[MalcolmTucker]

More rumours of the Westjet second fleet type, a thread over on airliners.net has someone saying that the Q400 is in the shortlist and WS is looking for about 18 aircraft.

Take this all with a GIANT grain of salt of course.
From the Globe over the holidays:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/careers-leadership/the-lunch/westjet-ceo-gregg-saretsky-plots-a-bigger-fleet/article2287680/

On the short list should exapnsion be focused on small planes first, Q400, ATR-72.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/westjet-sets-sights-on-air-canadas-title/article2288493/

[Bigtime]

Yup, I caught that article while I was away. He's definitely testing the waters by floating that kind of talk out there.

[YYCguys]

Right, this all pure media hype. No decisions have been made if or when or what.

[Bigtime]

How is it media hype when the CEO says as much in an interview? Sure he remains vague and won't get specific, but we definitely know that WS is looking for a 2nd type for the fleet, and it really looks to be regional sized.

[YYCguys]

Granted this is the closest that we've heard about a second fleet type, but Gregg has told us (Westjet owners) himself that no decisions are going to be made without first consulting us and we've had no meetings about it yet. Most of us didn't even know this was being thought about until the articles came out! I got the impression from the articles that a decision was going to be made this year, but I don't know if it will or not. We shall see where we are in the decision making process first. Lots of steps need to be taken before such an impactful decision is made.

[Bigtime]

Granted this is the closest that we've heard about a second fleet type, but Gregg has told us (Westjet owners) himself that no decisions are going to be made without first consulting us and we've had no meetings about it yet. Most of us didn't even know this was being thought about until the articles came out! I got the impression from the articles that a decision was going to be made this year, but I don't know if it will or not. We shall see where we are in the decision making process first. Lots of steps need to be taken before such an impactful decision is made.

"Most of us" is not "all of us", and there are definitely some in the ranks over at WS that were aware of this well before this end of the year article.

In fact we were discussing this around late November if memory serves.

Of course no decision will be made without Clive giving his approval as well. :)

And of course none of this will be reality until I see the first plane in the WS hangar at YYC. ;)

[YYCguys]

Actually, when I was referring to "Most of us", the us I was referring to are Westjetters only.

[Bigtime]

Actually, when I was referring to "Most of us", the us I was referring to are Westjetters only.

Ah, but then you would still be incorrect. :D

[YYCguys]

It apparently took so many of us by surprise that Gregg is having a communication drafted to explain.

[Bigtime]

I thought he already sent out a statement on Westnet clarifying the article a little more?

[YYCguys]

Gee, Biggie, one would thing you are a fellow Westjetter! You speak with such knowledge of the company!

[Bigtime]

I have my "little birds" everywhere...

:)

[You Need A Thneed]

So... when does WestJet start buying A380s?

[Rusty van Reddick]

Using expressions like "westjet owners" is really buying into media hype, IMHO. Using a catchphrase to make it sound AWESOME that you have no pension but a could-be-gone-tomorrow profit sharing plan is a huge propaganda ploy.

[Bigtime]

So... when does WestJet start buying A380s?

They're Boeing boys, I demand a 787 or 748 order. :D

[Jimby]

I thought maybe they were a North Korean Dear Leader type cult!

[PPAR]

I would love to see Westjet sign on as a launch customer for the new Bombardier CRJ regional jet. Support for Canadian Industry and all that entails. The smaller version would probably be in the right PAX zone- the range parameters might not fit though (unless they wanted to try routes like Kelowna-Toronto).

[Ferreth]

I always wondered who actually stayed at the airport hotel. I imagine there are the missed connection/delayed flight passengers that the airlines put up overnight when needed (do they use the airport hotel?). I supposed we don't have a huge amount of connections that warrant an overnight hotel stay by choice of the traveler either... do we?

If in town for business there are plenty of other more attractive options to choose as well.

With my current company's policy, if travel time put you at >15 hours for a day, you'd be obligated to find the nearest hotel, especially if you still have a driving leg in your travel. I was faced with this once in YYZ, but alas I was with a cheap company at the time that was perfectly happy to have you driving tired rather than check into a $$$ airport hotel. Even so, had the car rental agency been closed, I'd have checked into the airport hotel at that point.

[outoftheice]

My guess is that when the second type comes, you will see Q400s. 'Gregg' comes from Alaska Airlines.... a 737 operator with strategic codeshare partners and an all-inclusive vacation division that flies to US domestic, transborder and international 'sun' destinations. (hmmm, sound familiar??) Alaska is supported by its regional operator, Horizon Air, which operates a fleet that is now (or will shortly be) exclusively Q400 turboprops. Let's face it, people will stick to what they know and where their strenghts are... what we are starting to hear about now is the transformation of Westjet from 'Canada's Southwest' to 'Canada's Alaska Air group' and it will be done by a former Alaska executive. If Westjet was going to get bigger airplanes you can bet they would have put someone else in charge of the ship. The smaller airplanes make sense... they can either enter a market where they only have to compete against Air Canada (and it's Tier 2/3 partners) or they can try to enter a low-yield international leisure market and compete against Air Canada, Air Transat and Sunwing. The fact that Porter is slowly building quite the empire out in eastern Canada just further proves the business case for Westjet operating their own regional operation out west using Q400s.

[Bokimon]

Update: Westjet to order a dozen Sukhoi Superjets with another 50 options..
Alternate choices speculate on Fairchild Metros or Shorts 360 aka, "the flying Box"
Just you wait folks :)

[Bigtime]

Another interesting thing about WS is that they are not installing the Live TV system in any of the new aircraft that are arriving (at least the -800's). Apparently they are looking for a new system, one that may have wifi ability too.

[MalcolmTucker]

Wi-Fi is a bust, at least at current available speeds and price, with only 4% of passengers taking advantage according to this from Slate:
Nobody Likes In-Flight WiFi (http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2011/12/27/only_4_of_passengers_use_in_flight_wi_fi.html)

By Matthew Yglesias (http://www.slate.com/authors.matthew_yglesias.html)
| Posted Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011, at 10:13 AM ET

I guess they want something more than video and audio on demand to differentiate themselves from Air Canada. I doubt they'll find something as equally able to generate buzz as either live-tv or on-demand had when they first came out.

[lubicon]

Another interesting thing about WS is that they are not installing the Live TV system in any of the new aircraft that are arriving (at least the -800's). Apparently they are looking for a new system, one that may have wifi ability too.

Saw a diagram related to this somewhere but can't recall where it was. It sounds like Bell's new satellite won't cover much more than just Canada meaning Live TV would be essentially useless outside Canada.

[Bigtime]

You are correct, Bell is leasing a new satellite going up (Nimiq 6) and here is its coverage area:

http://www.satbeams.com/images/footprints/91W-Ku-NM6.jpg
Image courtesy of http://www.satbeams.com/satellites?id=2478

So as you can see it covers Canada well enough, but any WS flight to the US is going to be out of luck, not too mention any time a long transcontinental Canada routing heads across the border.

[cyeg66]

^Agree, pretty useless coverage, to say the least. Guess I'll stick to Ipod, Iphone, or Ipad for my own entertainment, tyvm....

Gee, Biggie, one would thing you are a fellow Westjetter! You speak with such knowledge of the company!

Now, now, no need to be testy just because people are speculating about the possible redirection of your company. I (we) understand these things aren't done haphazardly but simply because management hasn't yet consulted the minions doesn't mean it's not being seriously discussed behind closed doors. The kingly ranks are probably just trying to figure out how to 'package' it so's you guys don't throw it back in their faces. Personally, I think trouble starts when you start flying different birds with different pay scales. Dissension, jealousy, greed, ego, and most importantly seniority, all enter the equation. Finally put to test that "westjetter" b'-ness!!!

Yours truly,
a "Nav-Canadian" :yuck:

[CalgaryLankan]

It looks like AC is reducing capacity for YYC - LHR route in at least some days in Feb -March with 767s instead of 333's. 330 is operating only on day 3 as per AC PDF timetable. Also 767s are operating on some days on YYC - FRA route too but not in the PDF version of the timetable.

[MalcolmTucker]

Saw a diagram related to this somewhere but can't recall where it was. It sounds like Bell's new satellite won't cover much more than just Canada meaning Live TV would be essentially useless outside Canada.
They could always sign a deal to switch over to a US network provider over USA, anyone that has spiral style signals.

To be honest, if WestJet could, it would most likely be cheaper for them to rent a transponder on a USA/Mexico footprint bird to get full coverage to improve their in flight entertainment. The alternative (except for adding wi-fi which is pretty minimal) is to do full cabin refresh, which unless they really want to get rid of their bulky seats would be overkill.

[Cage]

WS IFE (LiveTV) system is quite the expensive and does not have many benefits for WS.

Operationally the LiveTV system costs about 3-5% fuel burn penalty. Most of this is compensated by the efficiency gains with APB Winglets, however the 736 a/c have an average penalty of 3% because they do not have winglets.

There is no indication that LiveTV is driving a significant amount of business to WS. Especially now that AC has its own version of IFE for tjhe domestic fleet. In the USA, LiveTV is a differentiator for B6-Jetblue because a majority of their competitors do not have IFE.

Experience at Frontier has proven that majority of customers will not pay for LiveTV product. The system was designed and marketted to senior execs as a revenue generator, however most pax don't won't pay for the product. Similar events are occuring with the GoGo WIFI services.

Majority of WS pax are flying between 6am and 11am and fly outside of prime time TV hours. This negates the enjoyment of the LiveTV product. However AC can and does load their IFE product with prime time tv shows. On AC I have a chance to watch Flashpoint at any point, on WS I do not have this option. Also with AC I can watch a 1 hr program in 40 minutes, but with WS I have to observe the full 1 hr. As an extreme user if PVR (everything is PVR'd) this annoys the h*ll out of me.

For 2012, WS gets three 738 series aircraft with two of them on short term leases. Combined with the Dec delivery (also an 800), there will be 4 aircraft without LiveTV product.

Also interesting to note that WS agreement with Bell Expressvu for satelite programming exprired and was renegotiated in July 2011. Perhaps the new agreement has significantly higher costs than the initial agreement.

Finally, the costs to remove each LiveTV system and return the aircraft to base condition is about 500k.

[MalcolmTucker]

Never thought about the fuel burn issue, but I guess the weight, and the reciever is a big issue.

Just give every passenger a loaner ipad filled with stuff!

[Bigtime]

Cage, thanks for some solid information about the operational costs of the Live TV system. Every dollar counts, and drag from that big satellite receiver on the top of the fuselage is a competitive disadvantage against AC's aircraft that don't have it. Sure on the -700's and -800's the APB winglets cancel it out, but I'm sure that WS would rather receive a net gain from the winglets instead of a straight cancellation of its benefits because of the receiver.

As you mentioned I much prefer to fly AC because most of the time I'm flying not during prime time, so the offerings on Live TV are pretty sad. An AVOD system is the much better way to go, offering relatively commercial free programing for the passengers (if they choose to put ads in at the beginning like AC does).

[freeweed]

As you mentioned I much prefer to fly AC because most of the time I'm flying not during prime time, so the offerings on Live TV are pretty sad. An AVOD system is the much better way to go, offering relatively commercial free programing for the passengers (if they choose to put ads in at the beginning like AC does).

As much as I hate to admit it, I prefer AC flights for this (and only this) reason as well. Prime time or not, live TV is frigging painful to watch. It's full of crap content, stuffed with 25% commercials, and you have to watch according to some arbitrary schedule. Which means half the time you're turning into a show halfway in, or you miss a huge chunk due to some needless safety information that takes 15 minutes to convey because of the 1 French guy aborad, or what have you. At least with VOD it pauses for you or you can pause it yourself. The only time I ever watch a live feed on a plane is when hockey's on, and that's rare enough.

Of course with everyone owning iPods and iPads and laptops, I wish they'd just scrap these systems entirely and save me some money on airfare.

[cyeg66]

Of course with everyone owning iPods and iPads and laptops, I wish they'd just scrap these systems entirely and save me some money on airfare.

Truer words have never been spoken. With regards to fuel burn, I'm absolutely shocked that it would add that much to the bill. :eek: That's got to be a combination of drag and weight. It must then have an overall effect on cruise performance, thus requiring greater power settings to achieve what would otherwise be "normal" cruise speeds. With company SOP climb and descent speeds in the 260-285 IAS range, it's not like the airplane is <ever> being pushed anywhere near its max. Don't want the computer to send that nastygram to corporate stating that you're going too fast. Heaven forbid....

[Policy Wonk]

I usually don't fly Westjet at all, but I had to fly them about half a dozen times since the summer and it hit me just how good Air Canada's IFE system really is. Every single channel on LiveTV with the exception of the local Calgary channels and Discovery it is a partial list of channels I deleted from my receiver at home. On my last flight there was nothing on but infomercials, effeminate men talking about hosting a fabulous office cocktail party, reality shows about baking cupcakes (on three different channels!) and professional darts! I don't think I have watched TLC since sometime in the late 90's but it appears to have morphed into lifestyle porn for lonely women.

I first found Mad Men on Air Canada, I also love the random and strange esoteric stuff they put on there I never would have found on my own. The full length Disney movies are also appreciated.

Atleast on JetBlue they have Comedy Central and all the news networks,

[freeweed]

I don't think I have watched TLC since sometime in the late 90's but it appears to have morphed into lifestyle porn for lonely women.

Truer words have never been spoken. Discovery/History are on their way there. I bet National Geographic is heading that way too eventually.

Mad Men I find surprisingly good. Discovered it through Netflix (which is also where I find more than enough science/nature/documentary nerd-type shows to make up for the destruction of TLC/Discovery/etc. The selection is 10x better than it was just 6 months ago.

WJ's live TV is nearly useless. I wish something like Netflix would appear, commercial-free. I'd gladly pay $5/flight for something like that, although AC's service comes fairly close if I haven't flown too much recently and I've not seen everything of interest.

[LO 044]

I think WestJet's entertainment system is completely overrated. I flew to Vegas in November and most of the channels didn't work 50% of the time. The system was even worse on a fligt to Cancun last year. You're basically taking your earphones on and off depending how much static there is or when the sound works but the video doesn't or when nothing works. Plus $5.99 for a movie? Ridiculous. I echo the other comments of bringing an iPad or any other portable DVD player on board. At least AC has free movies and the amount of programs to watch has easily kept me busy on transatlantic flights.

[artvandelay]

I like it. It obviously depends on what time your flight is, but it's nice to catch a live sporting event on Westjet. They also have BNN which is normally good other than the brutal infomercials they show overnight.

[DoubleK]

They also have BNN which is normally good other than the brutal infomercials they show overnight. I really wish they would put their shows on repeat or something. The channel is understandably Toronto-centric but that means those infomercials start at midnight Calgary time...

I was pleased to see that Shaw has added this to their HD offerings.

[Surrealplaces]

I thought I just saw an L10-11 fly past my window. All silvery gray with no markings....

[Bigtime]

I thought I just saw an L10-11 fly past my window. All silvery gray with no markings....

Sounds like a possible RAF bird.

[Surrealplaces]

Sounds like a possible RAF bird.

Could be. I couldn't make out any markings, but it looked like one of those RAF planes. It's always surprising to see an L10-11 in the air.

[Bigtime]

I wish I had seen it, the RAF is the last operator flying L-1011's into YYC, and this year has been very quiet from them. Most military charters have been European charter carriers instead of their own metal.

[The Chemist]

I always thought the L1011 was more graceful than the DC10, and from what I've read a better overall plane (never had a chance to fly on one, though). Kind of killed by the engine fiasco at the beginning of its life, unfortunately. :(

[Bigtime]

Confirmed that is was an L-1011, photo courtesy of Wee_in_YYC:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6681112307_c9793492fc_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wee_in_yyc/6681112307/)
ZD952 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wee_in_yyc/6681112307/) by Wee in YYC (http://www.flickr.com/people/wee_in_yyc/), on Flickr

[MalcolmTucker]

Now we just need a Nimrod to show up!

[cyeg66]

Now we just need a Nimrod to show up!

He has. He started his shift at 8:30. :D C'mon, how could one pass up the opportunity when you deliberately put it up on a tee like that?

[Bigtime]

I would just love to see the VC-10 here one last time before they get retired.

[Bigtime]

Cranes signal big growth at Calgary airport

http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Cranes+signal+growth+Calgary+airport/5983310/story.html

[cyeg66]

The place will hardly be recognizable in a couple of years. Operationally speaking, the greatest addition to the airfield (in its current format) will be the parallel taxiway down the east side of 16/34. So much traffic taxis north/south along taxiway C that it has long been overdue for that parallel. It'll facilitate ground's job immensely. Nothing will change for us. :cool:

[Bigtime]

While I've got you here cyeg66, I will be flying back from YXE on Jazz 85981 next Friday. Please make sure my flight is not delayed at all, as I would hate to not make my AC flight the following morning to OGG. :D

[cyeg66]

I happen to be working both those mornings. I'll try not to screw up. I wouldn't want to make a guy miss a flight to Hawaii while I sit back here in cold, dank, Edmonton in the dead of winter..... Just had to get that in there...?:poke: Say hi to my father in law while you're in Saskatchatoon and/or don't get run over by his CTS-V.

[Bigtime]

I happen to be working both those mornings. I'll try not to screw up. I wouldn't want to make a guy miss a flight to Hawaii while I sit back here in cold, dank, Edmonton in the dead of winter..... Just had to get that in there...?:poke: Say hi to my father in law while you're in Saskatchatoon and/or don't get run over by his CTS-V.

My flight back from YXE is actually Friday afternoon, getting in around 1400 or so.

Saskatoon looks to be nice and freezing for my stay there next week, can't wait!

[cyeg66]

Semantics; morning "shift". Still there at 2 pm....:yes:

[MrBigStuff]

[QUOTE=Bigtime;5547534]I would just love to see the VC-10 here one last time, before they get retired.

If you have heard of Dreams Take Flight - they used to have fund raising sight seeing flights in a 1937 Lockheed 10A - wouldn't it be nice if they were to have these same fund raising flights in a Vickers Viscount aircraft. :yes::tup:

[Bigtime]

After months of speculation Westjet has just released this:

http://westjet2.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=623&mrd=0

WestJet examining new regional airline
Airline talking with employees as important next step

CALGARY, Jan. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced it is considering the launch of a new short-haul, regional airline as early as 2013 using a fleet of approximately 40 smaller, turboprop aircraft.

"As we've said on many occasions before, we have regularly evaluated this strategy," continued Gregg Saretsky. "A short-haul aircraft combined with WestJet's brand, balance sheet strength and low-cost structure will allow WestJet to profitably accomplish four main goals: Introduce WestJet's friendly and caring service to many smaller communities who have asked for our service; optimize the size of aircraft to efficiently increase frequency; create new connections between existing WestJet markets; and build additional feed to our current 71-city network so that we can continue to profitably grow and add shareholder value."

"I am excited at the prospect of repeating the entrepreneurial success of WestJet's beginnings," said Clive Beddoe, WestJet Chairman and principal founder. "This new airline, powered by our low-cost model and strong corporate culture would greatly benefit the guests we serve, their communities and our shareholders. Our single fleet of Boeings will be joined by a sister company operating a single fleet of turboprops to maintain maximum efficiencies for both airlines."

Bring on the Q400's I say!

[srperrycgy]

Bring on the Q400's I say!

As long as their landing gear works. ;)

[Bigtime]

As long as their landing gear works. ;)

They should be ok if they don't contract their maintenance out to northern European operators. ;)

They can just talk with Gregg's buddies over at Alaska/Horizon on how to keep the fleet running well.

[cyeg66]

YYCguys....<crickets chirping>...anything to add? Anything discussed behind closed doors that not just Westjetters are privy to? Pay scale equal to US feeders, ie. garbage? Pilot/FA sentiment? 2013 seems ambitious. Suspect we'll find a lot of props out East where ridership is perhaps lower. It's all about frequency over there, apparently...:rolleyes:

[Bigtime]

I've haven't heard any other details yet, should any get divulged to me that I could share I will.

Damn it is going to be one COLD CRJ200 flight to YXE tonight. Leaving at 1805. This is a scenario where I would much rather fly in a nice Westprop Q400 instead. :D

[Jimby]

:previous: "Westprop" - I like it!

[YYCguys]

Unfortunately, I don't know any more than you do. I guess us front line folks are going to be the last to know. There's been no dates set yet for a meeting on this topic with the front line staff, as far as I know.

[cyeg66]

Unfortunately, I don't know any more than you do. I guess us front line folks are going to be the last to know. There's been no dates set yet for a meeting on this topic with the front line staff, as far as I know.

Weird. Strategizing, no doubt, in how to present their "pitch". Promises of not losing flying hours, no pay reductions, equality within this new inequality, blah blah, and most covetedly, a chance to fly larger tin (plastics?) ;) someday because of eventual greater fleet diversity.... Do tell when you're finally deluged by management's rosy scenarios. Oh, and good luck guys & gals. It'll change the whole ball game.

[Cage]

Unfortunately, I don't know any more than you do. I guess us front line folks are going to be the last to know. There's been no dates set yet for a meeting on this topic with the front line staff, as far as I know.

There is an information session planned for the Hangar next week. Best second hand information I could get.

Also got the impression that a separate company for regional is preferred by the Westjet pilots. strange stuff indeed.

[Bigtime]

Weird. Strategizing, no doubt, in how to present their "pitch". Promises of not losing flying hours, no pay reductions, equality within this new inequality, blah blah, and most covetedly, a chance to fly larger tin (plastics?) ;) someday because of eventual greater fleet diversity.... Do tell when you're finally deluged by management's rosy scenarios. Oh, and good luck guys & gals. It'll change the whole ball game.

I don't know about you; cyeg66, but I'm heading over to AvCanada with a big bag of popcorn to watch that thread!

[YYCguys]

Well, I happened to stroll on over to the internal employee website after I posted here and found a memo that has just been released along with dates for town hall meetings occuring today and continuing till next week. Voting by Westjetters will occur from the 23rd until the beginning of Feb. Unfortunately, unless I get a ride from Airdrie to the Westjet Campus today, I won't be able to attend any of the town hall meetings (such short notice and today is my only day off and I don't have a ride today!).

I'm not sure what information I would be able to share on here anyways. It is all very sensitive information. I don't want to get into hot water.

[Innersoul1]

:previous: "Westprop" - I like it!

Well played Biggie!

Wonder what the name will be?

[MalcolmTucker]

Some pictures of the new terminal from Thursday night:

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/6075/calgary2012011200112.jpg
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/5966/calgary2012011200111.jpg

Bonus: AN-124 at Ottawa this morning:

Antonov An-124 at the Ottawa Airport this morning.
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/5858/peu201201164.jpg

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/3429/peu201201165.jpg

[MrBigStuff]

I've haven't heard any other details yet, should any get divulged to me that I could share I will.

Damn it is going to be one COLD CRJ200 flight to YXE tonight. Leaving at 1805. This is a scenario where I would much rather fly in a nice Westprop Q400 instead. :D

Try a Beechcraft twin engine Queen Air when it's this cold - Not too bad. Did that on Christmas Eve in 1987 between Winnipeg & Dauphin MB.
Smooth ride. :yes:

[DoubleK]

Try a Beechcraft twin engine Queen Air when it's this cold - Not too bad. Did that on Christmas Eve in 1987 between Winnipeg & Dauphin MB.
Smooth ride. :yes:

I did the Winnipeg-Dryden-Sioux Lookout-Thunder Bay milk run one year on Bearskin in cold like this. I'm fairly certain I got frostbite on my toes.

[cyeg66]

Damn it is going to be one COLD CRJ200 flight to YXE tonight. Leaving at 1805. This is a scenario where I would much rather fly in a nice Westprop Q400 instead. :D

Btw, the fact your plane left over an hour late had nothing to do with me. They ferried in a CRJ from YEG to replace your broken plane. Good old Bombardier's, not built for cold weather...:koko: The Embraers seemed to be truckin' along.

[ACT7]

November results are in for YYC, and although overall pax numbers for the month are down, international is way up compared to last November. Still down for the year but it makes me wonder what went on this Nov. to have such a jump. It's not like there was a significant increase in flights or capacity. Almost makes me wonder if it's a typo that will be adjusted.

http://www.yyc.com/data//1/rec_docs/33_BR_PaxTotal.pdf

[suburb]

Many flight delays and cancellations at the airport due to weather. I believe there was also some passenger havoc due to traffic issues yesterday morning, exacerbating the more limited than ideal access to the airport right now.

[MichaelS]

Many flight delays and cancellations at the airport due to weather. I believe there was also some passenger havoc due to traffic issues yesterday morning, exacerbating the more limited than ideal access to the airport right now.

I also heard a westjet plane hit a de-icing truck (or the truck hit it) that was pulling out of the gate for Winnipeg, adding to the havoc.

[cyeg66]

November results are in for YYC, and although overall pax numbers for the month are down, international is way up compared to last November. Still down for the year but it makes me wonder what went on this Nov. to have such a jump. It's not like there was a significant increase in flights or capacity. Almost makes me wonder if it's a typo that will be adjusted.


Agree with your thoughts. It's either a typo and/or they've included the boost in transborder (to Hawaii in 2011 vs 2010) in the Int'l numbers when they should've have been in transborder. I dunno. Just speculating. Either way, pretty anemic. Don't look to that airport 270 kms to the north to blame...;) Stop spreading the hate and instead have a :cheers:.

[suburb]

Don't look to that airport 270 kms to the north to blame...;) Stop spreading the hate and instead have a :cheers:.

What airport '270km to the north'?

There is, however, one about 220km to the north in Leduc.

[cyeg66]

Oh, my apologies. I guess I wasn't making myself clear enough. :duh I was referring to the distance between the core of Calgary (my own rather benign way of representing the average Calgarian's location) and that airport that you describe as 'in Leduc'. Of course, for all intents and purposes, had I been describing the distance between CYYC and CYEG (the Leduc muni), then the distance between respective midfields is 243.5 km's as the crow flies. That silly ol' crow has a propensity to follow highways so he always adds a few more clicks by doing that. I'm glad we're not splitting hairs, though.

[freeweed]

What airport '270km to the north'?

There is, however, one about 220km to the north in Leduc.

I believe the city centre airport is still functional, no? Or did they finally manage to kill that thing?

[Denscity]

Hello Calgary people. Just wondering how Castlegar's airport got the name YCG when this would be the perfect and obvious name for Calgary's airport?

[freeweed]

Hello Calgary people. Just wondering how Castlegar's airport got the name YCG when this would be the perfect and obvious name for Calgary's airport?

The same reason Vancouver is YVR instead of YVA or YVC, and Winnipeg is YWG instead of YWI or YWP or YWN.

While I find the etymology of these codes mildly fascinating, I find it far more fascinating how much discussion this generates. It's essentially an arbitrary label with some confusing historical roots. But it sure does make people talk.

[Innersoul1]

I am curious to see more interior renderings of the public realm of the international terminal. Vancouver has done an excellent job with incorporating cultural aspects to their new terminal without being cheesy. It would be nice to see some really nice public spaces.

[cyeg66]

Slow news week. Did anyone spot the DHL DC-8 that came in yesterday? Not sure if they're related but UPS had only sent a 757 instead of the usual A306 about 30 mins before the DHL plane...

[Bokimon]

Cargolux is finally bringing their 747-8F to Calgary tomorrow afternoon arriving around 1:30pm, anybody out there who can spare a few hours from the office. GET YOUR ASSES OUT TO THE AIRPORT PRONTO!!

Now this is a Global news report that aired just now but for the sake of the media's credibility we should probably check flightaware tonight or tmrw morning to actually confirm this is the case!

[srperrycgy]

:previous: Funny how Gillies called it a "747 Dash 8" :tup:

[Bigtime]

Cargolux is finally bringing their 747-8F to Calgary tomorrow afternoon arriving around 1:30pm, anybody out there who can spare a few hours from the office. GET YOUR ASSES OUT TO THE AIRPORT PRONTO!!

Now this is a Global news report that aired just now but for the sake of the media's credibility we should probably check flightaware tonight or tmrw morning to actually confirm this is the case!

And I'm stuck here in Maui! Nooooooooooooooooo.

I will be checking for pics, don't let me down team avgeek.

[MrBigStuff]

I did the Winnipeg-Dryden-Sioux Lookout-Thunder Bay milk run one year on Bearskin in cold like this. I'm fairly certain I got frostbite on my toes.

Can you remember the aircraft type that you were on?? Also - where is Bearskin Airlines based??

[craner]

And I'm stuck here in Maui! Nooooooooooooooooo.

I will be checking for pics, don't let me down team avgeek.

Awww - I really feel sorry for you.:coolugh:

[AlbertanToo]

I am here at the airport today so I will give it my best to catch a shot of this rare bird!

[Innersoul1]

It's a good watch:

mMvLuUJFHYk

[Bigtime]

Go get 'em avgeeks!

The Cargolux 748 flight plan just came up on Flightaware:

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/CLX773

[ACT7]

Agree with your thoughts. It's either a typo and/or they've included the boost in transborder (to Hawaii in 2011 vs 2010) in the Int'l numbers when they should've have been in transborder. I dunno. Just speculating. Either way, pretty anemic. Don't look to that airport 270 kms to the north to blame...;) Stop spreading the hate and instead have a :cheers:.
So as expected, the international figures for YYC were incorrect on the original posting. Here is a link with the new numbers from their website. Much more reasonable and realistic.

http://www.yyc.com/data//1/rec_docs/33_BR_PaxTotal.pdf

[RedStar]

[QUOTE=Bigtime;5562251]Go get 'em avgeeks!

The Cargolux 748 flight plan just came up on Flightaware:



http://www.flickr.com/photos/24390255@N03/6758336601/

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6758336601_df0c075690.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24390255@N03/6758336601/)
747-800F LX-VCD (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24390255@N03/6758336601/) by rye man (http://www.flickr.com/people/24390255@N03/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6758336045_b5c18e812b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24390255@N03/6758336045/)
CargoLux 747-8F LX-VCD (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24390255@N03/6758336045/) by rye man (http://www.flickr.com/people/24390255@N03/), on Flickr

[cyeg66]

^ Pretty sweet. Rye_man captured a YYC 'first'. Too bad there wasn't more light but at least we got proof. :)

[suburb]

Rye_man captured a YYC 'first'.

What was 'first' about it? While rare now, we used to get jumbos in regularly.

We'd better be getting some bigger planes when the new International Terminal opens. This should be a regular occurrence and not a once in a smurf blue moon thing!

[cyeg66]

If you can't be sure what I'm alluding to, then maybe best keep comments to yourself. And don't count on being inundated by heavies when that monstrous new terminal opens. Get accustomed to 737's and A32X's for the foreseeable future with the odd 300,000+ lb'er thrown into the mix.

[freeweed]

What was 'first' about it? While rare now, we used to get jumbos in regularly.

It's a slightly bigger version of a plane that we've had landing here for eons.

Aviation junkies salivate at the extra 19 feet (less than 10%, but still interesting), while the general public yawns and says "where's our A380?".

[RedStar]

^ Pretty sweet. Rye_man captured a YYC 'first'. Too bad there wasn't more light but at least we got proof. :)


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6758335051_f2af7e107b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24390255@N03/6758335051/)
CargoLux 747-800F LX-VCD (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24390255@N03/6758335051/) by rye man (http://www.flickr.com/people/24390255@N03/), on Flickr

[Robag]

I think the passenger version of the 748 is way more spectacular than the freighter version. That will be a picture worth getting, but still a neat thing to have come through YYC. We won't be seeing any of those any time soom at YQR.

[suburb]

It's a slightly bigger version of a plane that we've had landing here for eons.

Aviation junkies salivate at the extra 19 feet (less than 10%, but still interesting), while the general public yawns and says "where's our A380?".

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6758335051_f2af7e107b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24390255@N03/6758335051/)
CargoLux 747-800F LX-VCD (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24390255@N03/6758335051/) by rye man (http://www.flickr.com/people/24390255@N03/), on Flickr

Ah yes - I do see that it seems longer!

I think the passenger version of the 748 is way more spectacular than the freighter version. That will be a picture worth getting, but still a neat thing to have come through YYC. We won't be seeing any of those any time soom at YQR.

Right - the second level traditionally 'first class' area is truncated on this one. Actually makes it look even longer that way, but yes, I'd much rather see a passenger version landing at YYC :)

[Blader]

Right - the second level traditionally 'first class' area is truncated on this one. Actually makes it look even longer that way, but yes, I'd much rather see a passenger version landing at YYC :)

It resembles the very 1st iteration of the 747 - that is, a truncated 2nd level - but with the rest of the fuselage stretched. That was in the heydays of 2 dollar a barrel oil and 1st Class with a piano and Frank Sinatra on the keys. Supersonics were on the drawing board and every airline of substance had preliminary orders. It all faded with the 1st Saudi oil shocku. It caused a major worldwide recession. Oil increased to 8 dollars a barrel and the supersonics were doomed.

[cyeg66]

Btw, I know it's early and low light and all, but there's a Qantas 744 that landed not too long ago at YYC.

[Surrealplaces]

Slow growth overall, but in today's economy a 1% increase is still good. I wonder if we'll break 13M in 2012?

So as expected, the international figures for YYC were incorrect on the original posting. Here is a link with the new numbers from their website. Much more reasonable and realistic.

http://www.yyc.com/data//1/rec_docs/33_BR_PaxTotal.pdf