YVR Airport & Sea Island Developments Discussion

[trofirhen]

Originally Posted by Vanzunator

Today is YVR's annual public meeting for those of you who are interested to attend in person. The meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 13 in the East Concourse, Departures Level, International Terminal Building.

Did anyone attend? Were there any significant results? Thank you.

[Denscity]

Looks like there was a possible bomb scare aboard a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong to Vancouver. Plane escorted to YVR by 2 fighter jets.

[SpongeG]

^^^ yup

Fighter jets escort Cathay plane to Vancouver after bomb threat


A CF18 Hornet fighter jet intercepts a Cathay Pacific passenger plane headed for Vancouver on Saturday, May 15, 2010.
PATRICK BEATON/THE CANADIAN PRESS

VANCOUVER—Passengers on board a Hong Kong flight to Vancouver looking out over clear blue skies Saturday noticed something was wrong about an hour before landing when two fighter jets appeared and began shadowing their plane.

A bomb threat received by the RCMP two hours before the plane’s scheduled arrival led to a dramatic day at Vancouver’s airport with fighter jets launched to track the Cathay Pacific flight.

After the plane landed safely at the Vancouver International Airport, sniffer dogs went through the plane and luggage and found nothing suspicious.

Passengers on board Cathay Pacific CX 838 were kept in the dark about the whole incident.

“I saw fighter planes with us when we were 80 miles away from the airport,” said one passenger speaking to reporters after the 283 passengers and 14 crew members were released Saturday afternoon. “I was scared.” Another passenger said there was no announcement made about why fighter planes were escorting the 747 into the airport. Passengers were not allowed to retrieve their luggage but were told their items would be shipped out at a later date.

RCMP Corporal Sherrdean Turley said the local detachment learned about the threat on the plane shortly before 11 a.m. PST, about two and a half hours before the scheduled arrival of the plane.

The flight from Hong Kong to Vancouver is about 10 hours long.

Sniffer dogs found nothing after the plane landed on the airport tarmac.

“The threat is being taken very seriously,” said Cpl. Turley. “I’d like to assure the travelling public that there is no threat to them at this time.” The plane was towed to a secure area of the airport where investigators continued to search for anything suspicious.

The RCMP informed North American Aerospace Defence Command headquarters about the potential threat and the decision was made to scramble the two CF-18s, one Buffalo and one Cormorant out of Comox.

Major Holly Apostoliuk with NORAD in Winnipeg, the Canadian headquarters, said the fighter jets have the ability to respond with lethal force if required.

Emergency crews were put on standby and the RCMP and other officials were waiting at the tarmac and airport when CX838 arrived around 1:40 p.m. PST.

Vancouver airport spokeswoman Alisa Gloag said passengers were allowed to disembark and RCMP questioned passengers while the plane was towed to a separate area.

The airport remained opened and flights departed and arrived Saturday despite the threat.

“The airport and all the flights continued operations,” said Gloag.

Lieutenant-Commanded Gary Ross with NORAD in Colorado Springs, Colorado said that the two fighter jets returned to their home base in Comox on Vancouver Island after shadowing the plane for about two hours.

The jets did not land on the tarmac and returned to their base once the Cathay plane arrived at the airport without incident.

“The two CF-18 Hornets intercepted Cathay Pacific 838 this afternoon after intercepting a potential threat,” said Ross Saturday.

Ross said for security reasons NORAD is not releasing exactly when and where the fighter jets began shadowing the Cathay plane.

“We don’t like to disclose all of the timing of the events so people can’t put one and one together,” he said.

But he did confirm the jets were launched and were in the air within an hour or so before the scheduled 1:30 p.m. landing. The plane landed on schedule at Vancouver airport.

...

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/artic...lane-to-vancouver-after-bomb-threat?bn=1

[Yume-sama]

And somehow the Canadian media didn't interrupt all programming for 8 1/2 hours with stories about how we're all GOING TO DIE?!?!

And that's clearly not a 747 (the most recognizable plane ever), it's an Airbus A340 (which, aside from having wings, looks nothing like a 747). What shoddy reporting

[SpongeG]

video from a regular plane watcher

• Video Link

[Yume-sama]

One of the passengers has a blog Included are some nifty fighter jet out the window photos!
http://blog.brendalogy.net/

[trofirhen]

Speaking to a contact at YVR not long ago, he said that there are definitely planes afoot for B Pier, the one major pier - along with smaller A pier - that has undergone virtually no upgrade or capacity increase since the original terminal was built in 1968 (and stands out like a gangrenous leg).

Someone mentioned this a while back. Do you have any information on what might happen there?

[whatnext]

Who's leasing out the BCIT Aerospace building and why did they allow this gawdawful sign:

[SpongeG]

Firstar is a sports apparel company

http://firstarsports.com/

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

Firstar is a sports apparel company

http://firstarsports.com/

I was referring to the Sport BC logo! The Firstar one I could live with, but not the dayglo yellow mactac!

[red-paladin]

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2010PREM0118-000668

June 7, 2010

Office of the Premier / China Eastern Airlines

CHINA EASTERN TO FLY DAILY VANCOUVER-SHANGHAI

RICHMOND – China Eastern Airlines is expanding service to Vancouver to include permanent daily non-stop flights between Shanghai and Vancouver International Airport, announced Premier Gordon Campbell today.

Premier Campbell was joined by China Eastern Airlines general manager Margaret Meng, China Eastern sales manager Ben Lee and Vancouver Airport Authority president and CEO Larry Berg.

“The world was introduced to Vancouver during the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and today’s announcement builds on that unparalleled momentum,” said Premier Campbell. “I want to thank China Eastern Airlines for growing their business through YVR, and I hope they continue to choose British Columbia for future growth.”

“To meet current and future demands, China Eastern is increasing flights between Vancouver and Shanghai to daily non-stop service this summer and permanently on

November 1st,” said Meng. “Our Airbus 340-300 aircraft will service this route, providing safe, efficient and convenient service to our customers.”

According to YVR’s 2005 Economic Impact Study, one new daily international long-haul flight into YVR generates over 100 person-years of employment, over $5 million in wages, and over $8 million to Canada’s GDP annually.

The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games highlighted B.C. and Canada to the world, including over 850 million Chinese television viewers.

“During the Olympic Games, our government met with more than a half-dozen global air carriers, including China Eastern Airlines, to encourage growth through Canada’s Pacific Gateway,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond. “This increase to year-round daily flights will support job growth, tourism and new commerce in Vancouver and B.C.”

“China recently granted Canada approved destination status, which opens the door for more Chinese tour groups to travel to B.C. and Canada,” said Berg. “We are delighted that China Eastern has added additional capacity that will help us to attract this expanded tourist market.”

China Eastern Airlines account for nearly 50 per cent of Shanghai’s aviation market, operating flights to 151 cities, including connections to major cities across the globe such as Vancouver, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, London and Frankfurt. China Eastern has plans to extend its network by joining the SkyTeam global network of more than 13,133 daily flights covering 856 destinations in 169 countries.

China Eastern Airlines is a global partner and the exclusive air carrier for World Expo 2010 in Shanghai from May through October. During Expo, air travel volume is expected to increase by 40 per cent and 70 million visitors are expected, with two million overseas and six million domestic visitors travelling by air.


BACKGROUNDER
CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES

China Eastern Airlines Co., Ltd is one of three major carriers in China, headquartered in the most economically developed region and the fastest growing city in China, Shanghai.

In February 2010, China Eastern completed a major re-structuring, making the former Shanghai Airlines a fully owned subsidiary of China Eastern. With this consolidation, China Eastern is the nation’s second-largest carrier with a fleet of 331 aircraft, more than 60,000 employees and operating assets of over 150 billion RMB (22 billion USD).

Through the Shanghai hub, passengers can connect to most major cities in China and Asia within the same day. China Eastern passengers receive free connecting tickets to any of 40 major cities in China. For passengers unable to make a connecting flight the same day, China Eastern provides complimentary hotel accommodation.

From http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2010PREM0118-000668.htm

[Gordon]

This is good news for YVR. It would be nice destinations like Guangzhou and other so-called secondary citiesi n China as well other major Asian Destinations.


Has any one heard whether Yvr is going to upgrade pier B in the domestic terminal which looks old comapared to the rest of the facilities.

[Yume-sama]

The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games highlighted B.C. and Canada to the world, including over 850 million Chinese television viewers.

Reaaaaallllly. Well, I welcome our new(est) Chinese overlords.

[jsbertram]

Originally Posted by Gordon

This is good news for YVR. It would be nice destinations like Guangzhou and other so-called secondary citiesi n China as well other major Asian Destinations.


Has any one heard whether Yvr is going to upgrade pier B in the domestic terminal which looks old comapared to the rest of the facilities.

I heard just after the international terminal opened, that someone suggested taking those blueprints & flip them over to create a similar terminal building where the Utilities Building and the RCMP building are located. However, they soon realized the south runway was too close & there would be no room for a taxiway and gateway aprons.

[trofirhen]

Great news that we're getting China Eastern Airlines. Wouldn't it be great if Singapore returned, and maybe Thai Airways? (Although Bangkok is not too desirable a destination at the moment).

Oh, and if NOT Emirates, for all the political/economic resons ....... what about QATAR AIRWAYS? They have connections to Africa, too, but are not super-aggressive like EK. Also .... they have a 5-star rating as an airline. (Like to try them when my ship comes in ....)

You all know my penchant for a nonstop to Paris. I'd be happy if WESTJET took it on. Other than that, Copenhagen Airport is requesting a direct service to Vancouver, although I doubt SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES SYSTEM will take it on, seeing as they cut out Seattle - a very Scandinavian city. (Probably due to cost). Other than that, Rome, and that'll keep me happy where Europe is concerned.

What we have now to Europe now - three destinations - is almost embarassing for this up-and-coming "world class" city. Two or three more scheduled destinations to continental Europe, Paris first on the list, is all we need.

[trofirhen]

Originally Posted by Gordon

This is good news for YVR. It would be nice destinations like Guangzhou and other so-called secondary citiesi n China as well other major Asian Destinations.


Has any one heard whether Yvr is going to upgrade pier B in the domestic terminal which looks old comapared to the rest of the facilities.

Regarding Pier B (and possibly adjoining Pier A) a YVR Marketing contact recently told me there are definitely plans afoot for something there, but said it was too early to release any public information. Keep your eye on Pier B anyway. (it looks like a gangrenous leg, but I think that will change in a year or two)

[MalcolmTucker]

Canada doesn't currently have an Air Services Agreement with Qatar. Given they would likely want the same type of access as Emirates and Etihad have been lobbying for for the UAE, one would be very difficult to negotiate.

Kuwait signed an ASA with Canada in 2007 but neither countries carriers have decided to start a route.

[trofirhen]

Originally Posted by Sir.Humphrey.Appleby

Canada doesn't currently have an Air Services Agreement with Qatar. Given they would likely want the same type of access as Emirates and Etihad have been lobbying for for the UAE, one would be very difficult to negotiate.

Kuwait signed an ASA with Canada in 2007 but neither countries carriers have decided to start a route.

Even if they did start a route, it would be in and out of Toronto, anyway.

[teriyaki]

Originally Posted by whatnext

I was referring to the Sport BC logo! The Firstar one I could live with, but not the dayglo yellow mactac!

I definitely hope that this logo is only temporary. It looks like some cheap vinyl job.

[Vanzunator]

China Eastern new enhanced service is an increase from current 4 weekly service. The service will be on Airbus 340-300 aircraft as follow:

Shanghai Pu Dong – Vancouver (Increase from 4 weekly)
MU581 PVG 1330 – 0750 YVR 343 D
MU582 YVR 1320 – 1745+1 PVG 343 D

Originally Posted by red-paladin

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2010PREM0118-000668

June 7, 2010

Office of the Premier / China Eastern Airlines

CHINA EASTERN TO FLY DAILY VANCOUVER-SHANGHAI

RICHMOND – China Eastern Airlines is expanding service to Vancouver to include permanent daily non-stop flights between Shanghai and Vancouver International Airport, announced Premier Gordon Campbell today.

Premier Campbell was joined by China Eastern Airlines general manager Margaret Meng, China Eastern sales manager Ben Lee and Vancouver Airport Authority president and CEO Larry Berg.

“The world was introduced to Vancouver during the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and today’s announcement builds on that unparalleled momentum,” said Premier Campbell. “I want to thank China Eastern Airlines for growing their business through YVR, and I hope they continue to choose British Columbia for future growth.”

“To meet current and future demands, China Eastern is increasing flights between Vancouver and Shanghai to daily non-stop service this summer and permanently on

November 1st,” said Meng. “Our Airbus 340-300 aircraft will service this route, providing safe, efficient and convenient service to our customers.”

According to YVR’s 2005 Economic Impact Study, one new daily international long-haul flight into YVR generates over 100 person-years of employment, over $5 million in wages, and over $8 million to Canada’s GDP annually.

The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games highlighted B.C. and Canada to the world, including over 850 million Chinese television viewers.

“During the Olympic Games, our government met with more than a half-dozen global air carriers, including China Eastern Airlines, to encourage growth through Canada’s Pacific Gateway,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond. “This increase to year-round daily flights will support job growth, tourism and new commerce in Vancouver and B.C.”

“China recently granted Canada approved destination status, which opens the door for more Chinese tour groups to travel to B.C. and Canada,” said Berg. “We are delighted that China Eastern has added additional capacity that will help us to attract this expanded tourist market.”

China Eastern Airlines account for nearly 50 per cent of Shanghai’s aviation market, operating flights to 151 cities, including connections to major cities across the globe such as Vancouver, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, London and Frankfurt. China Eastern has plans to extend its network by joining the SkyTeam global network of more than 13,133 daily flights covering 856 destinations in 169 countries.

China Eastern Airlines is a global partner and the exclusive air carrier for World Expo 2010 in Shanghai from May through October. During Expo, air travel volume is expected to increase by 40 per cent and 70 million visitors are expected, with two million overseas and six million domestic visitors travelling by air.


BACKGROUNDER
CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES

China Eastern Airlines Co., Ltd is one of three major carriers in China, headquartered in the most economically developed region and the fastest growing city in China, Shanghai.

In February 2010, China Eastern completed a major re-structuring, making the former Shanghai Airlines a fully owned subsidiary of China Eastern. With this consolidation, China Eastern is the nation’s second-largest carrier with a fleet of 331 aircraft, more than 60,000 employees and operating assets of over 150 billion RMB (22 billion USD).

Through the Shanghai hub, passengers can connect to most major cities in China and Asia within the same day. China Eastern passengers receive free connecting tickets to any of 40 major cities in China. For passengers unable to make a connecting flight the same day, China Eastern provides complimentary hotel accommodation.

From http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2010PREM0118-000668.htm