Regional Airlines

[Guest1]

Canadian North makes more leadership changes

Published: May 17, 2022 at 3:54pmOLLIE WILLIAMS

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Canadian North has appointed new leaders for its cargo and charter divisions in what the company said were changes “to renew operational focus.”

A Canadian North aircraft.

Chris Avery had already left the role of president and chief executive at the airline last month. On LinkedIn, Avery states he is now WestJet’s vice president of commercial strategy.

On Tuesday, Canadian North interim president Rashwan Domloge said Matieu Plamondon had been appointed to a newly created position, vice president of cargo, airport operations and facilities. 

“His priority will be to strengthen our cargo business and to ensure we are reliably delivering in this area on time, every time,” the airline stated in a news release.

Plamondon’s previous responsibility for charters and business will transfer to Andrew Pope, already the airline’s vice president of customer and commercial.

“This will consolidate our scheduled and charters businesses under one area and provide much tighter coordination between these two parts of our business,” the airline stated.

“Andrew’s priority will be to ensure the continued stability and performance of both of these important areas.”

The changes take effect on May 30.

[Guest1]

American Airlines regional carriers hike pilot pay more than 50% as shortage persists

Leslie Josephs  50 mins ago

Piedmont and Envoy pilots will get 50% pay premiums through August 2024.

Pilot attrition is rampant at airlines and has crimped growth, airline executives have said.

The smaller carriers are a breeding ground for pilots that often end up flowing through to major carriers.

© Provided by CNBC American Airlines Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet aircraft as seen on final approach landing at New York JFK international airport in NY, on February 13, 2020.

Two American Airlines-owned regional carriers will hike pilot pay by 50% through the end of August 2024, the latest sign airlines are willing to pay up in hopes of ending a pilot shortage that has left some travelers with fewer flight options.

The increases would make the pilots the highest paid of the U.S. regional airlines, ramping up pressure on other carriers to follow suit.

Including separate, permanent pay hikes, the temporary raises will bring hourly wages for first officers in their first year of flying at Piedmont Airlines to $90 an hour, up from $51 an hour, the company said. For first-year captains, pay will be $146 an hour, up from $78 an hour. The airline could extend the temporary hikes if needed, its CEO said Monday.

Airlines have been on pilot-hiring sprees since last year when travel demand began to bounce back from pandemic lows. But a persisting shortage of pilots is still hindering growth at a time of strong demand, prompting airlines to park jets that serve smaller cities. Part of the problem is that airlines encouraged pilots to take early retirement after demand cratered in 2020 and were left with too few when travel rebounded.

That has intensified the competition for pilots.

"Attrition of the regional pilots, particularly the captains, has really spiked to the point where we're not able to put our fleet in the air," Piedmont CEO Eric Morgan told CNBC.

The airline, based in Salisbury, Maryland, has been losing about 25 pilots a month to American's mainline operation and has fallen short of its goal to hire around 40 pilots each month. It flies 50-seat ERJ-145s for American, usually between smaller cities, but hasn't been able to fly 10 of its roughly 60 planes, Morgan said.

Piedmont approached the union with the pay increases that were outside of normal contract negotiations, said Morgan and Capt. Ryan Miller, chairman of the Piedmont chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association.

Envoy Air, based in Irving, Texas, said Saturday it reached a similar agreement with its pilots' union to shell out a 50% premium to pilots hourly rates through the end of August 2024.

Kit Darby, a pilot-pay consultant and a retired United captain, said raising regional pilots' pay is a positive step but that the bar was low. He said airlines need to ask: "What is a living wage and what will it take to attract pilots to the career?"

The pay increases come as some of the largest pilot unions — those representing more than 35,000 pilots at Southwest, Delta, JetBlue and American — are in contract talks with their carriers.

© Provided by CNBC American Airlines pilots picket outside the New York Stock Exchange on June 2, 2022.

American's management recently offered its roughly 14,000 pilots a 4% raise at the date of signing and then a 3% raise in the next year. Allied Pilots Association spokesman Dennis Tajer called that "insulting."

"Good on the pilots receiving these raises but when you have an airline that's pushing across a more than 50% pay increase, it's recognizing with dollars that they have a problem," Tajer said. APA pilots picketed at the New York Stock Exchange earlier this month for an improved contract and better schedules.

American didn't immediately comment on the union spokesman's remarks.

[Guest1]

A message from Air North President and CEO Joe Sparling   Information update for Air North employees and stakeholders (flyairnorth.com)

[Guest1]

New Aircraft added to Central Mountain Air’s Expanding Fleet

28 July 2022Canadian Aviation News

(Smithers, BC July 28th, 2022)

CMA announces the arrival of additional Dash 8-300 aircraft in its continued effort to support business growth and improve connectivity in Western Canada.   

Central Mountain Air (CMA) is pleased to announce the addition of another Dash 8-300 to its fleet. This addition will help grow the business, provide service to clients, and increase connectivity for communities across Western Canada.  This Dash 8-300 will be primarily used to support growth in the airline’s charter service and meet the demand of existing and new clients. 

Recognized as a leader in its class, the Dash 8-300 is ideal for flights not only to cities but also to remote locations. It has a carrying capacity of up to 50 passengers and a cruising speed of 532km/h. 

CMA’s fleet is now comprised of 5 Dash-8 -300, 5 Dash-8 -100, 3 Dornier 328, and 12 Beech 1900D in passenger configuration, 2 Beech 1900D Cargo Configuration, with the ability to expand its fleet types to meet your needs. CMA operates scheduled service to ten communities and is able to provide charter flights throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Western Canada, and the United States. In addition, CMA’s affiliate partners have a fleet comprising of 1 King Air 350i (Medevac Configuration), 2 King Air 350s (1 Corporate and 1 Medevac Configuration), 2 Dash 8 -400s, and 1 CRJ 100/200 further expanding CMA’s capabilities and offerings. 

For more information on our fleet visit:  https://www.flycma.com/our-fleet  

[Guest2]

Pacific Coastal Looking back on 35 Years

18 September 2022Canadian Aviation News

15 September 2022

Pacific Coastal Airlines History Timeline

Pacific Coastal Airlines was founded by Daryl Smith 35 years ago. The truck logger in Bella Coola, a small community on the central coast of British Columbia, decided to get a pilot’s license and purchased a small seaplane to make it easier to get in and out of remote camps. Some friends chipped in for fuel to tag along and thus began the adventure that led to Pacific Coastal Airlines.

Daryl earned his reputation through forty-two years of aviation experience as a pilot and owner of several regional carriers during the most significant era of aviation history in the province. That legacy of dedication and hard work continues with his son, President Quentin Smith, intimately involved in all aspects of the aviation business started by their father. A legendary figure in British Columbia aviation, Daryl received numerous awards and accolades from his peers and industry associations alike.

It began in 1987, with the merger of Powell Air and Air BC Port Hardy seaplane operation. The name Pacific Coastal Airlines was chosen from five company names that Air BC owned at the time. “Pasco” was then born, providing floatplane service into the mainland communities and interline with Air BC’s Dash 7 scheduled flights between Vancouver and Port Hardy.

The launch of our daily scheduled twin-engine wheel aircraft service from Port Hardy to Bella Bella and Vancouver started in 1988. This service utilized a seven-passenger Piper Navajo. In 1990, we introduced our first pressurized turboprop aircraft. The Beech King Air was purchased to meet increased demand and improve service levels on the Vancouver and Bella Bella route.

Pacific Coastal’s corporate culture has always had a shared value of giving back to the people and the communities we serve. In 1992, the Pacific Coastal Airlines’ Annual Charity Golf Tournament was launched. Over the years, with the hard work of Pasco volunteers and the generous support of sponsors, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised to support BC-based charities.

We introduced our first 705 aircraft in 1995 – the Shorts 360. This aircraft introduction was to help meet the growing demand on our central coast destinations as well as fishing lodge charter opportunities. In 1998, Pacific Coastal entered a Capacity Purchase Agreement with Canadian Airlines to operate as a “Canadian Partner” by providing service from Vancouver to Nanaimo, Comox, and Campbell River operating on the Shorts 360 aircraft.

In 1999, we introduced the Saab 340A aircraft. Three Saab 340 aircraft were then added to further enhance service levels and to expand Pacific Coastal’s network “reach”. This began the replacement of the Shorts 360 aircraft and lead to the acquisition of a further seven Saab 340 aircraft.

Our Community Sharing program was established in 2016. We support families in need within our network each Christmas and provide gift certificates for utilities, food, warm clothes, household items, and gifts from Santa for the children. This is all been made possible by internal fundraisers by staff.

In 2017, Pacific Coastal Seaplane division obtains an independent Air Operator’s Certificate and rebranded as Wilderness Seaplanes Ltd. Today, as Pacific Coastal’s affiliate airline, Wilderness operates seaplane service to more than fifty coastal communities from bases in Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island and Bella Bella.

In 2018, Pacific Coastal Airlines enters a Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA) with WestJet and becomes the operator of WestJet Link. WestJet Link was created to connect smaller cities in British Columbia and Alberta with WestJet’s domestic hub at the Calgary International Airport.

Over the years, Pacific Coastal has provided air travel for Special Olympics BC athletes, coaches, and volunteers to attend events all over BC and help with ongoing fundraising efforts throughout the year. In 2019, we celebrated our 20-year partnership with SOBC and are a proud member of the Special Olympics BC Hall of Fame.

Pacific Coastal Airlines also generously donates space on its flights to transport animals to and from BC SPCA shelters across the province. These flights allow animals to receive urgent medical care and gives animals their best chance of adoption by moving them to shelters in more populated areas.

Today, Pacific Coastal operates a fleet of 19, which includes a mix of Saab 340A and B and Beechcraft 1900C and D. Our network continues to encompass major ski destinations, a multitude of fishing lodges, outdoor and wildlife adventure tours, and authentic Indigenous experiences. As we look back on our history and celebrate our 35-year anniversary, we’re proud to see the growth of Pacific Coastal Airlines. With over 400 employees in British Columbia and Alberta, Pacific Coastal continues to grow and provide essential service, and it all started with a former truck logger with a great passion for aviation.

For our 35th anniversary, we’re not just recognizing how far we’ve come, we’re celebrating what lies ahead, and we’re starting our next chapter by thanking you.

We’re offering 35% off our network for your next trip with us. Use promo code SUPERPROMO22 when booking your next flight for travel between January and March 2023. Terms and conditions apply. Visit our website to book today.

We look forward to welcoming you onboard and thank you for choosing to fly with Pacific Coastal Airlines!

[Guest2]

Central Mountain Air Announces Flexible Payment Options Through Uplift Partnership

3 October 2022Canadian Aviation News

(Smithers, BC September 26th, 2022)

CMA announces a new partnership with buy now, pay later solution leader, Uplift.  

Central Mountain Air (CMA) is pleased to announce the addition of flexible payment options through Uplift, the leader in Buy Now, Pay Later payment options. This partnership is part of CMA’s continued effort to put the customer first and make travelling more accessible to Western Canadians. Whether you are travelling for work, leisure or to visit friends and family, travellers can now pay for their trips over time with Uplift on flycma.com  

This new partnership provides travellers with the freedom to book their trip on their terms and spread the cost over affordable monthly payments. Travellers can easily compare the costs of paying monthly with those of paying upfront, choosing the option that works best for them. There are no late or early payment penalties and travellers are able to clearly see the monthly payment amount and total cost of the trip at the time of booking.  

“At Central Mountain Air, we recognize that our passengers deserve flexible payment options, and the ability to spread payments out to match their financial situations.  We are pleased to be partnering with Uplift, providing the convenience and personalization that our valued customers deserve.” commented Trevor Wakefield, Chief Operations Officer at Central Mountain Air “We believe you shouldn’t have to delay or cancel your travel plans due to lump sum upfront payments, this important partnership is the next step to our evolution, and our continued ability to put our customers first” 

 “We are proud to partner with Central Mountain Air whose promise is to provide an enjoyable customer experience to Western Canada,” said Denise Heffron, Managing Director, Uplift Canada. “By offering Uplift’s flexible pay over time options we believe this is the perfect compliment to provide travellers with flexibility and customization in how they pay, making more trips and getaways a possibility.” 

For more information on this new partnership and to start booking visit: flycma.com/paymentoptions  

  

About Uplift  

Uplift is the leading Buy Now, Pay Later solution that empowers people to get more out of life, one thoughtful purchase at a time. Serving the world’s top enterprise level travel brands, Uplift’s complete range of flexible payment options drive higher conversion and loyalty for partners, while giving customers a simple, surprise-free way to pay over time with no late fees or prepayment penalties. Uplift is currently available throughout the United States and Canada. 

[Guest2]

WestJet and Pacific Coastal Airlines Launch Interline Cooperation

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NEWS PROVIDED BY

WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership 

Oct 18, 2022, 09:56 ET

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CALGARY, AB and VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 18, 2022 /CNW/ - Today, WestJet and Pacific Coastal Airlines launched a reciprocal interline relationship, the first interline collaboration for Pacific Coastal Airlines.

Guests can now purchase a single ticket from either airline for travel involving connecting flights between their networks.  Guests will enjoy the confidence of optimized connecting times and the convenience of checking in and receiving boarding passes for all flights at the first point of departure.

"We are thrilled to become the first interline partner for Pacific Coastal and to add to our existing WestJet Link relationship," said John Weatherill, WestJet's Chief Commercial Officer. "This new interline complements our network growth in Western Canada and the strong schedule we're bringing to the communities we serve directly and through our partners like Pacific Coastal."

 "Pacific Coastal Airlines is proud to partner with WestJet on our first interline," said Johnathan Richardson, Vice President of Customer and Commercial, Pacific Coastal Airlines. "We look forward to working together to connect the communities we serve and bring them exciting new options for their global travel needs."

This new interline expands the existing relationship between the airlines, through which Pacific Coastal Airlines operates all WestJet Link flights on behalf of WestJet under a capacity purchase agreement, serving 11 communities in Alberta and British Columbia.   

[Guest2]

Harbour Air Group Announces New CEO

31 October 2022Canadian Aviation News

October 31, 2022

 

Harbour Air Group (“Harbour Air”), North America’s largest seaplane airline, is pleased to announce the appointment of Bert van der Stege as CEO. Effective today, Bert joins Harbour Air from the WestJet Group where he held responsibility for its low-cost carrier Swoop, as Head of Commercial & Finance. Mr. van der Stege will succeed Greg McDougall, who will assume the role of Founder and Chairman on the company’s Board of Directors.

Harbour Air CEO Bert van der Stege

In his role as Founder and Chairman of Harbour Air, Greg will continue to play a critical role in the development of Harbour Air’s all-electric plane and in promoting and advocating for innovation and safety within the aviation industry.

“Having started Harbour Air in 1982 as a two-plane operation, I am immensely proud of how the company has grown over the years” says Greg McDougall. “It has been a privilege to work with the team and build the organization into what is today an iconic Canadian company with 40 aircraft, 10 bases, and over 500,000 annual passengers. I am pleased to welcome Bert as the new CEO of Harbour Air and am confident he will successfully lead Harbour Air in its next phase of growth. Bert brings over 20 years of experience in the airline industry and a track record of driving profitable growth, building brand loyalty and, most importantly, fostering a strong company culture based upon on values of safety, service, innovation, and team spirit.”

Prior to his role as Head of Commercial and Finance at Swoop, Mr. van der Stege served as the Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Halifax Stanfield International Airport and as the Vice President Commercial and Chief Restructuring Officer at First Air. Over the years, he has also held various positions with RwandAir, Arik Air, and Lufthansa Group.

“It is with great excitement that I join Harbour Air” says Bert. “Nowhere else in the world do you have an airline that is quite as distinctive. From passengers commuting every day to those visiting Canada and taking the tour of a lifetime, Harbour Air has found a way to share their passion for flying with the world. I am motivated by the opportunities ahead and honoured to be carrying on the legacy that Greg and his team created.”

Harbour Air’s long-term President, Randy Wright, will be taking on a special advisory role to both Bert and the Board. Randy has been with Harbour Air since 2001 and has had an enormous impact on the company during this time. He played a critical role in advancing Harbour Air’s standing in the Canadian aviation landscape and his leadership throughout Harbour Air’s expansion over the last 21 years has been invaluable.

“I would like to thank both Greg and Randy for their confidence and support of me in this new role” says Bert. “Harbour Air would not be in the position it is today without their valuable contributions, and I am grateful to be able to count on their experience and guidance as I become familiar with our unique organization.”

[Guest2]

B.C. commuter airline Cascadia Airways unable to continue operations

BY SKIES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 13, 2023

Estimated reading time  3 minutes, 16 seconds.

A small commuter airline based out of British Columbia has made the difficult decision to cease operations for the time being. Cascadia Airways confirmed in a statement on Jan. 11 that it has been “negatively affected by higher overall costs” during the past year, and it has become “unsustainable” for the company to continue its operations.

Formerly KD Air, the airline relaunched operations as Cascadia Air at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. It shared that its recent decision to cease operations was extremely difficult, as it not only impacts its nearly dozen employees, but “the communities we have served.”

here is a current list of their fleet.

[Innuendo]

KD Air, hmmmm, they operated out of Qualicum Beach for quite a while but ceased operations.

One of their vehicles sat for quite a while in the Airport parking lot with a wheel clamp on it in their company ID and colours.

Still, unfortunate that they cannot make a go of it.

[Malcolm]

 

An Air North plane takes off in the Yukon. The company announced Wednesday it was cancelling scheduled winter flights between Yellowknife, Whitehorse, and Toronto.© Submitted by Air North

Air North has cancelled winter flights between Yellowknife, Whitehorse, and Toronto, saying the route wasn't busy enough to cover costs.

The company said the cancellations affect flights scheduled from Feb. 13 to May 1, 2024.

Ben Ryan, chief commercial officer with Air North, said there wasn't enough demand for the flights.

 

"Our flights generally were looking like they would end up probably 60 per cent full, which is just not full enough to justify operating in the winter, especially with the potential high cost of de-icing that can occur during winter months," Ryan said.

"We think it's the necessary move, and we felt that the timing was ideal to just make the decision swiftly [Wednesday] so that people had a chance to rebook during the New Year's spring sale, or New Year sales, that are going on right now."

Anyone who's booked a seat on one of the cancelled flights can get a full refund from Air North, or rebook the flight for a date between May 7 and Sept. 18.

Alternatively, those who can't change their travel plans can be rebooked for a flight to another one of Air North's destinations "via a guaranteed $99 connector fare."

Summer flights between the three destinations will run as planned, Air North said in a statement.