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Trudeau: “We Are Among Those Countries” Exploring Vaccination Passports JIM BYERS | MARCH 16TH, 2021 The Prime Minister appears to back an international vaccine passport, but he says a similar plan for domestic purposes brings in “questions of equity.” Photo: GettyImages/Chalffy Vaccine passports could be coming to Canada. The Canadian government has sounded hesitant in the past about the idea of a vaccination form or passport for travel. But Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet have changed their tune considerably over the past week or so. Speaking to the media last Friday, Trudeau suggested that requiring someone to show proof of vaccination before they travel to Canada is the same thing as requiring vaccination against yellow fever or other diseases, which is quite common in some places. “There are countries in the world where you shouldn’t go unless you can prove you’ve been vaccinated against certain tropical diseases,” the prime minister said. “That’s well established.” Asked about requiring a COVID-19 vaccination for international travellers, Trudeau said in French that it “is something that countries are actively exploring and we’re among those countries.” British Columbia Premier John Horgan took things a good deal further, telling reporters that Trudeau and Canada’s premiers had a Zoom call on Friday and agreed that vaccine passports are “imperative.” “The prime minister and most premiers concluded that having a validation of vaccination is absolutely imperative for international travel, but for other activities like going to a sports event or to the theatre, strikes me as counterproductive at this point,” Horgan said at a news conference. “When it comes to travel, international travel specifically, there’s an absolute need to make sure that you can certify that you’ve been vaccinated coming into a community.” Minister of Health Patty Hajdu has said that countries around the world are discussing vaccine passports, and that Canada needs to be at the table during those talks. She also has said it will be important to have a standard kind of vaccine passport that would be recognized around the world. Seychelles, which is highly dependent on tourism, is now allowing visitors with proof of a COVID-19 vaccine to enter the country. They must show a negative result from a test taken within 72 hours of their arrival and stay at approved hotels, however. Greece, Iceland, Spain and other countries have floated the idea of vaccine passports. “Vaccine certification is something we are going towards inevitably,” Spain’s foreign minister, Arancha González Laya, said recently. Walt Judas, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia, has publicly backed the idea. Advertisement End of Advertisement “Until we get herd immunity here, we need a bridge of some kind (to reopening borders),” he said. “Whether it’s a safe-travel digital passport or whether that includes rapid testing, those are things that our industry desperately needs to salvage another year of difficulty.” The most aggressive country in the world on this front might be Israel, which has a so-called “green pass” program that lets vaccinated residents dine out at restaurants, go to live theatre productions and visit the gym. Trudeau appears to back an international vaccine passport, but has said a similar plan for domestic purposes brings in “questions of equity.” “There are some people who, because of medical conditions or other reasons, will not be able to get vaccinated,” he said. “There are others who are not on priority lists who will have to wait much longer before getting vaccinations. These are things that we have to take into account.” RELATED: Trudeau: “We Are Among Those Countries” Exploring Vaccination Passports - Everything Zoomer

US Doomsday plane:

777 Partners and Flair Airlines Confirmed for Boeing 737 MAX 13 March 2021Canadian Aviation News From Airline Geeks – link to source story The new Flair Airlines livery seen on one of the airline’s 737-400s. (Photo: Flair Airlines) March 13, 2021 | By Ian McMurtry As the Boeing 737 MAX works it way back into the sky, a steady stream of orders are starting to work their way into the Renton orderbooks. Boeing’s latest customer is 777 Partners, who was confirmed to pick up 24 737 MAX 8 models with an additional 60 more options after entering an originally agreement for the deal back in January. The airline company plans to lease the aircraft, with only Flair Airlines being confirmed to receive the aircraft type. The Miami-based investment firm hopes with the aircraft’s economics will bring forwards plans that it has with its growing list of low-cost carrier investments in the post COVID environment. Flair Airlines is confirmed to take hold of 13 of the leased aircraft, who will be an inter-company movement as Flair is 25% owned by 777 Partners since 2019. Flair had previously operated over a half dozen Boeing models, but the current COVID market saw the Boeing 737-400 retired and the fleet cut to just three Boeing 737-800s. The airline operates hubs in Edmonton and Vancouver and focuses on low cost flying on inter-Canadian routes. Formed in Miami in 2015 through means of a buyout from its previous ownership, the 777 Partners investment group has taken interest in aviation as part of the company’s portfolio. The company has a previously mentioned stake in Flair Airlines of Canada, as well as interest in the Air Black Box and World Ticket Solutions companies. The investment firm is also a player in the Value Alliance, an ultra-low-cost carrier alliance consisting of Cebu Pacific, Cebgo, Jeju Air, Nok Air and Scoot. 777 Partners had also previously planned to restart World Airways as a low-cost link between Miami and Los Angeles to Asia and Latin America using Boeing 787s, however, news of a start date or plans past the initial marketing idea have yet to be released. The company also does with in the commercial finance, insurance, litigation finance and entertainment industries. The investment firm’s founder Joshua Wander commented on the transaction, saying, “the 737-8 aircraft are a fantastic addition to our aviation portfolio and will enable our partners to leverage the jets’ superior economic performance to deliver low fares for their passengers while reducing their carbon footprint.” 777 Partners joins the windfall of support for the narrowbody aircraft type as the Boeing 737 MAX begins its return to service. The aircraft manufacturer inked a 25-jet deal with United earlier this week and appears to be close to landing an additional deal with Southwest to expand its MAX fleet. Boeing currently lists that there are 3,955 undelivered Boeing 737 MAX orders to date with 39 models being confirmed for delivery in the first few months of 2021

CUPE probing gender harassment complaints against WestJet union execs 11 March 2021Canadian Aviation News From the Toronto Sun – link to source story The president, executive of CUPE Local 4070 allegedly targeted one female member with fake Bryan Passifiume • Mar 11, 2021 A WestJet Boeing 737MAX taxis back to the WestJet hangers after a training flight on Thursday, January 14, 2021. PHOTO BY GAVIN YOUNG /Postmedia CUPE’s national leadership are investigating the executive of the local representing WestJet, WestJet Encore and Swoop cabin crews after allegations of gender-based harassment against a female employee. Screen captures of a WhatsApp conversation between three members of CUPE Local 4070’s executive obtained by the Toronto Sun depict President Chris Rauenbusch showing off a fake business card he purportedly made for a female union member and runner-up in November’s local executive elections. The card featured the person’s name, the position they were vying for, and the phone number 416-555-C—, a vulgar and misogynistic euphemism for female genitalia. “Glad I didn’t have to make this,” Rauenbusch wrote. “Omg love the phone #, dying,” replied Recording Secretary Marco Di Virgillio. “You can never share this outside of this chat.” “Correct,” Rauenbusch replied. In an email sent to union members earlier this week Rauenbusch fessed up, stating his animosity towards the woman was due to her public criticism of the local’s COVID-19 response. He also apologized to the Executive and offered his “sincere expression of remorse” to the Local and the Union. “My use of this word was completely unacceptable, regardless of the chat being private,” he wrote in his letter, which described at great length how the situation made him feel without offering a direct apology to the woman. “If I was the person that was the subject of that image, I do not think I would want the author contacting me without my advance consent,” he wrote, adding it’s up to the victim to contact him if she wants personal expressions of regret. “For that reason, I have not, and will not directly reach out to the Member involved. They absolutely deserve to have a personal expression of remorse directly from me should they ever wish.” A WestJet spokesperson told the Sun immediate action was taken when the matter was brought to their attention, and that “corrective measures were applied.” “We understand that CUPE the union representing these individuals are following their own internal procedures in reviewing this matter,” they said. A statement from CUPE National President Mark Hancock confirmed they’re aware of the situation. “The use of derogatory terms is completely unacceptable, even in a small group chat,” the statement said of the conversation that took place nearly three months ago. “A formal complaint has been filed in this matter, and an investigation is underway.”

WestJet cancels orders for 15 Boeing 737 Max aircraft amid prolonged industry crisis 10 March 2021Canadian Aviation News From The Globe and Mail – link to source story Eric Atkins, Transportation Reporter, The Globe and Mail | March 10, 2021 WestJet Airlines Ltd. has cancelled orders for 15 Boeing 737 Max aircraft amid a prolonged crisis for the aviation industry. WestJet recently resumed flying three 737 Max aircraft after the Government of Canada in January allowed the model to return to passenger service following a nearly two-year grounding due to safety concerns linked to crashes. Crashes in Indonesia in 2018 and Ethiopia in 2019 killed a total of 346 people, including 18 Canadians, and spurred regulators around the world to ground the model. Canada and other regulators approved the plane’s return after examining changes that included improvements to the trim control system linked to the crashes. WestJet has 11 Max jets in storage and another 27 on order, said Morgan Bell, a WestJet spokeswoman. “I can confirm that WestJet and Boeing have reached an arrangement to adjust WestJet’s Max firm commitments by 15 aircraft,” Ms. Bell said in an email. “WestJet remains committed to our 737 Max aircraft and have safely returned the first three of our 14 Max to the fleet.” Before global regulators agreed to lift the grounding of the Max, Boeing made changes to the plane’s control software that was blamed for the repeated nosedives preceding the crashes. The new version of the automated trim control system takes readings from two – not one – sensors on the plane’s exterior, activates just once, and does not override the pilot’s ability to control the plane, Boeing said. In Canada, Max cockpits are required to be equipped with a circuit breaker that allows the pilot to disable the stick-shaker alarm that activates when some problems occur. This is intended to reduce cockpit distractions believed to have contributed to the crashes. Airlines that have resumed flying passengers on the 737 Max include Air Canada, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Aeromexico. The Max offers airlines lower operating costs and greater fuel efficiency than older models, albeit with a disastrous record. Still, the approval to fly made available to airlines hundreds of planes at a time they are not needed. WestJet, privately owned by Onex Corp., entered the pandemic with a fleet of 181 planes and about 14,000 employees. After reducing passenger capacity by as much as 90 per cent, the airline has about 5,600 active employees and 5,100 on layoff. Currently, 59 of WestJet’s 178 planes are active, a number that includes operational spares, Ms. Bell said. The company recently issued another 415 layoff notices to pilots at WestJet and its discount brand, Swoop. WestJet chief executive officer Ed Sims, in a memo to employees, said the latest travel restrictions imposed by the federal government, including hotel quarantines, have reduced demand for seats even further. “The slow roll out of the vaccine and a lack of a co-ordinated testing regime continue to hinder efforts for recovery,” Mr. Sims said in the memo, a copy of which was obtained by the Globe and Mail. “Thousands of WestJetters over the past 12 months have made incredible sacrifices to support cost cutting measures and for that we are all grateful,” Mr. Sims said. “This was not a note I was expected to write a year after the pandemic hit. Despite this latest setback, I firmly believe we can look towards the future with optimism.” Share this:

Excellent article from the Seattle Times. quite lengthy so here is the goto: https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/faa-safety-engineer-goes-public-to-slam-the-agencys-oversight-of-boeings-737-max/

Engine failed on United Airlines flight after pilots increased power, NTSB report says By Greg Wallace and Dakin Andone, CNN 1 hour ago Engine failed on United Airlines flight after pilots increased power, NTSB report says (msn.com)again. The odds are with us this time."

Cargojet Increases Quarterly Dividend by 11.1% 4 March 2021Canadian Aviation News MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 4, 2021 /CNW/ – The Board of Directors of Cargojet Inc. has declared a cash dividend of $0.2600 per common voting share and variable voting share for the period from January 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021, an increase of $0.0260 or 11.1% per share from the previous quarter. “In recognition of our 2020 results and our strengthened financial position, our Board has voted to increase the dividend” said Dr. Ajay Virmani, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We remain committed to prudently manage our cashflows and will continue to strike the right balance between investing in growth and returning cash to shareholders”, he added. Cargojet has a long history of providing value to its shareholders through regular dividend increases. This also marks the 16th consecutive year Cargojet has paid dividends or cash distributions. The record date for determining shareholders of the Corporation entitled to receive payment of the dividend of the Corporation shall be December 19, 2021 and the payment date for such dividend shall be on or before April 5, 2021. These dividends will be eligible dividends within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada). Cargojet is Canada’s leading provider of time sensitive premium air cargo services to all major cities across North America, providing Dedicated, ACMI and International Charter services and carries over 25,000,000 pounds of cargo weekly. Cargojet operates its network with its own fleet of 28 cargo aircraft. Share this:

Just Lucky as a retiree that you have lots of time to view and drink ?

My question, is the CRJ900 still in production?

United just ordered $1 billion worth of eVTOLs from a startup that aims to launch intra-city passenger flights in 2024 Thomas Pallini 10-02-2021© Matheus Obst/Shutterstock.com and Archer United just ordered $1 billion worth of eVTOLs from a startup that aims to launch intra-city passenger flights in 2024 United will buy 200 aircraft to be used for eco-friendly airport transportation. Archer Aviation is also going public via a special-purpose acquisition company. United Airlines is investing in a new kind of aircraft, one that doesn't fly over oceans but over congested cities. The Chicago-based airline announced a $1 billion order on Wednesday morning for electric vertical takeoff and land aircraft, also known as eVTOLs, from eVTOL startup Archer Aviation to provide environmentally friendly airport transportation. The startup, founded by Brett Adcock and Adam Goldstein and backed by Jet.com founder Marc Lore, expects to debut its first full-scale model this year and begin passenger flights in 2024. United will perform the intra-city services in partnership with Mesa Airlines, a regional airline that flies Embraer E175 and Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets for United and Boeing 737 Freighter aircraft for DHL. The $1 billion order with options for an additional $500 million worth of aircraft will give United and Mesa a fleet of 200 aircraft that can be flying passengers above Southern California in as early as three years. The partnership with United also gives Archer access to the airline's aviation expertise while also bolstering United's goal of cutting greenhouse gases by 100%. United announced the ambitious plan in December 2020 that calls for millions in investment for new technologies like atmospheric carbon capture and sustainable aviation fuel. "This deal represents so much more than just a commercial agreement for our aircraft, but rather the start of a relationship that we believe will accelerate our timeline to market as a result of United's strategic guidance around FAA certification, operations and maintenance," Brett Adcock, Archer's co-CEO and cofounder, said. "These game-changing technologies will significantly reduce our emissions, and measurably reduce the speed of climate change - because buying carbon offsets alone is just not enough," Scott Kirby, United's chief executive officer, said in a December 2020 statement announcing the airline's pledge to become 100% green. Archer, which was publicly announced in May 2020 after operating in stealth, says its aircraft will be able to fly as many as four passengers with distances of up to 60 miles at speeds of up 150 miles per hour. Los Angeles will be the launch city for the eVTOLs with the duo estimating carbon dioxide emissions will be nearly halved when utilizing the aircraft on a commute between Hollywood, California and Los Angeles International Airport. The order comes as United announces new furloughs for workers planned for the spring as Payroll Support Program funds are scheduled to end barring congressional intervention. Archer's eVTOLs, however, aren't likely to be delivered before 2023, when aviation is projected to be well into its recovery back to pre-pandemic levels and profits. Archer also announced its intentions to go public via a special-purpose acquisition company, better known as a SPAC, joining the likes of Blade in shunning the traditional initial public offering route. The $1.1 billion deal backed by Atlas Crest Investment Corp. will give Archer, to be given the symbol "ACHR" on the New York Stock Exchange, $600 million in private equity in public enterprise, with shares starting at $10 per PIPE price. Among Archer's ranks are veterans of leading urban air mobility companies including Joby Aviation, Whisk, Airbus, and others. "With the right technology, we can curb the impact aircraft have on the planet, but we have to identify the next generation of companies who will make this a reality early and find ways to help them get off the ground," Kirby said.

And with that they were in good company.

despite my reserve re the claims re fares etc, I do think all who worked hard to keep them running and growing deserve a hearty "Well Done". If it was not for the pandemic WestJet would have been likely to continue to grow and provide jobs for their people.

The very broad statement that WestJet has cut airfares in 1/2 and has increased the flying population by 50%. Not so except perhaps on some very limited city pairs and I am not ever sure about that. The statement was correct for the first several years but again on some limited city pairs (due to WestJet's very limited schedule in the early days. Air transportation in Canada - Statistics & Facts | Statista

Porter Airlines’ tentative return to flying shifts to May 19 1 March 2021Canadian Aviation News TORONTO, March 1, 2021 /CNW/ – The target date for Porter Airlines to resume flights is being pushed back to May 19. “The implementation of more restrictive travel rules by governments since our last update makes an early spring restart unviable,” said Michael Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. “While there are signs of progress in containing the pandemic, it is necessary to reset our sights based on changing conditions. We remain optimistic that things are moving in the right direction, but it is possible that this tentative date may also need to be modified if vaccinations don’t accelerate to enable the easing of travel restrictions.” Porter previously set March 29, as its tentative restart date. Updates will be provided in the coming weeks about the status of flights. Operations were temporarily suspended on March 21, 2020, due to COVID-19. About Porter Airlines Porter Airlines has revolutionized short-haul flying with a warm and effortless approach to hospitality, restoring glamour and refinement to air travel. Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®.

Talk about False News:

WestJet reaches tentative agreement with CUPE 28 February 2021Canadian Aviation News CUPE Local 4070 represents WestJet Inflight group CALGARY, AB, Feb. 28, 2021 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced that a tentative agreement had been reached with CUPE Local 4070, representation for the WestJet Inflight (Cabin Crew) group. Both parties now await the ratification vote to be put forward to membership. “I am pleased that we’ve tentatively come to terms on the first collective agreement with CUPE Local 4070,” said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. “Our Cabin Crew Members are a valued and integral part of the WestJet team and it is our goal to continue supporting them as they continue the safe, caring service our guests expect of WestJet.” About WestJet In 25 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. Starting with 250 employees, five destinations and three aircraft, by 2019 the airline had grown to 14,000 employees, 180 aircraft and served more than 100 destinations in 23 countries. Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline’s Safety Above All hygiene program. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium. For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com. Share this:

Canada to join US mission to moon by Staff Writers Ottawa Canada (XNA) Feb 26, 2021 Like the International Space Station, the gateway will be assembled in stages, using both NASA and commercial launch vehicles. Canada announced on Thursday that it will send an astronaut to orbit the moon in 2023 as part of NASA's Artemis II mission. "It's official!" Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne tweeted. "Canada will join the US on the first crewed mission to the moon in over 50 years." The Gateway Treaty was signed between the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA last December. Under the treaty, a Canadian will be part of the Artemis II mission, the first crewed mission to the moon since 1972. It confirms a second flight for a Canadian astronaut to the Lunar Gateway, a small space station in lunar orbit. Canada will supply the Lunar Gateway with Canadarm3, an autonomous robotic system that will use artificial intelligence to perform tasks around the moon without human intervention. The gateway will be much smaller than the International Space Station orbiting the Earth. It will also be used as a science laboratory, a test-bed for new technologies and as a base for landings and exploration of the moon, and then potentially as a base for a Mars mission. Like the International Space Station, the gateway will be assembled in stages, using both NASA and commercial launch vehicles. Two elements of the gateway -- the Power and Propulsion Element and the Habitation and Logistics Outpost -- will launch together in 2023. Other modules will be added afterwards, according to the CSA.

I took it as the existing work force is 5600 (after 5100 were laid off) and within the 5600 there are 1250 pilots and of those 415 pilots were being laid off. But just a guess on my part..... ?

Lufthansa Outlines Summer Leisure Travel Program by Tom Boon February 25, 2021 2 minute read German flag carrier Lufthansa has today revealed its leisure travel plans for the summer of 2021. The airline will focus on flights to the Caribbean, Greece, and the Canary Islands, giving German holidaymakers plenty of options for experiencing summer sun. Lufthansa, Summer 2021, Leisure Flight Plan Lufthansa has outlined its summer 2021 leisure flight plans. Photo: Tom Boon – Simple Flying With strict travel bans, tied with what German experts are calling the start of the third wave of COVID-19, Lufthansa’s flight levels are currently down 85% year on year, according to data from RadarBox.com. However, it is not just Lufthansa that is suffering. Indeed, airlines worldwide are feeling the impact of the current situation, from LCC Ryanair to flag carrier British Airways. The summer leisure plan Lufthansa is understandably hoping that travel will be doing better by the summer. The airline appears to be banking on the need to holiday building up in those faced with the lockdown blues. As such, across the Lufthansa Group, airlines will offer “the most extensive range of vacation destinations in years”. Lufthansa Outlines Summer Leisure Travel Program - Simple Flying

In every barrel of apples, there is always a rotten one but that does not mean all are rotten.

Inside The British Airways A380: A Complete Tour byTom Boon February 24, 2021 1 share Inside The British Airways A380: A Complete Tour - Simple Flying 1 7 minute read