Calgary International Airport II

[Cage]

Originally Posted by hollywoodcory

Is there many other options for WS Link to serve in the US other than Montana/Washington/Idaho or North Dakota?

If the WS Link contract only includes the present Saab 340 equip; there aren't a whole lot of destinations from YVR and even fewer from YYC.

If Pasco can get its hands on some 50 seaters; say Trash 8-300 or ATR42s; then things could get interesting. The extra seats and cargo opens up possibilities.

[hollywoodcory]

WS rolled out its MAX changes until January 5 in its schedule update today.

Only real noteworthy for YYC I'm seeing:
HNL - Suspended until Dec. 29
OGG - 789 replaces some of the planned 7M8 flights in Dec. Shows now from 3 to 5x weekly.
LGW - 3 flights removed in December, likely to accommodate for extra OGG 787 flying

More updates:
https://blog.westjet.com/westjet-updates-to-max-schedule/

[YYCFlier]

Since another 789 arrives early 2020 I wonder if they plan on using that frame for YYC-HNL if the MAX doesn't come back till spring.

[Cage]

Originally Posted by YYCFlier

Since another 789 arrives early 2020 I wonder if they plan on using that frame for YYC-HNL if the MAX doesn't come back till spring.

WS return to service for the max is less than certain than AC. If the powers that be determine that max and NG cannot share the same type rating, or if there is additional simulator training required; then it could be 12-24 month return to service.

AC is in the position of having a 12-18 month return to service because they haven't conducted pilot training course since the max was grounded.

Finally, there is the issue of public trust on the max. UA has all ready said there will be an enduring waiver of change fees if the pax doesn't want to fly the max8 (e.g. finds out at the gate their airplane is a max). The max 8 will therefore only be flown on missions where taking another flight on different aircraft type is possible. TLR on UA you won't see max flying to 1 daily flight or places at the out of reach of a a regular 737NG.

[hollywoodcory]

Originally Posted by YYCFlier

Since another 789 arrives early 2020 I wonder if they plan on using that frame for YYC-HNL if the MAX doesn't come back till spring.

Maybe, but I wouldn't count on it. They added extra flying to Hawaii from YVR to also accommodate for Alberta suspensions.

[YYCFlier]

Originally Posted by Cage

. TLR on UA you won't see max flying to 1 daily flight or places at the out of reach of a a regular 737NG.

Kind of defeats one of the biggest economic drivers for the MAX - longer range and able to fly missions current aircraft can't, like YYC-Hawaii or YUL/YYZ to Europe. I think if AC and WS do end up offering this, they will re-route you to take a connection so the rest of us can get there directly. I don't need a stop in YVR to get to HNL but if you want to, be my guest.

[Cage]

Originally Posted by YYCFlier

Kind of defeats one of the biggest economic drivers for the MAX - longer range and able to fly missions current aircraft can't, like YYC-Hawaii or YUL/YYZ to Europe. I think if AC and WS do end up offering this, they will re-route you to take a connection so the rest of us can get there directly. I don't need a stop in YVR to get to HNL but if you want to, be my guest.

The biggest economic driver for the max was flying everyday NG missions with significantly less fuel burn.

The jury is still out on whether 737 type operations are profitable on TATL. NA to Hawaii is a minor operation in all airlines with the exception of WS. Even then in a couple of years when Dreamliners are >10 the Hawaii ops will be minor. Might even pull the max off Hawaii just to put excess Dreamliner capacity during northern winter schedule.

One thing is becoming clear, large scale TATL operations require some form of premium lie flat pod seat to be long term profitable.

[YYCFlier]

Originally Posted by Cage

Even then in a couple of years when Dreamliners are >10 the Hawaii ops will be minor. Might even pull the max off Hawaii just to put excess Dreamliner capacity during northern winter schedule.

Maybe. But even Air Canada prefers to run the 7M8 out of YVR and they have tons of widebodies. They'd prefer frequency and a higher array of airports and use their larger aircraft elsewhere. I can't see WS being any different.

[wave46]

Originally Posted by YYCFlier

Maybe. But even Air Canada prefers to run the 7M8 out of YVR and they have tons of widebodies. They'd prefer frequency and a higher array of airports and use their larger aircraft elsewhere. I can't see WS being any different.

The 7M8 is easier to fill in the face of competition as well. It is also easier to add a flight should demand warrant it.

If you're trying to fill a widebody by dumping seats cheaper than your competition, you're not making much money.

The MAX, like the A320neo, gains most of its fuel-efficiency savings at cruise, so using it on longer missions within its design brief does save the most money.

[hollywoodcory]

Following AC's schedule changes in YOW, YYC-NRT is now the last remaining long-haul mainline 763 route left for S20 (for now). Been wondering if they've been holding off making any decisions on this until they see what WS has planned.

Unless AC is delaying retirement of the 767s.

[YYCFlier]

Originally Posted by hollywoodcory

Following AC's schedule changes in YOW, YYC-NRT is now the last remaining long-haul mainline 763 route left for S20 (for now). Been wondering if they've been holding off making any decisions on this until they see what WS has planned.

My guess is it converts to 788 daily or 789 5x a week or something like that. ANA has tons of aircraft perfect for the mission but there's no JV like AC has with LH. I don't think WS will launch Asia this year but rather more Europe from YYZ with their new aircraft.

[hollywoodcory]

Originally Posted by YYCFlier

My guess is it converts to 788 daily or 789 5x a week or something like that. ANA has tons of aircraft perfect for the mission but there's no JV like AC has with LH. I don't think WS will launch Asia this year but rather more Europe from YYZ with their new aircraft.

I agree, WS will not fly to Asia for the time being, even if a few employees think its happening. The primary focus will remain Europe for now.

Presently all 788s are accounted for in S20, and I'm not seeing much slack with the 789s either. Of course further changes are likely. Someone on Airliners.net says AC is keeping several of its 767s in 2020, so maybe it will just stay a 763?

[Dominion301]

Originally Posted by hollywoodcory

I agree, WS will not fly to Asia for the time being, even if a few employees think its happening. The primary focus will remain Europe for now.

Presently all 788s are accounted for in S20, and I'm not seeing much slack with the 789s either. Of course further changes are likely. Someone on Airliners.net says AC is keeping several of its 767s in 2020, so maybe it will just stay a 763?

AC recently said that 5/6 mainline 763s will remain throughout 2020. YYZ-YYC-NRT would require 2 frames, leaving the other 3 to do domestic turns. I’d guess 1x each to YHZ, YEG & YVR and probably a 2nd YYC, all out of YYZ.

[thenoflyzone]

How long is the season for Edelweiss service?

This link says next year it's May to August only. Is that accurate? Find that to be pretty short.

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/lu...th-ottawa-as-new-addition-842104424.html

Lufthansa Group in Calgary
SWISS's subsidiary, Edelweiss, offers seasonal flights from Calgary to Zurich. The next timetable runs from May - August 2020.

[hollywoodcory]

Originally Posted by Dominion301

AC recently said that 5/6 mainline 763s will remain throughout 2020. YYZ-YYC-NRT would require 2 frames, leaving the other 3 to do domestic turns. I’d guess 1x each to YHZ, YEG & YVR and probably a 2nd YYC, all out of YYZ.

Wouldn't be too surprised to see AC keep YYC-NRT as its only 767 mainline long haul route. They don't seem interested in trying to compete with WS here.

Originally Posted by thenoflyzone

How long is the season for Edelweiss service?

This link says next year it's May to August only. Is that accurate? Find that to be pretty short.

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/lu...th-ottawa-as-new-addition-842104424.html

Seeing it scheduled from May 17 to September 14 in 2020, virtually the same as it was this year.

----

AM seasonal run to MEX ends on Monday, and they haven't loaded anything for next year yet. Seemed like it did pretty good, so I can see it coming back.

[Johnny Aussie]

Originally Posted by Dominion301

AC recently said that 5/6 mainline 763s will remain throughout 2020. YYZ-YYC-NRT would require 2 frames, leaving the other 3 to do domestic turns. I’d guess 1x each to YHZ, YEG & YVR and probably a 2nd YYC, all out of YYZ.

Have they changed their fleet plan? Published during their 2Q results (end of July), they are showing their 6 remaining 763s being phased out by the end of 2020 but doesn’t indicate exactly when in 2020. 1 will be gone by the end of this year. See page 21.

https://www.aircanada.com/content/dam/ai...en/quarterly-result/2019/2019_MDA_q2.pdf

With the Max grounding this may change but possibly to cover other flying. Jury is still out on next summer’s schedule.

[YYCFlier]

Originally Posted by Johnny Aussie

Have they changed their fleet plan? Published during their 2Q results (end of July), they are showing their 6 remaining 763s being phased out by the end of 2020 but doesn’t indicate exactly when in 2020. 1 will be gone by the end of this year. See page 21.

They are buying an additional 5 A330s, bringing their totals from 10 now to 15 in 2020. My guess is they will retire the 763s as they take these new frames.

They could use the A333 for NRT if they wanted, or it may free up a frame in the east out of YUL/YYZ to put a 788 on YYC-NRT.

[Tobuz]

Virgin Atlantic eyes YYC (and many others) ... maybe one day, when they get the Heathrow expansion they want:

https://thepointsguy.com/news/virgin-atlantic-unveils-plans-for-new-routes-including-in-the-us/

Virgin Atlantic is vowing to offer its passengers more choice with 84 new routes from London Heathrow. The new services would include 12 domestic, 37 European and 35 long-haul destinations out of its main hub airport, but it comes with a major caveat. The carrier says the new routes will be introduced by 2026 and would happen only “if the Government reforms the way new Heathrow slots are allocated to enable the creation of a second flag carrier at the airport”.

[hollywoodcory]

Originally Posted by Tobuz

Virgin Atlantic eyes YYC (and many others) ... maybe one day, when they get the Heathrow expansion they want:

https://thepointsguy.com/news/virgin-atlantic-unveils-plans-for-new-routes-including-in-the-us/

Was just reading yesterday that WestJet wants to build a joint venture with them as well. I even noticed the three Canadian destinations they mention are all WS hubs too.

https://www.skiesmag.com/news/discussing-the-future-of-aviation-in-canada/

[thenoflyzone]

Originally Posted by Tobuz

Virgin Atlantic eyes YYC (and many others) ... maybe one day, when they get the Heathrow expansion they want:

https://thepointsguy.com/news/virgin-atlantic-unveils-plans-for-new-routes-including-in-the-us/

Reading past the first sentence of that article is a waste of time. It's like reading one of Canada Jetline's press releases every month....