's but it was a CP aircraft,they used this approach to YYC,YEG,YVR,and YYZ,although the last two actually used LH aircraft.KL pulled out as they wanted to concentrate more on expanding into the U.S and the YYC route was just not as busy as others so it was sacrificed.LH and KL back?Not likely for sometime,MP is the charter arm of KL and they seem to be plugging away at YYC and YEG for now and doing pretty well so who knows???

[evolv]

The airport should break the 11 000 000 passengers this year. Does anyone know how many are expected through Montreal?

[Riise]

Thanks Bigtime and Tuffyy! I really want to see Asian destinations at YYC but I want it to solidify its flight offerings to western Europe first. It would be awesome to see KLM back at YYC!

[Bokimon]

The airport should break the 11 000 000 passengers this year. Does anyone know how many are expected through Montreal?

YUL is also expected to break the 11 milllion passengers mark at the end of this year. That city has about 3.5 million living with another million or so in its catchment.

YYC has only a million people and is getting the same numbers as YUL.
Pretty amazing city, more and more of us are travelling and enjoying vacations,.