YVR - Airport & Destinations Discussion

[Canadian74]

Originally Posted by Yume-sama

Hmm, it actually is, which is quite surprising to me!

2:45 am → 6:55 am YVR-HKG S M T W T F S Cathay Pacific 889
1:50 pm → 5:55 pm YVR-HKG S - T - T F S Air Canada 7
3:00 pm → 7:00 pm YVR-HKG S M T W T F S Cathay Pacific 837

It looks like AC has a shortage of pilots/77Ws. Hence the reduction in frequency. It seems it is upto 6x weekly now and will be daily from next week.
There was a similar trend at YYC-LHR which is also a 77W route. It was down to 6x weekly for a week or two but now is back to daily.

[craneSpotter]

Hello...again...

As Europe’s allure dims, Transat turns eyes east

BRENT JANG - TRANSPORTATION REPORTER
The Globe and Mail
Published Thursday, Jun. 14 2012

Amid uncertainty in the European tourism market, Transat sees potential in its Vancouver operations for launching trips to Asia.

“I just sent a couple of people in Asia a few months ago, and a few weeks ago again, to look at that market and to talk to our colleagues in Asian countries,” Mr. Eustache said. “Yes, it’s something that we should look at.”

It’s something Air Canada chief executive officer Calin Rovinescu is also considering; he recently shifted focus to Asia from Europe for a proposed Vancouver-based discount airline...

...Robert Kokonis, president of airline consulting firm AirTrav Inc., said Transat has secured a temporary freeze on wages from its 1,800 flight attendants and 430 pilots, but boosting revenue is crucial, too. “Transat must diversify its revenue base by looking for non-traditional markets such as the Asia-Pacific,” Mr. Kokonis said. “A Vancouver base for Asia-Pacific operations would provide much more operational flexibility for Transat.”

Article - http://www.theglobeandmail.com/repor...rticle4258239/

[Yume-sama]

Originally Posted by Canadian74

It looks like AC has a shortage of pilots/77Ws. Hence the reduction in frequency. It seems it is upto 6x weekly now and will be daily from next week.
There was a similar trend at YYC-LHR which is also a 77W route. It was down to 6x weekly for a week or two but now is back to daily.

That is somewhat troublesome. I'm supposed to go to HK in October, so hopefully they figure it out by then. I wonder what they do with people who were booked? For October they claim to have daily service.

[Canadian74]

Originally Posted by Yume-sama

That is somewhat troublesome. I'm supposed to go to HK in October, so hopefully they figure it out by then. I wonder what they do with people who were booked? For October they claim to have daily service.

Air Canada already knew that they couldn't operate the flights beforehand due to a shortage of a/c, thus these flights never showed up in the system so no bookings were made.

[Yume-sama]

Oh. Nice of them to plan for labor shortages 10 months in advance.

[twoNeurons]

Originally Posted by craneSpotter

Hello...again...

As Europe’s allure dims, Transat turns eyes east

BRENT JANG - TRANSPORTATION REPORTER
The Globe and Mail
Published Thursday, Jun. 14 2012



Article - http://www.theglobeandmail.com/repor...rticle4258239/

Whoa... charter flights to Asia? That's interesting.

Originally Posted by deasine

I don't see this as an introduction of another carrier; I see this more as a method to dismantle the "legacies" of AC to allow a more cost-effective operation. Unfortunately, all legacy carriers are now struggling to operate and compete with newer and more efficient carriers (such as WS for example), all of which don't have the "legacies" of a legacy carrier.

Completely agree with this point. Air Canada is looking for a way to relieve itself of its cruft. If I were a recent hire at Air Canada I'd be slightly concerned. It's likely that Air Canada is trying to compete with itself before another carrier starts to challenge it with a low-cost alternative. For example, Air Transat's recent announcement about focusing on the east.

It's a good business move, but as the LCC business increases, I wouldn't be surprised if Air Canada started reduced volume and laying off employees.

[SpongeG]

i finally got to use YVR as a passenger (hadn't done so since 2002) and wow its so nice i can see why now why people rave about it - i had to transfer in edmonton and it looks nice but its so small and the washrooms are so bad compared to YVR, it feels cramped and they don't seem to have any overseas flights at all - the day i was there they only had three US bound flights going out - one to Las vegas, one to denver and one to san francisco - all the rest other than one to vancover and one to toronto were basically within alberta - like ft mcmurray, calgary, grande prarie...

[trofirhen]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

i finally got to use YVR as a passenger (hadn't done so since 2002) and wow its so nice i can see why now why people rave about it - i had to transfer in edmonton and it looks nice but its so small and the washrooms are so bad compared to YVR, it feels cramped and they don't seem to have any overseas flights at all - the day i was there they only had three US bound flights going out - one to Las vegas, one to denver and one to san francisco - all the rest other than one to vancover and one to toronto were basically within alberta - like ft mcmurray, calgary, grande prarie...

Out of curiosity, was the new, locally trumpeted (in Edmonton) new extension, the South Terminal, open? Any feedback on that?

I was there years and years ago, and the terminal had a large, rather empty, sad feeling to it, without the bustle and activity one expects in even an airport that size. It seemed overbuilt and underused, all painted in a sicky federal green color.

And if you think that's underserved, Winnipeg has seasonal holiday service to Mexico, California, and so on, sceduled flights to Minneapolis, Denver, and Chigago, but nothing to San Fran or LA, and NOTHING overseas. I surmise size of air market governs all that, naturally, though.

[craneSpotter]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

i finally got to use YVR as a passenger (hadn't done so since 2002) and wow its so nice i can see why now why people rave about it - i had to transfer in edmonton and it looks nice but its so small and the washrooms are so bad compared to YVR, it feels cramped and they don't seem to have any overseas flights at all - the day i was there they only had three US bound flights going out - one to Las vegas, one to denver and one to san francisco - all the rest other than one to vancover and one to toronto were basically within alberta - like ft mcmurray, calgary, grande prarie...

I would consider YVR probably the nicest in NA at the moment.

As far as YEG, I found that when flying with Westjet it doesn't come off that great as the north part of the terminal is dated. However, I have found the newer south terminal area quite nice and modern - flying with AC/United. I haven't seen the newest YEG expansion which I believe functions as the US departures area?? Which I think it opened this year?? I know YEG has service to Chicago, Houston, Seattle, Phoenix and LA, in addition to the ones you mentioned - but of course it is not nearly as busy or International as YVR.

Well, in reality YVR is by a wide margin, the main International airport for Western Canada.

[craneSpotter]

First Flight from Inland China to North America Lands at YVR

Sichuan Airlines Arrives in Vancouver from Chengdu via Shenyang

RICHMOND, BC, June 22, 2012 /CNW

Vancouver Airport Authority today welcomed the first direct flight linking North America and China's interior province of Sichuan. The inaugural flight of Sichuan Airlines' service between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Chengdu, via Shenyang, marks the start of the airline's thrice-weekly service.

The world's second largest economy, China is a key market for British Columbia and Canada. Demand for air travel from China continues to grow and last year, the number of airline seats available between Mainland China and YVR increased by 30 per cent. As of the end of May, more than half a million passengers travelled through YVR from the Asia Pacific region in 2012 (actually the number is almost 1 million)...

..."The new Chengdu - Shenyang - Vancouver service will enable Vancouver International Airport to extend its reach into China's domestic network," said Lan Xinguo, Chairman of Sichuan Airlines. "Furthermore, it will accelerate deep and multi-scope cooperation between Canada and China's western and northeast regions in agriculture, technology, commerce, trade, tourism and education."

Sichuan province, served by Sichuan Airlines' domestic network, is home to 100 million people - approximately three times the population of Canada. An important economic connection for British Columbia, the region is a hub for trade, tourism and commerce.

link

[SpongeG]

Originally Posted by trofirhen

Out of curiosity, was the new, locally trumpeted (in Edmonton) new extension, the South Terminal, open? Any feedback on that?

I was there years and years ago, and the terminal had a large, rather empty, sad feeling to it, without the bustle and activity one expects in even an airport that size. It seemed overbuilt and underused, all painted in a sicky federal green color.

And if you think that's underserved, Winnipeg has seasonal holiday service to Mexico, California, and so on, sceduled flights to Minneapolis, Denver, and Chigago, but nothing to San Fran or LA, and NOTHING overseas. I surmise size of air market governs all that, naturally, though.

its nice but small and crammed with restaurants and bars, and still some work going on, the outside has a lot of work to go, the middle area is nice and airy, it was busy around there, and a couple gates, the us area from what i saw was dead, i didn't get to look too much i had to go back to my gate for my boarding pass

did international flights stop or get dropped? when i was a kid i remember flying out of yeg to london, we also used to pick up-drop off relatives travelling to canada from south africa at the airport via their arrivals from london

[Valley_Refugee]

Air Canada still flies to London daily.

[trofirhen]

Originally Posted by Valley_Refugee

Air Canada still flies to London daily.

From Edmonton, yes. Winnipeg, no.

[Klazu]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

i finally got to use YVR as a passenger (hadn't done so since 2002) and wow its so nice i can see why now why people rave about it - i had to transfer in edmonton and it looks nice but its so small and the washrooms are so bad compared to YVR, it feels cramped and they don't seem to have any overseas flights at all - the day i was there they only had three US bound flights going out - one to Las vegas, one to denver and one to san francisco - all the rest other than one to vancover and one to toronto were basically within alberta - like ft mcmurray, calgary, grande prarie...

I definitely like YVR. I have flown through it only three times so far, but I find it spacious, non-crowded, modern and "livingroom-like". Free wifi is great, services are good and plenty and the transportation options are great.

I think people on this forum are sometimes unnecessary harsh on YVR. Sure, the pricing of parking and some flights is bad compared to airports across the border, but I still think YVR has a very good offering for the price. I don't bother driving across the border unless the difference is several hundred bucks.

[giallo]

Originally Posted by craneSpotter

First Flight from Inland China to North America Lands at YVR

Sichuan Airlines Arrives in Vancouver from Chengdu via Shenyang

RICHMOND, BC, June 22, 2012 /CNW



link

Awesome news, but man, that would be one loud, messy flight. There's a reason I avoid Chinese airlines for international flights. I've to great lengths not to take AirChina of China Eastern to Vancouver. I'll even do a connecting flight adding a few hours on to my overall trip time.

[trofirhen]

Originally Posted by giallo

Awesome news, but man, that would be one loud, messy flight. There's a reason I avoid Chinese airlines for international flights. I've to great lengths not to take AirChina of China Eastern to Vancouver. I'll even do a connecting flight adding a few hours on to my overall trip time.

Why would that be one loud, messy flight? (or shouldn't I ask .........)

[Hourglass]

Originally Posted by trofirhen

Why would that be one loud, messy flight? (or shouldn't I ask .........)

Let's just say it's the culture and leave it like that. I hate traveling on Chinese airlines -- doesn't matter if it is domestic or international flights. The experience can be ... chaotic.

If you want to get a taste, hang around a Mainland Chinese tour group (or you can also get a pretty good sense visiting the Dior or LV flagship store in Paris...)

[giallo]

Originally Posted by trofirhen

Why would that be one loud, messy flight? (or shouldn't I ask .........)

I think Hourglass came up with the best adjective; chaotic.

If you ever get a chance, fly from Taiwan to HK on EVA Air or Cathay Pacific. Switch airlines in HK to China Eastern, Spring Airlines or any of the countless other regional carriers that fly from HK to Shanghai. It's like going from Harvard to kindergarten in a single connection. The difference in behaviour can be shocking/annoying/infuriating.

[Hourglass]

Originally Posted by giallo

I think Hourglass came up with the best adjective; chaotic.

If you ever get a chance, fly from Taiwan to HK on EVA Air or Cathay Pacific. Switch airlines in HK to China Eastern, Spring Airlines or any of the countless other regional carriers that fly from HK to Shanghai. It's like going from Harvard to kindergarten in a single connection. The difference in behaviour can be shocking/annoying/infuriating.

Hey giallo, it can be pretty interesting on Hong Kong Express / Hong Kong Airlines as well (caters to a lot of Mainland tour groups). One time I was on Hong Kong Airlines flying from Changsha to HK and sat beside a woman who couldn't figure out how to fasten her seat belt. She solved the problem by tying it into a knot. I ended up showing her how to buckle up. Probably her first time flying...

[giallo]

^Sounds like we could trade some war stories.

I just flew to HK with Hong Kong Airlines last week. It was my first time flying with them. Besides the 3 1/2 hour delay, it wasn't too bad. My flight to KL from Guangzhou with AirAsia, on the other hand, was a total nightmare.

I'm off to Singapore on Tuesday with Singapore Airlines. It'll be a nice reminder of how good flying can be.