rudder

Swiss cheese. Stack several together and the randomness of the holes on each slice means no path through. But every once and a while the holes line up.....

No problem. The "holes in the cheese" analogy is one of the most common references in the wake of an accident but the real focus should be on how the cheese got there in the first place. Approach ban visibility rules in Canada are inconsistent with global standards. Not seeing that fact identified in the report and no recommendation for regulatory harmonization from the TSB seems to be a glaring oversight after 2 years of investigation. With the reported visibility there was zero chance of the crew having reliable vertical approach path verification information at MDA given the equipment on board and the positioning of the PAPI array on runway 05. If you are going to fly an SCDA profile then there must be such reference available at the MDA. That would have required the published visibility for the LOC 05 approach or the equipment to perform the RNAV 05 to LPV minimums (250' AGL). AC seems to have acknowledged these issues and has made internal changes to approach ban limitations and is asking the regulator to examine implementing those same changes.

It was a quote from the investigators. Next time for your benefit I will add " ".

The TSB explained that this accident happened due to a confluence of events. Remove one variable, and it is likely the accident would not have occurred. Once again, it would appear that the opportunity was missed to require that Canada harmonize to the ICAO approach ban standard for non-precision approaches - charted visibility only. Also missing seems to be the affect that GPS/EGPWS may have had on providing earlier information or warning to the crew of proximity to terrain short of the runway. The report seems to indicate that AC has been internally proactive in both regards since the accident.

Market not unhappy. AC up 6%

B737NG lease pricing has remained firm but purchase pricing has been all over the map depending on circumstance. Boeing in particular has offered some deep discounts to either secure a new customer or to block an order from an existing customer for a competing product.

WJ adding a ULCC product just makes no sense. Diluted brand. Taking a mostly base level product and degrading it even further. Confusing customers. Logistical inefficiencies. I subscribe to the notion that the mostly vague corporate announcement was meant to poison the well for the other ULCC players trying to attract capital. The WJ 'threat' should give ULCC investors pause for thought.

Movie stars expect a certain level of service...... That is why VA has been a success and AS will blow it if and when they diminish the VA product (or worse by replacing the Airbuses with 737's)

California

AC has markets where J class is expected. AC has been able to keep J class inventory on many routes using AC Express. Higher CASM but lower trip cost. Allows AC to offer greater frequency and more connections. AC is in the process of increasing J class seating inventory on the AC Express 76 seat jet fleet (from current 9 seats to 12 seats and hot meals/wi fi/ in seat entertainment on all flights by year end).

I see it more along the lines of what AC FA suggested. Substitutions on existing routes. There are no WJ -800 leases expiring anytime soon so these are either existing fins or WJ would have to go find 10 more 800's. That is unlikely.

Hopefully that is because there no longer exist a group of pilots stupid enough to pay for their own training or fly for bargain basement pay rates. There have always been scheisters looking to start an airline. There has not always been a supply of gullible pilots willing to make it a reality.

The -800 hull (including the MAX8) is certified for up to 189 seats. That is a fairly common configuration for low cost and leisure travel carriers around the world. RyanAir has asked Boeing to provide a 200 seat configuration. Not sure the regulators will approve it or if it will pass evacuation criteria. The -900 hull requires 2 extra emergency exits for seating over 189. https://www.seatmaestro.com/airplanes-seat-maps/air-transat-boeing-737-800/ http://www.flysunwing.com/flybetter/ourfleet.asp

Rumour is that AC is looking for relief to grow Rouge ahead of current restrictions and fleet ratios. ACPA should say "make Rouge as big as you like - but there will be just one set of wages, work rules, and benefits for all AC pilots". The WJ pilots should say the same. And while they are at it - sign the card. All CDN airline pilots under one representative tent. Airlines compete - not pilots.

What he meant to say was "cheap and cheerful westjetters....." Time to sign the cards and put an end to the charade.