Kip Powick Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 COULD reach a maximum of $5000.00....... Fat Chance OFFENDERS should be on the NO FLY list for a few years or perhaps decades..... The entire investigation has been a joke..., in "my world" there would be a few jail sentences... based on all the video I have seen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest1 Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 13 minutes ago, Kip Powick said: COULD reach a maximum of $5000.00....... Fat Chance OFFENDERS should be on the NO FLY list for a few years or perhaps decades..... The entire investigation has been a joke..., in "my world" there would be a few jail sentences... based on all the video I have seen. I agree but we currently live under a NDPLIBERAL government so unless the vote in Ontario changes, that will be a "steady state" 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest1 Posted July 4, 2022 Share Posted July 4, 2022 Sunwing knew company was about to be sold to Westjet during labour talks, pilots union alleges Union representing pilots files complaint with Industrial Relations Board alleging bad faith negotiations Pete Evans · CBC News · Posted: Jul 04, 2022 4:00 PM ET | Last Updated: 26 minutes ago Sunwing inked a deal to be taken over by Westjet just weeks after signing a labour pact with its pilot union. The union has now filed an official complaint with the Industrial Relations Board alleging the company negotiated in bad faith. (Todd Korol/Reuters, Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press) The union that represents the pilots at discount airline Sunwing has filed an official complaint with Canada's Industrial Relations Board alleging that the company negotiated a recent labour deal in bad faith because it knew a sale of the airline to Westjet was on the table. The Unifor union made a deal with the airline on behalf of the 451 pilots it represents that brought modest wage increases and improvements to other benefits. When the deal was ratified in February, it was hailed as an agreement that would bring some stability to all sides in what had been an up and down few years for the airline industry. But that optimism started to wane when the airline announced a few weeks later that it has agreed to be acquired by Calgary-based Westjet. The union is alleging that the airline's management knew that a takeover offer was in the works, and had they shared that with the union during the negotiations, they wouldn't have made the concessions they did. As such, the union is filing an official complaint with Canada's Industrial Relations Board alleging that the company was bargaining in bad faith by not disclosing its looming sale. "It was of paramount importance to the union to receive assurances from the employer that it was not discussing a sale to WestJet, as any potential sale would have had important consequences on the union's positions with respect to bargaining," the filing reads. CBC News reached out to Sunwing and Westjet for comment. Those requests were not returned. While Unifor initially welcomed the merger, since then they say the company is seeking further savings via contract violations as air travel ramps up again from its pandemic doldrums. "What we'd like to do is to revisit the areas of the collective agreement that would have been discussed and negotiated differently had the airline come to us and been honest that these discussions were taking place" said Barret Armann, president of Unifor Local 7378, which represents the pilots, in an interview with CBC News. The union says it doesn't object to the merger, but simply wants to ensure Sunwing pilots will be on a level playing field with other Westjetters if and when it happens "The company said it was a great plan to expand. We think it's a great idea provided there's wage parity and that they will agree to whatever deals we come up with," Armann said. "At the end of the day our pilots don't want to be kicked to the street to start again." Airport chaos The Sunwing merger with Westjet is slated to be completed by the end of this year, both companies have previously said. It's not immediately clear what the filing with the board means for the deal's likelihood of going through. It already faces numerous regulatory hurdles, including from Canada's Competition Bureau, which has already said it plans to review the deal to make sure it is a good thing for consumers. Long security lines at several Canadian airports are the result of a shortage in staff, according to officials. The union representing screening officers suggests recruitment and retention challenges would be resolved if employees were better trained and paid more. The potential of labour strife is yet another piece of bad news for Canada's snarled travel industry, which has been beset by staff shortages, long lines, rampant delays and baggage headaches amid the pandemic. Armann puts most of the blame for what's happening at Canadian airports right now squarely at the feet of the airlines themselves, who cut staffing to the bone during the pandemic, begged for help from government, and are now scrambling to ramp up again. Passengers still face travel disruption as Sunwing delays caused by data security breach continue "It's all a factor of companies laying everybody off and [now] running to the employees saying, 'Can you come and work for us?" Armann said. "You threw us to the curb for a year and half when we could barely pay our mortgages and now you want us to work really hard." John Gradek, a former executive at Air Canada who is now a lecturer on the aviation industry at McGill University in Montreal, told CBC News on Monday he expects those issues to persist at least through the summer. "Unless you have a high tolerance for risk, it's probably not a good time to travel," Gradek said. "Patience is the operative word." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest2 Posted October 13, 2022 Share Posted October 13, 2022 Hmmm. Canadian airline selling plane tickets that may be 'the lowest ever offered from Toronto' Alex Arsenych Canadian airline selling plane tickets that may be ‘the lowest ever offered from Toronto’ – Canadian Aviation News (wordpress.com)More share options An ultra-cheap Canadian airline is selling plane tickets at a price the CEO says might be the lowest ever offered out of Toronto. Ultra-low-cost carrier, Flair Airlines, is now selling tickets that could even cost less "than ride share to the airport itself,” CEO of Flair Stephen Jones told CTV News Toronto. The independent Canadian airline, which follows a similar flight model to that of RyanAir, boasts “more accessible” and “more affordable” travel both within the country, and to the United States and Mexico. The Edmonton-based airline has been expanding over the last year and a half, and now flies out of 36 airports with 85 routes and a fleet of 18 aircraft. “These fares are probably the lowest ever offered from Toronto. I mean, it’s cheaper to go from Toronto to Ft. Lauderdale, Nashville or Palm Springs, than it is to take a ride share to the airport itself,” Jones said. “Yes, you do need to act fast and watch our website or subscribe to our newsletter to get notice of the best deals, but I just checked and see plenty on sale at super lower prices.” Out of Toronto International Pearson Airport, as of Thursday afternoon, there are a few deals to Montreal and Halifax starting at $49. There are also less than $50 one-way tickets to Thunder Bay, Saint John, Edmonton, Calgary, and Winnipeg. To Vancouver, flights begin at $69. Outside of Canada, travellers can even hop on board a flight to Palm Springs for as low as $99, or, starting at $94, jet off to New York City. A one-way ticket to Cancun, Mexico, can be a bit pricier, starting at $200. The current prices, however, only account for the “bare bundle”, which allows passengers to bring a personal item with them, and nothing else. Fliers can opt for a "basic bundle," which includes a personal item, a carry-on bag, and one checked luggage. There is also the "big bundle," which adds on priority boarding and the option to modify or cancel your flight. Without the bundles, passengers must pay for additional bags online or at the airport. While Flair airlines offer the occasional promotion, the airline says it has prices that “are often 50 per cent less than the same flight on other airlines.” According to Rick Erickson, a Calgary-based independent aviation analyst, the pandemic has made it possible for startup airlines to get inactive planes at a good price and pass those savings onto customers. “I think the ones who survive are going to be the ones who have the deepest pockets. It generally takes anywhere from 18 to 24 months for new airlines to start turning a profit, so with all of these new players coming onto the market, the question is ‘who has the deepest and who has the best business plan?’” Erickson said. With files from The Canadian Press Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest2 Posted October 13, 2022 Share Posted October 13, 2022 Sunwing gives Canadians More, More, More of what they want with its new creative campaign, capturing the fun and excitement of travel 13 October 2022Canadian Aviation News The tour operator inspires experience-hungry Canadians to Do More, Explore More and Celebrate More in paradise TORONTO, Oct. 13, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Sunwing is unveiling its new creative campaign and commercial More, More, More, which hones in on what customers really want on their all inclusive getaways: more value and experiences. Sunwing’s colourful, vibrant, energetic and undeniably cool commercial spot captures the on trend, carefree vibe of the 1970s, and is rich with vacation inspiration and wanderlust. The campaign moves beyond what Sunwing is already well known for – vacations at accessible prices with mass appeal – and shows how Canadians not only save more upfront on a Sunwing vacation but they can also do more, explore more and celebrate more in destination. Directed by Scott Cudmore, an award-winning filmmaker and vision behind some of Canada’s most prominent brands, Canadians can watch More, More, More come to life in paradise at the following link: https://bit.ly/3fQsyfV. “Over the past year, our team has shown unwavering dedication to reimagining Sunwing’s value proposition and brand persona so we can continue to grow with our customers at every stage. This has culminated with a more fun, vibrant and energetic brand that offers the breadth of travel products, services and experiences that our customers crave,” said Samantha Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer at Sunwing Travel Group. “With so much change over the past two years, it was important for us to listen to our customers and find out what matters most to them as we prepared for our winter season. We discovered that Canadians are looking to unlock more value, beyond just price, so they can get the most out of their hard-earned vacations and have an unforgettable experience in destination. Our new brand identity highlights just that. From discounts on spas and excursions to exclusive perks, room upgrades and more, we’re excited to show Canadians how they can get more under our wing.” Sunwing has brought a fresh, lively and youthful energy to its new brand positioning and marketing campaign that is rooted in unforgettable travel experiences, which includes radio, out-of-home, social media, digital video and a cinema buy with commercial placements at Cineplex theatres this fall. The campaign also includes a fresh, more youthful tone of voice that further captures the energy and excitement of travel. In celebration of the new commercial spot, Sunwing is helping Canadians get in on the action with an interactive social media contest where they can share their best dance moves on TikTok and Instagram for a chance to win an all inclusive Sunwing vacation for two to Planet Hollywood Cancun in Mexico! How to enter: Canadian citizens and permanent residents can enter on TikTok and/or Instagram* To enter, upload a 5-15 second TikTok video or a 5-15 second Instagram reel using an original dance to the audio More, More, More Entrants must use the hashtag #MoveMoreWithSunwing in the video caption Must follow @sunwingvacations on the platform the video will be submitted on (TikTok or Instagram) Maximum one entry per person per platform Contest closes on Friday, October 28, 2022 *Terms and conditions apply. Follow and visit @sunwingvacations on TikTok at tiktok.com/@sunwingvacations and on Instagram at instagram.com/sunwingvacations for more information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest2 Posted December 8, 2022 Share Posted December 8, 2022 Sunwing backs away from intention to hire temporary foreign pilots NEWS PROVIDED BY Unifor Dec 07, 2022, 13:57 ET TORONTO, Dec. 7, 2022 /CNW/ - Sunwing pilots are celebrating news the company has decided to abandon its intention to use the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to boost staffing levels. "Our main concern from the get-go was training and safety," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "As a union, we expect rigorous analysis before an employer is allowed to use the TFWP. We're pleased that Sunwing chose to back away from using TFWP and honour our collective agreement." Unifor launched a public campaign after it became aware of potential safety issues stemming from hiring pilots from countries with less rigorous training requirements. The company is able to do this under the guise of professing there is a labour shortage, when the real issue is investing in training for local pilots. In mid-October, Unifor sent letters to Sunwing President Len Corrado and to Steven West, the director of the federal government's Temporary Foreign Worker Program overseen by Employment and Social Development Canada. Those letters charged that Sunwing Airlines has not done enough to fill open positions by hiring permanent pilots within Canada. The union recommended that West deny the airline's Temporary Foreign Worker applications. The airline had planned on hiring roughly 65 foreign temporary pilots this winter to operate from various Canadian gateways, to alleviate worker shortage as pandemic restrictions ease and travel continues to ramp up. Sunwing had planned to pay the European pilots a higher rate than full-time Canadian Unifor pilots. "Sunwing's staffing shortages are not due to a lack of qualified applicants but are due to the company's lack of willingness to sit down and address the concerns held by their employees," said Barret Armann, President of Unifor Local 7378, which represents 450 Sunwing Pilots. "We offered to work with the company this past summer to create a pathway that would have allowed for proper staffing for the winter flight program. Instead of looking for ways to create a competitive contract to attract pilots, Sunwing looked overseas for a quick fix." Unifor Local 7378 continues to look for mutually beneficial solutions that will minimize any disruption over the winter period. Unifor represents 16,000 members across Canada in the aviation sector, including 550 members who work for Swissport, a contract company doing work for Sunwing in Vancouver and Toronto. Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 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. SOURCE Unifor Determination No. A-2022-172 December 7, 2022 APPLICATION by Sunwing Airlines Inc. carrying on business as Sunwing (Sunwing), on behalf of itself and TUI Airways Limited carrying on business as TUI (TUI Airways), pursuant to section 60 of the Canada Transportation Act, SC 1996, c 10 (CTA), and section 8.2 of the Air Transportation Regulations, SOR/88-58 (ATR). Case number: 22-61593 APPLICATION Sunwing, on behalf of itself and TUI Airways, has applied to the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) for an approval to permit Sunwing to provide its scheduled international services between Canada and each of the following countries: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico, using two aircraft with flight crew provided by TUI Airways, beginning on December 9, 2022, to April 23, 2023. As the application was filed less than 15 days before the first planned flight, as required by subsection 8.2(2) of the ATR, an exemption from the application of this provision is necessary. The Agency finds that compliance with subsection 8.2(2) of the ATR is impractical in this case. Accordingly, the Agency, pursuant to paragraph 80(1)(c) of the CTA, exempts Sunwing from the application of subsection 8.2(2) of the ATR. Sunwing is licensed to operate the relevant scheduled international services, large aircraft. In its application filed on December 5, 2022, Sunwing states that that this application is for two additional aircraft, beyond the four aircraft already approved by the Agency, for a total of six aircraft to be wet-leased by Sunwing. It also states that it had 29 aircraft on its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) at the time of the application. POLICY When assessing wet-lease applications where Canadian carriers propose to enter into wet-lease arrangements of more than 30 days with foreign carriers to provide international passenger services, the Agency must apply a direction issued by the Minister of Transport on June 24, 2014, entitled Ministerial Direction for International Service – Canada's Policy for Wet-Leasing (2014 Wet-Lease Policy), and must specifically ensure that the 20% cap is respected at the time of the application. The 2014 Wet-Lease Policy also states that the Agency should condition or deny an application if Canadian air carriers do not enjoy reciprocal opportunities to wet lease in the foreign jurisdiction of the lessor. PRELIMINARY MATTER In its guide Applying for Wet-Lease Approval, the Agency indicated that it "intends to notify the industry in Canada of an application for any wet-lease approval when it deems, at its own discretion, there to be potential issues with respect to reciprocity." On matters of international reciprocity, the Agency's general practice is that reciprocity by the authorities of the lessor's country of origin, in this case the United Kingdom, is assumed unless evidence is brought to the contrary. The Agency is not aware of any similar application by a Canadian carrier to the aeronautical authorities of the United Kingdom that has been denied. Upon review of the application, the Agency determined that it did not raise issues with respect to reciprocity. Consequently, the Agency did not provide notice to seek comments from industry in respect of the application. ISSUE Is the Agency satisfied that the application of Sunwing meets the requirements of section 8.2 of the ATR and the criteria of the 2014 Wet-Lease Policy, specifically the 20% cap? ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS Section 60 of the CTA requires that a licensee obtain, where prescribed, an approval from the Agency prior to using aircraft with flight crew provided by another person. Section 8.2 of the ATR sets out the information to be included in an application and the requirements to be met for an approval pursuant to section 60 of the CTA. Pursuant to the 2014 Wet-Lease Policy, for wet leases of more than 30 days, a number of aircraft equal to 20% of the number of Canadian registered aircraft on the lessee's AOC may be wet leased from foreign lessors. The Agency notes that at the time of the application, that is, December 5, 2022, Sunwing had 29 aircraft on its AOC. Therefore, Sunwing's application meets the 20% cap requirement of the 2014 Wet-Lease Policy. The Agency has considered the application and the material in support and is satisfied that it meets the remaining requirements of section 8.2 of the ATR. The Agency is also satisfied that the application satisfies the criteria of the 2014 Wet-Lease Policy. Accordingly, the Agency, pursuant to paragraph 60(1)(b) of the CTA and section 8.2 of the ATR, approves the use by Sunwing of two aircraft with flight crew provided by TUI Airways, and the provision by TUI Airways of such aircraft and flight crew to Sunwing, to permit Sunwing to provide its scheduled international services on licensed routes between Canada and each of the following countries: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico, using two aircraft with flight crew provided by TUI Airways, beginning on December 9, 2022, to April 23, 2023. This approval is subject to the following conditions: Sunwing shall continue to hold the valid licence authority. Commercial control of the flights shall be maintained by Sunwing. TUI Airways shall maintain operational control of the flights and shall receive payment based on the rental of aircraft and crew and not on the basis of the volume of traffic carried or other revenue-sharing formula. Sunwing and TUI Airways shall continue to comply with the insurance requirements set out in subsections 8.2(4), 8.2(5) and 8.2(6) of the ATR. Sunwing shall continue to comply with the public disclosure requirements set out in section 8.5 of the ATR. Sunwing and TUI Airways shall advise the Agency in advance of any changes to the information provided in support of the application. Member(s) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest2 Posted December 26, 2022 Share Posted December 26, 2022 Hundreds of Canadians stranded for days in Mexico after Sunwing cancellations Social Sharing Facebook Twitter Email Reddit LinkedIn Passengers have been shuffled between hotels in Cancun, paying for cabs themselves Hundreds of Canadians stranded for days in Mexico after Sunwing cancellations | CBC News Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest2 Posted December 27, 2022 Share Posted December 27, 2022 Not of course just in Canada. Massive Southwest Airlines disruption leaves customers stranded and call centers swamped Story by Forrest Brown • 1h ago 64Comments Last week’s winter weather travel mess is lingering like a vicious hangover into this week – and the headaches are migraine-proportioned for Southwest Airlines, its CEO Bob Jordan, airline More than 3,700 flights within, into or out of the US had already been canceled by 6 p.m. ET Monday, according to flight tracking website FlightAware, while more than 6,700 flights had been delayed. But Southwest accounts for a whopping share of those. None of the other US carriers have canceled nearly as many flights or as much of their schedule as Southwest. The Dallas-based airline had canceled more than two-thirds of its flights – close to 2,800 total – as of 6 p.m. Monday, according to FlightAware. At one point, it canceled around 300 flights in the span of a half hour Monday afternoon. CEO: ‘A lot of issues in the operation’ On Christmas night, ahead of Monday’s meltdown, Jordan told employees the airline has “a lot of issues in the operation right now.” CNN was provided a transcript of the message to Southwest employees by an aviation source. Jordan told employees, “Part of what we’re suffering is a lack of tools. We’ve talked an awful lot about modernizing the operation, and the need to do that. On social media, customers are complaining loudly about long lines to speak with representatives, problems with lost bags and excessive wait times or busy signals on the airline’s customer service telephone lines. One passenger told CNN her family was on the phone for 10 hours with Southwest. 'There's no one to give answers': Stranded travelers at Toronto airport look for help after winter storm (msn.com) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest2 Posted December 29, 2022 Share Posted December 29, 2022 Pretty telling comment, "When foreign pilot deployment was not agreed to, we brought in subservices to sustain our operations, however the conditions and schedule have proven too significant for our subserviced aircraft partners.". My comment. One would hope that any subserviced partners would have to be qualified for the operating conditions." Quote Case number: 22-61593 APPLICATION Sunwing, on behalf of itself and TUI Airways, has applied to the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) for an approval to permit Sunwing to provide its scheduled international services between Canada and each of the following countries: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico, using two aircraft with flight crew provided by TUI Airways, beginning on December 9, 2022, to April 23, 2023. Sunwing Cancellation of Saskatoon and Regina flights 29 December 2022Canadian Aviation News 29 December 2022 We regret to inform Sunwing customers in Saskatoon and Regina that, due to extenuating circumstances, we are unfortunately cancelling our operations from both airports. The cancellations will take immediate effect and apply to travel from both airports up to and including Friday, February 3, 2023. Sunwing had initially planned to supplement seasonal demand for travel from Saskatoon and Regina with the assistance of temporary foreign pilots for the winter months. When foreign pilot deployment was not agreed to, we brought in subservices to sustain our operations, however the conditions and schedule have proven too significant for our subserviced aircraft partners. We have attempted to reposition Sunwing aircraft to support but have been unable to do so as a result of flight delays and cancellations brought on by recent weather disruptions, and heavy demand over the peak holiday period. We recognize that, despite our best efforts, we have failed to deliver on our customers’ expectations, and we deeply apologize for not meeting the standards of service our Saskatoon and Regina customers rightfully expect. Please note that impacted customers with cancelled southbound departures will receive a full refund to their original form of payment. No action is required from customers and refunds will be processed within 30 days. For our Saskatoon and Regina customers who are currently in destination, our team is proactively working to repatriate all customers with cancelled return flights, and more information on rescheduled flights will be communicated shortly. Once again, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disruption to our Saskatchewan customers’ travel plans, and are doing everything possible to repatriate those in destination in the coming days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
st27 Posted January 3, 2023 Share Posted January 3, 2023 Jeez…..Can’t imagine how cozy this config must be…. Canada’s Sunwing Is Using A 436-Seat Hi Fly Airbus A330-300 Logistically, probably the only way to recover the operation. https://simpleflying.com/canada-sunwing-using-hi-fly-airbus-a330/ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GDR Posted January 12, 2023 Share Posted January 12, 2023 With all of this going on I wonder if the deal with Westjet will still go through. I kinda doubt it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverick Posted January 13, 2023 Share Posted January 13, 2023 5 hours ago, GDR said: With all of this going on I wonder if the deal with Westjet will still go through. I kinda doubt it. Haven't heard anything different. I could see them all getting a pink paint job though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadaEH Posted January 14, 2023 Share Posted January 14, 2023 20 hours ago, Maverick said: Haven't heard anything different. I could see them all getting a pink paint job though... Canadian airlines might as well paint giant punching bags on their fuselage and get used to the beating they'll continue to take not just from the consumer but by the government that bends them over backwards and feeds them a constant pounding, too. The APPR regs are going to cripple this industry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadaEH Posted January 14, 2023 Share Posted January 14, 2023 On 1/12/2023 at 3:42 PM, GDR said: With all of this going on I wonder if the deal with Westjet will still go through. I kinda doubt it. It 100% is still going through. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest2 Posted January 14, 2023 Share Posted January 14, 2023 1 hour ago, CanadaEH said: It 100% is still going through. What exactly is the advantage for WestJet over letting the deal die? The mission statement says "The transaction is a central piece to the WestJet Group's commitment to prioritize leisure and sun travel from coast to coast and increase affordable air and vacation package offerings for all Canadians" Of course Sunwing controls a number of 737s but then of course there comes, 1. Union Contracts Alpa vs Unifor 2. Debt load 3. Slots 4. lower priced competition 5. grandfather rights etc. Sunwing has fewer than 2,500 on staff and operates 40 aircraft in winter and 10 in summer. It owns 18 of those planes, which are included in the WestJet purchase .Oct 26, 2022 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest2 Posted January 17, 2023 Share Posted January 17, 2023 Sunwing extends cancellations, shuts down all winter flights from Regina airport Story by Brooke Kruger • 1h ago Sunwing has cancelled all of their winter flights out of Regina effective Feb. 4, 2023.© Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press Sunwing has cancelled all of their winter flights out of Regina effective Feb. 4, 2023. "The cancellations will impact weekly flights from Regina to Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic with the exception of departures to Puerto Vallarta starting on Feb. 5, and the following flights scheduled for Family Day weekend departures to Puerto Vallarta on Feb. 17, and Cancun on Feb. 18 and 20," read the release. Sunwing claims that the cancellations are "necessary due to operational and business constraints that would prevent us from delivering the standards of service our customers in Regina both expect and deserve when travelling with Sunwing." Sunwing is giving passengers the option to cancel their vacation for a full refund or transfer their vacation package to same-day departures from a different airport. In late December, Sunwing cancelled all of their Saskatchewan operations, until Feb. 3, 2023, leaving many passengers stranded down south with empty pockets. The Regina Airport confirmed that they had been given no warning, and further noted that Tuesday's announcement was the first they heard about the full cancellation. The airline had only returned to Saskatchewan for approximately two months before the flight cancellations began. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kip Powick Posted January 17, 2023 Share Posted January 17, 2023 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GDR Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 Another report on Sunwing with comments towards the end of the article that question whether the Westjet purchase will go through or not. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/sun-may-soon-set-on-sunwing-as-more-disruptions-occur-1.6718375 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moeman Posted January 21, 2023 Share Posted January 21, 2023 And now Winnipeg.. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/sunwing-holida-travel-woes-continue-regina-winnipeg-1.6720024 "Sunwing is cutting its weekly flights between Winnipeg and two Mexican destinations for the remainder of winter due to "operational and business constraints," continuing a growing trend of cancellations from the company in recent weeks. Thursday flights from Winnipeg to Los Cabos will end as of Feb. 2, while Friday flights to Mazatlán will stop as of Feb. 10. The company apologized to customers and the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport for the disruptions. The decision "was deemed necessary due to operational and business constraints that would prevent us from delivering the standards of service our customers both expect and deserve," a Sunwing spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kip Powick Posted January 21, 2023 Share Posted January 21, 2023 Sunwing claims that the cancellations are "necessary due to operational and business constraints that would prevent us from delivering the standards of service our customers in Regina both expect and deserve when travelling with Sunwing." Same "boiler-plate" reason posted in all their cancellations.....I guess the Customer Service / PR agents have been told to all be on the "same" page. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boestar Posted January 22, 2023 Share Posted January 22, 2023 In Plain english.... We do not have enough pilots to support marginal routes and are focusing on the major centres. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverick Posted January 24, 2023 Share Posted January 24, 2023 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest1 Posted January 24, 2023 Share Posted January 24, 2023 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." 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Guest1 Posted February 3, 2023 Share Posted February 3, 2023 Determination No. A-2023-24 February 2, 2023 APPLICATION by Sunwing Airlines Inc. carrying on business as Sunwing (Sunwing), on behalf of itself and Smartwings, a.s. (Smartwings), pursuant to section 60 of the Canada Transportation Act, SC 1996, c 10 (CTA), and section 8.2 of the Air Transportation Regulations, SOR/88-58 (ATR). Case number: 23-06794 APPLICATION Sunwing, on behalf of itself and Smartwings, has applied to the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) for an approval to permit Sunwing to provide its scheduled international services between Canada and each of the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda; Aruba; Cuba; the Dominican Republic; Jamaica; and Mexico, using one aircraft with flight crew provided by Smartwings, beginning on February 4, 2023, to May 25, 2023. Sunwing has also requested an exemption from the application of subsection 8.2(2) of the ATR, which requires the filing of an application for an approval at least 15 days before the first planned flight. The Agency finds that compliance with subsection 8.2(2) of the ATR is impractical in this case. Accordingly, the Agency, pursuant to paragraph 80(1)(c) of the CTA, exempts Sunwing from the application of subsection 8.2(2) of the ATR. Sunwing is licensed to operate the relevant scheduled international services, large aircraft. In its application filed on January 31, 2023, Sunwing states that this application is for one additional aircraft, beyond the six aircraft already approved by the Agency, for a total of seven aircraft to be wet-leased by Sunwing. It also states that it had 33 aircraft on its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) at the time of the application. POLICY When assessing wet-lease applications where Canadian carriers propose to enter into wet-lease arrangements of more than 30 days with foreign carriers to provide international passenger services, the Agency must apply a direction issued by the Minister of Transport on June 24, 2014, entitled Ministerial Direction for International Service – Canada's Policy for Wet-Leasing (2014 Wet-Lease Policy), and must specifically ensure that the 20% cap is respected at the time of the application. The 2014 Wet-Lease Policy also states that the Agency should condition or deny an application if Canadian air carriers do not enjoy reciprocal opportunities to wet lease in the foreign jurisdiction of the lessor. PRELIMINARY MATTER On matters of international reciprocity, the Agency's general practice is that reciprocity by the authorities of the lessor's country of origin, in this case the Czech Republic, is assumed unless evidence is brought to the contrary. The Agency is not aware of any similar application by a Canadian carrier to the aeronautical authorities of the Czech Republic that has been denied. Upon review of the application, the Agency determined that it did not raise issues with respect to reciprocity. Consequently, the Agency did not provide notice to seek comments from industry in respect of the application. ISSUE Is the Agency satisfied that the application of Sunwing meets the requirements of section 8.2 of the ATR and the criteria of the 2014 Wet-Lease Policy, specifically the 20% cap? ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS Section 60 of the CTA requires that a licensee obtain, where prescribed, an approval from the Agency prior to using aircraft with flight crew provided by another person. Section 8.2 of the ATR sets out the information to be included in an application and the requirements to be met for an approval pursuant to section 60 of the CTA. Pursuant to the 2014 Wet-Lease Policy, for wet leases of more than 30 days, a number of aircraft equal to 20% of the number of Canadian registered aircraft on the lessee's AOC may be wet leased from foreign lessors. The Agency notes that at the time of the application, that is, January 31, 2023, Sunwing had 33 aircraft on its AOC. Therefore, Sunwing's application meets the 20% cap requirement of the 2014 Wet-Lease Policy. The Agency has considered the application and the material in support and is satisfied that it meets the remaining requirements of section 8.2 of the ATR. The Agency is also satisfied that the application satisfies the criteria of the 2014 Wet-Lease Policy. Accordingly, the Agency, pursuant to paragraph 60(1)(b) of the CTA and section 8.2 of the ATR, approves the use by Sunwing of one aircraft with flight crew provided by Smartwings, and the provision by Smartwings of such aircraft and flight crew to Sunwing, to permit Sunwing to provide its scheduled international services on licensed routes between Canada and each of the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda; Aruba; Cuba; the Dominican Republic; Jamaica; and Mexico, using one aircraft with flight crew provided by Smartwings, beginning on February 4, 2023, to May 25, 2023. This approval is subject to the following conditions: Sunwing shall continue to hold the valid licence authority. Commercial control of the flights shall be maintained by Sunwing. Smartwings shall maintain operational control of the flights and shall receive payment based on the rental of aircraft and crew and not on the basis of the volume of traffic carried or other revenue-sharing formula. Sunwing and Smartwings shall continue to comply with the insurance requirements set out in subsections 8.2(4), 8.2(5) and 8.2(6) of the ATR. Sunwing shall continue to comply with the public disclosure requirements set out in section 8.5 of the ATR. Sunwing and Smartwings shall advise the Agency in advance of any changes to the information provided in support of the application. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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