Air Canada finalizes order to buy 45 Bombardier C Series jets
Photo: Shareholders tour Bombardier’s CS300 aircraft following the company’s annual general meeting in April. (© Christinne Muschi / Reuters)
Air Canada has finalized a previously announced order for at least 45 Bombardier C Series passenger jets, worth $3.8-billion (U.S.) at list prices.
Deliveries of the CS300 jets – currently the largest model of Bombardier’s new C Series planes – will begin in late 2019 and extend to 2022.
Air Canada also has an option to order up to 30 additional CS300s – making the order potentially worth up to $6.3-billion, at list prices. The actual price is usually discounted but not announced.
The two Montreal-based companies announced a preliminary agreement in February as part of a series of initiatives by Bombardier, Air Canada, and the Quebec and federal governments.
Full story via The Globe and Mail here
Crews recover crashed plane from Pemberton glacier (Video)
The 1963 Musketeer aircraft that crashed into Pemberton Icefield earlier this month was brought home Sunday thanks to the efforts of a local helicopter charter company.
The plane took off from Pitt Meadows on June 5 and was reported missing later that afternoon.
Snowmobilers spotted the Musketeer on a glacier near Whistler with all three people aboard alive and well. The survivors were transported off the mountain but the plane remained at the crash site.
Full story and video via Global News here
Discount airline to start flights from Kelowna in July
Residents of Osoyoos will soon be able to book flights and travel from Kelowna International Airport to destinations across Canada at greatly discounted rates.
NewLeaf Travel, the Winnipeg-based discount travel company announced last week that it will begin offering flights to customers across Canada effective July 25.
The company initially offered rock-bottom tickets between seven smaller Canadian airports such as Hamilton, Abbotsford, B.C., Halifax and Saskatoon. It said it planned to sell tickets on flights set to take off this past February, a few weeks after the original launch date of Jan. 6, 2016.
But shortly after launch, the company cancelled its scheduled flights and refunded tickets, amid a Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) review of the operating licences for indirect air service carriers such as NewLeaf.
Full story via Osoyoos Times here
Kamloops Airport flying high with new funding
*Photo courtesy of BC Gov News
The Government of B.C. is providing $2.6 million in B.C. Air Access Program funding to support improvements at Kamloops Airport, announced Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.
“A thriving, vibrant airport is a critical engine of growth for any community. The Kamloops Airport has seen an increase of over 25% in passenger volumes in the past five years, helping to drive growth in many sectors so important to Kamloops such as mining and tourism, as well as at Thompson Rivers University,” said Stone. “These infrastructure safety improvements will go a long way to ensuring the Kamloops Airport is able to continue to drive growth and jobs in Kamloops, the Thompson Valleys and British Columbia.”
With the support of B.C. Air Access funds, the Kamloops Airport will rehabilitate a section of the airport apron, or the area where aircraft park to load, unload and refuel. The apron can get congested, which has the potential to delay the movement of aircraft during peak periods. This project will ensure the safe and efficient manoeuvring of all air traffic, as well as vehicles and personnel servicing aircraft. In addition, a new dedicated vehicle access route to the apron will be built. The airport will provide the remaining funds needed to complete this $3.4-million improvement to the airport.
Full story via BC Gov News here
Kelowna airport director named vice chair of Canadian Airports Council
*Photo courtesy of YLW Facebook
Kelowna’s airport director has been elected as vice chair of the Canadian Airports Council, the voice of Canada’s airport community.
Sam Samaddar was elected vice chair this week, while Howard Eng was elected as the council’s new chair. Samaddar began his career at the Vancouver International Airport in 1988. In 1992, he assumed the position of superintendent airport operations at the Kelowna International Airport and has since held numerous positions.
Full story via Kelowna Now here (Congratulations to Sam from the BC Aviation Council!)
WestJet becomes only Canadian airline serving Halifax non-stop from Vancouver and Winnipeg
Today, WestJet becomes the only Canadian carrier to serve Halifax non-stop from Vancouver and Winnipeg. The inaugural flight from Vancouver to Halifax launches today and flights from Winnipeg to Halifax begin July 2, 2016. Both of these seasonal, direct flights have been timed to connect conveniently to WestJet’s Halifax and Vancouver hubs from its extensive domestic network.
“We’re proud to be the only carrier in Canada offering travellers in Vancouver, Winnipeg and Halifax these convenient options for travel this summer,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Commercial. “The Vancouver to Halifax flights as well as the additional capacity we bring out of Winnipeg will benefit both our business and our leisure guests. Just ahead of Canada Day, WestJet is extremely proud to once again offer our low-fare, high-care service to connect communities and economies across the country.”
Full story via CNW here
YVR thrilled to see visa requirements lifted for Mexican citizens
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) today congratulated the Government of Canada on easing visa requirements for Mexican nationals. Beginning December 1, Mexicans will no longer be required to hold a Canadian visa and will generally, on the day of entry into Canada, be granted a six-month stay.
“Mexico is a vibrant and growing market for Canada and we are thrilled to see the visa requirements lifted,” said Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “We welcome measures that open up Canada to more tourists and trade; making it easier to travel to and from our country.”
“Once the cumbersome regulations are lifted we anticipate visitor numbers from Mexico will increase,” said Richmond. “Whenever we ease entry requirements, add new flights or welcome larger aircraft, the entire province and ultimately country benefits from higher tourism spending, increased tax revenue and creation of new jobs.”
Full story via the Vancouver Airport Authority here
