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Airbus News
 A380 development aircraft MSN7, with more than 500 passengers onboard and operated with assistance from Lufthansa, made a smooth landing at New York JFK shortly after noon on March 18th., following a quiet flight from Frankfurt that took 45 min. less than the 7 hr. 45 min. scheduled flight time and becoming the first of the aircraft type to land at a US airport
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Canadian Aviation Historical Society
 The CAHS Annual Convention is being held on May 23rd to May 25th, 2007 at the Montecassino Hotel, Chesswood Drive, Downsview.ONOn Thursday, May 24th
Further details are on the web site at http://www.cahs.ca/convention2007.html Air Canada employees and retirees are welcome to this event. Why not become a member of the CAHS? See the CAHS web site for details, www.cahs.ca
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Air Canada News
 Announced on March 19th., the withdrawal of service from the Abbottsford, BC to Calgary flights effective May 31st., 2007 |
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First Boeing 777 in YUL
Come welcome our first 777 in YUL! Our first Boeing 777 is expected to arrive in Montreal on Saturday, March 31st.
Be there to welcome the 777 at a special employee event that coincides with a celebration of Air Canada's 70th anniversary - all employees, retirees and their families are invited *. Come and see the 777 fly by and land - heralded by the L10A, Air Canada's first aircraft -witness Montie's 'christening' of our first 777, eat a piece of anniversary cake and join in the exuberance. Following the welcome ceremony, you will have a chance to tour the brand new 777 featuring lie-flat beds in the Executive First cabin, personal in-flight entertainment at every seatback and mood lighting. And while waiting to board the aircraft, you'll get to check out the displays and information booths on site, let your kids enjoy some games and entertainment, or buy a hot dog from the Dreams Take Flight volunteers. The event will take place at the Montreal Line Maintenance hangar - Air Canada Base, 750 Côte Vertu West; Building 7, Bay 8/13 (West end), Gate entrance 5. Wear warm clothes as the hangar doors may be opened. For employees in other cities, events with our new 777 will be held across the country throughout the year. Stay tuned to The Daily for event timing and information. In the event of a delay or time change : As can be expected with aircraft deliveries, delays may occur which would cause the event to be postponed or cancelled. Go/no-go confirmation for the event will be posted on the Portal. Please check the "My News" page at http://acaeronet.aircanada.ca as of Friday, March 30 - after 4 p.m. as well as the morning of the event
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Star Alliance News
 The members are Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, bmi, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, SWISS, TAP Portugal, THAI, United and US Airways. Regional member carriers Adria Airways (Slovenia), Blue1 (Finland) and Croatia Airlines enhance the global network.
Air China, Shanghai Airlines and Turkish Airlines have all been accepted as future members and are expected to join Star Alliance soon. |
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A visit to New York
 John Buchanan sends a memory of a visit made 10 years ago -A Visit to New York In August, 1997 my wife and I went to New York to visit our daughter who had moved there in April. We travelled from Southampton onboard the QE2 - duration six nights. The QE2 is described as glamorous and sophisticated - simply incomparable. We begged to differ because were none too impressed by the service onboard. This trip fulfilled a lifetime's dream of mine - to arrive at the port of New York by sea to see the marvelous Manhattan Skyline. At six o'clock on the morning of our arrival in New York I reckon all the passengers were on deck to view our final approach as we passed under the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge. I was not disappointed. During the passage we had lectures and concerts which we attended and enjoyed very much. We had a famous passenger onboard one Melvina Dean who as a baby survived the sinking of the Titanic. She was interviewed and her story was very interesting. We stayed for four nights at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, which impressed our daughter, no end because of the famous people who had stayed there in the past. One day we took a helicopter ride around Manhattan, which was most impressive. This was not our first visit to New York - a city which had been well know for its violence, its dirt and above all the rude New Yorkers. We were delighted to note that thanks to Mayor Rudi Giuliani all has changed for the better. Our return was by Concorde to Bournemouth thus realizing my wife's lifetime desire to fly on this incredible aircraft. The flight took just 3 hours and 8 minutes at a height of 55000 feet (you could see the earth's curvature from this altitude) and we travelled at a speed of 1350 M.P.H. (Mach 2). This is an experience neither of us will ever forget and we feel privileged to flown Concorde. The day following our arrival I was out sailing on a yacht there being no jet lag symptoms - something I could never have done following a normal transatlantic crossing. This was the second time that Concorde had landed at Bournemouth and plane spotters surrounded the airfield. We were met by the late Peter Bath the Chairman of Bath Travel - he greeted us all personally. A piper to add to the jollity of this marvelous occasion accompanied him. It was thus that apart from seeing our daughter this trip achieved both of our objectives at the same time. Later this year we're flying out to New York and returning on the QM2. Once again courtesy of Bath Travel as full revenue passengers. John Buchanan <
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North Star response
Regarding the article on the North Star in NetLetter nr 965 -Cle Lamb sends us this information - I found the item on the North Star aircraft very interesting as I was part of the aircrew involved in the beginnings of CPAir overseas operations. As you noted CP called their machines C4-1. One item in your article caught my eye. It mentioned the YVR- Anchorage -Shemya -Tokyo - Hong Kong flight as being inaugurated Sept 1st, 1951. My logbook shows I was on my first flight on that route departing YVR on Sept 6th 1949. I cannot remember if that was the first flight on that route or not but it was not the first flight on the orient run. At least one, or more, survey flights were completed prior to my first trip. This is a bit of geewhiz information that is of world shattering importance. Regards, Cle Lamb (More information was in NetLetter 957 and 958 - eds) |
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CP Air Web site
 Attention ex CPAers -Bill Woods advises us of this new site - http://cpair.blogspot.com It's filled with CP Air photos, articles, schedules and memoriabilia. |
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Terry's Travel Tips
 Alamo Rent A Car is pleased to offer all ACE family employees based in North America an additional discount simply by applying the following promotional code. The code AD2478JDA, can be used by booking online at www.alamo.com or through the toll-free number 800 GO ALAMO - (800 462-5266). The offer is valid until April 1, 2007.(Perhaps this applies to retiree too! - doesn't hurt top ask - eds) Relax and unwind at The Sebel Pier One Sydney...especially with rates as amazing as these! From $140.00 in a Superior room per night. Offer is valid from 1st April to 30th June 2007 and is subject to industry rate availability. To book send an email directly to the hotel on: or alternatively ring the hotel on 02 8298 9999 (+61 2 8298 9999) or fax on 02 8298 9777 (+61 2 8298 9777). The Sebel Pier One Sydney is one of Sydney's most spectacular hotels with a prime position on and over the water at beautiful Walsh Bay. Located next to the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge in the historic Rocks precinct, the hotel has its very own private pontoon, perfect for water taxi access to Darling Harbour and Sydney's major attractions. At The Sebel Pier One Sydney you will find a truly contemporary interior, from modern furnishings to a stunning lobby featuring a section of glass floor to gaze down onto the harbour's illuminated waters. The Sebel Pier One Sydney 11 Hickson Road Walsh Bay NSW 2000 Australia Phone: +61 2 8298 9999 Fax: +61 2 8298 9777 Email: Website: www.mirvachotels.com |
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Smilies
 Brussels Airlines, Belgium's largest carrier, has had to ground its fleet for repainting after superstitious passengers refused to fly the aircraft decorated with the new company logo featuring the number 13.The airline flies to 13 destinations in Africa - hence the logo: a capital B made up of 13 dots. A 14th dot has now been added. Although the number 14 is superstitious in China, Brussels Airlines do not operate into China -yet! |
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Air Canada News
Employee Travel Centre (1 866 473 4732) :Please note that Effective March 31st, 2007, the opening hours will be from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5p.m. Eastern Time. ZED News: the following ZED agreements will be cancelled with an effective date of April 1, 2007:
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70th Anniversary of Air Canada
The 70th anniversary of Air Canada nee Trans-Canada Air Lines.
On March 4th., 1937, the Rt. Hon. C.D.Howe, as Minister of Transport, gave notice of a resolution to establish national airline, and the Trans-Canada Air Lines Act was put before the House. Trans-Canada Air Lines was incorporated April 10th., 1937. Little wonder that C.D.Howe became known as the Father of T.C.A. The first flight of T.C.A. took place on September 1st., 1937 from Vancouver Sea Island Airport to Seattle, just 122 miles south. Later this route was relinquished to Canadian Pacific Airlines who withdrew on November 1st., 1946 and T.C.A. took over the operation with DC-3 equipment via Victoria. The star of the occasion was a Lockheed L10A registered CF-AZY piloted by Billy Wells and Maurice McGregor. This first flight took 50 minutes with, as passengers, several dignitaries. The first of two scheduled daily flights.
The fleet consisted of two Lockheed L10A and one Stearman bi-plane. The work force was just 71 employees.
The public were informed that the taxi fare from downtown Vancouver to the airport was 75 cents for the 25 minute ride, and the same for the taxi fare from Seattle to downtown. Today the same taxi ride from YVR to Downtown is $40. Each passenger is allowed 35 pounds of baggage free and excess would cost 4 cents a pound with 25 cents minimum.
On April 1st., 1939, simultaneous Trans continental flights took off from Vancouver and Montreal, each bound for the other city.
On April 16th., 1941, the airline become a sea to sea operation with the inauguration of service to Halifax. Mary Stewart Employee Communications Manager - Corporate
Managing Editor - Horizons sends this appeal - If you have any old photos or stories around from decades past, we'd love to see them! Please e-mail them to The roots of Canadian Air Lines go back to the early thirties - Canadian Airways was formed Jun 27th., 1930 with the merger of
and started operations on Nov 15th., 1930 - 77 years ago! During 1940 and 1941 the following airlines were purchased by Canadian Pacific Steam Lines
to form Canadian Pacific Air Lines Ltd on May 16th., 1942 and operations commenced July 1st., 1942. - 65 years ago. - Aug 31st., 1984 Eastern Provincial Airlines was purchased.
- Dec 1986 Pacific Western Airlines bought - Jan 24th., 1987 Nordair & Quebecair integrated into CPAir renamed Canadian Airlines International in 1987 - 20 years ago and bought by Air Canada in 2000 - 7 years ago. (If any ex CAIL etal have any memories of their careers to pass along we would be happy to receive them - Eds) |
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PWA Reunion
Many AC retirees were Canadian Airlines personnel and we are looking at all avenues to get the word out about the Reunion, so please pass the word around. It will take place in Calgary, at the Roundup Centre, Stampede Park, Details and Entry Registration can be found on the www.cdnairreunion.com web site. |
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Memories of CF-CPR - Empress of Vancouver
Franz Metzger sends us this information - Found old friend, ex Capt. Bob Goldie, who replied to my request for Bob Goldie was one of the pilots on Proving flights to Orient, see
picture #4 and picture #35 his last flight from Tokyo, Haneda Airport. Email received from Bob Goldie: We're responding to your request for information the demise of CF-CPR,
Empress of Vancouver, Canadair Four that went off the runway June 29th, 1949 at Tokyo. The Captain on the flight was Bud Potter and North Sawle was check As dad recalls the weather at the time was poor. Apparently the flight
landed long and hot (fast) well down the runway and were soon coming to the end. The Canadair Fours were equipped with reverse thrust however on CPA's planes they were locked out as there had apparently been some problems with the reversing. This was accomplished by using locking wire to lock out the four circuit breakers that engaged the reversing. This was on a panel behind the pilots and where North Sawle was sitting. With the end of the runway looming up, Sawle broke the locking wire and engaged the reverse for each engine one at a time. The result being that with the reversing being engaged one at a time it caused the plane to pull off the runway tearing the undercarriage off the port (left) side. The plane ended up mostly in the ocean with the tail resting on the breakwater and one wing close enough to the breakwater that the navigator walked off the wing onto the breakwater.   CF-CPR, Empress of Vancouver, Canadair Four that went off the runway June 29th, 1949 at Tokyo. My dad does have an email address but seldom sends emails but likes
receiving them, but since he's turning 90 later this month we'll forgive him. His email is
and mine (Geoff) is <unquote> As to my further queries as to how many passengers were onboard, reply <Quote> "With reference to CF-CPR. Yes there were passengers although my dad doesn't recall how many. He thinks there was a reasonable load" Bob and Geoff the typist
<unquote> Franz Metzger |
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One World or None - Ross Smyth
This 200-page book can be easily obtained by mailing a cheque for $16.95 Sincerely, Ross Smyth (author)
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Boeing 747-400 out of production
BOEING 747-400 OFFICIALLY OUT OF PRODUCTION
With the stroke of a pen, the production life of the Boeing 747-400 passenger jet came to an abrupt end recently, but it's hardly the end of the line for the aircraft family that started the jumbo movement in 1969. That brought the 747-400 line symbolically to an end (about 450 were delivered), but there are dozens and perhaps hundreds of other types of 747s on the order books that will keep the folks in Washington state busy for years to come |
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Terry's Travel Tips
Enjoy the wonders of Canada in springtime with RV Holidays from Coast to Coast: Passport relief, Vancouver Island
Those who live up Island on Vancouver Island and, in the past, have had to go to Victoria to renew or apply for passports can get the service at theCanada Government Receiving agent located at 130-19th Street Courtenay The office is located at the corner of Cliffe Avenue and 19th Street, close to the Ambulance Service at the end of Riverside Lane, by the Old House Restaurant.
Mail applications, changes to valid passports, lost/stolen passport replacements are NOT handled. Travelling to New Zealand?
New aviation regulations on liquids, aerosols and gels in carry-on luggage will be introduced in New Zealand on 31 March, and will significantly change the way that passengers organize their luggage. The new measures will require all international passengers to carry liquids, aerosols or gels in containers of 100ml or less. Passengers' carry-on luggage may include as many 100ml containers as will fit into a single re-sealable transparent plastic bag of one litre volume. Brochures regarding the new regulations are available through travel agents and airports, and passengers seeking further information are advised to check the Ministry of Transport's website www.flysmart.govt.nz. These regulations apply to international flights only, from 31 March 2007.
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Smilies
Overheard on Pittsburgh (KPIT) Ground working Hooters Air, better known by callsign "Pace," and a Delta airliner:
Pittsburgh Ground: Delta Eleven Twenty, follow Hooters off your left to Runway Two-Eight Right.
Delta Eleven Twenty: (in a slow southern drawl) Well, I've been doin' that all my life, and it's only got me in trouble with the wife. |
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Air Canada News
Our first B777 was delivered to YUL on Saturday March 31st.
Check out the short movie on the following web site. L10A and 777 fly-by on YouTube. If you missed the event on Saturday in Montreal, you can check out the fly-by of the L10A aircraft followed by the fly-by of the 777-300ER as well as the landings of both aircraft on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v |
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Flights between St. John's and London, UK
New non-stop seasonal service between St. John's, NL and London, U.K., with daily flights during summer peak travel.April 1st, saw the departure of Air Canada flight AC 830 and marks the return of seasonal non-stop service between St. John's, NL and London, U.K. until the end of October 2007. Air Canada's service to London will operate three times weekly on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday in April 2007, increasing to five times a week in June 2007, and to daily service from July 1, 2007 through the end of September 2007. Air Canada flight AC830 will leave St. John's at 12:55 p.m. arriving in London at 9:25 p.m., and flight AC831 will leave London at 10:40 p.m., arriving in St. John's at 12:45 a.m. |
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Readers comments
From Terry Champion Terry Champion <
retired PWA Captain From: "Art Cameron" < Hi "The Netletter Team"; "Art Cameron" <
(PWA purchased Wardair in 1989 for $210 million - Eds) From: William Cameron Subject: Reference: Origins of Canadian Airlines International Greetings; The article stated that Canadian Pacific Air Lines came into being in 1942 after Canadian Pacific Steam Lines purchased ten smaller regional carriers in Canada. In fact, CPAL was a creation of Canadian Pacific Limited - the holding corporation for each of the functioning companys of the CP empire. CPAL was, for it's entire existence, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian Pacific Limited, as was CP Ships, CP Rail, etc.
During 1984, CP Air, as it was then known, bought out Eastern Provincial Airlines - and during 1985 absorbed Nordair and QuebecAir. But, in January of 1987 it was Pacific Western Airlines, Ltd., that bought CP Air from Canadian Pacific Limited, to form Canadian Air Lines International. Unfortunately, it is now often thought that the larger international airline had bought the smaller regional carrier, but that is not the case. PWA bought CP Air. William Cameron (William Cameron has sent us a concise sequence of events which we will print in a later NetLetter - eds) (We thank our readers for their responses and for helping to set the record straight - eds) |
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Super Constellation update
 Super Constellation - To the many subscribers who supported the effort to keep the ex TCA Super Constellation CF-TGE in Canada at the Toronto Aviation Museum as part of Canada's airline history.
Unfortunately, after many months of effort, this was not to be. Please read the full information release on the Canadian Super Connie website at: |
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Remember when
From the "Between Ourselves" date October 1946 - During the jubilee celebrations in 1946, a Trans-Canada Air Lines Lancastrian flew from Prestwick to Vancouver, staying for 2 days, during which time 2 courtesy flights were made before returning to Montreal (YUL) with a full load.
The airline rate for accommodations at the Dorval Inn was $1.00, discounted from the usual $4.00 - $5.00 charge. Remember who  Found some more files in my files supplied to me by Caterina Trotto who was let go by Air Canada Archives Calgary 1954 (We will run a few of these from time to time. Can anyone identify the people? - eds) Where are they now
A340-300 ex C-FTNP fin 982 c/n 093 was at BWIA, but BWIA has now been renamed Caribbean Airlines. |
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Widow/Widowers Checklist
This information may be of interest - the Air Canada Pionairs have put together a widow/ers checklist at:
www.pionairs.ca/pdfs |
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Amelia Earhart update
 Our chief pilot, Vesta Stevenson found this information -
EXPEDITION WILL SEEK RESOLUTION OF EARHART MYSTERY
 A diary that was kept by a journalist who was covering Amelia Earhart's round-the-world flight when she disappeared has recently resurfaced and is fueling new speculation about her fate. Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, vanished over the South Pacific 70 years ago in July 1937. The diary raises questions about the early hours of the search and what transmissions were sent from the aircraft. The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) is planning an expedition this summer to return to Nikumaroro, a tiny island where they believe Earhart and Noonan may have landed when their Lockheed Electra ran out of fuel. The investigators will search for artifacts, and they also hope to find human remains that could be used for DNA testing.
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Terry's Travel Tips
Travel advisories issued during March were for Annual General Meeting for the World Airlines Clubs Association. Sep 16 - Sep 21 2007 40th WACA Annual General Assembly (AGA) Cape Town, South Africa Registration deadline: September 01, 2007 Cost: ZAR 5,425.00 (approx. USD 743.00) Some post annual General Meetings have been arranged with deadline dates for registration of Apr 30th - Full details visit www.waca.org From Caesar Hotel Airways Vacations New! This is selling like hot cakes! Friends and Family are eligible! "Discovery Ireland" Our first all inclusive special to Ireland. From $601* From the minute you arrive at the 4 star Killarney Plaza, you and your guests will enjoy the Southwest of Ireland at your own pace for one unbelievable price. A dedicated concierge will be at your service to arrange your daily activities. Whether you want to play golf or take a half-day Ring of Kerry Tour, the choice is yours and is already included in this package. Choose from golf, spa treatment, Ring of Kerry tour, Blarney Castle and Cobh tour and much more. Of course, all meals are included. Breakfast and lunch are served daily at the Killarney Plaza hotel and evenings you'll have a choice of local restaurants in Killarney town. This is absolutely the best value you'll find in any destination package. What's Included: 4 nights Killarney Plaza Hotel, Kerry, all transfers from pick up to drop off at Shannon airport, all meals, biking, horse riding, art galleries, museums, tennis, spa, golf, sightseeing tours, squash, guided walks. Depart Land Only from $601* April $1,009, May $1,174, June - September $1,240, October $1,009, Nov. - February 2008 $601 Confirmed available from NYC, BOS, CHI, WAS, DTW, HOUS, PIT, ATL, LAX, DFW, DEN, MCO Call today! Call Today For more information..... 1 800 422 3727 Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm CST Saturday Hours begin April 1, 2007 9:30am to 1pm CST |
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Smilies
The suggested theoretical "Ideal airliner"- take the first class seats from Emirates, business seats from Qantas and economy seats from Cathay Pacific. But the best seat of all is from Southwest toilet which feature spring loaded lids and seats.
(Southwest's seats are, presumably, to eject sneaky smokers, like the James Bond car - Eds) |
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Air Canada News
Air Canada will operate a second daily direct flight between Beijing and Vancouver from July 2 to October 1 this year.
The company will operate a 211-seat Boeing 767-300 aircraft to meet increasing passenger demand over the summer tourist peak. The carrier will also increase the number of flights between Shanghai and Toronto from two to three times a week from April 13 to June 30, and seven times a week from July 1 before returning to three a week in winter.
 A321 shows our 70th anniversary pride! Fin 453 recently had our 70th anniversary logo, designed by our own Multimedia Studio, applied to its fin. The logo will also be applied to one of our 767s in the near future as well. |
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Canada's Airlines: Risky Business
Our chief pilot, Vesta Stevenson found this on the internet and thought we might pass it along to our readers who are globally isolated from current news
It's a tough business, trying to run an airline while making a profit. Few have been able to do it in Canada in the days since al-Qaeda militants changed air travel forever by using four airliners to launch attacks in the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. Spiking fuel prices didn't do much for the industry's bottom line, either.
Wardair * one of the country's first discount air carriers * hung on for 37 years before it was bought out by Canadian Airlines, which was the offspring of the merger between CP Airlines and Pacific Western. By 1999, it would be bought out by Air Canada. Greyhound Air, Roots Air and Royal all tried but failed. WestJet opened for business in 1996 as a low-cost airline serving mainly Western Canada. As other airlines folded or were bought out, WestJet slowly expanded its reach until it hit the East Coast and vacation spots in the United States.
Canada 3000 shutdown strands thousands CanJet did the same from its base in Halifax, beginning in May 2000. Within a year, it was bought out by Canada 3000 * at the time, the country's second-largest national air carrier. It, too, buckled under the pressures of competition for a profitable slice of a dwindling air travel pie. On Nov. 9, 2001, Canada 3000 abruptly ceased operations, leaving thousands of travellers looking for other ways to get home. The hole left by the departure of Canada 3000 was filled less than a year later by the arrival of Jetsgo * and the return of CanJet under a new owner. Jetsgo reported sales of $2 million in its first week of operations. Both "no frills" airlines were off to promising starts. Still, the turmoil in the skies continued as Air Canada filed for bankruptcy protection on April 1, 2003, after suffering a string of heavy losses. It would remain under the protection of the courts for 1½ years, emerging as a leaner, more efficient airline. Rising fuel prices wreak havoc in 2005 But 2005 got off to an ominous start as fuel prices rose steadily and the need to keep the lid on ticket prices proving a bitter combination for the global airline industry. Traffic had begun to rebound over the previous year, easing the hangover from the Sept. 11 attacks that had sent an already stalling industry into freefall. Two of the largest U.S. airlines, United Airlines and US Airways, were in bankruptcy protection. A third, Delta, warned in March 2005, that it was losing a lot of money and might file for bankruptcy protection, too. In February, Canada's WestJet declared its first quarterly loss in eight years, blaming the shortfall on the fact it was replacing a large chunk of its fleet. Air Canada, on the other hand, which emerged in September 2004 from 18 months in creditor protection, announced a profit in the final quarter of 2004. Air Canada's profit came in spite of a complaint heard around the industry: jet fuel prices were killing them. Air Canada said its fuel cost $142 million more in 2004 than in the previous year, an increase of 49 per cent.
Delta reported a loss of $5.2 billion in 2004, the largest single-year loss ever for an U.S. airline.
Jetsgo folds after fighting 'without a war chest' Intense competition at the ticket counter meant that airlines couldn't pass on those fuel costs to their customers by increasing ticket prices.
The competition was brutal * and possibly no airline competed as hard as Jetsgo, which operated under the motto: "Pay a little. Fly a lot." In late 2004, the airline was selling some seats for $1.
It was a bankruptcy in the making, said airline analyst Joe D'Cruz of the Rotman School of Management. "Jetsgo had been an airline in serious financial stress for quite some time, and in the middle of that they decided to take on WestJet in a price war," he told CBC News. "Here's an airline trying to fight a price war without a war chest." On March 11, 2005, Jetsgo was gone, despite having captured up to 10 per cent of the domestic market. Thousands of passengers were stranded and 1,200 employees were suddenly out of work. CanJet drops scheduled airline business CanJet and WestJet stepped up to pick up some of the demand. CanJet, which resumed operations in 2002 with three old Boeing 737s flying to three destinations, had expanded its fleet to 10 aircraft and 14 North American destinations. It retained its focus on Atlantic Canada. It also began operating a small charter business.
In June 2006, CanJet celebrated its fourth birthday with a huge cake and lots of optimism for the future.
Three months later, on Sept. 5, the airline's chairman announced that CanJet was getting out of the scheduled airline business to focus on its charter operations. "With the rising business risks of operating a scheduled airline, IMP has decided to suspend year-round scheduled airline service and focus on their increasing charter business," said Kenneth Rowe, the chairman and chief executive officer of parent company IMP Group Ltd.
The move left some people worried that Atlantic Canada would be under-serviced by the major carriers. In March 2007, Vancouver-based Harmony Airways announced it would stop all of its scheduled service by early April. Its billionaire owner, David Ho, called it a restructuring to focus on other opportunities. "I want to be very clear, this is not a bankruptcy. This is not a creditor protection arrangement and this is not a company dissolution."
Ho blamed increasing costs, overcapacity in the market and "aggressive price competition from larger carriers." About 350 staff will be laid off.
By 2007, Air Canada and WestJet were regularly reporting fuller planes and rosier bottom lines. But for smaller carriers, the news hasn't been as good. The Canadian airline business remains a risky place.
Amelia Article Follow-up
From our chief pilot Vesta
Subject: Re: Amelia Earhart info I'm the 'Amelia' nut. My mother's youngest brother, my uncle, so the story goes, helped to service her aircraft when she was in Harbour Grace,NL. Unfortunately for me, the promised photos I was supposed to receive are lost. Vesta Stevenson From Jim Coupethwaite
Subject: Re: Amelia Earhart info Jim Coupethwaite wrote: Hi Guys,
Lots of info on the Amelia Earhart available on this web site. www.tighar.org It is the best one I have seen. Keep up the great work. Regds, Jim Coupethwaite From: our chief pilot Vesta
Subject: history of CPA NetLetter #969 A reader had asked if Air Maritime formed part a purchase by Canadian Airlines, Vesta sent this - May I add that I think Air Maritime became Eastern Provincial Airways based in Gander, NL my cousin married Jim Lewington former president of EPA.
Vesta
From James Griffith
Did I miss something? Was Transair not part of Pacific Western's genealogy? Jim Griffith < |
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Nanaimo Coffee Klatch
The following people were at the Nanaimo coffee klatch on Apr 11th., - Terry Baker , Leo Goulet, Ray Tsuji, Cec McCulloch, Elaine Murray, Hans & Eppie Brouwer, Carol & Bryan HumphreyNext meeting on Wednesday May 9th,. |
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Readers comments
Just a short note for you, Terry, Vesta and Alan, as I read the latest ( #968) Netletter. It is obvious to me the amount of ongoing work you folks do, producing the Netletter, to ensure Air Canada employees past and present have a place to remain up-to-date and informed. In my opinion this is probably the most interesting vehicle in keeping retirees and employees in touch with our great Company. Even though I am retired now ten years, I still feel and refer to Air Canada "the Company" I still belong too. I consider too the fact I still have been asked to continue flying the Lockheed over these years as a privilege, indeed.
A personal "thank you" for your continuing efforts in producing such a great entity. Keep up your great work. Hope to see you again one day there on the "West Coast". Capt. Alan MacLeod Retired (Alan was/is one of the pilots for the CF-TCC aircraft which visits various airports in Canada - eds) |
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Found on the Internet
Virgin Atlantic Airways completed its final trial of a proposed "starting grid" holding area in December at Heathrow and Gatwick airports as part of its aim to reduce fuel burn and c02 emissions. A "starting grid" is a holding area close to the active runway, which has several parking bays. This allows aircraft to be towed closer to the runway before taking off. An aircraft would only be required to start its engines 10 minutes before take off. Trials were undertaken with a B747-400. A longer trial is planned early this year at SFO, LAX and JFK. Swiss International Air Lines provided its staff with a pre-Christmas bonus for the way they supported the corporate turn around. Every employee received a one time "thank you' gift of chf2,000 (ca$2,000) as a sign of gratitude.
BAA and BRITISH AIRWAYS announced March 27, 2008 as opening date for 70,000 sq m Terminal 5 at Heathrow (LHR), slated to handle 30m pax
annually; 90% of construction-related work is complete and project is on budget. Premium Pay-Per-Use Lounge Opens in YVR's Domestic Terminal Domestic passengers can now enjoy a first-class lounge experience at YVR's new Plaza Premium Lounge, located post-security at the junction between A and B piers in the Domestic Terminal.
Open to all domestic passengers, regardless of airline, travel class or membership programs, the Plaza Premium Lounge offers spectacular runway views, comfortable seating, refreshments and business services for a nominal ca$25 entrance fee.
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Remember who!
Remember who response!
The following information from Patricia McGilligan who identifies the people in the YYC photo in NetLetter nr 969 - nr 2. Mrs. Wally Rowan (Wally was Arpt Mgr) YYC...believe one of them involved in the AC crash over BC (after Football Game) about 1953. nr 3. Kay Head...Secretary DSM YYC...Believe she died few years ago nr 4. Mr Gordon MacGregor (President) AC nr 5. Mrs Earnie Locke...wife of DSM YYC...believe they retired in Maritimes..believe one of them died. nr 6. myself..Patricia McGilligan ..Reservation Agent This picture was taken at the Palliser Htl YYC during one of Mr McGregor's visits. I have the original pictures of this visit...Mr Gordon Wood vp.Sales and the vp. Opns..can't remember his name at moment..am having one of those 'senior moments' When Catterina Trotto was still with AC, I loaned her my pictures, and she made copies for AC (History Museum ?)... Pat |
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Mystery Photo #2
 Here is another photo from YYC circa 1954 - can anyone identify it? |
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Where are they now?
DC-8 fin 866 c/n 45980 CF-TJZ was last with Florida West N161DB and is reported to be stored at Viracopos Airport near Sao Paula, Brazil
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Star Alliance News
 Claiming it has "no other option," United Airlines will add a $10 surcharge to tickets for flights originating from Los Angeles International Airport with immediate effect owing to a rent increaseSAS Scandinavian Airlines has introduced a new security system which allows staff at departure gates to confirm that a given item of hand luggage belongs to the same person who was in possession of it at check in. All passengers departing on flights have their index finger scanned and the information stored along side the individual data on the baggage tag. A second scan is taken at the departure gate, ensuring that the person who checked in the baggage is the person who boards the aircraft. Air China and Shanghai Airlines are expected to join the alliance by the end of 2007. |
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Help Wanted
(from Sean Keating) I am looking for details on first TCA trial flight to Bermuda. It was reportedly in Sep 1946 when a TCA North Star was used on 5-hour survey flight Montreal to Bermuda. According to the Larry Milberry book, only the prototype was flying then.
Was it used by TCA for this trial flight? Many thanks for your help, Tom Singfield Aviation Historian Horsham UK (kindly copy the NetLetter so we may pass the info along - eds) |
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Terry's Travel Tips
Lynda Campbell sends us this referring to her recent stay on Vancouver Island - Hello
Just want to tell you how much I'm enjoying the beautiful Saanich Peninsula. I think it's Canada's heaven. We've been here for 2 wks with one more to go. It could be a little warmer, say the locals, but for us it's been great. Checking the weather channel and seeing that it's been snowing back home in Ontario, it's almost like being down South ... I said almost! Thank you for the great Netletter, it's always a joy to read. Rgds Lynda Modern air travel would be very enjoyable if you could only learn to enjoy boredom, discomfort and fatigue. Value Added Tax in the U.K. VAT in the UK To be able to claim a tax refund you must:
* Be an eligible traveller who is:
- a non European Community visitor to the UK; or - a UK resident emigrating from the European Community. * Complete a valid tax refund document obtained from the retailer. * Present the tax refund document and goods to Customs on departure from the European Community. * Export the goods within the required time limits. You can buy any goods under the Scheme on which you pay VAT except: * new or used motor vehicles * a boat that you intend sail to a destination outside the EC * goods costing over £600 in value exported for business purposes * goods to be exported as freight * apart from antiques, goods needing an export licence * unmounted gemstones * bullion weighing over 125g, 2.75 troy ounces or 10 Tolas * mail order goods including those purchased over the internet * goods for consumption in the EC, for example, perfume which is wholly or partly consumed in the EC. Not all shops operate the scheme so look for shops displaying a "Tax Free Shopping" sign or ask a shop assistant before you buy.
How the scheme works
When you buy the goods the retailer will ask you for proof that you are entitled to use the scheme. This will normally be achieved by production of your passport although you may be asked for another form of identification. They will then ask you to fill in a simple refund form. The main thing to remember is that you need to have one of these forms to make your claim, till receipts alone will not do. If you are:
* leaving the UK direct for a destination outside the EC, you must show your goods and refund form to UK Customs at the airport/port you are leaving from * leaving the EC via another EC country, you must show your goods and refund form to Customs staff of that country * leaving the EC on a transit flight via another EC member state, you must show Customs in the last EC country your refund form and any goods you have as hand baggage. You must show Customs in the UK your refund form and any goods to be carried in the hold of the aircraft. After Customs have certified your form you can get your refund by:
* posting the form to the retailer from whom you bought the goods
* posting the form to a commercial refund company * handing your form in at a refund booth to get immediate payment. * note, Customs are not responsible for making the refund so when you buy the goods ask the retailer how the refund will be paid. If you do not receive your refund within a reasonable period of time you should contact the retailer concerned, not HM Revenue & Customs. |
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Smilies
On a low cost airlines flight (there is no assigned seating, you just sit where you want), passengers were apparently having a hard time choosing, when a flight attendant announced, "People, people we're not picking out furniturehere, find a seat and get in it!" "As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses." |