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Since October 1995, Vesta Stevenson and Terry Baker have been issuing an email newsletter for those ex Air Canada types who have provided us with their email addresses. The Newsletter was created by Vesta, who gave the name 'NetLetter' and added 'Between Ourselves' - a TCA periodical with which you are probably familiar with from the 50's and 60's. It was then changed to "Between Yourselves" to avoid confusion when "Horizons" resurrected the name. Then finally simplified to just "The NetLetter".

We believe that our NetLetter, which originates from Vancouver Island, was the FIRST to use this medium to disperse information for retirees of Air Canada.

The NetLetter contains airline related information such as anecdotes or stories supplied by some of the recipients, Internet tips, travel news, cheap... excuse me, "inexpensive" accommodations, tours, interline travel, and, in some small way, we help keep our Air Canada family together and in touch.

Our 'NetLetter' is NOT sponsored by any Pionair group, nor are we seeking any financial support, only the Internet email addresses of those who would like to receive our 'NetLetter'. Please forward this to other retirees who can then subscribe right from the forwarded link at the bottom of this email.

This month marks the 10th anniversary for the NetLetter.

Vesta and I are happy to have reached such a milestone for what was the FIRST email newsletter for the Air Canada family of retirees.

This was the first paragraph of the newsletter issued - in October 1995.

This communication is an attempt by two Pionairs, Vesta Stevenson and Terry Baker to establish a 'netletter' of interest to, principally, Pionairs who have email addresses. As Pionairs, our only contact for information is through the company newsletter - Horizons - and the 1-800 number for CIC daily info, which seems to refer us to various CIC pages for which we have no access. The contents of our 'netletter' can be anything which is considered of interest to ex Air Canada types, permanent employees and relatives.

Subjects can be information on good accommodations, inexpensive trips or, maybe, someone you may have lost contact with. This 'netletter' is not sponsored by the executive of Air Canada Pionairs, but is intended to make use of the new technology to dispense information which may be of interest.

We welcome comments and information - non controversial - which can be included in subsequent 'netletter's, but NOT advertising.

By issue number 8, we had a banner called 'Between Ourselves', later changing to 'Between Yourselves' and finally 'NetLetter'.

Terry

For our new readers

We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by over 2701 retirees when counting our email distribution and those that print the NetLetter and give them out to their friends.

To get in touch with either the Editor/Pilot or Co- Pilot our email address is still This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To make changes to your e-mail address or to unsubscribe, please see the links at the bottom of the page for "Update Profile/Email address" and SafeUnsubscribe. This is now automated so that you can remove yourself from the list or change your email address (or name) without our assistance. We will still do this manually if you have any difficulties.

Many of our members are having difficulty finding these links. You will need to scroll to the bottom of the page, the link in similar to the following image. (The image below doesn't work but your links at the bottom will).

Thank you

Alan Rust - ACFamily Administrator

Employee Travel news: ZED and Reduced Rate agreements changes.

Effective Oct. 1, and continuing over the coming months, Air Canada will be streamlining its portfolio of Interline Agreements. As result, there will be some changes to participating airlines within our Zonal Employee Discount Agreements (ZEDs). For details, refer to the Employee Travel Site at http://travel.aircanada.com. In addition, carriers participating in Zonal Employee Discounts will be reviewing their ZED fares annually, based on market fare fluctuations. Effective Oct. 1, you will notice a slight fare increase within each zone.

Cancellation of a number of employee ZED and ID50 fares (September 27, 2005)
- In an effort to control our costs and simplify processes we conducted an extensive analysis of our Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreements (MITA). The results showed it is far too costly to support in its present form.
- Currently, the Interline world is both complicated and inefficient, and it has become increasingly difficult for our Accounting, Pricing, Sales and Airport teams to support as the MITAs were rarely reviewed. Instead, they simply continued to expand. - To rectify this situation and make the process easier to manage, the Company is in the process of cancelling many MITAs. As Interline Reduced Rate (ID 50%) and ZED agreements require MITAs, Air Canada will be streamlining its portfolio of Interline Agreements over the next few months. To begin, 15 Interline agreements will be cancelled On Oct. 1. Please refer to the Employee Travel web site.
- While the number of our agreements will be reduced and simplified, our active and retired employees will continue to enjoy an extensive choice of ZED routes that we share with Star Alliance and our other partners.

Please ensure your allow sufficient time to Return Unused ZED FARE Tickets. These tickets must be returned Prior to being one year from the date of issue. Recently it has been found the Date the refund is processed is the considered date, not when you send them in to Air Canada. Pionairs found that 3 to 4 weeks minimum will most likely be required.

How to obtain Replacement Air Canada I..D. Cards.
- This is done by contacting Employee Services at:
Contact Centre 1- 877 - 645 - 5000
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Address.. Employee Services, P.O. Box 7650, Station B, Toronto, Ont M2K 3B5
Or in the USA at:
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Address: Employee Services,
401 North Tryon Street, Dept. 100
P.O.Box 563983 , Charlotte, N.C. 28256- 3983

You will be sent one of two forms ACF 420R or ACF 1292 . This will need to be filled out and returned.
Rules that apply:
If your present I. D. Card is torn, damaged or demagnetized you must Return it with your Form. If your I. D. Card was lost or misplaced, enclose a fee of $ 25.00 and fill out the Form.If your I.D. Card was Stolen and you have a Police Report, send a copy of the Police Report, fill out the Form and your card will be replaced. No Charge for Replacement.

Planning a well-deserved holiday in the sun?
Incredible Hot Deals just for all ACE employees, retirees plus their family & friends are available now on Air Canada Vacations’ packages to over 30 sizzling sun destinations. Most packages are all-inclusive and all come with CONFIRMED air—no passes no stand- by, no worries!
- Simply click «Check-in now» to access Air Canada Vacations' Staff Specials site then click «Deals & Specials». Your personal profile will come with you.
- Prices already reflect employee discounts, and you can book vacations right on line. Then grab your towel and suntan lotion, and you're ready for the sun!

Traveling this winter ? ? Now Book on-Line ! !
- CONFIRMED bookings for travel AFTER November 1st to most destinations can now be booked direct on-line, anytime 24/7 from anywhere. Simply click «Check-in now», go shopping, start booking and let the dream begin.

Departure of our 11th DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT from Montreal Wednesday, November 2, 2005, Dorval Base.
The children will start arriving at 4:30 a.m. and we will take off at 6:50 a.m. You are welcome to come and see the flight departure. Volunteers wishing to help on the morning or evening of the flight, at the Base, are asked to contact:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dreams Take Flight - Montreal - 893-0742

The first Nanaimo coffee klatch of the season was on Wednesday Oct 12th, the following attended: Terry Baker, Leo Goulet, Carol and Brian Humphrey of TCA/Air Canada Dave Parkinson, Fia Cousineau, Kathee March, Terry Charles, Pat and Art McCarville and Yvonne Daczko of CP.

A spirited discussion on the trials and experiences of stand by travel were exchanged.

The next coffee klatch will be on November 9th

Project Simplify changes effective tomorrow. The recently announced Project Simplify initiatives are effective tomorrow, Oct. 12. The most significant change is in baggage allowances – customers will now be entitled to two bags of up to 50 lbs for travel in Hospitality Class, and three bags of up to 50 lbs for travel in Executive Class and Executive First (on routes to Asia and Brazil the free allowance remains 70 lbs per bag). Additionally, no bag over 70lbs will be accepted as checked baggage throughout the Air Canada network.

Additional changes include standardization of excess bag fees, an increase in the Unaccompanied Minor fee from $40 Cdn to $60, the elimination of the Young Person Travelling Unaccompanied service, an increase in the fee for carriage of animals in North America and elimination of the Pet in Cabin product outside North America.

US APIS rules now in effect. Last Tuesday, Air Canada successfully implemented the program for the collection of data required by the new United States Advance Passenger Information (APIS) requirements. As the additional data is causing a slight increase in the customer contact time at Air Canada’s kiosks for transborder flights, all employees flying to the U.S. should check-in for their flights using www.aircanada.com. We’re also developing an upgrade to the Employee Travel website to collect the required APIS information before the end of the year.

Jazz launches new CRJ-705 jet service to Saskatoon and Regina, as part of planned schedule enhancements featuring more non-stop service, Air Canada Jazz launched two new CRJ-705 jets between Toronto-Saskatoon and Toronto-Regina.

Air Canada to Airlift Relief Supplies to Guatemala Storm Survivors In response to the devastation brought by Tropical Storm Stan in Central America, Air Canada has been working with World Vision to support relief efforts in these regions. An Air Canada relief flight will depart from Toronto, destined for Guatemala City. The Air Canada Airbus 321 operated by volunteer crews will carry over 1,000 World Vision tents destined for the San Marco, Solola and Chimaltenango regions.

The shipment of tents will allow the thousands of displaced people living in temporary shelters to return to their location of residence and begin the reconstruction of their homes. The cargo will also include drawings and greetings of encouragement and hope from local school children in the Toronto area.

In addition, the relief flight will carry a shipment of diapers and baby formula provided by pharmacy chain Shoppers Drug Mart and various supplies donated by Canadian grocery store chain Loblaws. These items will be distributed by local non-governmental organizations in Guatemala.

Marlie Kelsey sends this information - Some of your readers may remember Brian Walsh. He retired in 1999 as GM for China. There is life after the airlines and Brian is proof. He lives in YYJ & has recently written a book on accelerated learning. He is holding a book launch at the Victoria Conference Centre on Tuesday evening, October 25th. He will be giving a 90-minute presentation and tickets are $10 each. You can get more information at www.UnleashingBook.com

Here is more info, BOOK LAUNCH
Unleashing Your Brilliance Brian Walsh's just-released book about enriched learning!
Victoria Conference Centre Theatre
Tuesday evening, October 25. Doors open at 6:15 pm
Brian will give a 90-minute presentation at 7:15 pm Tickets $10 each or two for $15.
Due to limited seating, tickets may not be available at the door.
Each ticket stub is worth $15 towards purchase of a book
Tickets:
- Online www.UnleashingBook.com (VISA & MasterCard)
- Angels of Avalon in Market Square (Cash only)
Marlie Kelsey This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ICING CITED IN CARAVAN CRASH - Airframe ice may have caused the crash of a Cessna Caravan in the Canadian province of Manitoba last week, possibly the first such accident since the FAA issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) last March requiring a "tactile inspection" of Caravan flight surfaces in potential icing conditions before takeoff. It's speculated that pilot Nancy Chase-Allan, 49, didn't run her hands over those surfaces before taking off from Winnipeg even though icing conditions were present. Peter Hildebrand, of the Canadian Transportation Safety Board, told the Canadian Press that the icing hazard was high before Chase-Allan took off. "The conditions that existed yesterday are getting to the upper end," he said.

TRAVOLTA'S "AIRPORT" HOME FEATURED -As a boy, John Travolta dreamed what many have dreamed: that there would be an airplane parked in everyone's backyard. A few have achieved that dream, but hardly any as spectacularly as Travolta. The veteran actor can now walk out of his airport- style home near Ocala, Fla., and hop aboard his personal Boeing 707 for a flight to almost anywhere. Travolta's Florida getaway is at a fly-in community called Jumbolair, which features a 7,500-foot runway. Travolta bought a nine-acre lot for his aviation compound, which includes a house that resembles an airport, complete with a tower-like observation area. "This is a house that says dreams are possible. Everything is possible," his wife Kelly Preston told an Architectural Digest forum at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History last week.

SUPERSONIC MODEL TESTED - Japanese aerospace officials are optimistic the $10 million test of a model of a future supersonic airliner was a success. Well, at least they got their model back this time. A similar attempt three years ago resulted in the model's separating prematurely from its booster rocket before boring a smoking hole in the Australian Outback. The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), in cooperation with a French agency, is hoping to develop a Mach 2, 300-seat replacement for the Concorde by 2025.

Aviation history fans: The Montreal Gazette Oct.10, 2005, carried a large story by John Kalbfleisch covering one third of the page opposite the editorials. It was headlined "Across the ocean on a wing, prayer and a lot of luck". It was prefaced by the lead of a story in the Gazette 75 years earlier: "Harbor Grace, Nfld., October 9 - The monoplane Columbia, bearing Captain Erroll Boyd and Lieut. Harry Connor, took off from the airport here at 11:20 a.m. (E.S.T.) today on her attempt to cross the Atlantic." Gazette Friday Oct. 10, 1930.

The article quoted frequently from the "lively biography The Lindbergh of Canada". After 24 hours in the air the flight arrived in England to make the first North Atlantic crossing outside the easier summer season, proving the feasibility of regular year- round air service, unfortunately delayed by airship disasters and the global man-made depression.

From Ross Smyth, Montreal
( A Rotarian for over 34 years, his first book, "The Lindbergh of Canada: The Erroll Boyd Story:" - eds)

A VERY FREQUENT FLYER - The 15-minute flight between Vancouver, B.C., and Nanaimo (yes, it's where the dessert bar was invented) is one of the most beautiful anywhere but Marc Tacchi may have had enough of it by now.

The cargo pilot has made the trip over the islands and bays of Georgia Strait more than 100 times in the last couple of weeks, but not in the left seat. He's been sitting in the back of the Dash 8 in his quest to accumulate a million frequent flyer points on Air Canada's Aeroplan. And he's exploiting a special deal offered by the airline and an anomaly in the points plan to accomplish his goal in less than two months. "I guarantee I'll do it. I can do it easily," he told the Canadian Press.

Last month, Tacchi took Air Canada up on its offer of unlimited travel to 100 North American destinations for $3,500 a month. Although the trips to Nanaimo, and also to Victoria, both on Vancouver Island, are short, they earn him Aeroplan's minimum of 500 points. He makes the trip across the narrow strip of ocean separating the island from the mainland at least 10 times a day, up to five days a week. When those flights end in the evening, he hops a transcontinental flight and returns the next day to start over again, sleeping on the plane. In between, he manages to keep his job flying a Boeing 767 cargo jet to Europe once a week. "I fly one day a week overseas and come back. I'm gone 36 hours and that leaves me the whole rest of the week." The million points will qualify Tacchi for about $70,000 CAD worth of travel for the $7,000 spent (and endless bags of sesame snacks, an Air Canada staple, consumed). "I figure a million miles will basically cover my travel for the next three to four years," he said.

(No wonder cons have a hard time getting on at Nanaimo or Victoria - eds)

Air New Zealand recently announced that nonstop service between Auckland and Adelaide will begin in 2006.
Beginning March 26, Air New Zealand will operate three direct flights per week between Auckland and Adelaide (Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays) contributing more than 43,000 passenger seats on the route.
Air New Zealand will operate its Airbus A320 on the route, offering business class and Pacific Economy Class seating. Connections from Los Angeles and San Francisco will be operated by Boeing 747-400 and 777-200 aircraft offering Business Premier, Pacific Premium Economy and Pacific Economy classes.

UK government has rejected a request by CAA to impose a £1 ($1.76) levy per passenger on all UK- originating international flights to fund its ATOL scheme to protect customers when tour operators fail

Notes from my recent trip around Eurpoe - When making purchases at Duty Free stores - don't forget to show your Air Canada ID card as some duty free outlets, either at the airport of border crossings, give 10% discount on all purchases.

When touring Europe, make sure you take a face cloth with your, some hotels, even 5 star ones, do not always supply them.

When visiting Vienna, visit the tourist bureau for the Vienna Card Coupon Book and save yourself a bundle of euros!

Cost of gas in the U.K. gbp 1.09 ltr.
Cost of stamp for airmail cards to Canada/US in Europe is euro 1.15


Before buying cards from a street vendor, ensure they have stamps. If not you may be directed to a nearby tobacconist, who may refuse to sell them unless you buy their cards as they are not allowed to sell stamps by themselves - I wonder! However, it is safer to get them from a store rather than a street trader.

The toilets at the service centres on the auto routes in Germany are well catered for and include clean toilet facilies BUT, there is invariably, a charge of euro .50 cents. This fee is either collected in cash by an eagle eyed matron who, if busy giving change could easily be circumvented, or, if there is a turn style, one has no option but to deposit a euro .50 cent and receive a ticket, which is FULLY refunded upon the purchase of anything in the store - so do your business first and redeem your ticket.

The 12th Annual World Airline Ski Week hits the slopes in Banff from March 29th inclusive to March 31st, 2006.
This year's package includes:
· All Deluxe transfers aboard Brewster coaches from Calgary to the Chateau Lake Louise.
· 5 nights accommodation at the Chateau Lake Louise.
· Welcome Reception.
· Your choice of skiing three World Class Resorts ~ Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Banff Mount Norquay.
· Fun Race, Après Ski Party and a Torch Light Banquet Dinner.
· Commemorative Ski Week T-shirt & Bandanna.
· All taxes and gratuities.
Prices start at: $664.00 per person Double Occupancy - CAD$
Hop onto www.RumRabbit.com for more information where you can securely reserve online!
Over the past eleven years we have raised more than $30,000.00 for Alzheimer's Charity.

For our European readers -
With Freesytle Cruising, the choice is yours... from GBP252!
Rates now out for 2006!
All offers can be booked online with no credit card fees!
Friends and Family can travel with or without the staff member.


10 Night Eastern Caribbean - 19 Oct 2005, Norwegian Dawn Departs from/Arrives into: New York from GBP252

Fly to New York from GBP148 plus tax
Virgin Atlantic
Take up to 3 companions with you at the same fare!

Grand Opening of Almond Morgan Bay, St. Lucia from just GBP59pppn All Inclusive.
KIDS STAY FREE OF CHARGE!
FRIENDS AND FAMILY CAN TRAVEL WITH OR WITHOUT YOU AT THE SAME RATE!
* A spacious 22 acres resort located on a secluded quiet bay
* Exclusive adults only area with an adults only swimming pool
* Great Choice of gourmet a la carte restaurants
* FREE Kids Club
* Newly refurbished in 2005
* Based on arrivals 15 Nov - 20 Dec 2005


Ways to fly:
British Airways from GBP249 plus tax
BWIA
Departures from Manchester until 30 Nov from an amazing GBP114 plus tax!


Port of Spain and Tobago also available from GBP137 plus tax
Somewhere to stay
The Almond Beach Club & Spa & Almond Beach Village, Barbados From GBP59pppn All Inclusive!!!
Buddy Deal
Friends & relatives can travel with or without you from GBP69pppn All Inclusive REDUCED PRICE!!
A touch of class,Elegant Hotels.
A unique collection of four elegant properties beautifully situated on the sun-soaked Caribbean island of Barbados.
Choose from FOUR vibrant hotels with a wide range of activities & leisure pursuits, or intimate retreats more appealing to those seeking peaceful seclusion and relaxation.

Tamarind Cove
Full board from GBP55pppn
Crystal Cove
All Inclusive from GBP77pppn
Turtle Beach
All Inclusive from GBP89pppn
The House
Room Only from GBP123pppn


Prebook your Car Hire for UK or Overseas, UK Airport Lounges and UK Airport parking at ultra low prices

Insurance
Ensure you INSURE, Book your Annual Travel Insurance online www.traveltis.co.uk from GBP32.78.
Insure your family and friends too!


Travel Industry Services
Cruises: 0870 041 1600
Flights & Hotels: 0870 041 1100
Resorts: 0870 041 9106
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 6.00pm GMT
Saturday: 9:30am - 1:30pm GMT
All offers are subject to availability, priced per person (unless shown otherwise) & terms & conditions apply. Eligibility criteria apply for the majority of our travel arrangements. A selection of the offers on the broadcast are only applicable to certain members depending on the travel company you work for, please call for details of the offers that applies to you.Our offers are ONLY available to Travel Club members and must NOT be sold on to the public. In undertaking the journey booked you confirm your acceptance to be bound by the eligibility criteria of the suppliers with whom you are travelling. We reserve the right to re-charge the full published fare for the journey undertaken should it become clear that any abuse of these rules has taken place.

Cruises rates are per person (based on double occupancy). PORT CHARGES ARE INCLUDED. Taxes, fees are not included. Air & hotel rates represent lowest rate currently available & usually apply to low season travel Our FLIGHT ONLY prices are shown EXCLUSIVE OF ALL TAXES (unless stated) including known fuel/security charges & PSC.Our Hotel & Resort prices are shown per person per night generally apply to low season travel & under occupancy supplements and minimum stay requirements may apply. Once air tickets are issued, 100% cancellation/change penalties apply.
Some suppliers may only confirm arrangements 14 - 56 days prior to travel. All offers and prices apply to new bookings only,are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn without notice.

The mailing and formating of the NetLetter for HTML format is provided by the ACFamily Network and Nerds On Site. Content is researched and submitted by Vesta Stevenson and Terry Baker. Thank you for letting us into your homes!

The archives of the NetLetter are kept on the ACFamily Network Forums area. They are in plain text format so you can print them from there if desired. If you are not a member of the ACFamily Network yet, we encourage you to join us there. Non members can Register here. (It's Free!)