Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter

Air Transat - 35th anniversary

I recently received a Simple Flying newsletter recognizing Air Transat's 35th anniversary. I confess that I have never flown on Air Transat but I have interacted with their maintenance staff on several occasions.

At the end of my career, working in Vancouver expedite, Air Canada had a fleet of six A330-300's and we were considered to be the A330 base so we usually had at least one overnight for an 'A' check. However, Air Transat actually had a larger fleet (at least twelve at the time) and we frequently borrowed or purchased parts from them. 

Whether dealing with their main base in Dorval or Vancouver, it was always a pleasure to contact them. They could not have been more friendly, professional and cooperative.

Air Transat was founded by the current Premier of Quebec, François Legault (and partners) and made its inaugural flight on November 14, 1987 from Montreal to Acapulco with an L-1011 leased from Air Canada. I cannot confirm the aircraft but fleet history shows that C-FTNC (AC fin # 503) was leased in November 1987.  

I have always thought that Air Transat filled the niche travel market vacated by the acquisition of Wardair by Canadian Airlines. During its 35-year history the Canadian aviation industry has seen several airlines come and go, however, Air Transat has remained consistent and has performed strongly in its market.

It was named the World's Best Leisure Airline at the 2021 Skytrax World Airline Awards.

As per PlaneSpotters.net it currently operates a fleet of 27 aircraft, 16 A321's and 11 A330's, with an average age of 10.7 years. It seems to be in very good shape for the future.

C-FTNC Air Transat L-1011 Tristar

Photo by Ken Fielding

Air Canada Announces Bolloré Logistics as First Cargo Customer to Join Leave Less Travel Program

Air Canada announced today that Bolloré Logistics has become the first Air Canada Cargo customer to join the Leave Less Travel Program, which offers corporate and cargo customers effective options to offset or reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to business travel or freight transportation, and reduce their carbon footprint.

Bolloré Logistics has agreed to compensate a significant portion of its GHG emissions associated with its projected shipments with Air Canada Cargo with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) which represents a purchase of 620,000 litres in 2022. This participation in Air Canada's Leave Less Travel Program will enable Bolloré Logistics to reduce its Scope 3 GHG emissions.

Two of the eight recipients of the Elsie MacGill award for 2022 are:

• Business Award – Arielle Meloul-Wechsler (pictured), Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs
• Flight Operations Award – Kim Winsor, Air Canada training captain.

Source: www.WingsMagazine.com

Posted by David Pekrul on CP Air Employees Facebook page

"I wrote this a few years ago. Does this situation sound familiar to anyone?"

Airport Blues

I work for an airline and travel for free,
It gives me such pleasure and fills me with glee.
They say I am lucky to have all these perks,
To travel the world and see all it's quirks.
I plan my vacation and do all my packing,
I book my hotel and nothing is lacking.
I go to the airport to wait for my ride,
I'm feeling contented and happy inside.
But the clerk says they're busy and all flights are full,
(An employee on standby, without any pull.)
At the gate I now sit, just hoping to board,
At the end of the line and I pray to the Lord.
I watch all the passengers board one by one,
And I'm waiting in torment; it's really no fun,
Then a person I know, an employee named Bea,
Is invited on board and I wish it were me.
The gate is now empty and everyone's gone,
The clerk says they're full; how I hate that old song.
I travel for free, but didn't get far,
I vacation once more at the "Old Airport Bar".
I work for an airline and travel for free…………