Victoria YYJ

Winter 2023 heats up with release of Flair Airlines Winter Schedule

Canadian Aviation News
  • Winter 2023 will see an expansion in Las Vegas with the addition of service from Ottawa and Calgary
  • Existing Phoenix service will move from Phoenix-Mesa to Sky Harbor and new route from Calgary to begin in October
  • Majority of Winter 2023 capacity to be international or transborder

EDMONTON, AB, March 7, 2023 /CNW/ – Today, Flair Airlines, Canada’s everyday low fare airline, announces the release of an exciting winter 2023 schedule. The schedule features added depth across the network to give customers more choice, particularly to sunshine, at low fares.

Today’s announcement includes several new routes, including Toronto to Puerto Vallarta (beginning October 29, 4x weekly), Kitchener-Waterloo to Puerto Vallarta (beginning December 16, 3x weekly), Calgary to Las Vegas (beginning October 30, 7x weekly), and Calgary to Phoenix (beginning October 30, 4x weekly). Flair will also be the only carrier to serve Ottawa to Las Vegas (beginning October 13, 2x weekly).

Existing service from Vancouver and Edmonton to Phoenix will move to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for the season, along with the new service from Calgary to Phoenix.

“With today’s exciting announcement, we are reaffirming our commitment to Canadians,” said Stephen Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer, Flair Airlines. “Our network offers more choice to more sun destinations than ever before. Rather than one reprieve from winter, we look forward to Canadians taking the opportunity to try all of the amazing destinations in our network.”

“We’ve optimized our network this winter to match demand for sun. It’s clear that Canadians want more affordable options for sun, more often,” said Garth Lund, Chief Commercial Officer, Flair Airlines. “We’ve focused on adding depth to our network by increasing frequencies on popular routes. We’ll now have daily service various routes, including Vancouver to Los Angeles and Toronto to Orlando to make it easier for Canadians to plan their winter travel.”

One-way fares at flyflair.com begin at $9 one way including taxes and fees (Thunder Bay to Toronto). Limited seats for a limited time. Flights are available for booking at flyflair.com.

All routes, including the winter schedule, are now on sale for 20% off base fare with code: SAVE20. Sale starts on March 7 and ends on March 9, 2023, for travel from March 7, 2023, to March 14, 2024. Terms and conditions apply. Limited seats for a limited time. *

About Flair Airlines

Flair Airlines is Canada’s leading low-fare airline and its greenest airline, on a mission to provide affordable air travel that connects them to the people and experiences they love. With an expanding fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, Flair is growing to serve over 35 cities across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. For more information, please visit www.flyflair.com. 

*Use promo code: SAVE20. Limited seats for a limited time. Base fare only. Taxes and fees not included. Sale start: March 7, 2023. Sale end: March 9, 2023. Blackout dates: April 6 – April 7, 2023; April 10, 2023; May 18 – May 19, 2023; May 22 – May 23, 2023; June 30, 2023; September 1 – September 4, 2023; October 6 – October 9, 2023; November 10 – November 13, 2023; December 15, 2023 – January 7, 2024; February 15 – February 20, 2024.

Winter 2023 Weekly Frequencies

Transborder

  • Toronto (YYZ) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 14x weekly
  • Vancouver (YVR) – Los Angeles (LAX): 7x weekly
  • Toronto (YYZ) – New York (JFK): 4X weekly
  • Toronto (YYZ) – Las Vegas (LAS): 4x weekly
  • Vancouver (YVR) – San Francisco (SFO): 4x weekly
  • Ottawa (YOW) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 4x weekly
  • Toronto (YYZ) – Orlando (SFB): 7x weekly
  • Vancouver (YVR) – Las Vegas (LAS): 7x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Las Vegas (LAS): 4x weekly
  • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 4x weekly
  • Vancouver (YVR) – Phoenix (PHX): 3x weekly
  • Calgary (YYC) – Phoenix (PHX): 4x weekly
  • Calgary (YYC) – Las Vegas (LAS): 7x weekly
  • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Orlando (SFB): 4x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Los Angeles (LAX): 3x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Phoenix (PHX): 4x weekly
  • Ottawa (YOW) – Orlando (SFB): 4x weekly
  • Ottawa (YOW) – Las Vegas (LAS): 2x weekly

International

  • Vancouver (YVR) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 9x weekly
  • Toronto (YYZ) – Cancun (CUN): 10x weekly
  • Toronto (YYZ) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 4x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 3x weekly 
  • Abbotsford (YXX) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 3x weekly
  • Calgary (YYC) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 6x weekly
  • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Cancun (CUN) 4x weekly
  • Vancouver (YVR) – Los Cabos (SJD): 3x weekly
  • Ottawa (YOW) – Cancun (CUN): 3x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Los Cabos (SJD): 1x weekly
  • Calgary (YYC) – Los Cabos (SJD): 1x weekly
  • Abbotsford (YXX) – Los Cabos (SJD): 1x weekly
  • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 3x weekly

Domestic

  • Toronto (YYZ) – Vancouver (YVR): 15x weekly
  • Toronto (YYZ) – Calgary (YYC): 11x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Abbotsford (YXX): 14x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Vancouver (YVR): 14X weekly
  • Abbotsford (YXX) – Calgary (YYC): 14x weekly
  • Vancouver (YVR) – Calgary (YYC): 14x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Kelowna (YLW): 11x weekly
  • Winnipeg (YWG) – Toronto (YYZ): 10x weekly
  • Kelowna (YLW) – Calgary (YYC): 7x weekly
  • Kelowna (YLW) – Vancouver (YVR): 7x weekly
  • Montreal (YUL) – Vancouver (YVR): 5x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Toronto (YYZ): 7x weekly
  • Abbotsford (YXX) – Toronto (YYZ): 7x weekly
  • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Vancouver (YVR): 4x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Winnipeg (YWG): 4x weekly
  • Winnipeg (YWG) – Calgary (YYC): 4x weekly
  • Saskatoon (YXE) – Calgary (YYC): 3x weekly
  • Vancouver (YVR) – Winnipeg (YWG): 3x weekly
  • Montreal (YUL) – Calgary (YYC): 3x weekly
  • Halifax (YHZ) – Ottawa (YOW): 4x weekly
  • Vancouver (YVR) – Saskatoon (YXE): 3x weekly
  • Saskatoon (YXE) – Toronto (YYZ): 3x weekly
  • Calgary (YYC) – Victoria (YYJ): 3x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Montreal (YUL): 4x weekly
  • Ottawa (YOW) – Vancouver (YVR): 2x weekly
  • Kitchener-Waterloo – Calgary (YYC): 3x weekly
  • Halifax (YHZ) – Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF): 2x weekly
  • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Abbotsford (YXX): 3x weekly
  • Ottawa (YOW) – Calgary (YYC): 3x weekly
  • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Winnipeg (YWG): 2x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Victoria (YYJ): 3x weekly

WestJet brings new U.S. destinations and enhanced domestic connectivity to summer schedule as airline’s new growth strategy takes flight

Canadian Aviation News

CALGARY, AB, Feb. 13, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet today unveiled 20 new routes and three new destinations to the airline’s summer schedule. Offering a comprehensive network of connectivity between Western Canada and the United States, WestJet’s summer network additions feature new non-stop service to Washington Dulles, Detroit and Minneapolis, with new routes added to Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Nashville and Seattle. In line with the airline’s previously announced strategic direction, WestJet is also expanding domestic travel options across Canada with increased frequencies and options to travel from coast-to-coast, and everywhere in between.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our network and giving our guests substantial opportunity to explore the U.S., and Canada from coast-to-coast this summer,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer. “From increased domestic options to expanded regional and transborder connectivity throughout Western Canada, our summer schedule demonstrates our unwavering commitment to fulfilling the diverse needs of Canadian travellers and ensuring we are the friendly, reliable and affordable airline they love.”

With strengthened domestic and transborder connectivity, WestJet will increase its service up to nearly 30 per cent in Calgary, 50 percent in Edmonton and 10 per cent in Vancouver when compared to 2022.

Expanded U.S. network with more routes and increased access to Delta hubs

This summer WestJet will introduce Minneapolis, Detroit and Washington D.C. (Dulles), to its network, in addition to investing in new routes and restoring service to an expansive list of U.S. destinations.

Through its longstanding partnership with Delta Air Lines, guests connecting through Minneapolis and Detroit will gain access to two more of the U.S. airline’s major hubs. Building on WestJet’s current service to Delta hubs, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle, WestJet guests will now have access to over 150 U.S. destinations on a single purchased ticket with check-in for all flights at the first departure, baggage tagged to their final destination and lounge access for select guests. Additionally, frequent flyers of both airlines will continue to enjoy extensive reciprocal benefits any time they fly with either carrier, including earning and redeeming in their preferred program.

Highlights of WestJet’s summer 2023 transborder and international service

Destination Start
Date 		Peak Season
Frequency 		Departure
Time		Arrival Time
Calgary – Austin*May 182x weekly09:4014:30
Calgary – Chicago*May 184x weekly12:1516:40
Calgary – Detroit1May 265x weekly12:3518:05
Calgary – Washington D.C. (Dulles)June 23x weekly09:4516:02
Edmonton – Minneapolis1June 25x weekly08:1511:46
Edmonton – Seattle1May 195x weekly10:3011:30
Vancouver – Atlanta1May 174x weekly22:2506:05
Vancouver – NashvilleMay 192x weekly10:0016:19
Vancouver – Orlando*May 61x weekly11:0019:52
Winnipeg – Los Angeles3Apr 303x weekly07:0008:38
Toronto – Bermuda3May 52x weekly07:0010:42
*Resumption of service/ 1 Delta hub/ 3 Continuation of winter service

Enhancing non-stop west to east connectivity

As part of WestJet’s new strategic direction, the airline is taking strides to further provide guests with extensive opportunities to seamlessly and affordably travel across Canada. Substantially strengthening Canadian connectivity, WestJet is adding five new routes between Eastern and Western Canada, further positioning its network to support travel demands across the country.

Destination Start
Date 		Peak Season
Frequency 		Departure
Time		Arrival Time
Calgary – MonctonJune 143x weekly09:1516:49
Calgary – Thunder Bay*June 293x weekly14:00/15:4518:36/20:21
Calgary – Quebec City*May 194x weekly17:5523:55
Edmonton – CharlottetownJune 141x weekly10:2517:58
Edmonton – LondonMay 192x weekly10:2515:52
Edmonton – MonctonJune 292x weekly10:2517:57
Edmonton – Ottawa*Apr 306x weekly09:0014:43
Edmonton – Montreal*June 302x weekly01:0007:03
*Resumption of service

Bringing Western Canadian communities closer through a strengthened regional network

As Western Canada’s undisputed home-team carrier, WestJet is enhancing its aviation gateway for business and leisure travel opportunities by further strengthening regional connectivity with the resumption of non-stop flights and increased frequencies.

Destination Start
Date 		Peak Season
Frequency 		Departure
Time		Arrival Time
Calgary – Terrace*May 14x weekly09:40/14:1010:58/15:28
Edmonton – Nanaimo*April 302x weekly10:3011:29
Edmonton – Penticton*July 12x weekly11:0011:27
Kelowna – Regina*May 212x weekly17:3020:34
Kelowna – Saskatoon*June 22x weekly17:3520:29
Kelowna – Winnipeg*June 23x weekly19:1523:33
Vancouver – Regina*Jun 302x weekly20:4523:47
Winnipeg – Victoria*April 302x weekly17:3018:28
*Resumption of service

Additional quotes

“Delta is excited about WestJet’s expanded US-Canada network in summer 2023,” said Perry Cantarutti, senior vice president Alliances and International for Delta. “We already have a strong codeshare network with WestJet, and extensive reciprocal benefits for our frequent flyers. With both increased flights to Delta’s hubs in Atlanta and Seattle, as well as new WestJet flights to our hubs in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Detroit, we look forward to growing our partnership, offering new travel and connection options to more customers, and increasing competition.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome WestJet to Minnesota and are pleased to add an important business route to Edmonton from MSP,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates MSP. “WestJet’s arrival also opens up new connections for travelers across Western Canada and the United States leveraging their codeshare with Delta Air Lines, MSP’s largest carrier.”

“We are pleased to have WestJet begin operations at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. With the addition of WestJet, our customers will be able to fly directly from Detroit to Calgary for the first time since 2005. We’re hoping this route will also give our Canadian neighbors one more reason to visit our great region, “said Chad Newton, Wayne County Airport Authority CEO.

“Dulles International Airport welcomes WestJet to the Washington, D.C., region with this first-ever service to Calgary,” said Chryssa Westerlund, Airports Authority executive vice president and chief revenue officer. “Calgary will become the 60th international destination from Washington Dulles, and WestJet will be our 40th air carrier. We are thrilled to welcome WestJet to Dulles and to provide customers this new link between Western Canada and Washington.”

About WestJet

In 26 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries. 

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com. 

Recent recognition includes: 
2020/2019 Number-One Ranked Canadian Airline Loyalty Program in Member Engagement (Bond Brand Loyalty)
2019/2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines) 
2019 Winner Among Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines) 
2019/2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada)

New air traffic control tower planned for Victoria, B.C.

Canadian Aviation News

OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 9, 2022 /CNW/ – Today NAV CANADA announced its plans to construct a new air traffic control tower at the Victoria International Airport (YYJ).

Construction of the new tower will begin in the spring of 2023 and is expected to be completed by 2026, replacing the existing tower at the Victoria airport.

The new energy efficient LEED certified tower will include a control cab with a 360-degree view of the airport and have the most modern air traffic management, communications, and aviation surveillance systems to ensure safety of operations.

With a height of six stories and a total floor space of approximately 969m2, the new structure will stand several metres taller than the current tower, providing air traffic controllers with improved sight lines over the airfield.

“While the new tower will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology to safely and efficiently manage growing air traffic demand, it will also be LEED certified, which is an investment in energy efficiency and sustainability and demonstrates NAV CANADA’s commitment to its net-zero goal by 2050,” said Raymond G. Bohn, President and CEO, NAV CANADA.

“We congratulate NAV CANADA, and we are pleased to see this new state of the art control tower being constructed at Victoria International Airport. Aviation is a critical industry for economic prosperity and this project will help facilitate continued growth in the region,” said Geoff Dickson, President and CEO, Victoria International Airport.

NAV CANADA’s decision to replace the existing tower, built in 1958, was based on the need for an upgraded facility to better support airport and aircraft operations and future years of continued uninterrupted service in the area.

Employees of NAV CANADA will continue to work at the existing facility until construction is finalized, at which point air traffic control operations will transition to the new tower. 

About LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

LEED certified buildings are proven to save money, improve efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and create healthier spaces for people. They are a critical part of addressing the climate crisis, meeting Environmental Social Governance goals, enhancing resilience, and supporting more equitable communities.

About NAV CANADA

NAV CANADA is a private, not-for-profit company, established in 1996, providing air traffic control, airport advisory services, weather briefings, and aeronautical information services for more than 18 million square kilometres of Canadian domestic and international airspace.

The Company is internationally recognized for its safety record, and technology innovation. Air traffic management systems developed by NAV CANADA are used by air navigation service providers in countries worldwide.

Pacific Coastal Winter Holiday Schedule is Now Available

Canadian Aviation News

14 October 2022

More flight options & flexibility to help plan your holiday season. 

Additional flights are available to destinations like Powell River, Trail, Williams Lake, Cranbrook, Victoria, Kelowna and Prince George.  Learn more about the holiday schedule flight options at https://flights.pacificcoastal.com/en/winter-holiday-schedule

From December 16, 2022 to January 03, 2023

  • Up to four daily flights between Kelowna and Victoria
  • Daily flights between Prince George and Victoria
  • Additional daily flight between Cranbrook and Vancouver
  • Up to four daily flights between Powell River and Vancouver
  • Additional second flight on Saturdays between Trail and Vancouver
  • New flight between Cranbrook and Kelowna (starts 14 Nov 2022)

Government of Canada supports Victoria International Airport with new funding for critical infrastructure projects

Canadian Aviation News
Transport Canada

VICTORIA, BC, May 25, 2022 /CNW/ – As Canada works towards recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, investments in our airport infrastructure continue to be crucial to maintain safety, security, and connectivity for travellers, workers and communities. Government of Canada investments also help ensure Canada’s aviation industry is well-positioned to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

Today, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Annie Koutrakis, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced more than $4 million in new funding to help Victoria International Airport recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and to support continued air services and important transportation infrastructure projects at the airport.

The airport will receive more than $1.3 million from Transport Canada’s Airport Critical Infrastructure Program for upgrades to the lighting for the approach to Runway 09. The work will include:

  • installation of new land-based and water-based lighting systems, with the water-based fixtures being structurally reinforced to withstand impacts from barges that work in the area; and
  • reconfiguration and extension of the existing floatplane dock to accommodate the new lighting system.

In addition to funding for the infrastructure projects, the Government of Canada also provided the airport with over $3 million from Transport Canada’s Airport Relief Fund to help it maintain continued airport operations and essential air services for residents and workers in Victoria and surrounding communities.

Quotes

“The Victoria International Airport is a key transportation hub not just for Victoria, but for much of Vancouver Island. It connects us with family and friends, helps us discover new destinations, and is a pivotal trade corridor for many Victoria businesses. This funding will enhance airport safety for travellers, air crews and airport workers, while supporting jobs and our regional economy.”  

Annie Koutrakis
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport

“As we move forward with the safe and gradual return of activity in the aviation sector, in a way that continues to support the health, safety, and security of all Canadians, it will be imperative that we continue to ensure a vibrant and competitive Canadian air sector. These critical investments will allow the Victoria International Airport to invest in the infrastructure and tools needed to help re-invigorate the aviation industry and allow Canadians to feel safe and secure when they travel.”

The Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport

Quick Facts

  • The Airport Critical Infrastructure Program, launched in May 2021, will provide $571.2 million in funding over five years to airports for eligible infrastructure projects related to safety, security, connectivity to mass transit systems, or testing and screening related to COVID-19 and its variants.
  • The Airport Relief Fund, launched in May 2021, provided $64.8 million in funding in 2021-2022 for targeted airports whose 2019 revenues were less than $250 million.

Associated Links

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.

Security Incident at Victoria International Airport (YYJ)

Canadian Aviation News

May 24, 2022

Security Incident at Victoria International Airport (YYJ)

At approximately 1:30 p.m. today, the RCMP was requested to respond to a call for service at Victoria International Airport (YYJ).

“As always, the security and safety of our staff and visitors is our priority, said Geoff Dickson, Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) President and CEO.  The RCMP determined that there was potential risk to airport staff and passengers and directed that parts of the air terminal building close.”  This resulted in the cancellation of approximately 20 scheduled flights from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

The call for service is confirmed to have been an incendiary item and inert surplus military supplies contained in checked baggage.    

Throughout the incident, we cooperated fully with the authorities and emergency response crews and any other personnel that assisted the RCMP.  We are thankful for the teamwork shown by the RCMP, the YYJ emergency response teams and our mutual aid partners in Sidney and North Saanich. 

The airport is now open for regular operations and scheduled arrivals will resume this evening. Travellers are advised to confirm the status of their flight with their airline and to check our website at www.victoriairport.com.   

VAA will provide comment on the status of airport operations and further details about the incident may be directed to the RCMP.