Air Canada during summer season is adjusting service in Western Canada, as the airline continues moving most service to Dash8-Q400 aircraft, instead of -300 (or -300/Q400 mix, based on comparison with summer 2018 season). Planned changes, effective 01MAY19, as follows.
Calgary – Kelowna Dash8-Q400 service increases from 3 to 4 daily (All flights operated by Q400) Calgary – Saskatoon Dash8-Q400 service increases from 3 to 4 daily (All flights operated by Q400) Calgary – Winnipeg 2 daily A320 and 1 daily CRJ900, replacing 4 daily CRJ900/Dash8-Q400 Vancouver – Comox 4 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of 5 daily Dash8-300 Vancouver – Kamloops 4 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of 5 daily Dash8-300/Q400 Vancouver – Nanaimo 7 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of 8 daily Dash8-300/Q400 Vancouver – Penticton 3 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of 4 daily Dash8-300 Vancouver – Prince Rupert 2 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of 3 daily (weekdays) Dash8-300. Aircraft change from 01JUN19 Vancouver – Sandspit 2 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of Dash8-300/Q400. Aircraft change to all-Q400 from 01JUN19 Vancouver – Smithers 2 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of 3 daily Dash8-300
Provided by Western Economic Diversification Canada/CNW
KELOWNA, BC, April 18, 2019 /CNW/ – Saskatoon and Kelowna airports are important destinations for both tourists and business travelers. Maintaining international flights into both centres, and promoting new flights, is essential for increasing economic development and tourism opportunities.
Today, Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), announced $840,000 in funding for the Saskatoon Airport Authority, in partnership with the Kelowna International Airport, to promote tourism and trade through developing and sustaining trans-border air routes for Saskatoon and Kelowna airports.
Through this investment, the Saskatoon and Kelowna airports will work to develop strategies and marketing campaigns to increase trans-border air passenger traffic in their two regions. The initiatives will target airlines, while also marketing Saskatoon and Kelowna as tourist destinations in major U.S. cities. Tourism employs 15,000 people in the Kelowna area, and another 16,500 in Saskatoon. Additionally, a number of large, international companies based in each of these centres rely on trans-border air travel for their own employees and those seeking to do business with them.
Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan aims to build an economy in which Canadians have access to high-quality jobs and Canadian businesses are well-placed to participate in a rapidly evolving and competitive global marketplace.
Quotes
“Our government is laying the foundation for Canadians to become more competitive and succeed in the global economy. Today’s investment in the Saskatoon Airport Authority, partnered with the Kelowna International Airport, builds on our competitive advantages and will result in better access for international travelers to Kelowna and Saskatoon, boosting economic growth and creating good, middle-class jobs for Canadians.” – The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada
“The Okanagan Valley sustains successful diverse communities and outstanding recreational opportunities in Kelownaand the corridor. Kelowna is the largest community and is also often recognized for its innovative entrepreneurs as well as large corporations. The Government of Canada supports the efforts of Kelowna and Saskatoon airports, as they strive to serve the needs of tourism and business sectors effectively.” – Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country
“We continue to hear from our community about the importance of enhancing our air service connections for economic development, tourism and business. The funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada will support our efforts to sustainably grow connectivity through air service options that are valued by the province of Saskatchewan. We are proud to partner with Kelowna International Airport and would like to thank Western Economic Diversification Canada and the federal Government for supporting Canadian airports in attracting essential air services to our communities.” – Stephen Maybury, President and CEO, Saskatoon Airport Authority
“We’re excited to partner with Western Economic Diversification Canada and Saskatoon Airport to enhance connections for leisure and business travel. Providing access to the United States is a key component of a resilient economy and the investment will give YLW the opportunity to enhance its air service for the benefit of the region and Kelowna residents.” – Mayor Colin Basran, City of Kelowna
Air Canada is ending flights from Saskatoon to Winnipeg and Thunder Bay on March 31. PETER J THOMPSON/NATIONAL POST
Canada’s largest airline says commercial reasons are behind the decision to end flights between Saskatoon and Winnipeg and Winnipeg and Thunder Bay.
Air Canada confirmed on Monday that it will cease flying the routes on March 31, calling it a “difficult decision.”
“The routes from Winnipeg to Saskatoon and to Thunder Bay regrettably did not perform at a level that would make commercial sense for us to continue operating,” Air Canada spokeswoman Angela Mah said in a statement.
“The factors we look at include demand between the two cities, aircraft availability and overall profitability,” Mah added.
She said anyone booked on one of the affected flights after March 31 will be contacted, either by the airline or their travel agent, to make alternate travel arrangements or obtain a refund.
The Saskatoon Airport Authority, which operates the John G. Diefenbaker International Airport, has said 2018 was its busiest year on record with 1,518,980 passengers, up 3.8 per cent from 2017.
As of last month, the airport had 25 direct routes allowing passengers to reach 245 destinations, the most popular of which are Calgary, Toronto and Edmonton.
WestJet Airlines Ltd., the other major airline that flies out of Saskatoon, offers non-stop flights to Winnipeg from Saskatoon, as well as connecting flights to Thunder Bay.
Capacity increasing for Vancouver Island, Northern BC, BC Interior, Saskatoon, Winnipeg
MONTREAL, Feb. 14, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada today announced it will boost capacity on regional routes across Western Canada this spring as it deploys more state-of-the-art Bombardier Q-400 Next Gen aircraft. The changes are part of an ongoing transformation of Air Canada Express that will result in enhanced services for customers.
“Air Canada is strategically enhancing the flying experience and increasing capacity this summer on key regional routes in Western Canada. The ultra-quiet, comfortable, fuel efficient and faster Q-400 aircraft will be well-received by our customers and is larger than the regional aircraft it is replacing. We are pleased to deploy it to more communities in Western Canada as we further strengthen our regional network to optimize all significant connections between our extensive regional and global markets,” said Mark Galardo, Vice President, Network Planning at Air Canada. “With our varied and flexible fleet, we are also adding frequencies to our Vancouver-Anchorage and adding capacity to our Calgary-Winnipeg route with larger Airbus aircraft in response to demand.”
Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz Aviation LP are scheduled to provide convenient, point-to-point travel, as well as easy connections to Air Canada’s extensive domestic, US and international network at Vancouver and Calgary. Customers also collect and redeem Aeroplan Miles through Canada’s leading loyalty program when travelling with Air Canada, and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges at main airports, priority boarding and other benefits.
Increased services this summer peak compared to last year include:
News provided by SKYXE with a hint from K.W. – Thanks
29 January 2019 – Saskatoon, SK: 2018 was a year of growth and transformation at Skyxe Saskatoon Airport. Passenger demand was steady throughout most of the year with 10 months of consecutive growth that yielded a year-end total of 1,518,980 passengers, representing a 3.8% increase over 2017 and our highest passenger traffic ever.
Skyxe strives to ensure that our guests depart on time (within 15 minutes of schedule) for their destination. Through focus and dedication from our staff and airport partners, we ranked #2 in Canada for on-time performance in 2018.
With over 2 million passenger aircraft seats in 2018, air service continues to be of the utmost importance to Skyxe as we continue to focus on our one-stop strategy that provide our guests with access to 245 destinations from Saskatoon. Expanding our 23 direct routes in 2018, WestJet launched new weekly winter service from Saskatoon to Orlando in December, and our most popular, and most served destinations for 2018 were Calgary, Toronto and Edmonton.
Guest satisfaction, passenger experience and service quality remained a strategic priority in 2018, and was measured by our participation in the Airports Council International Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program. Skyxe ranked #3 in airports in Canada for overall satisfaction, and #1 in Canada in the categories of Ambiance and Overall Satisfaction Business.
“Focusing on our vision to be Canada’s most valued airport experience, Skyxe continues to enhance its facilities and operations with projects aligned with our 2040 Airport Master Plan,” says Stephen Maybury, President and CEO of Skyxe Saskatoon Airport. In 2018 we completed a major curbside renovation that now provides an expanded area for public and commercial requirements. Our parking products were enhanced with new technology and expanded to offer a variety of options for our diverse community’s needs including, jetSet (economy), StandardXE (long-term), ExpressXE (short-term), and ValetXE (valet and concierge). Additionally, Saskatoon Airport is proud to welcome the 17th Maple Leaf Air Canada Lounge to its post-security waiting area, as well as our newest restaurant, Urban Acre, and newest concession, LB Distillers, which both opened in late 2018 to enhance our guests’ dining and shopping experience.”
Delta Airlines flight 4811 bound for Minneapolis slid off a taxiway prior to take-off at approximately 6:15 am. Passengers have been safely returned to the airport terminal. Saskatoon Airport Authority can confirm that no one was injured in the incident.
Freezing rain caused a near-dangerous incident at Saskatoon’s John G. Diefenbaker airport Friday morning, delaying one dad’s start to his Christmas break in the U.S.
Crews tend a Delta Airlines plane that reportedly slid off the runway at the Saskatoon airport on Dec. 21, 2018. (Submitted by Scott Jenkins) 650 CKOM News
A Delta Airlines plane bound for Minneapolis, Minn. and operated by SkyWest slid off the runway prior to take-off, leaving its passengers stranded.
Scott Jenkins, his wife and two kids were on the first leg of their trip to see family in Kansas City, Mo. The plane, flight DL-4811, was originally slated for a 6:15 a.m. take off.
“You kind of had to look outside to see what actually happened. There was no violent force or anything. It was just you slid, you see a bunch of snow, and you’re like, ‘well we went off the runway,’” he said.
Airport emergency crews responded right away.
“They started shovelling the ditch. I think they were trying to pull the plane out with us in it,” Jenkins said. “Then they decided it wasn’t going to work, so they brought buses out. We unloaded right on the runway, and they brought us back.”
That was at about 8 a.m.
Despite the delay, Jenkins said he’s glad he and his kids are OK.
Officials with the Saskatoon Airport Authority said none of the 74 people on board were injured.
At about 10 a.m., Delta sent an emailed statement about the release.
“While taxiing for departure, SkyWest flight 4811, operating as Delta Connection from Saskatoon, Canada to Minneapolis, partially left the taxiway,” the statement said.
“Customers deplaned normally through the main cabin door and were transported back to the terminal by bus. We are working to help customers safely resume their travels to Minneapolis as quickly as possible.”
The flight’s new departure time is now set for 3 p.m.
West Wind’s plan includes a major expansion, beginning with the addition of more flights between Saskatoon and Regina, and the possibility of a fleet expansion
Alex MacPherson, Saskatoon StarPhoenix November 22, 2018
A member of the ground crew personnel readies a West Wind Aviation plane at the Shell Aero Centre for a flight to Saskatoon. DON HEALY / REGINA LEADER-POST
Saskatchewan’s largest airline is making sweeping changes to its organizational structure and operations.
West Wind’s new chief executive officer said the changes are part of an attempt at reinvention after an extremely difficult year.
The plan includes a major expansion, beginning with the addition of more “briefcase and suits” flights between Saskatoon and Regina, and the possibility of a fleet expansion, Michael Rodyniuk said Wednesday.
It also includes “wholesale” changes in the airline’s Saskatoon offices. Multiple executives have “departed” and three new ones — including a veteran military pilot — have been installed, said Rodyniuk, who took over as CEO last month.
“Our expectation is the excellence established at the airline by the founders is exactly what we’re going to go back to,” said Rodyniuk, who came to the Saskatoon-based airline group from his previous role as head of Ontario’s Wasaya Airways.
“This is exactly what (the board) asked us to do: Fix the operations, ensure that the core of our business is solid. So I’ve got a three-step plan basically: Solidify the base, fortify the base and then we’re going to expand.”
West Wind’s fleet of regional airliners spent almost half of last year on the ground after the company’s air operator certificate was suspended following a fatal crash near the Fond du Lac airport late last year. The certificate was reinstated in May.
Rodyniuk said one of the first things he did after taking over as the airline’s chief executive officer was to meet with victims of the crash for “heart-wrenching” conversations.
“It’s awful; it’s absolutely awful. That alone gives us the motivation to ensure that we are the safest airline that we possibly can be. This airline is radically different from what it was just a month ago, and compared to a year ago it’s a very different environment,” he said.
Attempts to reach Fern’s parents were unsuccessful but Sabrina Fern, whose now-17-year-old son Lyman was aboard the plane, said she was impressed by Rodyniuk’s commitment to the community where air travel is a necessity rather than a luxury.
Rodyniuk, she said, has been more supportive than previous West Wind executives, and was quick to share his personal contact information with survivors and their families at a dinner this fall. She recalled him saying, “I’m a call away, whatever you guys need.”
“That’s that attitude that we need from people like him, who we depend on for our flights in and out of our community,” she said.
Now, the Calgary-born airline executive is overseeing the early stages of an expansion that he hopes will see the 35-year-old airline become a viable and visible alternative for business commuters, reaching destinations in Alberta, Manitoba and the U.S.
This week, the company began flying its 19-seat Beechcraft 1900Ds three times daily, five days a week between Saskatoon and Regina. Previously, the airline flew the route twice a day, three times week. The demand “seems to be there,” Rodyniuk said.
“We’ve got seven Beech 1900s, and our fleet right now is under-utilized,” he said, referring to excess capacity stemming from a slowdown in charter flights to uranium facilities in the province’s far north, three of which have been temporarily closed in recent years.
“What I want to do is put the fleet to work and start new initiatives, not just between Regina and Saskatoon,” he said, adding that West Wind could in the coming years fly to points “north, south, east and west” of Saskatchewan.
West Wind currently flies only in Saskatchewan, to communities such as Prince Albert, La Ronge, Fond du Lac and Uranium City.
The airline is also looking at purchasing, through its subsidiary Transwest Air, additional Saab 340s, which Rodyniuk said can be converted to carry extra cargo in addition to passengers, to meet growing demand for fresh food deliveries in remote communities.
While there are challenges — chief among them “unmanageable” items such as volatile fuel prices and the pilot retention difficulties facing all regional carriers — Rodyniuk said he is optimistic about the business’s newly filed flight plan.
“We’ll be looking for those opportunities and putting the aircraft, the assets, right where we need them to get the greatest return.”
Showcases Saskatchewan and Canadian design and artworks by local artists
The airline’s 17th Maple Leaf Lounge in Canada and the 23rd across Air Canada’s international network
SASKATOON, Sept. 14, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada today unveiled its newest Maple Leaf Lounge at Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (Skyxe). The lounge seats up to 40 customers in an elegant space that showcases Canadian design and art, including work by two Saskatchewan artists, Shawn Evans and Holly Friesen.
Enter a captionAir Canada Unveils New Maple Leaf Lounge at Saskatoons John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (CNW Group/Air Canada)
“We are excited to welcome Air Canada and Star Alliance eligible customers to our new Maple Leaf Lounge at Skyxe, which has been created to enhance the overall travel experience for our premium customers,” said Andrew Yiu, Vice President, Product at Air Canada. “Showcasing contemporary Canadian design and artwork, and drawing on the pastoral landscape of Saskatchewan, the lounge is decorated with maple wood screen walls, Canadian-made furnishings and Canadian materials. Customers will be warmly received and enjoy a calm environment in which to work or relax before an Air Canada or Air Canada Express flight.”
“Skyxe is thrilled to welcome a new Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at Saskatoon Airport,” said Stephen Maybury, President and CEO of Skyxe Saskatoon Airport. “This highly anticipated new lounge experience strongly complements our existing modern, comfortable and guest centric service offerings.”
“The award winning Skyxe continues to modernize and welcome the world to our city. The trusted brand of the Maple Leaf Lounge is a fantastic addition to what we offer here in our growing prairie community. Thank you to Air Canada for your commitment to Saskatoon,” said Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark.
“As one of Canada’s fastest growing metropolitan centers, the opening of an Air Canada Maple Leaf lounge in Saskatoon speaks to the continued interest to invest in our city and confirms Saskatoon as a top destination in Canada,” said Darla Lindbjerg, CEO of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce.
“With a sharp increase in arrivals into Saskatoon and strong projections for National and International travel, having a Maple Leaf Lounge at our award-winning John G. Diefenbaker International Airport is very exciting. Being able to offer visitors who are eligible customers an added amenity, will only add to their positive experience in Saskatoon,” said Todd Brandt, President and CEO of Tourism Saskatoon.
The 137-square-metre lounge features such amenities as a full-service bar offering a wide selection of beverages, including Canadian wines and specialty coffees, a self-serve buffet area and comfortable seating with a view of the tarmac. Business travellers planning to work on site may also take advantage of the cyber counter equipped with PCs and colour printing, complimentary Wi-Fi and access to a large variety of digital newspaper and magazine content via the PressReader app.
The Skyxe Maple Leaf Lounge will operate seven days a week, and is conveniently located in the departure gate area, steps away from Air Canada’s departure gates.
Air Canada and its regional partners operate over 110 weekly (17 daily) non-stop scheduled flights this summer from Saskatoon to seven destinations across Canada. It offers up to 1,320 seats departing the city, with up to six daily non-stop flights to Toronto, four to Calgary, three to Vancouver, two to Winnipeg, one to Edmonton, one to Regina and one from Ottawa.
As a leading global carrier, Air Canada offers eligible customers access to 23 Maple Leaf Lounges worldwide including 17 at Canadian airports, plus lounges at New York-LaGuardia, New York-Newark, Los Angeles, London Heathrow, Frankfurt and Paris. More information about Air Canada’s award-winning Maple Leaf Lounges, including eligibility, is here.
