Hamilton International Airport

[drpgq]

Yeah it seems the problem was more the Western route.

I would guess that Hamilton to Abbotsford is a good route for them in that Westjet and Air Canada are not going to cut all their Toronto to Vancouver fares, but they can easily do it for one flight somewhere.

[LikeHamilton]

Hamilton (YHM) Summer 2017

WestJet

Calgary YYC - 14 per week
2 x daily Dep YHM 06:30 a & 7:10 p / Arr YHM 12:23 p & 12:58 a

Edmonton YEG - 10 per week
1 x daily except Sun (6x) Dep YHM 08:00 a / Arr YHM 06:51 a
1 x Tue, Thurs, Sat, Sun (4x) Dep YHM 4:15 p / Arr YHM 3:31 p

Winnipeg YWG - 7 per week
1 x Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat (4x) Dep YHM 10:30 p / Arr YHM 9:49 p
1 x Tues, Thurs, Sun (3x) Dep YHM 3:00 p / Arr YHM 2:19 p

Halifax YHZ - 8 per week
1 x daily (7x) Dep YHM 1:15 p / Arr YHM 6:20 p
1 x Sat (1x) Dep YHM 09:35 a / Arr 08:50 a

Vancouver YVR – 7 per week
1 x daily (7x) Dep YHM 06:25 a / Arr YHM 05:32 a

WestJet Total per week 46 flights

Newleaf

Abbotsford YXX – 6 per week
1 x daily except Wed (6x) Dep YHM 09:00 / Arr YHM 10:25 p

Edmonton YEG – 5 per week
1 x daily except Tues, Wed (5x) Dep YHM 9:00p / Arr YHM 1:43 p

Halifax YHZ – 5 per week
1 x daily except Tues, Wed (5x) Dep YHM 2:23p / Arr YHM 8:00 p

Winnipeg YWG – 6 per week
1 x daily except Wed (6x) Dep YHM 09:00 / Arr YHM 10:25 p

(They say there is more flights coming)

Newleaf Total per week 22 flights

Air Canada

Montreal YUL – 14 per week
2 x daily Dep YHM 09:30 a & 6:45 p / Arr YHM 08:59 a & 6:14 p

Air Canada Total per week 14 flights

82 total Hamilton YHM flights per week

Up to now, all ground handling of aircraft and baggage at Hamilton was handled by a company called Aircraft Service International Group (ASIG). The also supplied all of the check in and gate personnel for all of the airline except WestJet who did their own. They’re a large company with hundreds of operations around the world with a dozen or more in Canada. They have lost their contract for WestJet in Hamilton to Executive Aviation of London. They have also lost the contract for Air Canada in Hamilton. Apparently in the beginning of the operation in Hamilton, Air Canada said that they would use a private contractor for Hamilton for the first year and if they were happy with the loads and operation they would supply Air Canada personnel to Hamilton. They are supplying their own personnel for check-in and gate operations.

WestJet has stopped price matching Newleaf Hamilton prices for their flights out of Toronto. They now just match Newleaf prices in Hamilton. Or try to. The word around the airport is that they are both doing well with their respective operations out of Hamilton.

Watch for both “Canada Jetlines” and “Enerjet/Fly Too” to start this summer out of Hamilton with their version of an “Ultra Low Cost Carrier” (ULCC). It looks like they both have their financing in order. Fly Too already has an operating certificate through Enerjet.

Hamilton Airport is getting a new Director, Marketing and Communications March 6. She is Dina Carlucci, and comes from Air Canada Vacations where she was the Director, Advertising, Promotion & Partnership. She has previously worked at Canadian Airlines, American Airlines and Air Canada.

[thistleclub]

New shuttle bus to and from Hamilton airport
(Hamilton Spectator, May 14, 2017)

John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is now connected to Toronto Pearson International Airport and Union Station through a new daily shuttle service. The service runs up to three times daily, with pre-arranged pickups between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. from all three locations. Trips can be booked at hamiltonairportshuttle.ca. The Hamilton International Airport began offering this service, which is being operated by King Shuttle, on May 1. The shuttle bus costs $60 per person, plus $25 for each additional passenger.

[Beedok]

Sounds interesting. Not sure how much demand a shuttle between the two airports will have, but maybe eventually it will matter?

[NortheastWind]

The shuttle will come in handy for the rare occasion of when a flight gets cancelled in Hamilton or if there's not a connecting flight to the desired destination. The latter seems like a pain in the ass but people will do it if it means they can save a dollar.

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by Beedok

Sounds interesting. Not sure how much demand a shuttle between the two airports will have, but maybe eventually it will matter?

Pearson needs to start focusing more on the international connections and let the regional airports handle the shorter domestic flights. From that perspective, better transportation to Munro is helpful.

The Union connection will be more useful as cheap flights to/from Canadian destinations via Munro become more attractive.

This feeds into the idea of considering Southern Ontario's airports as a "network" with complementary services.

[markbarbera]

GO Transit's route 40, GO's best kept secret, connects Hunter GO to Pearson terminal 1 and it makes the hour long trip evey 20-30 minutes for a $12.15 fare ($10.80 if using Presto). Extend the route to from Hunter to YHM and you'd have a much more economical option for a connection between YHM and YYZ

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by markbarbera

GO Transit's route 40, GO's best kept secret, connects Hunter GO to Pearson terminal 1 and it makes the hour long trip evey 20-30 minutes for a $12.15 fare ($10.80 if using Presto). Extend the route to from Hunter to YHM and you'd have a much more economical option for a connection between YHM and YYZ

That is a great idea.

[SteelTown]

Hamilton airport part of new southern Ontario network

http://www.thespec.com/news-story/73...tario-network/

Officials from John C. Munro International Airport say they hope to take on excess capacity from skyrocketing growth expected at Pearson Airport over the coming decades.

"We have the capacity here to meet the growing demand," said Hamilton airport spokesperson Dina Carlucci.

"If there is a spillover effect from Toronto, we are ready to take that on. Our runway capacity can definitely take it and our terminal capacity can take it as well. "

The Southern Ontario Airport Network (SOAN) network, announced May 9, says air travel in southern Ontario is expected to reach approximately 110 million passengers by the early 2040s.


"When we look at the current capacity among airports in the region, we would be leaving 20 million passengers 'on the table' if we don't take action now," said Howard Eng, chief executive officer of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA). "Thankfully, we have a network of great airports who have come together to start brainstorming ways to capitalize on this incredible opportunity."

The network also includes Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, London International Airport, Oshawa Executive Airport, Niagara District Airport, Peterborough Airport, Region of Waterloo International Airport and Windsor International Airport.

Among the network's goals are:

•Completing an economic analysis of the impact SOAN will have for the region and the province;

•Understanding the ground transportation needs in southern Ontario and advocating for investment in ground transportation improvements that will reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions;

•Developing best-in-class strategies for responsible and sustainable airport growth, including community engagement and noise management.

In conjunction with the launch event, the network released a statement of intent that emphasizes planning for growth in a responsible way is essential; without it, the region could potentially leave $15 million in GDP on the table and force more than 20 million passengers to look elsewhere for their air travel needs.

Members say they recognize the region has the potential to meet the growing demand for air travel.

Toronto Pearson is currently the second largest airport in North America in terms of inbound international traffic, according to the GTAA. Last year, 44 million passengers travelled through the airport and 500,000 tonnes of cargo was transported across the world.

Transport Canada, the department within the government of Canada responsible for developing regulations, policies and services of transportation in Canada, and Ontario's Ministry of Transportation are also contributors to SOAN's work.

Oakville North- Burlington MP Pam Damoff said SOAN would be a good thing for southern Ontario. She said the new network would integrate transportation in the area and help reduce traffic congestion — especially for people who are employed at the airport.

Although there is no reason to believe that the new network will increase airport noise in the Oakville-Burlington area, Damoff said: "We still need to deal with the noise issue."

Damoff said she has a lot of confidence in Helios, the consultant hired to conduct an independent review of airspace for flights arriving and departing Toronto Pearson Airport.

Helios was hired by Nav Canada (a privately-run, nonprofit corporation that owns and operates Canada's civil air navigation system) in 2016, in response to complaints from Oakville residents of air traffic noise.

Damoff said she has brought forward concerns raised by residents during a community consultation Helios held in Oakville earlier this year, to federal Transportation Minister Marc Garneau, to ensure these concerns are addressed.

Oakville Mayor Rob Burton had some concerns about the new airport network, saying it was unclear what impact, if any, the announcement of the network will have on air traffic noise pollution in the community.

"Council is supportive of any changes that improve service for our residents, while minimizing air noise within surrounding communities."

[LikeHamilton]

Hamilton Delivers

From Hamilton EcDev

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh4C7AGoeFQ

[drpgq]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilt...sing-1.4130964

Housing starts in Hamilton slow, 2,600 new jobs on horizon


...

Passenger numbers at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport actually increased by 6.5 per cent last year, the report says, with flights added by Air Canada and New Leaf Travel (though by many accounts, New Leaf's start has been rocky).

"WestJet is expected to increase its capacity out of Hamilton International Airport by 40 per cent, with the airline resuming seasonal service to Vancouver from April to October," the report reads.

"The airline will also return non-stop service to Edmonton and Halifax from January to October and introduce a new route to Winnipeg over the same time period."

I thought there would be a bigger increase this year, but maybe we will see that next year.

[SteelTown]

Flair Airlines buys NewLeaf travel company
B.C. based airline buys upstart discount travel company
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/newl...ines-1.4149722

Flair Airlines has bought NewLeaf Travel Company, a discount flight seller that made headlines last year for offering flights between Canadian centres at rock bottom prices.

Kelowna, B.C.-based Flair said in a release Wednesday that it has bought NewLeaf Travel Company's assets, including its "marketing, selling and distribution engine."

The two companies have been linked since NewLeaf launched last summer, offering flights for as little as $59 one way between Canadian cities such as Abbotsford, Halifax, Edmonton, Hamilton and Winnipeg.

The company has completed more than 2,200 such flights and moved more than a quarter of a million passengers in the process.

Although it marketed itself as an airline, NewLeaf was in fact just a ticket seller, while Flair Airlines owns the planes and operates the flights.

Flair says passengers shouldn't expect any disruption as a result of the transaction.

"Expansion is planned for new destinations beginning this year, plus the fall and winter domestic schedule will be released shortly," Flair said in a release.

[LikeHamilton]

As of July 25th, new leaf operated by Flair, will just be Flair Air. Newleaf wiĺl cease and all advertising, signage and airport operations with be resigned as Flair.

[LikeHamilton]

Canada Jetlines CEO Stan Gadek and Executive Chairman Mark J. Morabito (Hamilton native living in Vancouver) where are Hamilton International inspecting the facilities today.

Canada Jetlines will be Canada's first Ultra Low Cost Airline and will build strong primary and secondary routes by operating scheduled point-to-point jet air service with primary bases at the Vancouver International Airport (“YVR”) and in Southern Ontario. Jetlines plans to operate flights throughout Canada, the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean, starting with six Boeing 737 aircraft in the first year of operation and expanding to 40 aircraft over the first eight years of operations.

[LikeHamilton]

WestJet goes “cheap and cheerful”

WestJet president and CEO Gregg Saretsky gave a presentation to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade in June. He said routes for the new ULCC will be announced in the fourth quarter of 2017. The new brand “will be cheap and cheerful,” said Saretsky.

Plans call for the initial deployment of 10 narrow-body Boeing 737-800s.

https://www.skiesmag.com/features/we...heap-cheerful/

[LikeHamilton]

FEDERAL TRANSPORT MINISTER TO TOUR HAMILTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TOMORROW (Tuesday August 15, 2017)

Posted on August 14, 2017 by Hamilton International.

Hamilton International reports significant growth in passenger and cargo numbers for first half of 2017

Hamilton, ON (August 14, 2017) – John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is pleased to welcome The Honourable Marc Garneau MP and Minister of Transport tomorrow August 15, 2017. The Minister will meet with Airport officials as well as take a tour of the airside facilities and the Airport grounds. Hamilton International is also pleased to announce that for the first half of 2017, the Airport has seen significant passenger traffic growth of 127% with 269,901 passengers compared to 118,890 passengers the same period last year, making it one of the fastest growing airports in Canada. That number is expected to further grow to close to 500,000 passengers by year end.
In addition to passenger growth, the Airport continues to be Canada’s largest overnight express cargo airport. Through the first half of 2017, Hamilton International’s cargo volume has increased 19% placing Hamilton International at the centre of goods movement in Canada. The Airport continues to maintain the position as a hub for e-commerce in Canada connecting to its destinations coast to coast and beyond to global markets in Europe and South America.

To support this growth in passenger and cargo traffic at the Airport, since 2016, over 100 new jobs have been added by the Airport and its tenants. Through this growth phase, Hamilton International continues to contribute to the economy of the Greater Golden Horseshoe region, Ontario and Canada. “This is an exciting time for Hamilton International as more and more passengers, including middle class families, students and millennials, discover Canada from Hamilton – Your Low-Cost Airport” said Vijay Bathija, President & CEO, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. “According to our consumer surveys, the Airport is seeing passengers originate from the entire Southern Ontario region and in addition, up to 10% of the passengers are originating from Buffalo and the Upstate New York region to take advantage of low cost travel options and cheaper parking. Passengers are also travelling to destinations in Europe via efficient connections. We thank all our valuable passenger and cargo airline partners, tenants and customers, as well as employees for their contribution to the growth achieved to date.”

With growth comes the need to improve and upgrade facilities. Hamilton International has been busy throughout 2017 with several capital projects all designed to enhance the passenger experience at the Airport. One of the many great additions to the Airport is the new covered and heated international walkway, providing passengers returning from warm winter vacations the ability to connect to the terminal easily after they disembark from their flight in the upcoming winter season.

Terminal upgrades include new parking pay stations. These new stations are more efficient and easy to use. These improvements along with countless others such as road repaving (both terminal access and airside) and a renovated Duty Free shop shows a commitment to investing in the Airport and providing outstanding customer service.

Minister Garneau will conclude his tour with media availability at 3:45 p.m.
Who: The Honourable Marc Garneau, MP, Minister of Transport
What: John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport visit and tour
Where: John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport Terminal Building
When: Tuesday August 15, 2017 – 2:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

[drpgq]

"up to 10% of the passengers are originating from Buffalo and the Upstate New York region to take advantage of low cost travel options and cheaper parking"

Huh. Wouldn't have expected that.

[SteelTown]

What does "covered and heated international walkway" mean? Is it basically just covered staircase?

[NortheastWind]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

What does "covered and heated international walkway" mean? Is it basically just covered staircase?

It's a bit of an outside trek from when you get off the international flight to customs. The walkway will make for a more comfortable trek during inclement weather.

[SteelTown]

Yeah, would be nice to have very least a covered staircase.

Some airports I've gone has covered staircase and a bus waiting for me to hop on and then drops me off to customs, which I kinda prefer than walking FOREVER like Pearson airport.