Calgary International Airport II - Page 466

hollywoodcory · #**9301** Posted **Oct 14, 2020, 4:53 PM**

The new ITB opened almost exactly 4 years ago.

For domestic flights they are still only using Concourse B/C and gates 20-24 in A. Most of A is still closed off.

Also it was announced today Air Canada is re-opening it's Maple Leaf lounge on October 15.

craner · #**9302** Posted **Oct 14, 2020, 7:17 PM**

4 years ago ?!

Man time flies (pun not intended).

YYCFlier · #**9303** Posted **Oct 16, 2020, 2:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by N McCity

That will be a glorious day when that happens

The irony is - now they easily could do this with minimal disruption to fliers but they are probably trying desperately to preserve capital budget to sustain operations. The airports live off their AIFs, which means revenues are down likely 80-90% YoY. Sartor has been quoted as saying, at least in March, that it would be cheaper to close YYC than operate it. It's probably not so dire now but they are still bleeding cash I'm betting. You can reduce operating expense but you still need to meet regulatory obligations which means there's a floor. Increasing fees isn't going to help; it will only further depress demand.

hollywoodcory · #**9304** Posted **Oct 17, 2020, 4:58 PM**

WestJet is increasing PHX, PSP, CUN, SJD and PVR in November. Load factors have been good on southbound flights.

PHX goes 4x weekly
PSP goes 4x weekly with double flights on Thu / Sun
CUN goes 3x weekly (2 flights on Sat)
PVR goes 3x weekly (2 flights on Sat)
SJD goes 2x weekly (2 flights on Sat)

As mentioned previously LGW was cut for November.

YYCguys · #**9305** Posted **Oct 18, 2020, 3:10 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by hollywoodcory

WestJet is increasing PHX, PSP, CUN, SJD and PVR in November. Load factors have been good on southbound flights.

PHX goes 4x weekly
PSP goes 4x weekly with double flights on Thu / Sun
CUN goes 3x weekly (2 flights on Sat)
PVR goes 3x weekly (2 flights on Sat)
SJD goes 2x weekly (2 flights on Sat)

As mentioned previously LGW was cut for November.

Did I read correctly somewhere that YYC-YYZ Dreamliner service was going back to daily in November or do I need my eyes tested? Is this because there are extra frames not being used because of the suspended YYC-LGW route?

hollywoodcory · #**9306** Posted **Oct 18, 2020, 4:02 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by YYCguys

Did I read correctly somewhere that YYC-YYZ Dreamliner service was going back to daily in November or do I need my eyes tested? Is this because there are extra frames not being used because of the suspended YYC-LGW route?

Yeah, that is correct. YYC-YYZ 787 service increases to daily in November. Keeps the frames and crews moving.

I didn't mention it in my previous post, but LAX is also still operating in November 3x weekly.

Rollerstud98 · #**9307** Posted **Oct 18, 2020, 9:50 PM**

Just had an Antonov fly over my house on its way to YYC. Just the small one but still cool to go and check out.

hehehe · #**9308** Posted **Oct 20, 2020, 10:58 PM**

http://westjet.mediaroom.com/2020-10-20-...-to-make-special-announcement-in-Calgary

It says it will be on the week of October 26... any ideas what they will say?

MalcolmTucker · #**9309** Posted **Oct 20, 2020, 11:00 PM**

New lounge opening? https://blog.westjet.com/flagship-lounge/

hollywoodcory · #**9310** Posted **Oct 20, 2020, 11:57 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalcolmTucker

New lounge opening? https://blog.westjet.com/flagship-lounge/

WS CEO Ed Sims posted an image a few days back of a "almost" complete lounge and that details were coming soon.

Opening was probably delayed due to the Pandemic.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/edwardsim...g-foot-activity-6722949475188383744-ptWj

zahav · #**9311** Posted **Oct 21, 2020, 5:49 AM**

I saw the press release and wasn't sure what they were getting at, but a lounge announcement makes sense since they mentioned it being about "premium" passengers. Maybe a new route announcement too?

YYCguys · #**9312** Posted **Oct 21, 2020, 12:20 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by zahav

....Maybe a new route announcement too?

I highly doubt that since some routes have been cancelled/suspended in recent months.

hollywoodcory · #**9313** Posted **Oct 21, 2020, 3:06 PM**

They technically already have new routes "planned" (FCO & YDQ). Jury is still out if those routes will fly.

The timing of this announcement does lineup with the one last year when they announced FCO, but this is probably just about the lounge.

YYCFlier · #**9314** Posted **Oct 21, 2020, 6:07 PM**

I'm hoping this also times with changes to the FF program to allow for booking premium and business class seats. The timing works, as Aeroplan's Nov. 8th date is looming and they need a competitive response.

tuffyy · #**9315** Posted **Oct 22, 2020, 10:01 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by hollywoodcory

They technically already have new routes "planned" (FCO & YDQ). Jury is still out if those routes will fly.

The timing of this announcement does lineup with the one last year when they announced FCO, but this is probably just about the lounge.

Considering routes like LGW are literally empty according to a good friend who works as a FA for the airline that's just not going to happen. Cargo is one thing but WS has literally a limited bunch of options. Maybe the lounge will open but I'm far from optimistic about a increase in routes let alone a new route when no one is flying.

hollywoodcory · #**9316** Posted **Oct 22, 2020, 2:54 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffyy

Considering routes like LGW are literally empty according to a good friend who works as a FA for the airline that's just not going to happen. Cargo is one thing but WS has literally a limited bunch of options. Maybe the lounge will open but I'm far from optimistic about a increase in routes let alone a new route when no one is flying.

That's kind of what I meant. The wording in the media advisory is clear it isn't a route announcement. Why announce a new route if you can't fly the ones you already announced.

Based on the post of the "almost" completed lounge by Ed Sims on Linkedin, its safe to assume they will unveil / announce an opening date for the lounge and possibly as YYCFlier an update to their FF program.

yyc_engineer · #**9317** Posted **Oct 22, 2020, 4:28 PM**

Looks like YYC will be the first airport to trial COVID rapid testing to replace the current 14 day mandatory quarantine for International arrivals.
https://calgaryherald.com/news/national/...wcm/78e2b578-59b4-4913-9655-2bc10609eb22

Edit: Here is the link to the full briefing: New COVID-19 pilot planned for international travellers. Seems like a pragmatic and practical solution - good news for YYC.

hollywoodcory · #**9318** Posted **Oct 22, 2020, 8:54 PM**

This is a huge step forward towards a recovery of international travel and helps the aviation industry.

I wonder if this could push Air Canada to resume some non-domestic routes now. I doubt FRA/LHR are on the horizon, but maybe to PHX/Mexico?

hollywoodcory · #**9319** Posted **Oct 23, 2020, 12:12 AM**

YYC September Stats:

Domestic: 310,617 (-71%) YTD: 3,533,586 (-63.18%)
Transborder: 9,414 (-96.8%) YTD: 751,809 (-71.91%)
International: 6,086 (-95.8%) YTD: 475,871 (68.25%)
September Total: 326,117 -78.7%

2020 YTD: 4,761,266 -65.43%

Despite a reduction in Transborder/International flights numbers still grew compared to August.

YYCFlier · #**9320** Posted **Oct 25, 2020, 9:38 PM**

@hollywoodCory -

Any ideas when AS will resume service? Thinking of HI this winter but it would seem that in order to make it work I need to go through a US Gateway. Easy testing in SEA and guaranteed international arrival back in YYC.