Atlantic Canada airport thread

[Good2go]

Fredericton poached an exec from Moncton...

@AndyCampbellCTV
Taking Flight: @yfcairport names Johanne Gallant new CEO. Gallant comes from Moncton's @GMIA_AIGM where she was Dir. of Airport Development.

[theshark]

New arline in canada?? Jetlines wants to take off, has halifax, moncton and st john's as projected destination.

http://www.jetlines.ca

[J_Murphy]

Originally Posted by theshark

New arline in canada?? Jetlines wants to take off, has halifax, moncton and st john's as projected destination.

http://www.jetlines.ca

I notice the anticipated route map shows St. John's, Halifax and Moncton connecting to Hamilton as the hub. That seems inconvenient. I guess that is what you get with a value airline.

http://www.jetlines.ca/wp-content/up...Feb-2015-1.png

[MonctonRad]

Here is Jetlines proposed route map:



It's far too soon to get our hopes up though. The landscape is littered with failed airlines in Canada. It seems that the country is too small to support more than 2-3 regularly scheduled carriers. Right now we have Air Canada, WestJet and Porter (regionally in the east). Is there room for Canada Jetlines? We'll see.......

In any event, they plan to start out west and gradually expand eastward. Even if the airline survives, I doubt that we will see any action on the east coast until 2018 at the earliest.

As for using Hamilton as a hub, I don't have a problem with that. WestJet has operated a seasonal Moncton-Hamilton route for years and it seems to be a success. Does it really matter where the hub is if you are just planning to use the airport as a way station? Also, Hamilton is more convenient than Pearson if your destination is in the Niagara peninsula or western Ontario.

[Sunnybrae]

Originally Posted by theshark

New arline in canada?? Jetlines wants to take off, has halifax, moncton and st john's as projected destination.

http://www.jetlines.ca

I needed a good laugh today. From the Jetlines website "select routes which avoid direct competition with existing carriers" and "where possible, use non-major airports in Canada to attract new passengers". I'm wondering what country they plan to start operations because it can't be Canada.

[J_Murphy]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Here is Jetlines proposed route map:

As for using Hamilton as a hub, I don't have a problem with that. WestJet has operated a seasonal Moncton-Hamilton route for years and it seems to be a success. Does it really matter where the hub is if you are just planning to use the airport as a way station? Also, Hamilton is more convenient than Pearson if your destination is in the Niagara peninsula or western Ontario.

Unfortunately everything else looks totally inconvenient, except if you want to go to Ottawa or Florida. There is no sensible route to Montreal and getting to Alberta would be a total pain in the ass. St. John's-Hamilton-Thunder Bay-Winnipeg-Edmonton. No route to Calgary.

Also, how is Hamilton more convenient than Toronto if you plan on travelling to western Ontario?

[mylesmalley]

It can't bode well that two out of the three news items on the site are them announcing a merger failure and then denying allegations regarding said merger.

[ghYHZ]

Jetlines reminds me of a time when I was 11 or 12 and would make up route maps and timetables for “my” airline. Only now…..I could create a web site and post it for all to see.

“Atlantica Airlines” was based at Trenton Airport (New Glasgow) and covered the Maritimes with DC-9s. Digby, Port Hawkesbuey, Summerside, St Leonard were all on our route map.......we even flew to Sable Island with Piper Navajo's!

[Trevor3]

Porter has announced its expanded schedule between Stephenville and Halifax this summer. They'll be running the same weekend service but also adding a mid-week flight into Stephenville on Wednesday evening and heading back to Halifax Thursday morning. $300 round trip is a pretty great deal on that run too. it costs well over $500, and usually over $600 on AC and WJ from Halifax to Deer Lake (though you do get a much better selection of times/frequency).

Interesting to note is that the schedule commences June 20th and is considered a seasonal service, but as yet I have not been able to find a cut-off date for the season. I'd like to see it continue year-round and begin marketing Stephenville+Marble Mountain as a winter destination much like they do with Mont-Tremblant and Burlington, VT.

[MonctonRad]

GMIA press release:

Greater Moncton International Airport sees healthy increases with cargo traffic in 2014
February 19, 2015

DIEPPE, NB – Cargo traffic at the Greater Moncton International Airport (GMIA) saw a healthy increase once again in 2014, continuing a positive overall trend for New Brunswick’s fastest-growing and busiest airport.

Cargo tonnage from carriers such as C.A.L. Cargo Airlines, the newest addition to the cargo business in our region, flying in weekly with their Boeing 747 during lobster fishing season, Bluebird, Cargojet, EVAS, FedEx, Purolator, UPS, Skylink and WestJet Cargo increased by 3% to 24,905 metric tonnes compared to 24,172 in 2013 and 22,832 in 2012.

“The continued loyal support of our airlines, cargo companies, our strategic partners in the business community and government, have made it possible for us to continue being successful with our cargo vision", said Bernard LeBlanc, President and CEO of the Greater Moncton International Airport Authority (GMIAA).

“We have the ideal geographic location for transshipment business, including a 10,000-foot world-class runway. We’re working very hard every day to increase our role in our local economy as a key strategic piece of transportation and cargo infrastructure. Our newly branded CargoviaCYQM is an addition to help with key positioning of Greater Moncton and New Brunswick for growth and development of our cargo business since it has been identified as a priority in long-term business development for the airport", explained Mr. LeBlanc. “We are continuing to work on further developing cargo volumes in and out of GMIA and our Cargo Specialist, Jacques Fournier, would be pleased to discuss any potential opportunities with interested parties."

[q12]

Halifax Stanfield International Airport Marks Record-Setting Year for Cargo

POSTED ON FEBRUARY 19, 2015

Growth Continues in 2015 with Weekly Korean Air Cargo Flights

Halifax, N.S. – Halifax Stanfield International Airport posted a record-setting year for air cargo in 2014, with over 32,000 metric tonnes shipped, up 8.5 per cent over 2013.

A big part of Halifax Stanfield’s cargo activity is fresh lobster and seafood exports, and demand is growing. In the last five years, Canadian live lobster exports to Asia have grown 428 per cent. In addition, the Chinese market remains a focal point, as lobster and other seafood exports continue to have double digit growth in demand. Several carriers transport seafood from Halifax Stanfield including: Air Canada, CargoJet, FedEx, UPS, Purolator and Korean Air Cargo.

In the summer of 2014, Korean Air Cargo transported Nova Scotia seafood to Seoul, South Korea. During the holiday season, Korean Air Cargo returned with weekly flights to South Korea. Each flight carried approximately 40-50 tonnes of lobster with the largest shipment being 100 tonnes.

Korean Air Cargo has responded to this demand, operating a weekly flight from Halifax to Seoul since January of this year, a schedule they plan to continue as demand dictates.

“We are pleased Korean Air Cargo has continued with weekly shipments of Nova Scotia seafood,” says Jerry Staples, Halifax International Airport Authority Vice President Air Service Marketing & Development . “With our extended main runway, a highly sought after export product and a new free trade agreement with South Korea, Halifax Stanfield is well-positioned for continued growth.”

Two trade agreements have positive potential for lobster and live seafood exports. The first is a pending agreement for a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union. The second agreement is a new Canada-South Korea free trade agreement. Both agreements see tariffs disappear, making this product even more attractive in the EU and Asia.

http://hiaa.ca/2015/02/airport-marks...ear-for-cargo/

Porter Airlines Increases Flights from Halifax to Stephenville

POSTED ON FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Twice-Weekly Service to Begin in June

Halifax, N.S. – Porter Airlines is adding a second weekly flight from Halifax Stanfield to Stephenville, NL, beginning June 20, 2015. Last summer, Porter Airlines introduced a weekly service to Stephenville, NL, and this summer will bump that to twice-weekly.

“We are pleased to welcome back Porter’s Stephenville service this summer,” says Joyce Carter, Halifax International Airport Authority President & CEO. “Increasing this service to twice-weekly will provide our passengers with additional access to Newfoundland and more flight choices – a welcomed benefit for both our business and leisure travellers.”

“The Stephenville route was very popular last year, so this schedule enhancement will meet growing customer demand,” says Robert Deluce, President & CEO of Porter Airlines. “There is now increased flexibility and convenience for travellers to go along with the premium service Porter is known for.”

From June 20, to September 6, Porter will offer two weekly flights departing Halifax on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Return flights depart Stephenville the following day on Sundays and Thursdays. Continuing service on the same aircraft to Ottawa and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is also available.

One-way fares start at $154.

http://hiaa.ca/2015/02/porter-airlin...-stephenville/

[stephan.richard]

One thing that I wished is that airlines would start expanding their service out of Moncton instead of only focusing on the milk runs like the Ottawa's, Toronto, and Montreal. But I likes when Canada 3000 was around at least we had a run to Calgary, and Paris in France. Canjet we had a run to Saint John's NFLD. But i guess that airlines in Canada tend to lack imagination in this country and flights are way to overpriced.

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by stephan.richard

One thing that I wished is that airlines would start expanding their service out of Moncton instead of only focusing on the milk runs like the Ottawa's, Toronto, and Montreal. But I likes when Canada 3000 was around at least we had a run to Calgary, and Paris in France. Canjet we had a run to Saint John's NFLD. But i guess that airlines in Canada tend to lack imagination in this country and flights are way to overpriced.

Lack of potential passengers over large areas lead to economically-unfeasible flights.

[Sunnybrae]

I still believe a US flight is feasible for the Moncton area. It doesn't need to be a daily or even year round. I also still believe that United pulled out because of there affiliation with Star Alliance and Air Canada. We need the GMIA to do a better job attracting an airline. Maybe the personnel change there will help.

[stephan.richard]

Originally Posted by Sunnybrae

I still believe a US flight is feasible for the Moncton area. It doesn't need to be a daily or even year round. I also still believe that United pulled out because of there affiliation with Star Alliance and Air Canada. We need the GMIA to do a better job attracting an airline. Maybe the personnel change there will help.

Yes i think a US airlink would still be feasible out if the GMIA cause the business community has relied on this time and time again to lure business into Moncton. I would love to see the return of our flight to New York City at a reasonable price. I am after American on Twitter suggesting they come to Moncton and hope it works.

[q12]

Almost 3.7 Million Passengers served at Halifax Stanfield:

2014 Busiest in Airport’s History

POSTED ON FEBRUARY 24, 2015

More Growth Expected in 2015

Halifax, N.S. – Halifax Stanfield International Airport served 3,663,039 passengers in 2014, making it the busiest in the airport’s history.

“We had an outstanding year, thanks to new and expanded airline routes, particularly in the domestic market,” says Joyce Carter, Halifax International Airport Authority President & CEO. “After a slow start due to difficult weather in the first quarter, traffic built steadily from May onwards, culminating with five record setting months in the last half of 2014 – a testament to our continued efforts to improve air service at Halifax Stanfield.”

Compared to 2013, overall passenger numbers were up 2.2 per cent.

“We are optimistic about our growth opportunities in 2015,” says Carter. “Building on last year’s results and with routes already announced for this year by Air Canada Rouge, WestJet, WestJet Encore, and Europe Airpost, we continue to provide our region with exceptional air service.”

In 2014, Halifax Stanfield was served by 18 scheduled and charter passenger airlines flying to 49 non-stop destinations (21 year-round and 28 seasonal). This network enables Atlantic Canadian air travellers to reach over 500 one-stop destinations around the world.

“Air access is the lifeblood of a community,” says Carter. “Our strong air service network creates tremendous benefit for the regional economy – connecting people, goods and ideas. Halifax Stanfield continues to be one of the most critical pieces of transportation infrastructure in Atlantic Canada and based on departures per capita, we are number one in the country.”

Since opening in 1960, over 105 million passengers have been served by Halifax’s international airport.

Destinations
Halifax Stanfield enjoys the best winter escape plan in the Atlantic region with direct service to multiple sun destinations in Florida, Bahamas, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Mexico provided by Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, Sunwing and Canadian North (in a partnership with Celebrity Cruises).

Halifax Stanfield offers the most domestic service to and from the Atlantic region with Air Canada, Air Canada Express (operated by Jazz, EVAS, and Sky Regional), WestJet, Provincial Airlines, and Porter. Daily flights to Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Charlottetown, Deer Lake, Fredericton, Gander, Goose Bay, Moncton, Saint John, St John’s, and Sydney are complemented by multiple flights per week to Charlo/Wabush and seasonal service to Hamilton and Stephenville.

With daily service to Boston, Newark, New York, and Philadelphia and seasonal service to Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, St Petersburg and Tampa provided by Air Canada, Air Canada Express (operated by Jazz), WestJet, Air Transat, Delta, Sunwing, United, and American Airlines, Halifax Stanfield provides the most direct access to the United States further streamlined by the only US Preclearance facility in Atlantic Canada.

Internationally, Halifax Stanfield enjoys Air Canada year-round service to London Heathrow, Air St. Pierre year-round service to St. Pierre & Miquelon, and seasonal service by WestJet to Glasgow, Europe Airpost to Dublin and Paris, Condor Airlines to Frankfurt, Air Transat to London Gatwick, and Icelandair to Reykjavik.

http://hiaa.ca/2015/02/2014-busiest-...ports-history/

[ghYHZ]

Originally Posted by stephan.richard

Yes i think a US airlink would still be feasible out if the GMIA cause the business community has relied on this time and time again to lure business into Moncton. I would love to see the return of our flight to New York City at a reasonable price. I am after American on Twitter suggesting they come to Moncton and hope it works.

Doesn’t appear the numbers are there anymore for a direct service between Moncton (or Saint John or Fredericton) and the US northeast or an airline would probably be serving the route. Delta, BEX (Business Express) Continental/United have all come and gone. At one time in the ‘90s Northwest Airlink had the Maritimes pretty well covered out of BOS to YSJ, YFC, YYG, YHZ and up to five flights a day just to YQM (Moncton)……some even up-gauged from Metroliners to Dash-8s.

I wouldn’t count on American showing any interest in Moncton…..they’ve even pulled out of Halifax (although they still serve YHZ through their merger partner US Airways with flights to/fr Philadelphia)

[Sunnybrae]

Originally Posted by ghYHZ

Doesn’t appear the numbers are there anymore for a direct service between Moncton (or Saint John or Fredericton) and the US northeast or an airline would probably be serving the route. Delta, BEX (Business Express) Continental/United have all come and gone. At one time in the ‘90s Northwest Airlink had the Maritimes pretty well covered out of BOS to YSJ, YFC, YYG, YHZ and up to five flights a day just to YQM (Moncton)……some even up-gauged from Metroliners to Dash-8s.

I wouldn’t count on American showing any interest in Moncton…..they’ve even pulled out of Halifax (although they still serve YHZ through their merger partner US Airways with flights to/fr Philadelphia)

You very well could be right. I never heard from either the GMIA or United that load factors were poor. What was surprising was that when United execs. were here in Oct 2013, things were great, then 7 months later they pull out for "internal restructuring" reasons.

I know the US airline industry has had many big changes in the last few years. It is up to us (GMIA) to sell Moncton to the airlines and I think we have the data now to support at least one seasonal flight. I believe the GMIA's problem is our canadian airlines focus on traditional markets and US airlines focusing on mergers and sorting that mess out.

[magee_b]

Originally Posted by Sunnybrae

You very well could be right. I never heard from either the GMIA or United that load factors were poor. What was surprising was that when United execs. were here in Oct 2013, things were great, then 7 months later they pull out for "internal restructuring" reasons.

I know the US airline industry has had many big changes in the last few years. It is up to us (GMIA) to sell Moncton to the airlines and I think we have the data now to support at least one seasonal flight. I believe the GMIA's problem is our canadian airlines focus on traditional markets and US airlines focusing on mergers and sorting that mess out.

There has been quite a bit of change over the last while within the US-based airlines - A lot of mergers, restructuring, etc. and a lot more to come with the American Airlines - US Airways merger, along with what seems to be a revolving door of regional airline parters that operate flights on behalf of mainline carriers.

As for United, they still seem to be in a sort of consolidation phase - around the same time as the Moncton flight was cancelled, they also cancelled their services to Regina and Saskatoon, so Moncton isn't alone on this. And, if I remember correctly, I think Charlottetown had lost their seasonal flight to JFK due to Delta's fleet/airport capacity issues.

Anyway - it would be great to see some stability and of course get more air service into New Brunswick.

[L'homard]

Originally Posted by Sunnybrae

You very well could be right. I never heard from either the GMIA or United that load factors were poor. What was surprising was that when United execs. were here in Oct 2013, things were great, then 7 months later they pull out for "internal restructuring" reasons.

My impressions from that 2013 get together was that it was a last-ditch attempt at convincing them to stay, not a celebration of how well things were going.
I stress that the above is my IMPRESSION only. I have no data to back it up. It just seemed that way to me.