YVR Airport & Sea Island Developments Discussion

[trofirhen]

Originally Posted by Johnny Aussie

The term hub gets misused a lot. ........
I think the term focus city is used by American carriers mainly. Not sure if any Canadian carrier has used that term.

But Westjet at YVR meets the criteria more of a focus city than a hub. I agree too much rather have an AC hub than WS. YVR is too small to have two carriers hubbed there.

Westjet used to label YVR as a "focus city" on maps, so I guess it still is one. And yes, of course, in Canada only YYZ is big enough be a real 'HUB' for the two major national airlines.

[zahav]

I am not sure why everyone is doubting YVR being a hub for WS? It's not claiming to be the ATL for DL or DFW for AA, but that doesn't mean it still isn't a hub. Do people use it to connect to other destinations? Yes (a lot actually, I have friends who work for WS at YVR and there is a lot of connecting traffic). Does it have partnerships/codeshares on lots of other carriers? Yes, probably moreso than at YYC (due the large amount of codesharing it does with Asian airlines). Does it have a high level of mainline service vs. Encore? Yes, especially comparied to smaller centres. It also has a very developed transborder network, and this is used by inbound connections on WS and its partner airlines.

It definitely isn't colossal in size, but wondering why everyone is doubting it for no reason, despite the airline saying it? Who cares what the exact definition is (there isn't even one!), the fact that the airline itself considers it that way is the only thing that counts, and means a lot since they explicity said they want to focus on these "hubs" (using quotes since obviously people don't believe that word here)

[Johnny Aussie]

Originally Posted by zahav

I am not sure why everyone is doubting YVR being a hub for WS? It's not claiming to be the ATL for DL or DFW for AA, but that doesn't mean it still isn't a hub. Do people use it to connect to other destinations? Yes (a lot actually, I have friends who work for WS at YVR and there is a lot of connecting traffic). Does it have partnerships/codeshares on lots of other carriers? Yes, probably moreso than at YYC (due the large amount of codesharing it does with Asian airlines). Does it have a high level of mainline service vs. Encore? Yes, especially comparied to smaller centres. It also has a very developed transborder network, and this is used by inbound connections on WS and its partner airlines.

It definitely isn't colossal in size, but wondering why everyone is doubting it for no reason, despite the airline saying it? Who cares what the exact definition is (there isn't even one!), the fact that the airline itself considers it that way is the only thing that counts, and means a lot since they explicity said they want to focus on these "hubs" (using quotes since obviously people don't believe that word here)

Flair calls YEG its hub... Swoop calls YEG and YHM its hubs.

Are they hubs because the airlines call them hubs?

Hub is a misused term in Canada.

[SFUVancouver]

I flew through Vancouver this weekend on the way to the Island and was fortunate to have: (a) a window seat; (b) good weather; (c) a window that wasn't too scratched up; and (d) the wherewithal to have my phone handy to take some photos on final approach. Without further adieu:


Source: me
Date: 2019-07-27


Source: me
Date: 2019-07-27


Source: me
Date: 2019-07-27

I got a different perspective on the expansion on my return flight.


Source: me
Date: 2019-07-28

[Denscity]

Looking good SFU thanks for those!
Is all of the second pic building new or just the right half

[SFUVancouver]

Originally Posted by Denscity

Looking good SFU thanks for those!
Is all of the second pic building new or just the right half

Thanks. The right half, from the circular structure onward is all brand new, along with the connecting element with green insulation still visible at the top, just below the parapet. This link will help the new construction graft seamlessly with the existing international terminal armature once complete.

[Denscity]

Originally Posted by SFUVancouver

Thanks. The right half, from the circular structure onward is all brand new, along with the connecting element with green insulation still visible at the top, just below the parapet. This link will help the new construction graft seamlessly with the existing international terminal armature once complete.

Oh ok thank you. So is the circular building the original link building or a new one? And this is an expansion of the international D section? Sorry for the dumb questions im a big fan of YVR but dont get out there enough to know everything.

[SFUVancouver]

Originally Posted by Denscity

Oh ok thank you. So is the circular building the original link building or a new one? And this is an expansion of the international D section? Sorry for the dumb questions im a big fan of YVR but dont get out there enough to know everything.

Those aren't dumb questions at all; we're talking about the largest physical building in the province!

The circular building is new with this terminal expansion project. The Link building is further back as part of the core terminal structure. Yes, this building is an expansion of the international terminal (E D gates).

[Denscity]

Ha thanks for your understanding. Seeing this new expansion makes me want to buy an overseas ticket or at least get a job post security in one of the new shops or restaurants so i can check it all out!

[nname]

Originally Posted by SFUVancouver

Those aren't dumb questions at all; we're talking about the largest physical building in the province!

The circular building is new with this terminal expansion project. The Link building is further back as part of the core terminal structure. Yes, this building is an expansion of the international terminal (E gates).

I think you meant D gates? E gates are on the other side that's not visible in your photo.

The circular is where the "tree" (or whatever it's called) will be located.

Anyways, thanks for the photo!

======================================

In route news... Hong Kong Airlines will reduce YVR-HKG from daily down to 5x weekly in S20:

https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/air...irlines-s20-vancouver-frequency-changes/

I actually consider this is a good news because they completely pulled out of SFO by the end of this summer season... So they seems to be still committed to the YVR market despite their current downfall.

Also, seems like Interjet closed reservation for YVR-CUN after Oct 25 (every flight marked as "sold out"). This I also find interesting for closing just before the start of the peak season as the flight are usually quite full judging by my past observation on availability. YVR-MEX remains open and no change in flight time, which means the plane will stay in YVR from 04:30 to 21:30...

======================================

AC seems to change their flight schedule system so I don't know when they will be updated anymore. Before the schedule was only available up to 366 days from the time of update, now it is available till the end of S20 (Oct 24, 2020). Also, flights operating by Rouge and Express no longer returns operating days information, and I don't really think I should send query 7 times to see the op days for each flight (500 Rouge + 1800 Express = 2300 flights * 7 = 16100 queries!!)

[Johnny Aussie]

Originally Posted by nname

In route news... Hong Kong Airlines will reduce YVR-HKG from daily down to 5x weekly in S20:

https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/air...irlines-s20-vancouver-frequency-changes/

I actually consider this is a good news because they completely pulled out of SFO by the end of this summer season... So they seems to be still committed to the YVR market despite their current downfall.

Also, seems like Interjet closed reservation for YVR-CUN after Oct 25 (every flight marked as "sold out"). This I also find interesting for closing just before the start of the peak season as the flight are usually quite full judging by my past observation on availability. YVR-MEX remains open and no change in flight time, which means the plane will stay in YVR from 04:30 to 21:30...

These are two financially troubled airlines. TBH I don’t expect HK airlines to be around at all much longer so will see if there will be any frequencies at all by next summer.

Interjet also a disaster. Not surprised.

[SpongeG]

Authentic Italian Coffee Bar Experience Arrives at YVR with illy Caffè

July 25, 2019 · The YVR Blog team



illy Caffè is officially open for YVR passengers travelling out of the International terminal. Located near gate D65, this family owned coffee chain is known as a global leader in sustainable high-quality coffee, producing the unique illy 100% Arabica blend made out of nine of the world’s best selections of Arabica.

Around the world, more than seven million cups of illy coffee are served every day in over 140 countries in the finest cafés, restaurants, hotels and in offices and homes. Coffee is purchased directly from farmers and prepared by expertly-trained baristas. illy baristas are trained by the company’s renowned University of Coffee faculty. The training spans expert coffee preparation, from traditional espresso, latte and cappuccino, to brewed coffee and original specialty drinks.

...

http://www.yvr.ca/en/blog/2019/illy-caff...mL2AO_LxKHd6kUh82uSl4UDWulMnY21U6iDOSgSY

[trofirhen]

It's really exciting to see YVR growing into a major airport like this. Now all it needs are a few new major, key, destinations.
This is not intended as trolling, but I'd like to add my wish list for 11 (or so) more year-round destinations.
They would be, starting with transborder: Miami, Austin TX, maybe Philadelphia. /// Guadalajara, Panama City, Lima, Santiago, and São Paulo /// Asia Pacific: Singapore and Osaka
(if Osaka has enough yield, if not, Bangkok) //... & Istanbul. ... excuse me, but that new Pier D conjures up images of more foreign tails and destinations.
I want to see YVR become a 5-continent airport.

[nname]

Originally Posted by trofirhen

I want to see YVR become a 5-continent airport.

YVR is at a very bad location for a direct flight to Africa, so 4-continent is probably the most it will ever get.

I mean, even LAX doesn't have a direct non-stop to Africa yet...


=============================

AC had updated YVR-Hawaii for W19 season:

YVR-HNL - 4x weekly becoming daily mainline 763, effective late Oct to Apr 30, 2020
YVR-OGG - 3x weekly becoming daily mainline 763, effective late Oct to Apr 30, 2020
YVR-KOA - 4x weekly still scheduled with 7M8
YVR-LIH - Route suspended for the entire winter season

I guess AC had gave up on the 7M8 and remove them from schedule for 6 months in one go?


=============================

HU opens reservation for YVR-SZX through summer 2020, with flights move to late night arrival/departure from YVR starting Mar 31, 2020.

[WestCoastEcho]

Originally Posted by nname

YVR is at a very bad location for a direct flight to Africa, so 4-continent is probably the most it will ever get.

I mean, even LAX doesn't have a direct non-stop to Africa yet...


=============================

AC had updated YVR-Hawaii for W19 season:

YVR-HNL - 4x weekly becoming daily mainline 763, effective late Oct to Apr 30, 2020
YVR-OGG - 3x weekly becoming daily mainline 763, effective late Oct to Apr 30, 2020
YVR-KOA - 4x weekly still scheduled with 7M8
YVR-LIH - Route suspended for the entire winter season

I guess AC had gave up on the 7M8 and remove them from schedule for 6 months in one go?


=============================

HU opens reservation for YVR-SZX through summer 2020, with flights move to late night arrival/departure from YVR starting Mar 31, 2020.

I'm hearing AC is not expecting the 737 MAX to be back in service till next year. Considering that more issues are being flagged with the aircraft, and Boeing hasn't submitted its fixes to regulators for review, I suspect it will be well into the summer of 2020 before we start to see the 737 MAX back in the air.

[trofirhen]

Originally Posted by nname

YVR is at a very bad location for a direct flight to Africa, so 4-continent is probably the most it will ever get.

YVR is already a 4-continent airport if you include Australia. If it got flights to South America, it would be a 5-continent airport.

[Hourglass]

Impressive Q2 results at Air Canada: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/air-canada-reports-second-quarter-2019-results-830808883.html

Even more impressive when you consider the impact of the MAX groundings.

[moosejaw]

Originally Posted by nname

YVR is at a very bad location for a direct flight to Africa, so 4-continent is probably the most it will ever get.

I mean, even LAX doesn't have a direct non-stop to Africa yet...


=============================

AC had updated YVR-Hawaii for W19 season:

YVR-HNL - 4x weekly becoming daily mainline 763, effective late Oct to Apr 30, 2020
YVR-OGG - 3x weekly becoming daily mainline 763, effective late Oct to Apr 30, 2020
YVR-KOA - 4x weekly still scheduled with 7M8
YVR-LIH - Route suspended for the entire winter season

I guess AC had gave up on the 7M8 and remove them from schedule for 6 months in one go?


=============================

HU opens reservation for YVR-SZX through summer 2020, with flights move to late night arrival/departure from YVR starting Mar 31, 2020.

Africa is ginormous. I just got back from Capetown and the flight through Kenya to JFK took over 21 hrs! I cant believe how huge Africa is.

[canlynx]

Originally Posted by trofirhen

YVR is already a 4-continent airport if you include Australia. If it got flights to South America, it would be a 5-continent airport.

When people refer to 5-continent airports they’re referring to the continent they’re on plus 5 more. Vancouver is a 3 continent airport and could become 4 but is unlikely to be a 5-continent airport anytime soon.

[thenoflyzone]

Originally Posted by canlynx

When people refer to 5-continent airports they’re referring to the continent they’re on plus 5 more. Vancouver is a 3 continent airport and could become 4 but is unlikely to be a 5-continent airport anytime soon.

No. If that were the case there would be no 6-continent airports, which there are.

YVR has direct service to 4 continents. That includes North America. Kind of stupid to not count the continent in which YVR has the most non stop flights.