Calgary International Airport II

[Corralstar]

According to the Airdrie Airshow Facebook page, the opening of the new YYC runway will prevent future airshows being held at the Airdrie Airport.

"Happy Tuesday Airshow Fans,
With the opening of the new runway at YYC we can no longer hold the Airshow at the Airdrie Airpark but fear not, we are in discussions with other locations and we hope to have a formal annoucement very soon. If all goes ahead our show dates will be July 18 & 19th."

[Johnny Aussie]

Effective March 2nd Northwestern Air Lease is pulling the plug on Red Deer.

http://nwal.ca/routes/red-deer-yqf/

"Northwestern Air Lease will close our Red Deer hub..."

Now there's a gross misuse of the term hub.

They just recently tried YQF-YQU, they have already dropped YQF-YMM and YQF-YLW is the last route to go. The YLW route extended to YXX a little while ago.

Makes me think Air Canada service to YYC might have been tough on them.

Northern Air, Canadian North, Air North, Central Mountain Air and Firstair have also scaled back Alberta ops of late... perhaps a bit of oil patch blues starting to have a bit of a bite.

[cyeg66]

So, er, uh, umm, let me state the obvious:
It appears those CofC meetings at the start of the month yielded jack squat so far. Oh wait, I think I hear something.
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<crickets>
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<more crickets>

[tmjr]

Who flies non-stop from Germany to Calgary?

We are trying to find a way to bring my elderly parents-in-law from Germany for a visit. They used to fly with Air Transat from FRA, and that worked really well - they live not too far from FRA, and the non-stop flight meant they could get on the plane in Germany and get off in YYC.

But now that Transat no longer does FRA-YYC, we are trying to find other options. AC of course flies FRA-YYC non-stop, but they are really expensive - roughly a 1000 Euro more for them both than when they flew with Transat. I thought of flying through AMS, but the thought of a stop in even a non-german European city makes my in-laws very nervous (their main anxiety is not being able to communicate - they only speak German - followed by not wanting to bother anyone ).

So, who else (other than AC/LH) flies from anywhere in Germany to YYC non-stop? I figure they can handle a stopover in a German city without problem...

And on that topic, how exactly does the average person find out who flies from Germany to YYC non-stop? A search on Google wasn't too enlightening (at least for me...)

It's just Condor and AC at the moment. I'd start at the Wikipedia page for the airport honestly, of course don't take it as gospel and confirm anything you see there in this thread first. Here.

This thread is probably the best and fast place on the internet for an accurate answer to a YYC related question.

In other news, AC is launching some sort of premium widebody J class on transcon routes, just the existing seats dressed up I guess and then when the 777 gets reno'd... whatever.

http://www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com/...mium-business-class-on-transcon-flights/

Of relevance is that YYC is listed, though we already see a relatively impressive 2x 763 on YYC-YYZ and AC145/146 has been a whore for heavies, seeing every widebody in the fleet in recent months. My interpretation of this announcement is that YYC is guaranteed at least one daily domestic widebody going forward.

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by tmjr

Who flies non-stop from Germany to Calgary?

We are trying to find a way to bring my elderly parents-in-law from Germany for a visit. They used to fly with Air Transat from FRA, and that worked really well - they live not too far from FRA, and the non-stop flight meant they could get on the plane in Germany and get off in YYC.

But now that Transat no longer does FRA-YYC, we are trying to find other options. AC of course flies FRA-YYC non-stop, but they are really expensive - roughly a 1000 Euro more for them both than when they flew with Transat. I thought of flying through AMS, but the thought of a stop in even a non-german European city makes my in-laws very nervous (their main anxiety is not being able to communicate - they only speak German - followed by not wanting to bother anyone ).

So, who else (other than AC/LH) flies from anywhere in Germany to YYC non-stop? I figure they can handle a stopover in a German city without problem...

And on that topic, how exactly does the average person find out who flies from Germany to YYC non-stop? A search on Google wasn't too enlightening (at least for me...)

If you don't want to go with the AC option from FRA I'd seriously think the next best option is using KLM and going through AMS. I've never been through AMS but it is always considered one of the best airports to connect through and it would be absolutely astounding if nobody there could speak German.

[shreddog]

^^ echoing what Bigtime has said, I have flown YYC-AMS-FRA in both directions and the connection is easy, though you do have to do the EU passport control/customs thing in AMS. Language shouldn't be an issue as everything is very graphically/visually explained.

Also, about 3 years ago I booked tickets in a reverse manner for a cousin coming to Canada as it was much cheaper - that is you can book from Canada for a 1-way for them YYC-FRA and then book a 1-way from FRA-YYC from AC's "Canada" website presence rather than a European portal - just make sure to get the dates right!. Seemed weird, but it was cheaper than booking a return originating n FRA.

Viel gluck!

[Fuzz]

I've gone Berlin AMS YC and it was fine. No problem with language at the airport and was easy enough to find your way around. Maybe they have something like the Calgary Airport white hats that you could look into that could help your grandparents through? I flew with KLM and got a good deal on the flight, it was nowhere near full and they are a great airline.

[Canadian74]

Originally Posted by tmjr

And on that topic, how exactly does the average person find out who flies from Germany to YYC non-stop? A search on Google wasn't too enlightening (at least for me...)

If you just type "flights fra yyc" on Google, it will show you the nonstop and 1-stop options.
Previously they used to show the frequencies too, but they don't anymore which sucks.

[Cage]

Originally Posted by cyeg66

So, er, uh, umm, let me state the obvious:
It appears those CofC meetings at the start of the month yielded jack squat so far. Oh wait, I think I hear something.
.
.
.
<crickets>
.
.
.
<more crickets>

Correct, it was not the big announcement I had been anticipating. But things are far from chirping crickets.

At the CofC meeting I got an update from transport minister. Government has done their job by providing thie regulatory framework and negotiation support to Air Canada. It is now up to Air Canada and Air China to conclude joint venture agreement. Finally, govt will get out of the way of private transactions.

The Air Canada annual report mentioned that AC and CA joint venture must get competition tribunal approval. My initial thought was the competition work would be conducted in the open through hearings and public rulings. However i am now hearing this work will be conducted incamera sessions and we won't hear anything until successful conclusion. This also goes with the Ministers comments about getting govt out of the way of business.

I have also taken a deep dive on the AC fleet plan, comparing Dec 31/2015 fleet to the projections from 2012 and 2013. The results are most revealing. I also compare Dec 2016 fleet pan projects for 2013 and 2014. Overall 2015 fleet changes for AC will primarily be at the narrowbody stage, while 2016 is the year of the widebody changes. All told the fleet plan chang for the next 24 months is very dramtic.

Comparing dec 2015 fleet to 2012 projects reveals the following:
- E90 fleet drops by 13 aircraft compare to original drop of 20. There are 7 more E90s in the fleet than original plan.
- the mainline 319 fleet grows by 10 aircraft as no more 319s will be transferred to rouge. Consequently the rouge 319 fleet drops by 10 aircraft, replaced by introduction of 5 new 321s that have never existed in the AC fleet.
- 320 fleet grow by 2 aircraft to replace flying previously done by e90.
- mainline 321 fleet grows by 3 aircraft in 2015 and 1 additional aircraft in 2016. This also replaces flying previously done by E90. Additionally Nd mentioned before, the rouge fleet gets 2 321s in 2015 and 3 321s in 2016. The rouge 321 will likely be deployed on YYZ to Florida and are rumoured to come with 12 domestic business class seats to upgrade premium rouge to acceptable standard.
- Dreamliner fleet grows by 1 less airframe in 2015 than planned due to delivery delays at Boeing. AC will receive the last 2 788 aircraft in early 2015 as all remaining order aircraft are converted to 789. The 789 fleet for 2015 (3 aircraft) will be used for growth routes to DXB and DEL.
- although never officially announced and confirmed, the 333 fleet was to have exited AC on delivery of the first 8 789s. 333 fleet will now remain with AC for the Longterm.
- 5 763 aircraft the were to be removed from the fleet through expiration of their lease will now remain with mainline as domestic widebody operations. The intercontinental business cabins will remain and new premium business class service will launch on YYZ-YYC/YVR. Additionally the rouge 763 fleet will grow by an additional 2 aircraft in 2015 that come from outside lessors ( ie not mainline conversions). In 2016 an additional 2 763s join the fleet from lessors. Finally the mainline to rouge conversion will continue.

Additional 2016 changes:
- 2016 has the introduction of 2 new 77W aircraft that will have smaller business class cabin, premium economy cabin and high density configuration for economy. Also all 77w and 77L will have new business class cabins.
-2016 the 333 fleet will have new premium economy cabin.
-afore mentioned growth of additional 2 rouge 763 airplanes new to AC fleet.
- six 789 aircraft arrive for growth in 2016. Previously they were to replace 333 and 763 aircraft out of mainline.
-I have also heard (unconfirmed 2nd hand info) the AC board of directors has given management permission to lease up to an additional 10 321/320 from 2016 provided the leases are commercially viable terms. 321 is preferred. It they will take 320.

What does all this mean for YYC?
- there is now more than enough widebody airplanes to start YYC-PEK in early 2016.
- expect more domestic widebody deployments onto YYC-YYZ.
- conversion to the boring land of the 737 will be held off until at least 2 more years as AC brings additional Airbus narrowbody lift.
- the addition of rouge 321 could provide aircraft for more rouge 319 flying out of YYC.
- Rouge 319 flying will soon have domestic business class cabins.
- AC has the flexibility to match WS 763 flying tail for tail with new rouge 763s

[Bigtime]

Fantastic rundown! Wow.

[cyeg66]

^totally goaded Cage into doing that with my vague criticism. I just knew he was sitting on substantial info. Thanks Cage.

Originally Posted by Cage

333 fleet will now remain with AC for the Longterm.

Hosanna!

[tmjr]

Originally Posted by tmjr

Who flies non-stop from Germany to Calgary?
...

And on that topic, how exactly does the average person find out who flies from Germany to YYC non-stop? A search on Google wasn't too enlightening (at least for me...)

Originally Posted by Acey

It's just Condor and AC at the moment.

Originally Posted by Bigtime

If you don't want to go with the AC option from FRA I'd seriously think the next best option is using KLM and going through AMS.

Originally Posted by shreddog

^^ echoing what Bigtime has said, I have flown YYC-AMS-FRA in both directions and the connection is easy, though you do have to do the EU passport control/customs thing in AMS. Language shouldn't be an issue as everything is very graphically/visually explained.

Viel gluck!

Originally Posted by Fuzz

I've gone Berlin AMS YC and it was fine. No problem with language at the airport and was easy enough to find your way around.

Originally Posted by Canadian74

If you just type "flights fra yyc" on Google, it will show you the nonstop and 1-stop options.
Previously they used to show the frequencies too, but they don't anymore which sucks.

Thank you all! Very helpful

[Cage]

Originally Posted by Acey

Hosanna!

Another tidbit I heard from AC network scheduling people. The economic swing aircraft is the 763. So if there is a demand decrease, fuel spike, etc. AC can immediately park the 763 as they are leased on power by hour with no minimum base rent. This is also how AC is getting additional aircraft for Rouge, the lessors will put 763s on very favourable terms with AC as the aircraft are released from their original owners in favour of dream liners.

The reason for converting all 788 orders to 789 version because the Dreamliner sweet spot is with the 789 size airframe. Operating costs are very similar between 788 and 789 with minimal difference in aircraft ownership costs. Therefore the additional seats offered by the longer 789 are all most free on the cost side.

Final tidbit, 763 rouge configuration is within 5% of CASM of mainline 788. While the 788 is more efficient, the dense seat configuration of rouge compensates for lack of fuel efficiency.

Originally Posted by Cage

Another tidbit I heard from AC network scheduling people. The economic swing aircraft is the 763. So if there is a demand decrease, fuel spike, etc. AC can immediately park the 763 as they are leased on power by hour with no minimum base rent.

This particular tidbit is fascinating to me... it would never be immediately apparent to a casual observer that one can negotiate such favourable terms with a widebody airliner, especially if they're able to Rouge it and get within 5% of 788 CASM!? AC execs must be doing a dance around a big pot of gumbo with model 763's hanging from the ceiling.

Originally Posted by Cage

Operating costs are very similar between 788 and 789 with minimal difference in aircraft ownership costs. Therefore the additional seats offered by the longer 789 are all most free on the cost side.

Interesting that this type of statistic is a recurring theme across the board. 73G to finally picking up the 738 for WN, and WS too a bit I guess. UA/CO and DL moving up to the 739. The non-existent life of the 736/318. AC's interim usage of the 77W on typical 77L routes with virtually no penalty. And still AC seemingly waited to swap some -8 for -9 on the ordersheet, waiting for either real-world returns from other airlines' -9's, or their own stats on the -8? Maybe they knew there'd be further delays so why rush anyway...

[PPAR]

Originally Posted by Cage

Comparing dec 2015 fleet to 2012 projects reveals the following:
- E90 fleet drops by 13 aircraft compare to original drop of 20. There are 7 more E90s in the fleet than

I wonder if holding over the E90s will allow for AC to purchase some Cseries planes from Bombardier in the coming years. I would love to see some of them out of Calgary once they are in production.

[Johnny Aussie]

Effective 2 July UA will fly mainline on 3 of the 4 daily YYC-ORD flights including one daily 320. The other two will be operated with 319s.

On the same day though the 3 daily IAH flights downgauge from 739s to 73Gs.

In addition the YYC-SFO route will see E75s operated on 2 of the 3 daily flights for most of the summer.

DEN will continue with a mainline 319 on the first of the four daily departures on that route.

So, for the first time in quite a few years, UA mainline will operate half of the total YYC United operations.

Originally Posted by Johnny Aussie

On the same day though the 3 daily IAH flights downgauge from 739s to 73Gs.

This is something like a ~150 seat daily drop reach way, but not to worry... I see the 738/739 is currently sked to be back just in time for WS to add 136 seats with their new IAH flight in September.

[Johnny Aussie]

Originally Posted by Acey

This is something like a ~150 seat daily drop reach way, but not to worry... I see the 738/739 is currently sked to be back just in time for WS to add 136 seats with their new IAH flight in September.

Not worried

Happy to see they are boosting YYC again with more mainline metal.