Atlantic Canada airport thread

[J81]

Originally Posted by michael_d40

Ironically last time I flew to Seattle was out of YHZ as well but that’s because I prefer flying United and the price was excellent. (1400 return business class) So I went YHZ-EWR-SEA instead of using a New Brunswick airport.

I also used YHZ to EWR to get to SJU back in April because the times and prices out of YQM were abysmal.

[miniborder]

https://www.heartaerospace.com/newsroom/...certificate-for-x1-demonstrator-aircraft

It looks like a test certificate has been issued by the FAA for an experimental prototype for the eventual ES-30 aircraft targeted for type certification in the early 2030s. A clean-sheet hybrid electric design with ~800km range that interestingly, Air Canada has already placed a 30-unit order for.

The big idea and potential here is that the reduced unit costs of hybrid electric propulsion might be able to bring regional operations back from the dead. I still have major doubts that this product ever makes it to market, but this isn't nothing and it's fun to dream I guess.

[bingun]

Joint Statement from Saint John Airport and Neqotkuk First Nation

https://ysjsaintjohn.ca/joint-statement-from-saint-john-airport-and-neqotkuk-first-nation/

Joint Statement from Saint John Airport and Neqotkuk First Nation

August 6, 2026

Saint John Airport and Neqotkuk First Nation are pleased to provide an update regarding the commercial development project on lands surrounding the Saint John Airport following recent public discussion.

The two organizations have been working together to advance the first phase of the project, which includes a gas station with two restaurant spaces. As preparations continue, members of the public may begin to see activity related to this development in the coming weeks.

While both organizations continue to evaluate future opportunities for the site, no additional developments are being announced at this time.
Businesses and organizations interested in leasing opportunities associated with the development are encouraged to contact Christine Stanley, Colliers Real Estate New Brunswick, at [email protected].

Saint John Airport and Neqotkuk First Nation remain committed to responsible planning, collaboration, and ensuring the community receives accurate information as the project progresses.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the community and media will be announced at a later date. We appreciate the public's interest and look forward to sharing additional updates through our official communication channels as project milestones are reached.

[BlackYear]

In case you haven't flown Flair Airlines from Moncton to Toronto yet, I did an outbound on Monday this week with a return on Wed, and the Boeing 737 MAX was 100% full capacity both ways. Tight squeeze in the two rows of three seats tube configuration. Glad the flight time wasn't any longer. 1hr55min to YYZ and 1hr45min to YQM. No in seat monitors. Only a USB plug.

[dhottawa729]

Originally Posted by BlackYear

In case you haven't flown Flair Airlines from Moncton to Toronto yet, I did an outbound on Monday this week with a return on Wed, and the Boeing 737 MAX was 100% full capacity both ways. Tight squeeze in the two rows of three seats tube configuration. Glad the flight time wasn't any longer. 1hr55min to YYZ and 1hr45min to YQM. No in seat monitors. Only a USB plug.

That’s encouraging. Flair has been great for proving the demand is there (at the right price). I honestly don’t know how they make money though as the service is just as good as Air Canada (in my few experiences), though perhaps Air Canada is and has always operated like a low-cost carrier at high cost but we’ve just not had enough to compare to unless you’ve seen how much more premium air travel is like everywhere else in the world (e.g. my recent $36 to fly from Malaysia to Vietnam).

[MonctonRad]

From the main Canada section [Airport] thread:

Originally Posted by Dominion301

Heart Aerospace’s X1 hybrid electric demonstrator and precursor to the production ES-30 took to the skies for the first time a couple of days ago just a bit south of Montreal out of PLB / Plattsburgh: https://www.heartaerospace.com/newsroom/...ght-of-world-s-largest-electric-aircraft

The all-electric 27 minute flight’s fuel cost was only USD $5.

Apparently AirCanada is interested in purchasing electrics such as this for short commuter routes. Could we see aircraft like this on short routes like from Moncton, Charlottetown and Saint John to YHZ???

The ES-30 is a conventional fixed-wing, 30-seat hybrid-electric regional airliner being developed for FAA Part 25 certification. It has attracted customer commitments from major air carriers including United Airlines, Air Canada, and JSX.

With entry into service targeted for 2031, Heart expects the ES-30 to reduce aircraft operating costs by more than 40% compared with legacy regional aircraft. This reduction is driven by lower energy costs, reduced maintenance requirements from simplified electric propulsion and electrified flight systems, and greater aircraft uptime and reliability enabled by an integrated electronics and software architecture.

- seating capacity - 30 passengers.
- luggage capacity per PAX - 55 lbs.
- range (all electric) - 200 km.
- range (hybrid) - 800 km
- charge time - 30 minutes.

Distance (as the crow flies)

- YQM/YHZ - 165 km
- YYG/YHZ - 160 km
- YSJ/YHZ - 194 km
- YFC/YHZ - 394 km

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

That would be great, and even within range for flights to Montreal!

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

Also posted in the main SJ thread. A YSJ event coming up very soon:




Could probably find out and learn a lot more if you attend. Could even make a good opportunity for a local SSP meetup. See you there, J81, lol