Provided by Transportation Safety Board of Canada/CNW
DORVAL, QC, July 10, 2019 /CNW/ – In its investigation report (A18Q0069) released today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) found that short staffing and a deviation from standard procedures by air traffic controllers led to a May 2018 loss of separation between an Air Transat Airbus A310 and a Cessna 421 light twin-engine aircraft near the Montreal/Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.
On 16 May 2018, both aircraft were inbound to land at the Montreal/Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. The Airbus was coming from the west and was to fly north of the airport and land on Runway 24R, while the Cessna was inbound from the northeast and was to land on Runway 24L. A loss of separation between the two aircraft occurred when both aircraft were approximately 18 nautical miles northeast of the airport. At the closest point, the two aircraft came within 500 feet vertically and 1.7 nautical miles laterally of each other. Normally the aircraft should be separated by at least 1000 feet vertically or 3 nautical miles laterally.
Although seven controllers and a shift supervisor would have normally been scheduled to work that evening, absences and illness reduced that number to three controllers and a supervisor. As a result, six sectors of airspace normally divided among the controllers needed to be combined and controlled by just three—which in turn increased each of their areas of responsibility, as well as their workload and its complexity.
The TSB’s investigation also found that, with the Cessna approaching from a sector to the northeast, control responsibility for it was not transferred to the next sector according to standard procedure. As a result, a controller-in-training responsible for the receiving sector, was not initially aware of the presence or intentions of the Cessna until it entered his airspace, and as a result did not have an opportunity to develop a plan to deal with the converging traffic. Also during this time, the instructor, who was both the shift supervisor and responsible for the trainee, was distracted by other tasks and wasn’t able to accurately monitor the developing situation.
Shortly thereafter, the controller-in-training noticed the Cessna on the display and the required separation was re-established. Both aircraft then landed without incident.
The Board is not aware of any safety action taken following this investigation.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.
Flair Airlines announced its 2019/2020 winter schedule with low fare service out of seven Canadian gateways; Abbotsford, Vancouver, Kelowna, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg and Toronto’s Pearson International.
Jim Scott, Flair’s CEO commented, “As Canada’s only independent low fare airline, our new winter schedule will bring more and more Canadians together right across the country. With over a million passengers flown in the last year, we are quietly building a very loyal group of ‘Flair Flyers’.”
Commencing on October 27th the new winter schedule sees a continuation of Flair’s recently introduced and highly competitive daily non-stop services from Toronto (YYZ) to both Vancouver (YVR) and Calgary (YYC). At its winter peak, Flair will operate some 146 flights per week utilizing its fleet which includes both Boeing 737-800s and 737-400s.
Flair’s 2019/2020 winter schedule from Oct. 27, 2019 – Mar. 27, 2020 features:
From Edmonton
Weekly Departures
Days
to Kelowna
4
Sun, Mon, Thu, Fri
to Vancouver
10
Daily
to Abbotsford
5
Sun, Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat
to Toronto (Pearson)
7
Daily
From Toronto (Pearson)
Weekly Departures
Days
to Edmonton
7
Daily
to Vancouver
7
Daily
to Winnipeg
4
Sun, Mon, Thu, Fri
to Calgary
7
Daily
From Calgary
Weekly Departures
Days
to Vancouver
7
Daily
to Winnipeg
4
Sun, Mon, Thu, Fri
to Abbotsford
7
Daily
to Toronto (Pearson)
7
Daily
From Vancouver
Weekly Departures
Days
to Edmonton
10
Daily
to Calgary
7
Daily
to Toronto (Pearson)
7
Daily
From Abbotsford
Weekly Departures
Days
to Edmonton
5
Sun, Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat
to Calgary
7
Daily
From Winnipeg
Weekly Departures
Days
to Calgary
4
Sun, Mon, Thu, Fri
to Toronto (Pearson)
4
Sun, Mon, Thu, Fri
From Kelowna
Weekly Departures
Days
to Edmonton
4
Sun, Mon, Thu, Fri
Note: additional frequencies will be available during the holiday season.
Airline welcomes new route to San Diego from Edmonton and Abbotsford
CALGARY, July 2, 2019 /CNW/ – Today Swoop announced service to San Diego, Calif. from Edmonton, Alta. and Abbotsford, B.C. beginning October 4, 2019. This announcement comes one week after the release of Swoop’s 2019 winter schedule which offers non-stop flights in 39 markets that are available for booking now through April 25, 2020.
As a complement to the published winter schedule, Swoop has added three-times weekly service between EdmontonInternational Airport (YEG) and three-times weekly service between Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) and San Diego International Airport (SAN). The non-stop San Diego routes are offered every Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
“San Diego is an excellent addition to our winter line-up with a schedule that encourages weekend excursions by air,” said Karen McIsaac, Sr. Advisor of Communications at Swoop. “With some of the best beaches in California and plenty of attractions, San Diego is another example of how Swoop is bringing desirable locations at an affordable price within reach of Canadians.”
San Diego joins Los Cabos, Mexico as one of two new destinations in Swoop’s 2019 winter schedule which offers 28 winter getaway routes to fun and sun destinations.
“Our passengers and community are thrilled with a non-stop flight to San Diego,” said Tom Ruth, President and CEO, Edmonton International Airport. This represents another key Swoop investment in the Edmonton Metro Region, following the announcement last week of more flights to other sun destinations this winter. San Diego is a great, in-demand, destination and we look forward to this flight taking off in the fall.”
“On behalf of the City of Abbotsford I’d like to congratulate Swoop Airlines on their expanded service to San Diego this winter,” said Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun. “YXX continues to service travellers across the region and I’m very pleased to see how Swoop will support the growth and expansion of Abbotsford International Airport and make air travel more accessible.”
“San Diego International Airport is thrilled to welcome Swoop to the best gateway in Southern California,” said Kimberly J. Becker, San Diego International Airport’s President/CEO. “The closest airport to downtown by far, Swoop passengers will be quickly on their way to the numerous San Diego attractions including beaches, nightlife, spas, parks and museums. It will also encourage San Diegans to visit the amazing cities of Edmonton and Abbotsford that bookend the beautiful Canadian Rockies.”
Swoop will be accepting the delivery of three more aircraft in 2019, bringing its fleet total to 10 Boeing 737-NG 800s by the end of the year.
Flights are now available for booking through April 25, 2020.
Details of Swoop’s new service
Service Between (Starts October 4, 2019)
Service Offered
Weekly Frequency
Air Transportation Charges (ATC) base fare from
Taxes, Fees and Charges
Total One-Way Price From *
Edmonton and San Diego
Thursday, Friday & Sunday
3x weekly
$65.58
$93.42
$159CAD
Abbotsford and San Diego
Thursday, Friday & Sunday
3x weekly
$95.58
$63.42
$159CAD
*
Every day low fares. Lower promotional fares may be available during select travel periods.
Airline brings more sun flying to Canadians this winter, adds three aircraft to its fleet
AppleMark
CALGARY, June 25, 2019 /CNW/ – Today Swoop released its 2019 winter schedule with non-stop flights available for booking from June 25, 2019 through April 25, 2020. The schedule boasts 28 winter getaway routes, including the enticing new destination of Los Cabos, Mexico.
As part of the winter schedule, Swoop announced three-times weekly service between Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and twice-weekly service between Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG) and Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). The Los Cabos routes start November 2, 2019 and November 17, 2019, respectively.
“The 2019 winter schedule adds Las Cabos and expands service at existing domestic locations,” said Steven Greenway, President of Swoop. “This past year we’ve learned that our network is solid and now we’re tweaking it using our next three planned aircraft deliveries. Our travellers have been asking for more sun-service and we have responded by adding routes from Winnipeg, Edmonton and London, Ont.”
Swoop’s service in Winnipeg will increase from 16 to 26 weekly flights at the height of the winter schedule, 14 of which will serve transborder and international destinations. Winnipeg will enjoy new service toPuerto Vallarta and Los Cabos, Mexico; Las Vegas, Nevada; Mesa, Arizona; and Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa Bay, Florida.
Edmonton will add service to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Los Cabos and Cancun, Mexico.
New sun-service from London, Ontario includes Cancun, Mexico; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Orlando, Florida.
Swoop has maintained its growth plan and will be accepting the delivery of three more aircraft by the end of 2019, bringing its fleet total to 10 Boeing 737-NG 800s.
Flights are now available for booking through to April 25, 2020.
Details of Swoop’s winter schedule
Domestic Markets
Service Starts
Service Offered
Weekly Frequency
Air Transportation Charges (ATC) base fare from
Taxes, Fees and Charges
Total One- Way Price From *
Abbotsford and London
June 25
Daily except Saturday
6x
$87.17
$11.83
$99CAD
Abbotsford and Winnipeg
June 25
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
3x
$115.73
$13.26
$129CAD
Edmonton and Abbotsford
June 25
Daily
16x
$19.07
$39.93
$59CAD
Edmonton and Winnipeg
June 25
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
3x
$19.07
$39.93
$59CAD
Edmonton and Hamilton
June 25
Daily except Saturday
6x
$76.21
$42.79
$119CAD
Edmonton and London
June 25
Daily except Saturday
6x
$57.17
$41.83
$99CAD
Hamilton and Abbotsford
June 25
Daily except Saturday
6x
$108.59
$50.41
$159CAD
Hamilton and Winnipeg
June 25
Daily except Thursday
6x
$46.64
$42.36
$89CAD
Hamilton and Halifax
June 25
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday
4x
$55.49
$43.51
$99CAD
Transborder Markets
Service Starts
Service Offered
Weekly Frequency
Air Transportation Charges (ATC) base fare from
Taxes, Fees and Charges
Total One- Way Price From *
Abbotsford and Las Vegas
June 25
Thursday & Sunday
2x
$38.44
$60.56
$99CAD
Kelowna and Las Vegas
June 25
Thursday & Sunday
2x
$18.44
$80.56
$99CAD
Edmonton and Las Vegas
June 25
Daily
7x
$27.49
$91.51
$119CAD
Edmonton and Orlando
June 25
Monday & Friday
2x
$65.58
$93.41
$159CAD
Edmonton and Mesa
June 25
Wednesday & Sunday
2x
$85.00
$94.39
$179.39CAD
Winnipeg and Las Vegas
November 15
Monday & Friday
2x
$51.53
$87.47
$139CAD
Winnipeg and Orlando
November 15
Tuesday & Friday
2x
$51.53
$87.47
$139CAD
Winnipeg and Fort Lauderdale
November 16
Monday & Saturday
2x
$70.58
$88.42
$159CAD
Winnipeg and Tampa Bay
November 17
Thursday & Sunday
2x
$51.53
$87.47
$139CAD
Winnipeg and Mesa
December 15
Thursday & Sunday
2x
$89.63
$89.37
$179CAD
London and Las Vegas
October 3
Thursday & Sunday
2x
$69.00
$70.00
$139CAD
London and Orlando
October 26
Wednesday & Saturday
2x
$69.00
$70.00
$139CAD
Hamilton and Las Vegas
June 25
Monday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday
4x
$68.68
$90.32
$159CAD
Hamilton and Orlando
June 25
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday
4x
$30.58
$88.42
$119CAD
Hamilton and Tampa Bay
June 25
Monday, Wednesday & Sunday
3x
$30.58
$88.42
$119CAD
Hamilton and Fort Lauderdale
June 25
Monday, Friday & Saturday
3x
$30.58
$88.41
$119CAD
International Markets
Service Starts
Service Offered
Weekly Frequency
Air Transportation Charges (ATC) base fare from
Taxes, Fees and Charges
Total One- Way Price From *
Abbotsford and Mazatlán
June 25
Wednesday & Friday
2x
$95.27
$63.91
$159.18CAD
Abbotsford and Puerto Vallarta
June 25
Monday & Saturday
2x
$135.27
$63.91
$199.18CAD
Edmonton and Los Cabos
November 2
Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
3x
$83.59
$95.41
$179CAD
Edmonton and Puerto Vallarta
October 19
Monday & Saturday
2x
$83.59
$95.41
$179CAD
Edmonton and Cancun
October 24
Thursday & Saturday
2x
$83.59
$95.41
$179CAD
Edmonton and Mazatlán
November 2
Wednesday & Saturday
2x
$83.59
$95.41
$179CAD
Winnipeg and Los Cabos
November 17
Wednesday & Sunday
2x
$108.84
$90.16
$199CAD
Winnipeg and Puerto Vallarta
November 27
Tuesday
2x
$88.84
$90.16
$179CAD
London and Cancun
October 24
Thursday & Saturday
2x
$107.18
$71.82
$179CAD
Hamilton and Puerto Vallarta
June 25
Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
3x
$87.02
$92.16
$179.18CAD
Hamilton and Cancun
June 25
Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
3x
$47.02
$92.16
$139.18CAD
Hamilton and Montego Bay
June 25
Wednesday & Saturday
2x
$37.63
$111.36
$149CAD
*Every day low fares. Lower promotional fares may be available during select travel periods.
“Our growing partnership with Swoop is creating more options for Winnipeg travellers while giving new visitors the opportunity to come explore our great city,” said Barry Rempel, President and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority. “These new non-stop direct routes enhance Winnipeg’s network for the benefit of our community.”
“We want to thank Swoop for increasing its service to the Edmonton Metro Region and helping bring those warm, sunny destinations a little closer,” said Tom Ruth, President and CEO Edmonton International Airport. “Our market is always looking for new ways to explore the world.”
“We’re excited to offer passengers non-stop ultra-low-cost flights to Cancun, Las Vegas and Orlando from London” says Michael Seabrook, CEO at London International Airport. “These added flights are further indications of Swoop’s success in London. With the combination of great flight dates and ultra-low-cost fares, we hope travellers in Southwestern Ontario make the most of these new flights this winter!”
Additional Quotes
“We are thrilled to see routes to Winnipeg and Las Vegas launch this year with Swoop,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director, Kelowna International Airport. “We’ve heard from the community that they want more non-stop destinations from Kelowna and working with Swoop is just one way we are making this happen.”
“Abbotsford is home to YXX, one of Canada’s fastest growing airports. I’m pleased to see that this winter, YXX will see Swoop bring back a suite of international flights to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Las Vegas and extend their domestic service to include London, Ontario and Winnipeg through the winter season,” said Henry Braun, Mayor of Abbotsford. “YXX and Swoop provide a significant regional benefit, offering travellers safe and accessible air travel options from the hub of the Fraser Valley.”
“To complement Swoop’s year-round services from Hamilton International to various destinations in Canada, the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean, we are excited to welcome back the seasonal destinations of Tampa Bay and Puerto Vallarta this winter,” said Cathie Puckering, President and CEO, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. “Swoop’s affordable travel options to its growing list of southbound destinations will allow Canadians to escape the cold winter months ahead and travel more often from Hamilton – Swoop’s Eastern Canadian base.”
The Blue Angels drew massive crowds during 2018’s air show. John Morrow/Abbotsford News
Tyler Olsen, The Abbotsford News – 22 June 1019
Out-of-town airshow spectators spend more than $4 million in the city each year
The Abbotsford International Airshow brings millions of tourist dollars to the Fraser Valley every year, according to a study conducted by University of the Fraser Valley students.
With more than 85 per cent of air show attendees coming from beyond Abbotsford’s borders, tens of thousands of non-locals spend more than $4 million in the city each year, according to the study, which was presented to council last week.
Local gas stations, restaurants, hotels and shops all reap the rewards, with more than $600,000 spent in each sector. But more could be done to boost visitors’ spending while they are in Abbotsford, according to the authors of the study, which was conducted under the guidance of professor David Dobson.
The authors suggest organizers should target more families, partner with local eateries, and advertise other Abbotsford attractions to convince visitors to do more in the region beyond just attending the air show.
Seventy per cent of air show visitors were male, and four of five were older than 35, according to the study.
“We all love the airs how and it’s great to have these numbers to back up those qualitative impressions that we all have,” Coun. Sandy Blue said. “Airports are internationally recognized as key economic drivers of cities, but it’s what we do with them that makes the difference.”
Airport board member Vali Marling told council that the air show will look at ways to help boost community spending in the future.
“Those are things we have added to our to-do list
Air show organizers also say they are adjusting their plans to try to avoid last year’s traffic jam prior to and during the Friday show.
Last year’s show drew one of the largest crowds in decades thanks to the appearance of the United States Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron. But the Friday evening show saw many stuck in traffic, and the highway was severely congested not only by the air show audience, but by Metro Vancouver residents hitting the highway for the weekend.
To try to avoid that situation, airport president Jim Reith said this year’s star attraction, the US Air Force Thunderbirds, won’t be performing during the Friday twilight show.
“We have a different traffic plan,” Reith told council.
He said organizers are also hoping to encourage many people to carpool or take park-and-ride options. The widening of Mt. Lehman road is also expected to help.
Travellers’ stories tell the difference ultra-low-cost travel has made in their lives
Swoop Stories | 1 year, 1 million travellers flown and countless memories made
CALGARY, June 20, 2019 /CNW/ – Today marks a year of ultra-low-cost flying for Swoop and its travellers. Since June 20, 2018, the ultra-low-cost airline grew from five to sixteen destinations, spanning four countries including the U.S., Jamaicaand Mexico. As part of its 2019 summer schedule, the airline also recently expanded its domestic network to include London, ON and Kelowna, BC.
“With 365 days of flying and over one million travellers flown, we are proud to be Canada’s preferred ultra-low-cost airline, enabling dreams, reunions and providing the pleasure of ultra-low-cost travel to both new and repeat travellers,” said Steven Greenway, President of Swoop. “Our travellers’ stories speak for themselves and we have so many reasons to be thankful for their trust and support. We can’t wait to see what year two brings.”
As part of the birthday celebration, Swoop today also released a video that features stories from Swoop travellers sharing the opportunities that ultra-low-cost travel has made possible this past year. See the difference Swoop is making here.
Since its first flight, Swoop has welcomed more than one million travellers onboard, proving that Canadians were waiting for a more affordable air travel option and that Swoop’s value proposition has resonated with its travellers.†
89 per cent of surveyed Swoop travellers have already recommended Swoop to a friend or colleague.
94 per cent of surveyed travellers like Swoop’s unbundled service model.
90 per cent of surveyed travellers felt their Swoop travel experience provided good value.
92 per cent of surveyed travellers said Swoop met or exceeded expectations.
†Based on a 2019 survey of 23,830 Swoop travellers.
To celebrate and thank travellers for their support, the airline is offering a web-only birthday sale.
Route
Air transportation charges base fare
Taxes, fees and charges
Number of seats
Total one-way price from
London (YXU) – Halifax (YHZ)
$38.09
$20.91
200
$59 †CAD
Abbotsford (YXX) – London (YXU)
$49.07
$9.93
200
$59 †CAD
Winnipeg (YWG) – Abbotsford (YXX)
$43.11
$35.89
200
$79 †CAD
Hamilton (YHM) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
$11.54
$87.46
200
$99 †CAD
Hamilton (YHM) – Orlando (MCO)
$11.54
$87.46
200
$99 †CAD
Hamilton (YHM) – Montego Bay (MBJ)
$37.63
$111.37
200
$149 †CAD
Edmonton (YEG) – London (YXU)
$19.07
$39.93
200
$59 †CAD
Kelowna (YLW) – Winnipeg (YWG)
$48.12
$30.88
200
$79 †CAD
†Book by June 24, 2019 (11:59 p.m. MDT) for travel between September 4, 2019 – October 27, 2019. 1600 seats available. Some blackout dates and restrictions apply. For more details, please visit FlySwoop.com/deals.
To learn more about Swoop’s destinations, schedule and ultra-low-cost model visit FlySwoop.com or connect with Swoop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Coast-to-coast celebrations include welcoming Kelowna to the Swoop network
CALGARY, May 24, 2019 /CNW/ – Today Swoop celebrates three inaugural routes as part of its 2019 summer schedule. The routes include service from London, ON to both Abbotsford and Halifax, as well as service between Winnipeg and Kelowna.
The day-long inaugural celebrations begin at Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ) where Swoop President, Steven Greenway will send-off the 10:20a.m. flight to London International Airport (YXU). Travellers at participating airports can take part in a gate celebration that includes refreshments, sweet treats, gifts and more.
“Not only does today highlight three new routes, but it is also the induction of Kelowna into our network,” said Steven Greenway, President of Swoop. “We are welcoming many first-time Swoop travellers this month and are encouraged by research showing that more than 94% of those who try us would fly Swoop again.”†
†Based on a 2019 Swoop survey of 23,830 participants.
The inaugural-filled day concludes with a 9:46p.m. EST arrival at London International Airport (YXU) from Abbotsford International Airport (YXX).
Details of the May 24, 2019 inaugural flights
Flight Number
Service between
Departure (local time)
Arrival (local time)
WO 315
Halifax to London, ON
10:20a.m.
11:40a.m.
WO 316
London, ON to Halifax
12:25p.m.
3:23p.m.
WO 415
Winnipeg to Kelowna
11:17a.m.
11:48a.m.
WO 416
Kelowna to Winnipeg
12:40p.m.
4:57p.m.
WO 223
London, ON to Abbotsford
12:10p.m.
1:52p.m.
WO212
Abbotsford to London, ON
2:45p.m.
9:46p.m.
To round-out the summer schedule, Swoop looks forward to celebrating two more routes between Edmonton and Orlando on June 1, 2019 and between Kelowna and Las Vegas on June 27, 2019.
“We’re delighted to welcome another destination at Halifax Stanfield with Swoop service to London, Ontario,” said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority. “We know that offering more choice and price points provides more reasons for passengers to travel to, from and through Halifax Stanfield, whether it’s for business or leisure. We appreciate Swoop’s confidence in our market through the addition of this new destination for us in Southern Ontario.”
“Swoop now offers three great options with ultra-low fares from London International, allowing passengers from Southwestern Ontario to reach cities across Canada,” says Michael Seabrook, President and CEO of London International. “Today’s additions of non-stop service to Halifax and Abbotsford (Vancouver) expands options, combining low-cost and easy, comfortable travel.”
“We serve our community by connecting our region to the world, and our collaboration with Swoop helps us continue building Winnipeg’s network,” said Barry Rempel, President and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority. “We are committed to increasing travel options for our community to discover great destinations like Kelowna. This also gives more travellers an opportunity to discover all our city and province have to offer.”
“We are proud to welcome a new ultra-low-cost carrier to YLW,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. “Having Swoop in Kelowna is a great opportunity for the Okanagan, as it gives travellers more options to fly, and explore other parts of Canada this summer.”
“The City of Abbotsford is pleased to congratulate Swoop on yet another new flight option from Abbotsford International Airport,” said Abbotsford Mayor, Henry Braun. “This new daily service to London, Ontario is great news for travellers from across our region. I look forward to seeing Swoop continue to expand their flight options at YXX.”
Flights are now available for booking through to October 26, 2019.
Details of Swoop’s May 24 inaugural service
Service Between
Service Offered
Weekly Frequency
Air transportation charges (ATC)base fare from
Taxes, fees and charges
Total One- Way Price From*
Winnipeg and Kelowna
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
3 x weekly
$81.21
$37.79
$119CAD
London, ON and Abbotsford
Daily
7 x weekly
$100.04
$28.96
$129CAD
London, ON and Halifax
Daily, except Saturday
6 x weekly
$91.19
$27.81
$119CAD
*Every day low fares. Lower promotional fares may be available during select travel periods.
An Air Canada Boeing 737 Max aircraft arriving from Toronto prepares to land at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, B.C., on March 12, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Apr. 27, 2019, The Abbotsford News Staff
The daily non-stop flight will be suspended for the summer season, to return in 2020 summer season
Air Canada’s regular flight between Abbotsford and Toronto is being dropped for the summer as it works out scheduling shortfalls during the Boeing 737 Max grounding.
On March 13, Air Canada grounded its fleet of 24 of the aircraft, which has been grounded around the globe, following an Ethiopian Airlines Crash on March 10 that killed all on board.
The Air Canada fleet is grounded at least until July 1, though the Toronto-Abbotsford route is being dropped for the full 2019 summer season, expected to be resumed in the 2020 summer season.
The change means the only non-stop flights Ontario from YXX until August are Swoop’s Hamilton flights (twice daily), and London flights (once daily).
Air Canada noted that it has implemented a “flexible” rebooking policy, with a full fee waiver and refund option for affected customers.
Customers originally set to travel on a 737 Max can call Air Canada at 1-833-354-5963 for information within 72 hours of their flight.
The number of daily flights from Abbotsford International Airport by carriers including WestJet has increased considerably in recent years. File photo, The Abbotsford News
Flights out of Abbotsford airport turn over border town and annoy residents, Sumas mayor says
Some residents of the small border town to Abbotsford’s south are upset about the increasing number of jets flying low over his constituents’ homes.
Sumas Mayor Kyle Christensen wrote a letter to Abbotsford council at the end of March asking the city and the airport to consider what can be done to decrease the noise from jets flying out of YXX.
“In recent years,” Christensen wrote, “we have noticed an increase in the number of flights departing from the Abbotsford Airport. Additionally, the flight patterns of a lot of these planes make a deliberate turn in a southernly direction right over or near our City.”
He continued: “The noise associated with these flights have resulted in numerous complaints from residents within the City of Sumas. We are requesting that you look in to the possibility of re-routing some of these flights so that they do not come right over the top of our community.”
Christensen wrote that added that he wanted to share his constituents’ concerns, but that he also wanted to “continue to have a good working relationship with your city and be good neighbours.”
Christensen repeated the sentiment in an email to The News, saying his only comment would be: “I really appreciate our good working relationship with the City of Abbotsford. It is my intention to maintain that for years to come.”
The letter was officially accepted by council, along with several other pieces of correspondence, at a recent meeting. Mayor Henry Braun nor any councillors commented on the letter
Airport general manager Parm Bains said that staff would be getting back to the Sumas mayor and that they would be consulting with the federal aviation authorities who regulate the country’ airspace regarding Christensen’s suggestion. While the airport has become significantly busier in recent years, Bains noted that the sheer number of daily flights has only risen from seven to 12.
By Tyler Olsen, The Abbotsford News| March 28, 2019 10:18 a.m.
A report has been released on the crash of a plane last August at Abbotsford International Airport. Abbotsford Airport Authority photo
The plane that crashed following the second day of last year’s Abbotsford Airshow didn’t have a permit to carry paying passengers and “did not meet modern aircraft safety standards,” the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) wrote in a report issued Thursday morning.
Five people were injured – two seriously – when a 74-year-old De Havilland Dragon Rapide crashed shortly after takeoff at the Abbotsford International Airport. The museum that owned the plane had sold rides to paying customers on the air show’s website, the report said.
The plane was operated by the Historic Flight Foundation, a U.S. flight museum.
The report notes that while the aircraft “was considered airworthy, it did not meet modern aircraft safety standards.” The plane had been issued a “Special Airworthiness Certificate – Experimental” by American aviation authorities that allowed it to fly. Transport Canada had issued a permit that allowed the plane to be flown to and from the air show, but which didn’t allow it to carry paying passengers.
Airshow spokesperson Jadene Mah said the Historic Flight Foundation had been selling “memberships” rather than tickets, and that the practice is common for museums that attend air shows.
Those who buy such memberships receive cards and must sign waivers saying they know they are flying on an historic aircraft.
The plane took off with four passengers at 5:31 p.m. on Aug. 11, 2018, shortly after the air show had concluded for the day.
“During the takeoff, the aircraft encountered strong, gusting crosswinds,” the report said. “It climbed to about 30 feet above ground level before descending suddenly and impacting the runway, coming to rest on its nose immediately off the right edge of the runway.”
The TSB found that the aircraft is “more difficult to handle during crosswind takeoffs than most tail-wheel-equipped aircraft, particularly from paved (rather than grass) runways.”
The report said that, “according to pilot notes, the maximum allowable crosswind component for takeoff is 17 knots. This is not a limitation of the aircraft; rather, it is a cautionary speed, meaning that operating in winds above that value would require above-average flying skills.”
Crosswinds during the plane’s takeoff were estimated to be as much as 18 knots. The plane soon “encountered swirling winds, resulting in a sudden loss of airspeed shortly after becoming airborne,” the report said.
The report also found that the aircraft didn’t have an accurate passenger manifest on board, which could make it difficult for first responders to identify passengers.
The report concludes with several “safety messages” that stress the importance of being familiar with regulatory requirements and the fact that vintage aircraft may be more difficult to control than modern planes.
It adds: “Appropriate equipment during an emergency response needs to be available to prevent further injury and property loss after a crash. In addition, not having an accurate passenger manifest can make it difficult for first responders to confirm the identity of passengers.”
The TSB is an independent agency tasked with investigating incidents and making recommendations to address safety problems.
The report won’t result in any immediate recriminations, although Transport Canada will also have access to the report, a TSB spokesperson said.
Transport Canada said in an email Thusday that its review of the incident is “ongoing.”
Mah said “experiences with vintage aircraft are an important part of the storytelling component at the Abbotsford Airshow and we will be working together with the museum operators and vintage aircraft owners in the future to see how we can continue to keep vintage aircraft as a very important component of what we do.”
She said it is important to acknowledge that such aircraft “are museum pieces” that “don’t have the same modern components that modern aircraft do.”
