YVR Airport & Sea Island Developments Discussion

[CloudInspector]

Originally Posted by Firebrand

Is it because YYC has a larger capacity for 787s, lower costs, or is it just to please Albertans?

Haha, I suspect it’s because everything from the headquarters to the senior pilots to the maintenance are based there. WestJet has been actively promoting their “three hubs” of YVR, YYC and YYZ.

[Firebrand]

Originally Posted by CloudInspector

Haha, I suspect it’s because everything from the headquarters to the senior pilots to the maintenance are based there. WestJet has been actively promoting their “three hubs” of YVR, YYC and YYZ.

My dad doesn’t get why YEG isn’t a big enough market for international flights (the US doesn’t count) because he lives in Edmonton and wants transferless flights. He sometimes whines about flying to YYC first, then fly elsewhere. () I’m guessing he wants YEG to be WestJet’s “fourth” hub.

[Cage]

Originally Posted by Firebrand

Why is WestJet so obsessed of having YYC as the main hub for Asia-Pacific flights and not YVR?

Primary reason is competition. There is tonnes of options at YVR, plus AC has all ready filled the holes in their network.

Secondly, AC has quietly signaled their willingness to pull down YYC services rather than fight to the death for market share. At YYZ, YUL, and YVR they would rather lose money than give up the route.

Thirdly, Asia is not like the rest of the world for open and free route rights. There is still a premium on the novel route application. Consequently WS might have better luck getting YYC-PEK than YVR-PEK.

[Cage]

Originally Posted by Firebrand

My dad doesn’t get why YEG isn’t a big enough market for international flights (the US doesn’t count) because he lives in Edmonton and wants transferless flights. He sometimes whines about flying to YYC first, then fly elsewhere. () I’m guessing he wants YEG to be WestJet’s “fourth” hub.

YEG big problem is yield. The local traffic demands nonstop services but will not pay a premium for the extra service.

[TheGreatestX]

Originally Posted by Firebrand

My dad doesn’t get why YEG isn’t a big enough market for international flights (the US doesn’t count) because he lives in Edmonton and wants transferless flights. He sometimes whines about flying to YYC first, then fly elsewhere. () I’m guessing he wants YEG to be WestJet’s “fourth” hub.

While YEG isn't a hub for WestJet, it is by far their 4th largest market and they continue to grow it (through mainline, Encore and Swoop). Every press release includes additions to YYC, YYZ, YVR and YEG. In fact in the latest round, they added more to YEG than to YVR.

[casper]

Originally Posted by TheGreatestX

While YEG isn't a hub for WestJet, it is by far their 4th largest market and they continue to grow it (through mainline, Encore and Swoop). Every press release includes additions to YYC, YYZ, YVR and YEG. In fact in the latest round, they added more to YEG than to YVR.

swoop operates independently of WS from a passenger perspective. they are basically giving up on Edmonton being a major transfer huber

[Chikinlittle]

Originally Posted by LeftCoaster

They aren't. They have made literally 0 commitment to where the 787s will be based or where they will be flying.

I think most Asia service they do will be from YVR, but I just don't think they'll do much Asia service.

I agree. In an ideal world, I'm sure WS would prefer to keep everything as central as possible in YYC, especially being the 'home town' carrier.

I feel like we've seen them try to keep as much in YYC as possible, but we end up seeing them hubbing out of YVR a lot more than I believe their ideal plans would see them.

[CloudInspector]

Originally Posted by Cage

Primary reason is competition. There is tonnes of options at YVR, plus AC has all ready filled the holes in their network.

Secondly, AC has quietly signaled their willingness to pull down YYC services rather than fight to the death for market share. At YYZ, YUL, and YVR they would rather lose money than give up the route.

Thirdly, Asia is not like the rest of the world for open and free route rights. There is still a premium on the novel route application. Consequently WS might have better luck getting YYC-PEK than YVR-PEK.

All very good points. However, the YVR to Asia market is much, much larger and geographically speaking, it’s a natural connecting point for WS, similar to their Hawaiian operations.

I honestly think we’ll see service from both cities to Asia.

[Gordon]

as far as WS to China, how much space is available in the china Canada Bi-lateral?

It would b nice to see West Jet try a South - east asia Asian route from YVR.

There is a good picture of YVR C & D piers including D62 on vancouver.ctvnews.ca

[Johnny Aussie]

Originally Posted by TheGreatestX

While YEG isn't a hub for WestJet, it is by far their 4th largest market and they continue to grow it (through mainline, Encore and Swoop). Every press release includes additions to YYC, YYZ, YVR and YEG. In fact in the latest round, they added more to YEG than to YVR.

The growth at YEG is on Encore and Swoop. Westjet has been slowly winding back mainline in favour of Encore and Swoop. Even though Westjet as a group (mainline, Encore and Swoop combined) is increasing YEG by maybe 10 flights per week this winter that is all Encore and Swoop, much less mainline flying again.

[casper]

Originally Posted by Gordon

as far as WS to China, how much space is available in the china Canada Bi-lateral?

It would b nice to see West Jet try a South - east asia Asian route from YVR.

There is a good picture of YVR C & D piers including D62 on vancouver.ctvnews.ca

Usually those agreements are reciprocal. On the Canadian side there should be lots given how few flights Air Canada operates relative to the number of operated by the Chinese airlines. I though the limiting factor was AC could not secure airport slots at the times they wanted.

[Gordon]

According to the departing flights page KE to ICN is Departing from gate W5 Where is this gate?

[Denscity]

Hey Gordon I think you need to get a job on the tarmac at YVR you have so many questions about the operations but most questions get unanswered.

[Firebrand]

Which is the fastest growing route that terminates/leaves YVR?

[Johnny Aussie]

Originally Posted by Firebrand

Which is the fastest growing route that terminates/leaves YVR?

Even with Westjet’s short lived stint I’d say YVR-MEX would be the fastest growing route in terms of capacity addition in the last couple of years.

[Klazu]

Originally Posted by excel

The timing is perfect as I am moving to Calgary this October

I hope you are taking a shovel with you.

Just joking. Have a good time in Calgary!

[Gordon]

Remote Stand Operations

acording to YVR.ca The East apron remote Stands will include 3 wide body spots, using gates D56 & D57. The will also be 10 spots for transboarder flights. I wonder if once these Trand border remote stands are in operation we will see traffic graom gates 91-96 transferred to these gates?

Is there much chance that West Jet might try South east Asian routes out of yVR as opposed to China & japan?

[CloudInspector]

Originally Posted by Klazu

I hope you are taking a shovel with you.

Just joking. Have a good time in Calgary!

A shovel and sunscreen, and you’ll use both on the same day

[excel]

Originally Posted by CloudInspector

A shovel and sunscreen, and you’ll use both on the same day

Yup this isn't my first rodeo there. I lived in Calgary for 8 months about 3 years ago. That was enough for me but lo and behold I just end up back there. Actually Cochrane this time...

[casper]

Originally Posted by Gordon

Remote Stand Operations

acording to YVR.ca The East apron remote Stands will include 3 wide body spots, using gates D56 & D57. The will also be 10 spots for transboarder flights. I wonder if once these Trand border remote stands are in operation we will see traffic graom gates 91-96 transferred to these gates?

Is there much chance that West Jet might try South east Asian routes out of yVR as opposed to China & japan?

For WestJet, my guess is Europe in summer. What they probably want to fly to a major hub in Asia (e.g., Narita), connect with a partner and fill the business section with business travelers. They don't have a great record of doing that so far.

What WestJet does do well at is VFR. India is a VFR route. I don't think it would be their first choice, but it may actually work better for them than what is their first choice.