Wednesday, 25 January 2023

Air Canada Cargo expands freighter network with new scheduled service to Liege and Basel

 

Air Canada Cargo has just announced that scheduled service to Liege with its Boeing 767 freighters will begin next month, while flights to Basel are slated to begin in April.

 

Air Canada Cargo will operate flights twice per week to Liege, with service increasing to three flights per week later in the year. Basel, one of Europe's premiere pharmaceutical hubs, will see two flights per week. They will originate in Toronto and have a stop in Halifax.  

 

The routes will connect these European destinations to Toronto and Air Canada Cargo’s extensive global network.  

 

“Air Canada Cargo continues to expand its freighter network to provide customers with reliable, year-round service that connects key European markets with Air Canada and Air Canada Cargo’s global network through its Toronto hub,” said Matthieu Casey, Managing Director, Commercial at Air Canada Cargo.

 

These new routes are in addition to the recent start of service to Dallas, Atlanta and Bogota as Air Canada Cargo continues to expand its freighter network.

Mine would be, the airline paid out the claim and then they owned what ever was found.   Full Stop.   No big deal.

 A Flair Airlines plane lands at Vancouver International Airpot (YVR) on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022. PHOTO BY RICHARD LAM /PNG

Article content

Flair Airlines is suspending its super-cheap Windsor to Montreal airline service effective Feb. 6.

The twice-weekly flight service was only launched last July. As recently as the fall, the budget airline said it would continue the deeply discounted direct flights to Quebec’s largest city uninterrupted into 2023.

The Edmonton-headquartered company wouldn’t respond to questions on what the reason might have been for the route discontinuation, but it left open the possibility the bargain flights — advertised for as low as $29 one-way — could be resumed at some future date.

“The airline has made the decision to stop its service to Montreal from Windsor for the time being,” a Flair spokesperson told the Star in an email Monday.

Meanwhile, the weekly Flair flights between Windsor and Tucson, Ariz., that began Dec. 1 continue, and the previously announced resumption of direct summer flights to Halifax will resume June 7.

“Flair is committed to Windsor. We look forward to continuing service from Windsor, at the lowest fares on offer,” the spokesperson said.

Passengers who had already booked tickets for flights that are no more “will receive full refunds.” No word, however, on any compensation for disrupted travel plans, like hotel or connecting-flight bookings, due to the suddenly cancelled route.

Windsor International Airport CEO Mark Galvin said he was notified last week of Flair’s decision. He said it’s up to YQG’s airline partners to divulge the reasons for any route or schedule changes, as well as to notify the public and its customers about them.

Despite the negative news, both Galvin and the company spokesperson said local air travellers will be hearing some good news in the near future.

“Stay tuned, we’ve got something in the works with Flair,” said Galvin.

And while it seems that Windsor-Montreal just didn’t work out, at least for now, the opening of direct flights to the East Coast appears to have been a better business decision. Flair Airlines, which announced its presence in Windsor only last spring, will be expanding last summer’s twice-weekly flights to Halifax to a thrice-weekly schedule starting this June.

 ‘Committed to Windsor.’ In this April 5, 2022, file photo, Eric Tanner, director of network planning and scheduling for Flair Airlines, is shown during a news conference at Windsor International Airport announcing new YQG routes. PHOTO BY DAX MELMER /Windsor Star

Flair, which bills itself as Canada’s only independent “ultra low-cost carrier,” has been expanding aggressively, in part to address what the airline industry believes is a pent-up demand for more affordable air travel after nearly three years of a global pandemic. This summer, the company will have seven new aircraft enter into service, bringing its fleet to 27 jets.

“Obviously, we want everything to be successful,” said Galvin, adding he’s in constant conversation with the airlines to draw more traffic and new routes to Windsor. “We’re looking forward to new destinations.”

The low point was 2020 when, as of the start of COVID-19, YQG was essentially shut down to commercial flights for months.

Currently, two daily flights are offered by both Air Canada, to Toronto Pearson International, and by Porter Airlines, to Billy Bishop Toronto City. Sunwing Airlines offers three resort flights a week to Cuban destinations and a fourth flight to Mexico from YQG. Later in the spring, WestJet resumes its direct-flight summer service between Windsor and Calgary.

Pre-pandemic, Air Canada also tried a Windsor-Montreal direct schedule but it too was discontinued. Glavin said it’s not uncommon for airlines to “test markets, see what works.”

While there’s pent-up demand, he said the air travel sector is “still in recovery mode” from the COVID-19 global economic blow, including on airline industry staffing, particularly a reduced supply of pilots and flight crews.

On 1/23/2023 at 7:46 PM, Maverick said:

Can't cut-and-paste for some reason...

 

Experts say the sun may set on Sunwing as the airline struggles to keep its operations afloat | CBC News

I hope the "EXPERTS" ARE WRONG.......

here you go

Experts say the sun may set on Sunwing as the airline struggles to keep its operations afloat

Sunwing cuts half of winter flights from Saskatoon and all winter flights from Regina

Sunwing travellers from Saskatchewan are now running out of direct flight options to sunny destinations, as the airline is pulling many of its remaining winter flights. Experts say the future looks uncertain for Sunwing. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press)

 

Lindsay May always wanted a destination wedding.

She and her fiancé originally had it planned for February 2022, but postponed to January of this year due to the pandemic.

"I got my pedicure and had my hair and dress ready to go, but four days before we were supposed to depart on Jan. 2 of 2023, I found out through social media that Sunwing cancelled absolutely everything from Regina," she said.

"I went through the seven stages of grief in one day and had a couple of panic attacks, but we rebooked our flight for March 13."

• Sunwing cuts weekly flights from Winnipeg to Los Cabos and Mazatlán for winter

On Tuesday, the Regina couple learned Sunwing had once again cancelled their flight out of Regina.

"Why did you even allow us to rebook and give us hope?" she asked.

 

Lindsay May says it is the fourth time she and her fiancé are rebooking their destination wedding in Mexico after the pandemic, and then Sunwing, disrupted their plans. (Submitted by Lindsay May)

Now, she and her guests are trying to rebook for a fourth time, this time through WestJet, as the $16,000 she paid for a wedding at a resort in Mexico is non-refundable.

"What I really want from Sunwing is for them to compensate for the time and effort of everyone having to go through this," she said.

"Sunwing has completely lost my faith in them. I never had a problem with them before but I will never fly with them again. Certainly I don't see anyone in Saskatchewan having faith and trust in them anymore.

ago

Duration1:12

Regina's Lindsay May had her destination wedding cancelled by Sunwing Travel. It turned into an emotional roller-coaster, she says.

May was offered an alternative of flying out of Saskatoon when her March 13 flight was cancelled, but she opted against it. That was a wise decision, as on Wednesday Saskatoon's airport confirmed that Sunwing would be cancelling half of its flights out of Saskatoon for the rest of the winter season.

 

Lisa Adams-Krahenbil says she is frustrated after Sunwing cancelled their flight from Regina to Cuba. They now have to incur extra expenses to fly out of Winnipeg. (Submitted by Lisa Adams-Krahenbil)

Lisa Adams-Krahenbil was ready to go to Cuba with her kids after the pandemic delayed earlier plans, but a day before their departure the Sunwing flight out of Regina was cancelled.

"I don't understand why they have to cancel now. Sunwing is the only flight [from Regina] that flies directly to Cuba," she said, noting they are now flying out of Winnipeg.

"It was upsetting and frustrating. It's unfair that Saskatchewan gets cancelled. It was supposed to be the first plane ride and hot weather vacation for our kids."

The family had saved up for the trip, but now a lot of the money will go to travelling to Winnipeg and accommodations there before and after the trip, she said.

"I still have my doubts if I will reach Cuba on Jan. 27. I know travelling is not the best right now, but we have paid for our hot holiday and we will go."

CBC reached out multiple times to Sunwing for an interview on Wednesday. It did not grant one, but confirmed the cancellations.

New data from the Angus Reid Institute shows Canadians are as likely to blame the weather (70 per cent) than the airlines and rail companies (68 per cent) for the holiday travel chaos. One in three (33 per cent) point the finger at the federal government. (Angus Reid Institute)

A recent survey from Angus Reid Institute found that almost as many Canadian respondents blamed the airlines and rail companies (68 per cent) for the holiday travel chaos as blamed the weather (70 per cent).

One in three also pointed the finger at the federal government.

The survey also found a strong desire from respondents for more government regulation to protect consumers from cancellations.

The poll surveyed 1,611 Canadians and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

WATCH | Rescheduled Sunwing flights cause problems for travellers: 

Duration0:32

Travel agent Suzanne Pelzer says Regina travellers rescheduled to other cities will have to deal with another set of problems.

"Due to all the disruptions in six months, the U.S. is considering re-regulating the business, but I don't hear similar noise coming from Canada," said John Gradek, an aviation expert and a lecturer in the aviation management program at McGill University.

"It's a failure on the part of Sunwing to understand that their schedule was a little too aggressive or optimistic."

Gradek said the Canadian government is being silent.

In a written statement Wednesday, the Office of the Minister of Transport said airlines are private entities that decide their own flight frequency and destinations, and "not at the direction of the government."

"Regarding WestJet's proposed acquisition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines, the Minister determined that the transaction raised public interest considerations related to national transportation," the statement read.

"The Minister takes this issue very seriously and is ensuring to consider and study all the public interest considerations that have been raised before providing a recommendation to the Governor in Council on the proposed purchase."

• Sunwing cuts half of remaining winter flights from Saskatoon

• Sunwing's troubles mount: Airline cancels remainder of its winter flights out of Regina

Sunwing's future uncertain: experts

Gradek said Sunwing is now "thinning out its schedule" and pulling out of Saskatchewan to have a "half-decent chance" at keeping other destination flights running.

He said the airline assumed it would be able to bring in 64 foreign pilots like in previous years, but "the Canadian government did not allow those permits to be issued."

"[Sunwing] promised a lot more than they could. It seems Saskatchewan wasn't profitable for Sunwing," he said.

 

John Gradek, a lecturer in aviation management at McGill University, says while the U.S. is considering re-regulating the aviation industry following the recent disruptions, he isn't seeing similar momentum in Canada. (McGill University)

The airline said a week ago that it got 7,000 complaints tied to the 2022 holiday travel season. Since then, talks of a class action lawsuit against the airline have been brewing. Gradek said Sunwing's reputation has been tarnished and loyal customers are dwindling.

"Its overambitious holiday schedule creating a lot of animosity, and the loss of brand value in the Canadian marketplace due to its actions, will end up having them pay a price," he said.

"There's no way Sunwing can escape some loss of market share and value."

Gradek said the airline has 15 more days to address compensation concerns from its passengers before they can proceed to the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA).

"But then those passengers will join the other 33,000 Canadians who are already in front of the CTA with complaints of not being compensated by the industry. It's a mess created by the industry."Sunwing says it received 7,000 complaints during chaotic holiday travel season

12 days ago

Duration1:02

Sunwing official Andrew Dawson confirms the airline got 7,000 complaints tied to 2022 holiday travel season.

Calgary-based independent aviation industry analyst Rick Erickson said Sunwing's decision-making has him at a loss for words.

"Sunwing has been profitable in the Saskatchewan market for a number of years and just to abruptly cancel services there out of the blue is out of rationale," he said.

Unlike in the U.S. where airlines got $25 billion in "outright grants," Erickson said "there were no grants" in Canada, but carriers like Sunwing and Air Canada took short term loans.

He said the future of Sunwing is "uncertain," as WestJet wants to buy the airline — hoping to tap into that Eastern Canadian market and Sunwing's owned resorts — but that decision may not be concrete until summer. 

• Canadians impacted by Sunwing cancellations and delays want a class-action lawsuit against the airline

• Sunwing's Saskatchewan flight cancellations hamper wedding plans for Ontario woman

Erickson said other carriers like Flair Airlines are also looking to fill in the routes abandoned by Air Canada and Sunwing in Saskatchewan. 

"Sunwing has a long uphill road to be the airline it was. It would be a shame to lose Sunwing," Gradek said.

"Unless something happens dramatically changing Sunwing's behaviour and its way of doing business, the sun may set on Sunwing."

 

 

Blue Sky48:42

If you feel a need for speed:

Curious, did anyone on this forum fly this aircraft or the aircraft type?

• The Lockheed L‐10A Electra arrives to permanent home for the public to enjoy

Editor's Note: A video celebrating CF-TCC's arrival at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada can be found here.

MONTREAL, Sept. 7, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ - In celebration of its 85th anniversary, Air Canada today donated its historic aircraft, an original Lockheed L-10A Electra airplane to Winnipeg's Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. The iconic aircraft, the first fleet type flown by the carrier, made its final journey as it taxied from the Air Canada hangar at Winnipeg International Airport to the Museum at a handover ceremony. The airplane will go on permanent public display as an iconic piece of aviation history.

 

In celebration of its 85th anniversary, Air Canada today donated its historic aircraft, an original Lockheed L-10A Electra airplane to Winnipeg’s Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

 

The aircraft, with registration CF-TCC, was one of three purchased by Air Canada's forerunner, Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA), in 1937. It was until recently one of only two Lockheed L10-A Electra aircraft still flying in the world.

 

Named after a bright star in the Pleiades star cluster, the 10A Electra was the pride of the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. In the 1930s, this twin-engine, all-metal monoplane was the exciting new face of commercial aviation.

"There is no more fitting preservation and commemoration for one of our original aircraft than to have TCC be on permanent display in Winnipeg, which was one of TCA's original hubs when the airline began operations in 1937 thanks to its central location in our country. Air Canada has a long and rich history connecting Canadians from coast to coast which continues to this day, and it all started with the Lockheed L-10A 85 years ago. As we celebrate our 85^th anniversary, we mark this milestone by ensuring that such an important part of Canadian aviation history will be available for Canadians and aviation enthusiasts to enjoy for many years to come," said Captain Murray Strom, Senior Vice President – Flight Operations at Air Canada.

"We're very pleased that CF-TCC has landed at the Royal Aviation Museum and is now part of our permanent collection. This aircraft has ties to Winnipeg dating back to 1937 and to our museum in particular," notes Museum President & CEO Terry Slobodian. "Our museum was previously located in the original TCA hangar here in Winnipeg. The Lockheed Electra is a perfect picture of the early days of commercial air travel in Canada. We are grateful to Air Canada for their longstanding support of our museum and for entrusting us with this spectacular piece of aviation history."

The History of CF-TCC

CF-TCC was one of three L-10A aircraft purchased by Trans-Canada Air Lines. The L-10A aircraft type operated TCA's inaugural flight on September 1, 1937, a 50-minute trip from Vancouver to Seattle carrying mail and two passengers.

TCA had acquired the route plus two Lockheed L‐10A aircraft from Canadian Airways. In that same month, TCA bought three additional Lockheed L‐10A aircraft, brand new, from the Lockheed factory for $73,000 each. These aircraft were dubbed the "Three Sisters" and carried the registrations CF‐TCA, CF‐TCB, and CF‐TCC. The first aircraft, CF‐TCA is now at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa. CF-TCC last flew in 2018, and was one of two remaining Lockheed L‐10A Electra aircraft still flying in the world.

After being operated by TCA from 1937 to 1939, CF‐TCC was sold to the Department of Transport – Canada. During the next 40 years, the aircraft was sold several times to various private corporations and individuals.

In 1962, CF-TCC was leased by TCA and six of the original TCA pilots operated a commemorative flight across Canada on the occasion of TCAs 25^th Anniversary.

In 1975, a retired Air Canada employee recognized the faded old registration marks on the aircraft while attending an air show in Texas. Air Canada kept track of the aircraft until 1983, at which point the airline purchased back the aircraft, restored it, and flew it during the Air Canada 50th Anniversary celebrations in 1986. At the end of the Fifty stop Canadian tour, CF‐TCC was featured in the Air Canada pavilion during Expo 86 in Vancouver.

Since 1986, the aircraft has been maintained in flying condition. Volunteers and support from the broader aviation community, including from Air Canada Maintenance and Flight Operations, over the years have dedicated thousands of hours of personal time and other contributions into keeping CF‐TCC flying for generations to enjoy. When not flying, the aircraft has been based in the Western Canada Aviation Museum in Winnipeg, Manitoba, or stored in Air Canada's Winnipeg hangar.

On September 21, 2007, it recreated TCA's first flight from Vancouver to Seattle, marking Air Canada's 70^th Anniversary.

In 2012, as part of Air Canada's 75th Anniversary Celebrations, CF‐TCC made several air show and public appearances, showcasing Air Canada's heritage and the history of commercial aviation in Canada.

In 2017 to mark the carrier's 80th anniversary, Air Canada's Lockheed 10A took to the skies for a cross country tour, beginning with a public appearance at the Royal Aviation Museum in Winnipeg. Along the way, the aircraft made stops in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax, Quebec City.

In 2022, on occasion of Air Canada's 85^th anniversary, the airline's Lockheed 10A made its final journey to the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada in Winnipeg. CF-TCC was taxied to the Museum from Air Canada's Hangar by the aircraft's long-time advocates and volunteers, Retired Captain Robert Giguere, Retired Captain Gerry Norberg, Retired Aircraft Maintenance Engineer George Huntington, and Air Canada Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Mike Clarkson. 

By the Numbers:

1937 Lockheed L‐10A Crew: 2 Pilots, 1 Flight Attendant (known as a Stewardess in 1937.) Capacity: 10 passengers Length: 38 ft 7 in   Wingspan: 55 ft 0 in   Height: 10 ft 1 in   Empty weight: 6,454 lbs   Max Weight: 10,500 lbs   Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney R‐985 Wasp Junior SB, 450 HP ea.     Cruise speed: 140 knots, 190 mph   Range: 713 miles / 1,147 kilometres   Normal Cruising Altitude:   6,000 – 10,000 ft

Boeing 777-300ER (Air Canada's largest aircraft)   Crew: 2 or 4 Pilots, up to 12 flight attendants   Capacity: Up to 450 passengers   Length: 242 ft, 9 in   Wingspan: 213 ft, 3 in   Height: 62 ft, 4 in   Empty weight: 353,600 lbs   Max Weight: 775,000 lbs   Powerplant: 2 GE90-115B engines   Cruise speed: 484 knots, 557 mph   Range: 9,068 miles / 14,594 kilometres   Normal Cruising Altitude:   35,000 ft

About Air Canada

A sure sign that things have changed and continue to change at WestJet when it comes to Labour.

Major victory for WestJet workers at Toronto Pearson International Airport

TORONTO, Aug. 3, 2022 /CNW/ – WestJet workers at Pearson International Airport have won a major victory in their right to representation as the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) certifies Unifor as their sole bargaining agent.

“WestJet workers in Toronto have gained a voice in their workplace, joining with workers in Vancouver and Calgary as members of Unifor. These employees have tremendous experience to offer their employer as airlines face an increase in travel demand from pre-pandemic travel demand,” said Unifor Secretary-Treasurer Lana Payne.

“It is imperative that workers have a strong voice in future decisions at WestJet to ensure fairness and job protection with the airline.”

Unifor applied with the Canada Industrial Relations Board on July 11, 2022, to certify Unifor as the union for 374 WestJet workers at Toronto Pearson International Airport. On July 29, 2022, the CIRB certified Unifor as the sole bargaining agent after declaring that a majority of the workers signed membership cards.

“This is an important step in creating more stability, predictability and protection. I’m happy that collectively we have found our voice as we move toward fairness with fair treatment for ourselves, our co-workers and our families,” said Michelle Lindo-Collins, WestJet Customer Service Agent.

As airline travel rebounded post-pandemic, workers in Toronto have often faced increased pressures as frontline representatives with the public when plans did not go as expected due to flight delays, cancellations and long wait times at the airport.

“Our collective efforts to sustain the day-to-day operation and hold onto what WestJet represents have weighed on us all through these difficult times. Along with Unifor, we hope to build on the momentum to see change here in Toronto. We look forward to growing WestJet and positively impacting our guests throughout their travel plans,” said Keaton Cole, WestJet Customer Service Agent.

“I’m happy to join my co-workers in Calgary and Vancouver as members of Unifor. United together, we look forward to growing WestJet while providing good jobs and benefits to employees who provide exceptional daily service,” shared Wesley Watson a Customer Service Agent in the baggage department.

Unifor represents 7,500 airport agents at other airlines, including Air Canada, Jazz, Porter, First Air, Calm Air and more. In all, Unifor represents more than 16,000 workers across the airline industry.

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector and represents 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

Snowbirds cancel Penticton performance following incident in Fort St. John

By Kathy Michaels  Global News
Posted August 3, 2022 8:36 am
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds cancelled their Penticton Peach Festival performance in the wake of an incident in Fort St. John.

A 431 Air Demonstration Squadron CT-114 aircraft was headed to Penticton Tuesday, where the rest of the Snowbirds were at that time preparing for the Penticton Air Display.

Maj. Trevor Reid, public affairs officer with the Canadian Armed Forces, told Global News the CT 114 Tutor aircraft suffered some damage during takeoff from the North Peace Regional Airport in Fort St. John. The pilot and sole occupant of the plane was not injured and an investigation is ongoing.

In a statement, Peach Fest organizers said they’ve been told the aircraft won’t be flown while a Royal Canadian Air Force flight safety team investigates the cause of that incident.

While the Snowbirds are out, Peachfest organizers said that Canadian Forces Skyhawks will still perform Wednesday night, the opening night of Peach Fest, at 5 p.m., landing in Okanagan Lake Park.

The Snowbirds and Skyhawks will also be at the Penticton Airport at 10 a.m. to meet with the public and will have an opportunity for people to view the Tutor aircraft up close.

Canadian Snowbirds and SkyHawks fly into Penticton for Peach Fest

By Jasmine King  Global News

Posted August 1, 2022 7:15 pm

The Penticton Peach Fest is set to kick off in just a few days. Ahead of the activities, the Snowbirds and SkyHawks are getting prepared for the Penticton Air Display. Jasmine King has the details.

•  

The Penticton Peach Fest is set to kick off in just a few days. Ahead of the activities, the Canadian Snowbirds and Skyhawks are getting prepared for the Penticton Air Display.

The SkyHawks, Canada’s only military parachute team, and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing Wednesday night.

“We’re going to be flying right over the water, by the waterfront area and the pier. What you can expect is our full up high show, if the weather cooperates,” said Capt. Ari Mahajan, pilot of Snowbird 3. He promises a full, 30-minute show.

“We’re going to be doing loopings, rolling and we’re going to do crosses, our full show.”

he Snowbirds had a hazy landing Monday morning due to a fire burning in the South Okanagan. The smoke greatly affects what type of show they can offer and how many tricks they can do.

“Smoke from forest fires can be very challenging. Obviously, it reduces the visibility, not just on the ground but also in the air, so smoke aloft can be a little bit of a concern,” said Capt. Erik Temple.

“We’re going to be monitoring very closely what’s going on, talking with NAV Canada and the other agencies to make sure the show is safe first and foremost.”

The Penticton Peach Fest performance is around the halfway point of their summer show season.

Mahajan said he is grateful he gets to fly with the Snowbirds team.

“To be able to take the show everywhere across North America and showcase to the public what we do, hopefully representing the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces, yes, it’s amazing.”

READ MORE: Okanagan Dream Rally roars through valley

The Skyhawk and Snowbird performances mark day one of the festival and the pilots are excited to experience the South Okanagan and what it offers. They are asking Penticton boaters to avoid the area where they will perform.

We would love it if all watercraft, boats, paddleboards, and kayaks can just remain clear of the water towards the south side of the lake. That’s what we need in order to perform aerobatics, so we need that area to be clear or we have to change the show,” Temple said.

The SkyHawks performance starts at 5 p.m. and the Snowbirds show kicks off at 6 p.m. on Wednesday night.

Updated Timeline for ADS-B Performance Mandate in Canada – Canadian Aviation News (wordpress.com)

Quote

Updated Timeline for ADS-B Performance Mandate in Canada

2 August 2022Canadian Aviation News

OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 2, 2022 /CNW/ – NAV CANADA today confirmed that due to supply chain impacts related to the COVID pandemic, the previously announced implementation dates for the Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) Out Performance Mandate have been adjusted for Class A and B airspace.

In coordination with Transport Canada, the state regulator, new dates have been developed in a manner reflective of customer feedback regarding supply chain limitations and backlogs to acquire and install the appropriate transponder, as well as current equipage levels in each class of airspace.

As a result, the mandate will come into effect as follows:

• Class A Canadian airspace on August 10, 2023
• Class B Canadian airspace on May 16, 2024
• Class C, D and E to occur no sooner than 2026 and will be determined pending further assessment.

In February 2022, NAV CANADA announced Canada’s plan to implement ADS-B Out mandate to enhance aircraft operations in domestic airspace – requiring aircraft operators flying in certain domestic airspace to meet ADS-B Out Performance Requirements.

Following the announcement and after considerable industry engagement with Transport Canada and industry stakeholders, NAV CANADA is confirming new official start dates to allow customers adequate time to equip.

“The valuable input we have received from our stakeholders and partners on the Canadian ADS-B mandate indicates that later dates for the mandate requirement are warranted as the industry continues to navigate the ongoing impacts to supply chains due to the pandemic,” said Jeff Dawson, Assistant Vice President, Operational Support. “We are taking these steps to ensure customers have adequate time to comply with mandate equipage requirements.”

“What we are seeing in terms of equipage is very encouraging – rates in Class A airspace are at 95 per cent, while those in Class B airspace are above the 88 per cent mark and growing steadily.”

The equipage requirements of Canada’s approach to the implementation of the ADS-B are in line with a growing number of other countries in the world, and the adoption of satellite-based surveillance technology ensures long-term alignment with the global aviation system.

About the ADS-B Out Performance Requirements Mandate

To meet the ADS-B Out Performance Mandate, aircraft will be required to:

• Be equipped with an appropriate transponder with ADS-B out capabilities and performance with the applicable standard of Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) DO-260B, “Minimum Operational Performance Standards”, or newer.
• Have antenna capability for broadcast toward space-based ADS-B receivers emitting 1090 MHz extended squitter. This requirement can be met either through antenna diversity (the use of a top and bottom antenna) or with a single antenna that is capable of transmitting both towards the ground and up towards satellites.

About NAV CANADA

About Commercial Crew

NASA's Commercial Crew Program is a partnership to develop and fly human space transportation systems.

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commercial_crew_press_kit_2.pdf (nasa.gov)

Air Canada Revokes Employee Travel Privileges - One Mile at a Time

Quote

Air Canada Revokes Ridiculously Entitled Person’s Employee Travel Privileges

• Ben Schlappig
• 2 hours ago
•  8

 

 

One of the awesome benefits of working in the airline industry is that you get travel privileges. However, some people don’t seem to get that this comes with certain expectations related to conduct and how to behave.

In this post:

• Why Air Canada revoked employee’s travel perks
• This is RIDICULOUS
• Bottom line

Why Air Canada revoked employee’s travel perks

Some people don’t seem to know when to stop. The daughter of an Air Canada employee is complaining to the media after her mother’s employee travel privileges with the airline were suspended.

The woman claims that she filed a complaint with the airline after receiving what she deemed to be poor customer service by ground staff while traveling with her mother’s employee travel privileges. The woman not only emailed senior officials at the airline, but also copied media outlets. The woman also allegedly misrepresented herself as a revenue customer, rather than someone traveling on employee privileges.

Both the 62-year-old Air Canada employee (who is an administrator) and her daughter have had their travel privileges with the airline suspended for a period of two years due to this incident. The woman claims that the travel privileges are one of the main reasons her mother worked for Air Canada, and she’s worried that her mother might lose her job if the situation escalates.

Now the woman is going to the media again to complain about the treatment she and her mother received, with having their privileges suspended:

“I had a really like sickening feeling when my mother told me what they did to her. It’s one thing for me to be reprimanded, but it’s totally different for my actions impacting my mom.”

The employee allegedly went to the union to try to protest this decision, but the union stated there was nothing that could be done, and suggested she apologize to the airline to reduce her penalty.

An Air Canada spokesperson issued the following statement regarding this situation:

“We deal with our employees directly on internal matters. However, we can confirm employee travel is a special privilege and a unique and generous perk of working for an airline that comes with responsibilities which the overwhelming majority of employees and families understand and value.

“We take feedback about our services seriously. In fact, we undertook an investigation into the complaint lodged, and subsequently found facts which did not align with what was presented.”

 Air Canada suspended an employee’s travel privileges

This is RIDICULOUS

We obviously don’t know the substance of the complaint that was filed with Air Canada. However, no matter how you slice it, the daughter of the employee crossed the line, and keeps digging herself (and her mother) a deeper hole:

• When you take advantage of employee travel perks, you have to agree to certain terms and codes of conduct
• Even if she had a legitimate complaint, you can’t misrepresent yourself as a paying customer, and you shouldn’t try to get media involved in trying to solve an internal issue
• She’s outraged that her mom is being reprimanded for her actions; that’s how it works when you take advantage of employee travel privileges
• Even the union made it clear that nothing could be done to defend the employee, and that she should just apologize
• Even after all this happened, the woman is still trying to go to the media to complain about the outcome of this, claiming she fears her mother could now lose her job (which very well could happen if she keeps this up)

The level of entitlement here is kind of mind-boggling. Unfortunately this isn’t the first time we’ve seen someone traveling with non-rev perks act this way, and it’s also why some airline employees are hesitant to extend travel privileges to friends & family, since they fear this kind of behavior.

This behavior is literally the definition of looking a gift horse in the mouth…

 This traveler doesn’t seem to understand what a privilege is

Bottom line

While airline employee travel privileges are awesome, they come with certain behavior expectations. I think the daughter of this Air Canada employee is the perfect example of how not to act when you’re traveling with airline benefits.

The fact that this person is still trying to go to the media to essentially mediate is a very odd approach to take, if you ask me… I don’t see this ending well for her or her mother.

Just goes to show that when allowing a relative to travel on your passes, you must make sure they understand the pass policy. 

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Air Canada revoked a worker's flying privileges after her daughter complained about poor service

Ryan Hogg 

7 hours ago

 

• Air Canada revoked an employee's flying privileges after her daughter complained.
• The woman was upset that her mother was being punished for an issue between her and Air Canada.
• The airline said the employee broke its code by allowing a family member to file a grievance. 

On 7/27/2022 at 12:20 PM, Kargokings said:

Chinese rocket core on potentially dangerous free-fall to Earth — again

By Michelle Butterfield  Global News

Posted July 27, 2022 11:53 am

 Updated July 27, 2022 11:56 am

Another day, another Chinese rocket body falling uncontrolled from space.

U.S. Space Command is warning that the remnants of the massive Chinese rocket that was shot into space last Sunday will likely fall to Earth soon, perhaps as early as July 31.

The 10-storey, 21-tonne rocket was part of the Wentian space station module and docked with the country’s Tiangong space station this week.

READ MORE: Huge Chinese rocket core falling ‘out of control’ back to Earth

The uncrewed craft was blasted to space by a Long March 5B rocket from the Wenchang launch centre on the Chinese island of Hainan.

The big problem, however, is that experts aren’t sure how much of the rocket will survive and, most concerning, they don’t know where it’s expected to crash-land

Evidently everyone held their breath, crossed their fingers and all worked out.

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Long March 5B: Debris from Chinese rocket falls back to Earth - BBC News

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The F-15 Eagle Celebrates 50 Years Of Undefeated Air Dominance - The Aviationist

I imagine other customers will also ground their F-35s until the problem is resolved.

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Israel grounds F-35s over pilot ejection seat concerns

54m ago

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The Israeli Air Force announced a temporary halt in its stealth fighter F-35 aircraft activity on Saturday, following U.S. concerns over defects in pilot ejection systems.

 

© Reuters/Axel SchmidtFILE PHOTO: A Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft is seen at the ILA Air Show in Berlin

Aircraft will undergo inspections that will last a few days, the Israeli Air Force said on Twitter, and any individual F-35 operations will be conducted by special authorisation of the air force chief.

Perhaps looking out of the forward starboard door to check the right landing gear?