Region of Waterloo International Airport---YKF

[kitchener-lrt]

I thought that we should include a thread about our own little airport, YKF. It's a booming little airport, with Westjet, Northwest Airlink, Bearskin Airlines, Sunquest, Signature Vacations, and Transat Holidays all being tenants at the airport (although some are seasonal). The airport has been in talks with Air Canada, regarding starting up flights to Ottawa and Montreal. There is also a rumor of U.S airlines Skybus starting flights to the "Toronto Area".

It's currently undergoing expansion, adding space to the arrivals hall. Feel free to discuss the airport here, as well as add any new stories that may arise. BTW, check out www.ykf.ca for pictures, as well as a public forum (free). From YKF, you can get to Detroit, Calgary, Ottawa, Punta Cana, Cancun, and Peurto Plata. So incase you might be travelling out west, down south, or out east, FLY FROM YKF!!!

Daily Scheduled Flights

Westjet: 1 Daily flight to Calgary

Depart YYC: 12:05 pm Arrive YKF: 5:40 pm
Depart YKF: 6:15 pm Arrive YYC: 8:21 pm


NorthWest Airlink : 3 flights/weekday to Detroit, 2 flights/Saturday and Sunday.

Depart DTW Arrive YKF
8:55 am 10:17 am *Mon-Fri*
1:30 pm 2:54 pm *Daily*
9:00 pm 10:14 pm *Daily*

Depart YKF Arrive DTW
6:16 am 7:45 am *Mon-Fri*
10:45 am 12:02 pm *Daily*
3:20 pm 4:34 pm *Daily*


Bearskin Airlines : 3 daily flights to Ottawa on weekdays, 1 flight on Sunday. ***Monday and Friday have 4 flights/day***

Depart YOW Arrive YKF:
8:15 am 9:25 am *Mon-Fri*
11:00 pm 12:10 pm *Mon-Fri*
2:40 pm 3:50 pm Monday& Friday Only
6:00 pm 7:10 pm *Sun-Fri*

Depart YKF Arrive YOW
6:45 am 7:55 am *Mon-Fri*
10:00 am 11:10 am *Mon-Fri*
1:00 pm 2:10 pm Monday& Friday Only
4:30 pm 5:40 pm *Sun-Fri*

[kitchener-lrt]

WestJet Service To Calgary


For Immediate Release January 17, 2007

WestJet announces daily non-stop service to Calgary
from the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)

Waterloo Region - The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) and WestJet announced today the introduction of daily seasonal non-stop service between Calgary (YYC) and Waterloo Region starting May 14, 2007.

"We are delighted to welcome WestJet to the Region of Waterloo International Airport," said Ken Seiling, Regional Chair. "With daily direct service to Calgary, our travellers will enjoy even greater convenience for their business and personal travel needs."

"Over a quarter of a million trips to Calgary and Vancouver originate from Waterloo Region annually and WestJet's decision to invest in our community by providing service to its western hub opens a number of new markets previously unavailable through our facility," said Manager of Airport Development, Jeff Schelling. "It's exciting, that passengers will now be able to connect through Calgary to Vancouver, Kelowna, Victoria, Las Vegas and even Hawaii."

WestJet operates North America's most modern fleet of any large commercial airline, comprised of 63 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft equipped with more legroom, leather seats and live seat back television on the majority of its fleet.

"We are proud to be the first National Canadian airline to offer scheduled service from the Region of Waterloo International Airport," said Bob Cummings, WestJet's Executive Vice-President, Guest Experience and Marketing. "Our service has been well accepted across southwestern Ontario and Waterloo Region is a wonderful addition. This new service allows us to meet the demand in the area and continue the planned expansion of our network in Eastern Canada."

Following are the schedule details of the new seasonal non-stop service WestJet will offer:

Calgary to Kitchener-Waterloo - Daily

Flight
Departure
Arrival

WS 788
Noon
5:37 p.m.


Kitchener-Waterloo to Calgary - Daily

Flight
Departure
Arrival

WS 485
6:10 p.m.
8:11 p.m.


More detailed information about WestJet's enhanced summer schedule and low introductory fares is available at westjet.com. Seats are available for sale immediately and can be booked online at westjet.com or through travel agents.

Take the hassle out of your vacation and choose your local alternative! The Region of Waterloo International Airport is easy to navigate with modern amenities including high-speed wireless Internet, complimentary baggage carts and car rentals. No traffic jams or lost vehicles, just convenient and friendly air service.

[kitchener-lrt]

WestJet Inaugural Flight

For Immediate Release May 14, 2007


WestJet service to Calgary takes flight from the
Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)

Waterloo Region - Today's arrival of WestJet at the Region of Waterloo International Airport marks a milestone in the history of the airport. Canada's leading low-cost airline brings daily seasonal non-stop service to Calgary (YYC) from the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF).

Passengers aboard the inaugural WestJet flight arriving from Calgary at 5:37 p.m. will receive a warm Oktoberfest welcome with WestJet flare. Onkel Hans himself, along with an authentic German band will celebrate the arrival of domestic air service at the Region of Waterloo International Airport.

"We are very excited to welcome WestJet to the Region of Waterloo International Airport," said Ken Seiling, Regional Chair. "With a direct connection from one economic hub to another, our travellers will enjoy even greater convenience for their business and personal travel needs."

"WestJet's decision to invest in our community and bring daily Calgary service to the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) has been well received," said Manager of Airport Development, Jeff Schelling.

To prepare for this increase in volume the airline check-in area was reconfigured and the security screening room was enlarged. The improvements will benefit all airline partners by streamlining passenger traffic flow.

"We are proud to be the first National Canadian airline to offer scheduled service from the Region of Waterloo International Airport," said Bob Cummings, WestJet's Executive Vice-President, Guest Experience and Marketing. "Our service has been well accepted across southwestern Ontario and Waterloo Region is a wonderful addition. This new service allows us to meet the demand in the area and continue the planned expansion of our network in Eastern Canada."


Following are the schedule details of the new seasonal non-stop service WestJet will offer:

Calgary to Kitchener-Waterloo - Daily

Flight
Departure
Arrival

WS 788
Noon
5:37 p.m.



Kitchener-Waterloo to Calgary - Daily

Flight
Departure
Arrival

WS 485
6:10 p.m.
8:11 p.m.




WestJet operates North America's most modern fleet of any large commercial airline, comprised of 65 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft equipped with more legroom, leather seats and live seatback television on the majority of its fleet.

Take the hassle out of your vacation and choose your local alternative! The Region of Waterloo International Airport is easy to navigate with modern amenities including high-speed wireless Internet, complimentary baggage carts and car rentals. No traffic jams or lost vehicles, just convenient and friendly air service.

[kitchener-lrt]

WestJet Year-Round Daily Service


For Immediate Release June 27, 2007

WestJet announces year-round daily service to Calgary from
the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)


Waterloo Region - Thanks to strong community support, WestJet, Canada's leading low-cost airline, announced today that it will expand its daily non-stop seasonal service to Calgary from the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) to year round operation. WestJet's daily service from the Region of Waterloo International Airport provides a hassle-free gateway to Western Canada with connections to Vancouver, Victoria, Abbotsford, Kelowna, Edmonton, Regina and Saskatoon.

"We are excited that the WestJet flights to Calgary and points west have proven to be so successful that they are now planning on year-round service," said Regional Chair Ken Seiling. "People of this Region are being given a chance for more convenient travel arrangements whether it is for business, visiting, or vacations."

"WestJet has been providing daily flights to Calgary (YYC) from the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) since May 14, 2007and the support from the community has been tremendous," said Jeff Schelling, Manager of Airport Development for the Region of Waterloo International Airport. "We are thrilled that WestJet will continue its investment in our community."

Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Guest Experience and Marketing said, "As we continue to grow our domestic network, we are pleased to extend daily non-stop service between Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge and Calgary. Our modern fleet of aircraft and award-winning guest experience has been well received by the community and we are confident the people of this region will continue to fly with WestJet."

[kitchener-lrt]

WestJet Electronic Boarding Pass at YKF

For Immediate Release August 24, 2007


WestJet brings electronic boarding pass to
the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)


Waterloo Region - WestJet will bring its new electronic boarding pass check-in service to the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) beginning today. WestJet is the first airline in North America to use this innovative paperless format to check in and board guests. Victoria (British Columbia) was the first to have the service available in June of this year, enabling guests to proceed through security and board their WestJet flight using the paperless boarding pass displayed on their personal mobile device.

"We are excited that WestJet is making electronic boarding pass technology available to guests travelling through the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)," said Jeff Schelling, Manager of Airport Development for the Region of Waterloo International Airport. "Being located in the heart of Canada's Technology Triangle, I am confident that BlackBerry check-in will be a popular addition."

"Starting August 24, 2007 the electronic boarding pass will be available for use at all 26 of WestJet's Canadian airports across the country," said Dale Tinevez, Vice-President of Airports for WestJet. "Extending WestJet's convenient paperless service in Kitchener/Waterloo, the home of the BlackBerry, was a natural progression. Our team has worked diligently to bring this innovation to our guests and are committed to building on our exceptional guest experience."

During the WestJet web check-in process, guests will now be presented boarding pass options. They can choose to print their boarding pass immediately or at the airport, or select the electronic boarding pass option and have an e-mail sent to their mobile device. They will then show the boarding pass displayed on their mobile device to proceed through security and board their flight.

WestJet operates North America's most modern fleet of any large commercial airline, comprised of 67 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft equipped with more legroom, leather seats and live seatback television on the majority of its fleet.

Take the hassle out of your vacation and choose your local alternative! The Region of Waterloo International Airport is easy to navigate with modern amenities including high-speed wireless Internet, complimentary baggage carts and car rentals. No traffic jams or lost vehicles, just convenient and friendly air service.

[kitchener-lrt]

Bearskin Launches Service To Ottawa


For Immediate Release September 6, 2007


Bearskin Airlines launches non-stop air service to Ottawa
from the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)


Waterloo Region - Effective October 1, 2007, Bearskin Airlines will begin daily scheduled service between Waterloo Region and Ottawa. This service will offer three non-stop flights on weekdays and one Sunday evening flight, providing the community with a quick link to Canada's capital. The total flight time is just under one hour.

Founded in 1963, Bearskin Airlines is one of central Canada's oldest commuter airlines offering over 100 scheduled flights daily to 16 destinations from Winnipeg in the west to Ottawa in the east. The company has served Ottawa since 1993 when they commenced service from Northeastern Ontario.

"We are proud to announce the addition of Bearskin Airlines' non-stop service to Ottawa," said Jeff Schelling, Manager of Airport Development for the Region of Waterloo International Airport. "Guests utilizing Bearskin's Ottawa service will be able to collect Aeroplan points and avoid the lengthy commute associated with flying out of Toronto."

The acquisition of another pair of Fairchild Metroliner aircraft in the spring of 2007 positioned the company for further growth. The decision to begin service from Waterloo Region is related to strong demand from the community.

"This service is geared to benefit the business community," said Ron Hell, Director of Marketing and Sales for Bearskin Airlines. "However, we expect the tourism industry and local residents of Waterloo Region to embrace the quality of our non-stop service to Ottawa."

"Waterloo Region tech companies are delighted with the announcement of daily service to Ottawa," said Iain Klugman, president and CEO of Communitech: Waterloo Region Technology Association. "A one-way trip that takes nearly five hours when you drive to Pearson International, will take a fraction of that time from our Airport. This will make a huge difference to business traffic between two of Ontario's biggest tech communities. In fact, we've already had interest from many local tech companies looking to take advantage of this service."

Following are the schedule details of Bearskin's new non-stop service:

Kitchener/Waterloo (YKF) to Ottawa (YOW)

Monday to Friday
Dep. 6:45 a.m. / Arr. 7:55 a.m.

Monday to Friday
Dep. 10:15 a.m. / Arr. 11:25 a.m.

Sunday to Friday
Dep. 4:30 p.m. / Arr. 5:40 p.m.



Ottawa (YOW) to Kitchener/Waterloo (YKF)

Monday to Friday
Dep. 8:15 a.m. / Arr. 9:25 a.m.

Monday to Friday
Dep. 12 noon / Arr. 1:10 p.m.

Sunday to Friday
Dep. 6:00 p.m. / Arr. 7:10 p.m.



"This is great news for Waterloo Region. Daily direct flights to Ottawa will save precious travel time and provide benefits across our community - for business, education, tourism, and citizens visiting friends and family," said University of Waterloo president David Johnston. "This new air service is a very positive development."

Take the hassle out of your business and vacation travel and choose your local alternative! The Region of Waterloo International Airport is easy to navigate with modern amenities including high-speed wireless Internet, complimentary baggage carts and car rentals. No traffic jams or lost vehicles, just convenient and friendly air service.

Let the Bear fly you there in less time than it takes to drive between Waterloo Region and Toronto's Airport. Save time and money and collect Aeroplan points with every flight. For more information, visit www.bearskinairlines.com, call 1-800-465-2327 or ask your local travel agent.

[kitchener-lrt]

Transat Holidays at YKF


For Immediate Release September 25, 2007


Winter charter program expands as Transat Holidays join Signature Vacations and Sunquest at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)


Waterloo Region - Sun vacation brochures are now on the shelves of local travel agencies in preparation for the coming winter charter program. On December 21, 2007, the third winter sun charter season will officially take flight from the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF). A new partner, Transat Holidays, will join Signature Vacations and Sunquest offering weekly non-stop departures to the sunny south.

Founded in 1987, Transat Holidays' expertise continues to further establish the reputation it has held for 20 years as one of Canada's leading leisure travel companies offering departures from many Canadian cities now including Kitchener-Waterloo.

"We welcome the addition of Transat Holidays to the Airport," said Jeff Schelling, Manager of Airport Development for the Region of Waterloo International Airport. "More than 14,000 guests have taken advantage of the weekly sun destination departures offered by Signature Vacations and Sunquest which was introduced in December of 2005."

Following are the schedule details for Kitchener-Waterloo winter charter program:

Kitchener/Waterloo (YKF) to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ)

Signature Vacations
Monday
Depart 4:50 p.m. / Arrive 9:35 p.m. Local Time

Sunquest
Tuesday
Depart 7:00 a.m. / Arrive 12:15 p.m. Local Time

Transat Holidays
Tuesday
Depart 7:00 a.m. / Arrive 12:15 p.m. Local Time



Kitchener/Waterloo (YKF) to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic (POP)

Sunquest
Monday
Depart 7:45 a.m. / Arrive 12:45 p.m. Local Time

Transat Holidays
Monday
Depart 7:45 a.m. / Arrive 12:45 p.m. Local Time



Kitchener/Waterloo (YKF) to Cancun, Mexico (CUN)

Signature Vacations
Friday
Depart 3:55 p.m. / Arrive 6:55 p.m. Local Time

Sunquest
Tuesday
Depart 5:35 p.m. / Arrive 8:35 p.m. Local Time

Transat Holidays
Tuesday
Depart 5:35 p.m. / Arrive 8:35 p.m. Local Time



Take the hassle out of your business and vacation travel and choose your local alternative! The Region of Waterloo International Airport is easy to navigate with modern amenities including high-speed wireless Internet, complimentary baggage carts and car rentals. No traffic jams or lost vehicles, just convenient and friendly air service.

[kitchener-lrt]

Bearskin Airlines takes flight to Ottawa from the
Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)



Waterloo Region - Thanks to Bearskin Airlines, getting to Ottawa from Waterloo Region just became a lot easier. The days of driving to Pearson the night before to make sure you catch that morning flight are over. No longer will you have to arrive at the airport 90 minutes in advance of your flight to check-in, clear security and then make the lengthy trek to your gate.
Starting today, Bearskin Airlines will offer three direct flights to Ottawa from the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) each weekday and one Sunday evening flight. Guests travelling aboard Bearskin will be able to arrive at YKF 45 minutes prior to departure and, with a total flight time of just under one hour, arrive in Ottawa in less time than it takes to get to the boarding gate in Toronto.

Founded in 1963, Bearskin Airlines is one of central Canada's oldest commuter airlines offering over 100 scheduled flights daily to 16 destinations from Winnipeg to Ottawa. The company has served Ottawa since 1993 when they commenced service from Northeastern Ontario.

"A number of people commute to Ottawa regularly from Waterloo Region for business, spending an average of five to six hours in transit," said Jeff Schelling, Manager of Airport Development for the Region of Waterloo International Airport. "With Bearskin Airlines' schedule, guests will be able to return home on the same day, saving close to six hours compared to the current travel time, and collect Aeroplan points with every flight."

"We are proud to be able to connect two of Canada's hottest technology hubs by providing scheduled air service between Waterloo Region and Ottawa," said Ron Hell, Director of Marketing and Sales for Bearskin Airlines. "The service designed for corporate guests has been embraced by students and resident's travelling to Ottawa to visit friends and family. If reservations continue to be strong, we will consider expanding the Ottawa service into other niche markets."

[kitchener-lrt]

Bearskin Airlines adds additional flights to meet growing demand!

Waterloo Region - Bearskin Airlines announced today the addition of a 4th flight daily on select weekdays beginning Friday, November 23rd to meet the current demand from the community. This announcement comes on the heels of the successful launch of the service between Waterloo Region and Ottawa and the addition of service over the winter holiday break to accommodate the Region's large student population.

"It is great to see that the response to Bearskin's new Ottawa service has been so positive that they are adding an additional daily flight on selected week days to meet demand," said Ken Seiling, Regional Chair. "This will provide greater convenience for all."

On October 1, 2007 Bearskin Airlines launched three round trip flights each business day as well as Sunday service between the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) and Ottawa International Airport (YOW). Up to four hours can be saved on a round-trip flight by using this new nonstop service as compared to the use of Toronto's Pearson terminal and the associated drive to and from Waterloo Region.

Bearskin's decision to enhance service on Monday's and Friday's is directly related to the overwhelming response shown by the community which has resulted in limited availability and a number of sold out flights.

"Our heaviest demand has been from Ottawa to Waterloo Region on Fridays commented Cliff Friesen, Executive Vice President of the airline, " followed by Waterloo to Ottawa on Mondays, so we're adding another flight on these days to alleviate the situation, and make our service even more convenient related to the new time choices."

Following are the details of Bearskin's additional weekday service (Beginning November 23rd):

Kitchener/Waterloo (YKF) to Ottawa (YOW)

Monday to Friday
Dep. 6:45 a.m. / Arr. 7:55 a.m.

Monday to Friday
Dep. 10:00 a.m. / Arr. 11:10 a.m.

Monday & Friday Only
Dep. 1:00 p.m. / Arr. 2:10 p.m.

Sunday to Friday
Dep. 4:30 p.m. / Arr. 5:40 p.m.




Ottawa (YOW) to Kitchener/Waterloo (YKF)

Monday to Friday
Dep. 8:15 a.m. / Arr. 9:25 a.m.

Monday to Friday
Dep. 11:00 a.m. / Arr. 12:10 p.m.

Monday & Friday Only
Dep. 2:40 p.m. / Arr. 3:50 p.m.

Sunday to Friday
Dep. 6:00 p.m. / Arr. 7:10 p.m.


These new flights are currently being offered at fares starting as low as $99 one way plus taxes and surcharges.

Take the hassle out of your business and vacation travel and choose your local alternative! The Region of Waterloo International Airport is easy to navigate with modern amenities including high-speed wireless Internet, complimentary baggage carts and car rentals. No traffic jams or lost vehicles, just convenient and friendly air service.

Let the Bear fly you there in less time than it takes to drive between Waterloo Region and Toronto's Airport. Save time and money and collect Aeroplan points with every flight. For more information, visit www.bearskinairlines.com, call 1-800-465-2327 or ask your local travel agent.

[WaterlooInvestor]

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[WaterlooInvestor]

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[WaterlooInvestor]

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[WaterlooInvestor]

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[kitchener-lrt]

There's a huge sale to the Dominican Republic during the week of January 7-14th. Prices are around $400-$600 per person! Check Sunquest for more details.

BTW, loads on Westjet and NWA Airlink looked pretty good for the past few days (Westjet was booked solid yesterday, today, and tomorrow) continuing for the next week.

[kitchener-lrt]

Flight to Cancun dropped after weak ticket sales

BRIAN CALDWELL
RECORD STAFF

WATERLOO REGION

One of five weekly flights from the local airport to the sunny south has been cancelled because of poor sales.

The charter companies involved, Sunquest Vacations and Transat Holidays, wouldn't say how many people had bought tickets on the flights to Cancun, Mexico, and will now have to change their vacation plans as a result.

"It happens often in our industry, especially this winter," said Jean-Michel Laberge, a spokesperson for Transat. "There is a lot of capacity going south, so basically there is some consolidation."

The flights were scheduled to begin just before Christmas and continue every Monday until March or April.

Still operating out of the Region of Waterloo International Airport near Breslau are three charter flights a week to Punta Cana and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, and one to Cancun provided by Signature Vacations.

Laberge and Kerry Sharpe, a spokesperson for Sunquest, said affected customers have been offered a refund, the choice of a new destination -- such as the Dominican Republic, flying out of the same airport -- or a flight to Cancun leaving from Toronto.

"We want everyone to be happy, ultimately, and we do our best to try to ensure that happens," said Sharpe.

She also said customers were notified directly or through their travel agents when the Cancun flights were cancelled by Sunquest and Transat last month.

More than 14,000 people have flown south from the Waterloo Region airport since winter vacation charters were first offered two years ago.

Daily, year-round flights are also provided by three carriers -- Bearskin Airlines, Northwest Airlines and WestJet -- to Ottawa, Detroit and Calgary.

[WaterlooInvestor]

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[kitchener-lrt]

Originally Posted by WaterlooInvestor

It sucks Cancun was dropped.

When do you think we'll get the passenger count for 2007?

Cancun wasn't entirely dropped though, just 1 flight/week (I think). We'll probably get the passenger count for 2007 soon (a month or two).

[rapid_business]

So we used YKF when we flew back home for the holidays, and overall I was not that impressed. I suppose I was expecting a larger operation to begin with, but that is neither here nor there. It was quick checking in and through security in 10min or so. (It's funny the way they screen your baggage right there as you wait to clear security...)

Anyways, post-security was under construction, so 50% of the passengers had to stand for a hour as we waited to board.

I suppose my biggest beef was transferring at YYC as there is no direct flight to YEG. Not YKF's problem by any means, but after years of flying direct most places I go, (aside from Asia or around Europe) this painful reminder was all I needed to not do it again.

Parking options are limited, and 2 weeks cost $60 bucks. Not too bad, but no option of a park 'n ride service like I'm use to which is often cheaper. (or some public transit option)

It was also funny seeing oversized baggage come out on the carousel with the bags. (Like snowboards and skis!?)

I guess it's not bad for a small airport, and I hope things grow for the region... but for my sanity I think I'll drive the extra 30min to YYZ. (also usually $100 cheaper or so a ticket)

[kitchener-lrt]

Nice to hear you used YKF for your trip . And don't mind the construction, when it's done, the airport will be bigger and better .

[WaterlooInvestor]

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