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April 19, 2024 - Air Canada today announced the addition of three new Live TV sports channels to its award-winning in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. Just in time for the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Sportsnet ONE and Sportsnet East are available today, while TVA Sports will be available in May, so Air Canada customers can cheer their favourite hockey team onboard select flights.
Just in time for the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Sportsnet ONE and Sportsnet East are available today, while TVA Sports will be available in May.
"We are extremely excited, as the only Canadian airline with Live TV, to show the Stanley Cup Playoffs onboard. Hockey is an integral part of the Canadian identity, so it only makes sense that we offer it in French and English to our customers as part of our extensive in-flight entertainment. These new channels further cement our dedication to Canada's game.
Our commitment to hockey includes flying all seven Canadian teams, being a jersey sponsor of the Montreal Canadiens, and as official airline of the PWHL," said John Moody, Managing Director, Onboard Product at Air Canada.
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Kathleen Hogan sent in the following -
With the intention of writing an article for publication, I am researching the work and career of my mother, Rita B. Schefter, who was one of the first female radio operators hired at Trans-Canada Air Lines. Beginning in 1942 and working until 1949 in all the major airports in Canada, she experienced the industry both in wartime and during the great expansion of the post-war years.
I have quite a bit of memorabilia - pictures, newspaper articles, TCA’s offer of employment, etc., but what I am lacking is a complete understanding of the role of radio operators in the process of getting planes off the ground, keeping them in the air and landing them safely and on time. As children, my siblings and I loved hearing her stories of her TCA days, but we asked more questions about her trips to and time working in various places in Canada and elsewhere than the technical aspects of her work.
I have consulted various histories of TCA/AC hoping to find more information about a radio operator’s work, and found descriptions of the work of flight attendants, pilots, mechanics, air traffic controllers, administrators, etc., but almost nothing about radio operators.
My mother’s work with TCA is now so long ago that I cannot gain this information from any of her former colleagues. I would much appreciate information from anyone who is familiar with a radio operator’s work, then and now.
Thank you,
Kathleen Hogan
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From 'Between Ourselves' magazine, March 1948.
Teletypist Ruth Berkey, Radio Operators Rita Schefter and Irene Williams receive their five year pins and bouquets from genial Steve Himmelman, Station Manager, YYZ.
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Photo and additional info courtesy of Erik Sleutelberg at www.airhistory.net
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In NetLetter #1490 in 'Wayne’s Wings', Wayne shared his thoughts about the DC-9 aircraft and, in particular, Fin #711.
This aircraft was donated to the Rockcliffe National Aviation Museum on September 21, 2002 (video link below). We found the following report from Jim Strang, shortly after the event, in our archives: A poor weather forecast delayed the arrival of the DC-9, Fin # 711 from an 09:00 arrival to a 12:00 arrival at Ottawa Rockcliffe airport. Despite the delay a large crowd (estimated around 1,000) of well-wishers and aviation enthusiasts were on hand to witness a piece of Canadian aviation history. The delay proved to be a good operational decision in that conditions at the time of landing were near perfect with 24C, great visibility, wind down the runway, sunshine and just enough clouds to provide the contrast that photographers love.
The aircraft was flown by Captain Hugh Campbell at the controls, Captain Rob Giguere, acting as First Officer, and Captain Chuck McKinnon in the jump seat. Approaching the 3,600 foot runway from the east the aircraft made a 'look see' approach in landing configuration as planned and carried out a max power, high performance go-around much to the delight of the many gathered for the arrival. A turn to the right for a wide circuit down the beautiful Ottawa river and then in for the final approach.
Hugh and his crew made us all feel very proud as he touched down in just the right spot and used just enough brake and reverse to bring the aircraft to a stop about 2,000 feet down the runway. As agreed by all, a beautiful job. Following a rather majestic taxi in, the crew was greeted by an enthusiastic and grateful National Aviation Museum staff, the Air Canada Operations Manager for Ottawa and several RAPCAN members. On hand were: Norm Peveril, Keith McConnell, Andre Chadourne, Bob Mercer, Don Cameron and myself, Jim Strang.
Lots of chances for pictures and a tour of the aircraft which has been re-painted to the old 'red and white' and perfectly restored inside. Air Canada and its employees can be truly proud of this gift to Canada.
A lengthy and patriotic crew debriefing at Branch 595 of the Royal Canadian Legion gave the oldies an opportunity to get all the details of the operation as well as to pass on a favourable critique to the sprogs. All in all, a great afternoon.
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| Air Canada DC-9 final Flight into Rockcliffe. |
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In this photo, left to right: Captain Rob Giguere, Executive Vice-President, Operations; Captain Hugh Campbell, Senior Director, Flight Operations; and Captain Chuck McKinnon, Flight Manager, B-767.
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From the 'Histories of Airliners' comes a short history of the Convair 880 used as a private jet by the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley.
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