Category: Victoria YYJ

Air Canada adds Tulum and Charleston to Global Network; Boosts Capacity on Key North American Markets in Summer 2024 as Airline Continues Strategic Network Growth

First Canadian airline to offer service to Tulum, Mexico’s newest international airport, and to Charleston, SC
New Montreal to Austin and St. Louis flights
Increased frequencies on key Canadian domestic routes and early resumption of popular seasonal routes

MONTREAL, Dec. 14, 2023 /CNW/ – Air Canada today announced it is boosting its North American network capacity for summer 2024 with the addition of two new destinations, five new routes, increased flight frequencies on key routes, and earlier resumption of popular seasonal routes in response to projected demand. Air Canada becomes the first Canadian airline to offer service to Tulum*, with flights from Toronto and Montreal to the newest airport in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, and to Charleston, SC from Toronto. Seats are now available for purchase at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada app, Air Canada’s contact centres and through travel agents. Flights to Tulum will be available for sale on December 15.

Air Canada is the first Canadian airline to offer service to Tulum, Mexico’s newest international airport, and to Charleston, SC. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

“We are excited to add two brand new destinations to our global network, Tulum, Mexico from our Toronto and Montreal hubs, and Charleston, South Carolina from Toronto, plus new Austin and St. Louis flights from Montreal in summer 2024. These new destinations and routes reflect Air Canada’s market leadership and network diversification strategy of adding capacity to in-demand leisure destinations such as Tulum and fast-growing, key metropolitan areas in the US,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning, at Air Canada.

“We are also very pleased to grow our North American network from coast to coast with additional frequencies in key markets including Ottawa, Calgary, Saskatoon and Regina, in regional markets, and by resuming major seasonal routes earlier. By adding scale to our Canadian hubs, we are offering more travel choices and unparalleled access to and from our worldwide network. We look forward to welcoming our customers onboard,” concluded Mr. Galardo.

For summer 2024, Air Canada will be serving 120 destinations in Canada, the US and the Caribbean with up to 520 flights every day, translating to approximately 66,000 seats being dispatched, representing an increase of 5% percent North America and Caribbean seat capacity from 2023.

New destination: Tulum*, Mexico

“I celebrate this great announcement from Air Canada. Without connectivity there is no tourism, and the two new routes to the new Tulum International Airport, which is ready to receive five million passengers, will boost the arrival of tourists from our second most important source market for international tourists,” stated Lic. Miguel Torruco Marqués, Secretario de Turismo, Mexico.

Flight	From	To	Departs	Arrives	Days of Operation	Operation
AC1854	Toronto (YYZ)	Tulum (TQO)	08:15	11:20	Fri, Sun	Year-round, begins May 3
AC1855	Tulum (TQO)	Toronto (YYZ)	12:30	17:35	Fri, Sun	Year-round, begins May 3
AC1874	Montreal (YUL)	Tulum (TQO)	08:15	12:00	Sat	Year-round, begins May 4
AC1875	Tulum (TQO)	Montreal (YUL)	13:10	18:45	Sat	Year-round, begins May 4

*subject to government approval

New destination: Charleston, SC

“Charleston International Airport is delighted to welcome the addition of Toronto as an international destination, made possible by the introduction of Air Canada’s daily flights providing a seamless link between Canada’s largest metropolitan area and the Charleston Lowcountry. Not only does the new service connect two of the top cosmopolitan destinations worldwide, renowned for their extraordinary landmarks, rich culture, entertainment and leisure adventures, this route offers customers unmatched travel options and conveniences, whether travelling for leisure, visiting friends and family, or for business,” said Elliott Summey, Executive Director and CEO at Charleston International Airport.

“Air Canada’s announcement is a major milestone for our industry, the Charleston region and beyond. International visitation is integral to a healthy and sustainable tourism economy. While Canada is consistently our top country of origin for international visitors, we know there is tremendous untapped potential in the market. Beyond increasing access for leisure travelers, the daily, nonstop service creates more opportunity to recruit group business and provides improved connectivity for Charleston area residents traveling to Canada and other international destinations served through Air Canada’s Toronto hub,” said Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston and Chair of the Aviation Authority Board.

Flight	From	To	Departs	Arrives	Days of Operation	Operation
AC8629	Toronto (YYZ)	Charleston (CHS)	18:40	20:58	Daily	Year-round, begins March 28
AC8628	Charleston (CHS)	Toronto (YYZ)	10:00	12:21	Daily	Year-round, begins, March 29

Other New Flights:

Air Canada is adding additional new flights to Austin and St. Louis from its Montreal hub, complementing its flights from Toronto and Vancouver to Austin, and from Toronto to St. Louis.

Flight	From	To	Departs	Arrives	Days of Operation	Operation
AC1051	Montreal (YUL)	Austin (AUS)	17:15	20:32	Mon, Tue, Thur, Sat	Year-round, begins May 2
AC1050	Austin (AUS)	Montreal (YUL)	10:15	15:13	Sun, Tue, Wed, Fri	Year-round, begins May 3
AC8687	Montreal (YUL)	St. Louis (STL)	19:30	21:05	Daily	Summer, begins May 1
AC8688	St. Louis (STL)	Montreal (YUL)	12:00	15:23	Daily	Summer, begins May 2

North America Summer 2024 service improvements:

Air Canada is boosting its North American network from coast to coast with more flights added on major routes, and by resuming seasonal routes earlier.
To meet projected demand, additional flights have been added to key markets including in Ottawa, Calgary, Saskatoon and Regina, as well as to growing regional markets.

Montreal Hub	Peak summer 2024 service improvements compared to summer 2023 and seasonal resumptions
Montreal (YUL) – Boston (BOS)	Increases to 4 daily flights from 3
Montreal (YUL) – Las Vegas (LAS)	Increases to 2 daily flights from 1
Montreal (YUL) – Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP)	Increases to 2 daily flights from 1
Montreal (YUL) – Phoenix (PHX)	Increases to 5 weekly flights from 3
Montreal (YUL) – Pittsburgh (PIT)	Resumes May 1, daily flights
Montreal (YUL) – Raleigh/Durham (RDU)	Resumes May 1, daily flights
Montreal (YUL) – San Diego (SAN)	Resumes May 1, daily flights
Montreal (YUL) – Edmonton (YEG)	Increases to 3 daily flights from 2
Montreal (YUL) – Gander (YQX)	Resumes June 14, daily flights
Montreal (YUL) – Iles de La Madeleine (YGR)	Resumes May 17, daily flights
Montreal (YUL) – Victoria (YYJ)	Increases to 5 weekly flights from 3

Toronto Hub	Peak summer 2024 service improvements compared to summer 2023 and seasonal resumptions
Toronto (YYZ) – Kansas City (MCI)	Resumes June 1, daily flights
Toronto (YYZ) – Nashville (BNA)	Increases to 2 daily flights from 1
Toronto (YYZ) – Phoenix (PHX)	Increases to 2 daily flights from 1
Toronto (YYZ) – Portland (PDX)	Resumes May 1, daily flights
Toronto (YYZ) – Nassau (NAS)	Increases to 6 weekly flights from 4
Toronto (YYZ) – Sacramento (SMF)	Resumes May 1, 5 weekly flights
Toronto (YYZ) – Salt Lake City (SLC)	Resumes May 1, 4 weekly flights
Toronto (YYZ) – Gander (YQX)	Resumes June 1, daily flights
Toronto (YYZ) – Vancouver (YVR)	Increases to 14 daily flights from 13
Toronto (YYZ) – Victoria (YYJ)	Increases to 3 daily flights from 2

Vancouver Hub	Peak summer 2024 service improvements compared to summer 2023 and seasonal resumptions
Vancouver (YVR) – Anchorage (ANC)	Resumes May 14, daily flights
Vancouver (YVR) – Austin (AUS)	Resumes May 1, increases 4 weekly flights from 2 weekly
Vancouver (YVR) – Portland (PDX)	Increases to 4 daily flights from 3
Vancouver (YVR) – Washington Dulles (IAD)	Increases to daily from 5 weekly
Vancouver (YVR) – San Diego (SAN)	Increases to 3 daily flights from 2
Vancouver (YVR) – Sacramento (SMF)	Increases to 2 daily flights from 1
Vancouver (YVR) – Cranbrook (YXC)	Increases to 2 daily flights from 1
Vancouver (YVR) – Fort St. John (YXJ)	Increases to 4 daily flights from 3
Vancouver (YVR) – Halifax (YHZ)	Resumes May 1, 2 daily flights
Vancouver (YVR) – Prince George (YXS)	Increases to 4 daily flights from 3
Vancouver (YVR) – Terrace (YXT)	Increases to 5 daily flights from 4
Vancouver (YVR) – Toronto (YYZ)	Increases to 14 daily flights from 13
Vancouver (YVR) – Smithers (YYD)	Increases to 2 daily flights from 1

Routes from Saskatchewan	Peak summer 2024 service improvements compared to summer 2023 and seasonal resumptions
Regina (YQR) – Toronto (YYZ)	Increases to 4 daily non-stop flights from 3 daily
Regina (YQR) – Montreal (YUL)	Resumes June 1, daily non-stop standalone flights from one-stop
Saskatoon (YXE) – Toronto (YYZ)	Increases to 4 daily non-stop flights from 3 daily
Saskatoon (YXE) – Montreal (YUL)	Resumes June 2, daily non-stop standalone flights from one-stop
Saskatoon (YXE) – Vancouver (YVR)	Increases to 4 daily flights from 3 daily

Routes from other airports	Peak summer 2024 service improvements compared to summer 2023 and seasonal resumptions
Ottawa (YOW) – Washington-National (DCA)	Resumes May 1, daily flights
Ottawa (YOW) – Calgary (YYC)	Resumes May 1, daily flights
Ottawa (YOW) – Winnipeg (YWG)	Resumes May 1, daily flights
Ottawa (YOW) – Vancouver (YVR)	Operating 3 daily flights – including 1 flight with 787 Dreamliner
Halifax (YHZ) – St. Johns (YYT)	Increases to 5 daily flights from 4 daily
Halifax (YHZ) – Vancouver (YVR)	Resumes May 1, up to 2 daily flights
Calgary (YYC) – Winnipeg (YWG)	Operating 2 daily flights with larger aircraft
Calgary (YYC) – Edmonton (YEG)	Increases to 4 daily flights from 3 daily
Edmonton (YEG) – Montreal (YUL)	Increases to 3 daily flights from 2
Victoria (YYJ) – Montreal (YUL)	Increase to 5 weekly flights from 3
Victoria (YYJ) – Toronto (YYZ)	Increases to 3 daily flights from 2

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada aims to achieve an ambitious net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.

14 December 2023

WestJet announces transborder connectivity between Victoria and Las Vegas

VICTORIA, BC, Sept. 20, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet, today announced service between Victoria and Las Vegas, reintroducing the airline’s first transborder connection from the island, for the first time since 2017. Beginning February 1, 2024, WestJet will operate non-stop service between Victoria and Las Vegas, twice weekly, as the airline continues to strengthen its investments in Western Canada through increased sun and leisure connections.

“WestJet is proud to add our newest route to our winter schedule, and bolster Victoria’s transborder connectivity to Las Vegas. As we continue to provide guests across Canada with even more affordable and accessible opportunities to escape the cold and find the sun this winter, Victoria is an important part of our Western Canada growth plan,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer.

Route Frequency Effective
Victoria – Las Vegas 2x/week Thursday and Sunday February 1
Las Vegas – Victoria 2x/week Thursday and Sunday February 1

“We’re very excited for the return of WestJet service to Las Vegas,” said Elizabeth M. Brown, President and CEO, Victoria Airport Authority. “This will provide residents of Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island convenient non-stop service to this popular destination. It also demonstrates YYJ’s continued efforts to recover post-pandemic and reflects a positive sign of confidence in the Victoria marker. We appreciate WestJet’s continued support for our region and wish them much success with this new route.”

About WestJet

In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees serving more than 100 destinations in 26 countries.

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.

20 September 2023
Porter Airlines begins flights for Victoria-Toronto Pearson route

TORONTO, Sept. 20, 2023 /CNW/ – Porter Airlines is stretching its coast-to-coast network further with the inauguration today of service in Victoria, BC. Daily flights between Toronto Pearson Airport represent another link in a growing network of routes the airline has introduced this year with its new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.

The 132-seat plane features a two-by-two configuration, offering all passengers no middle seats and greater personal space. Free, fast, streaming-quality WiFi is also available, with the ability to watch and listen to personal subscription services on multiple devices. A library of movies and TV shows provides additional in-flight entertainment options.

Porter’s distinct service includes complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, and free premium snacks available to all travellers. Fresh, healthy meals, pre-mixed cocktails and additional snack options are also available.

“Victoria is proving to be among our most popular new markets,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines. “We are now truly connecting Canada’s major cities from the west with Victoria to the east in St. John’s, with many points in between. There are numerous other destinations that we intend to serve across North America as additional aircraft are delivered to us through 2024.”

The E195-E2 has the lowest fuel consumption per seat and per trip in its class, and is the quietest single-aisle jet flying today. Sustainability also features in catering, with a priority on reducing and eventually eliminating single-use plastics onboard, providing biodegradable cups and cutlery, and eco-friendly packaging.

The Toronto Pearson-Victoria route is scheduled to operate with the following flight times:

Route Departure Arrival
Toronto-Pearson (YYZ) to Victoria (YYJ) 10:55 a.m. 1:04 p.m.
Victoria (YYJ) to Toronto-Pearson (YYZ) 2:00 p.m. 9:31 p.m.

Connecting flights with Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and St. John’s are also available.

“We’re so pleased to welcome Porter and a new Victoria-Toronto service,” said Elizabeth M. Brown, President and CEO, Victoria Airport Authority. “It’s always a pleasure to welcome a new airline. Porter’s exceptional service is a welcome addition to the Victoria market and signals continued economic growth and partnership for our region. We look forward to working with them to ensure the route’s success.”

Flights and Porter Escapes vacation packages are now available for booking at www.flyporter.com and with travel agents.

About Porter
Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

About Victoria Airport Authority
Victoria Airport Authority is a not-for-profit authority that has managed the safe and secure operations of the Victoria International Airport on behalf of the surrounding communities since April 1, 1997.

20 September 2023
Porter Airlines expands presence in British Columbia with service between Victoria and Toronto Pearson

TORONTO, June 27, 2023 /CNW/ – Porter Airlines is adding Victoria to its network, with flights between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Victoria International Airport (YYJ).

Victoria is the second city in British Columbia that Porter serves with the new 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The E195-E2 has the lowest fuel consumption per seat and per trip among its class, and is the quietest single-aisle jet flying today. The two-by-two configuration means no middle seats on any Porter flight.

Service begins on September 20, 2023, with one daily roundtrip flight. Connecting flights with Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and St. John’s will also be available. Introductory roundtrip fares start at $476

Route Departure Arrival
Toronto-Pearson (YYZ) to Victoria (YYJ) 10:55 a.m. 1:04 p.m.
Victoria (YYJ) to Toronto-Pearson (YYZ) 2:00 p.m. 9:31 p.m.

“Victoria is a great addition to our network and provides easy access to Vancouver Island. Travellers will appreciate Porter’s award-winning elevated economy experience, which is unmatched in the market today,” says Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines. “Our emphasis is on high-quality service for every passenger – regardless of their fare class.”

Porter’s distinct service includes complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, free premium snacks, and free, fast WiFi, with full access to web surfing or favourite streaming platforms, available to all travellers. Fresh, healthy meals, pre-mixed cocktails and additional snack options are also available on the new route.

Sustainability is at the heart of the menu design, with a priority on reducing and eventually eliminating single-use plastics onboard, providing biodegradable cups and cutlery, and eco-friendly packaging.

“We are truly pleased to see Porter add new Victoria-Toronto service,” said Geoff Dickson, President and CEO, Victoria Airport Authority. “The new E195-E2 aircraft and Porter’s exceptional service offering is a welcome addition to the Victoria market. We appreciate the new service and look forward to working with them to ensure the route’s success.”

Porter continues to expand its presence in Western Canada, now serving Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg.

Flights and Porter Escapes vacation packages are now available for booking at www.flyporter.com and with travel agents.

About Porter

Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com.

About Victoria Airport Authority

Victoria Airport Authority is a not-for-profit authority that has managed the safe and secure operations of the Victoria International Airport on behalf of the surrounding communities since April 1, 1997.

27 June 2023
B.C. airports tap into land assets for post-pandemic survival

From Vancouver Sun 🔗 link to source story – thanks to CW

Canadian airports anticipate passenger numbers will not return to pre-COVID levels until 2025

Derrick Penner • January 24, 2022

People move their luggage at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on Dec. 16, 2021. PHOTO BY ARLEN REDEKOP /PNG

At YVR, the airport authority is enhancing air-cargo services for burgeoning, COVID-inspired ecommerce.

In Kelowna, their focus has been a new hotel and potential aerospace campus.

Victoria International Airport is tweaking its strategic plan to diversify the use of nearby lands.

These are some of the efforts as B.C.’s airports work to “future proof” operations for an expected slow recovery of air travel from COVID-19 related travel restrictions.

So far, that recovery has also been “quite a roller-coaster,” according to Geoff Dickson, CEO of the Victoria International Airport, where passenger traffic climbed to 70 per cent of pre-pandemic levels by December, only to plummet back to 25 per cent after the emergence of Omicron.

“Just when you think you’re out of it, then another variant comes along and we’ve noticed an immediate affect traffic demand,” Dickson said.

If anything, airports have learned that they were getting little too dependent on passenger revenues when air traffic was hitting record highs at facilities such as YVR, Abbotsford and Kelowna, which was exposed when COVID-19 slammed air travel down to almost nothing through most of 2020.

So Dickson, in the last year, has leased land to Western Canada Spill Response, the marine manufacturer Titan Boats and Amazon, which is building a last-mile distribution centre at the airport in a deal that originated before the pandemic.

“I’d say (the pandemic) probably crystallized our efforts to a large extent and really put a priority on moving the project forward with a view to try to replace some of the lost revenue,” Dickson said.

At YVR, where the airport authority had the advantage of being able to rely on financing to cover its shortfalls, it is a matter of “future-proofing” the facility’s financial stability, according to a report to be presented to Vancouver City Council by CEO Tamara Vrooman this week.

Doing that will mean developing more of its industrial land base in Richmond as a transportation hub, the report said.

One bright spot at YVR is that cargo traffic at the airport returned to 83 per cent of its pre-COVID levels over the summer, which it sees as something to build on.

“Through better utilization of the land on Sea Island, YVR can help meet the need for large trade and transportation-related sites in support of B.C.’s economic recovery plans,” the report said.

Kelowna International Airport has also seen a bounce back in cargo traffic, thanks to booming ecommerce, said airport director Sam Samaddar.

“If there was something that came out of this was that we needed to look at how we diversified our revenue even further and not rely solely on the passengers coming through our doors,” Samaddar said.

A new hotel could be useful in catering to new domestic routes that Kelowna started serving over the summer, thanks to travel restrictions that discouraged international travel.

“What’s unheard of is having a brand new market open up right in the middle of a pandemic,” Samaddar said of one route in particular, a direct Air Canada flight to Montreal, which launched in July for year-round service.

It also added flights to Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, Saskatoon and Regina. Victoria also added new flights to Winnipeg, Ottawa and Kitchener-Waterloo.

“Can we count on (those routes) going forward? I don’t know at this stage,” Dickson said. “But we’ll continue to obviously push for those routes and services and we think the carriers were pleasantly surprised.”

Samaddar said so-called ultra-low-cost airlines have helped inject optimism into the sector. In Kelowna, newcomer Lynx Air is one of the airlines to established service between Calgary and the Okanagan in the last year.

The ambitions of low-cost carriers Swoop and Flair helped Abbotsford International Airport edge back toward recovery as well, said general manager Parm Sidhu.

“What we all want is to get back to 2019 levels,” Sidhu said, although B.C. airports expect that won’t happen until 2023 — 2025.

25 January 2022

Eleven regional airports in British Columbia receiving up to $11.7 million to maintain regional connectivity and jobs

Targeted Government of Canada support will be provided by Western Economic Diversification Canada

VANCOUVER, BC, July 30, 2021 /CNW/ – Regional air transportation is crucial to ensure merchandise circulates, supply chains are maintained, and regional economic growth continues. The pandemic has had major impacts on regional air transportation ecosystems, affecting economies, communities, and local businesses.

BC's regional airports get an economic boost (CNW Group/Western Economic Diversification Canada) — BC’s regional airports get an economic boost (CNW Group/Western Economic Diversification Canada)

The Government of Canada’s Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI), launched in March 2021, fosters access to air transportation and supports regional ecosystems. In particular, it enables regional air carriers and airports to remain operational in these difficult times and to continue to contribute to regional economic growth, while adapting to new post-COVID-19 realities and requirements.

B.C. airports to benefit from funding

With this in mind, Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (B.C.), on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, announced $11,721,721 in RATI funding for 11 regional airports in B.C.

This funding will enable these airports to overcome challenges that were brought on by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regional air transportation is key to the economic development of communities and businesses across Canada. Since it helps draw Canadians to rural and remote communities to work and raise their families, while also providing reliable connectivity with urban centres, it plays a crucial role in a just, inclusive recovery for all, throughout the country.

Quotes

“It is important to protect our regional air transportation for the thousands of workers employed by this sector and for the many businesses and communities that depend on it. Air connectivity makes our regions accessible to Canadians who want to settle there and is key in moving our businesses’ products to their destination markets. That’s why, as part of our plan for a strong economic recovery, our government supports this connectivity, indispensable to healthy, inclusive growth.”

– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

“Regional airports and infrastructure are critical components of the B.C. economy, both for trade and for the travel that many Canadians are starting to look forward to as we emerge from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will go a long way towards getting these assets back on their feet and ready to deliver on the needs of British Columbians as we look towards a brighter future.”

– Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (B.C.)

“Victoria International Airport is a vital economic generator for the Greater Victoria Region. The pandemic has been financially devastating to the airport industry and aviation sector as a whole. This funding announcement is welcome news which will assist YYJ to reinstate lost air service, attract new air service, build passenger demand, and continue to operate a safe and efficient airport with world class safety and health standards. Air connectivity is a key to economic prosperity and we look forward to help building back the visitor economy.”

– Geoff Dickson, President and CEO, Victoria Airport Authority

“We are grateful for this funding. It is essential to help continue our operations and ensure that we continue to be the gateway to Northern British Columbia. The Prince George Airport is a hub for not only passenger services but also medevac, RCMP, aerial search and rescue, and wildfire fighting services for Northern and remote communities.”

– Gordon Duke, President and CEO, Prince George Airport Authority

Projects being funded:

Legal Name	City	Funding
Prince Rupert Airport Authority	Prince Rupert	$503,427
Comox Valley Airport Commission	Comox	$1,094,406
Victoria Airport Authority	Sidney	$2,998,672
Central Coast Regional District	Bella Coola	$328,322
Prince George Airport Authority Inc.	Prince George	$1,297,965
Kamloops Airport Authority Society	Kamloops	$1,256,378
North Peace Airport Society	Fort St. John	$1,212,750
The Corporation of the Town of Golden	Golden	$120,000
Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society	Terrace	$1,183,053
Nanaimo Airport Commission	Cassidy	$1,380,916
Nanaimo Port Authority	Nanaimo	$345,832
Total:	$11,721,721

Quick facts

The RATI, administered by the regional development agencies (RDAs), has a national budget of $206 million.
The Initiative supports regional air ecosystems—which include regional air carriers and airports, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises and non-profit organizations—in developing and implementing enhanced services for improved regional connectivity.
The RATI complements measures implemented by Transport Canada.

Associated links

30 July 2021

WestJet launches new routes to multiple Vancouver Island airports

From CHEK News – link to source story – thanks to CW

July 1, 2021 NICHOLAS PESCOD/CHEK NEWS

https://cdn.cheknews.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/30201702/WestJet-Boeing-737-New-Livery-YVR-Nicholas-M-Pescod-Photo-01A-CHEK-1024×576.png
NICHOLAS PESCOD/CHEK NEWS

WestJet recently launched four new non-stop flights from three Vancouver Island airports and restored previously cancelled service on six other Island routes.

As travel restrictions continue to loosen across the province, the nation’s second-largest airline has launched four new routes to airports across Vancouver Island.

WestJet recently launched four new non-stop flights from three Vancouver Island airports and restored previously cancelled service on six other Island routes.

The new direct routes are Comox–Toronto, Victoria–Ottawa, Victoria–Saskatoon, and Victoria–Winnipeg.

WestJet has also restored service on its Comox–Edmonton, Comox–Vancouver, Nanaimo–Vancouver, Victoria–Toronto, and Victoria–Kelowna routes, which they had cancelled due to the pandemic.

The airline also brought back long-desired direct flights between Nanaimo and Edmonton, following a five-year hiatus.

All of the routes are now in operation, with Victoria–Toronto flights resuming June 30.

“We have been talking to a lot of people and we are listening to what investments Vancouver Island wants and needs and all of these routes have been planned in advance,” Morgan Bell, media spokesperson for WestJet, told CHEK News. “It’s exciting that they are now going to fully take flight.”

With British Columbia reopening and the demand for domestic travel slowly increasing, Bell says it’s only natural for the company to not only restore cancelled routes but launch new ones.

“Canadians are going to travel domestically this summer and inbound tourism to Vancouver Island is important,” Bell explained. “While I know everybody loves to stay on Vancouver Island, there are also people from Vancouver Island that want to get back out and connect with friends and family across the country and other places.”

Comox gets direct flights to Toronto, Edmonton flights return to Nanaimo

Perhaps the most eye-catching of the new routes is the non-stop service between Comox and Toronto, which operates on a weekly basis — at least for now.

“The hope is that as more and more people begin flying again and these flights get full, we’ll add more service,” said Bell.

The new route launched June 26 — just as Air Canada restarted non-stop service between Canada’s most populated city and nearby Nanaimo — and brings the total number of airports on Vancouver Island with direct Toronto flights to three.

“It’s going to be great to see a major city like Toronto connect directly into Comox,” said Bell.

Another notable route is Nanaimo to Edmonton, which began operations on June 25 and runs twice a week. Although it was listed as a new route in the company’s press release, WestJet briefly operated non-stop flights between the two cities in early 2016 but cancelled them after only three months due to the economic downturn in Alberta.

Bell says WestJet is thrilled to restart service after more than five years, explaining that there has been no shortage of demand for service between the two regions.

“There’s so much interest in northern Alberta that’s coming through the Edmonton airport from Nanaimo, and also guests from Vancouver Island going into Edmonton,” she said. “There are pretty strong connections between the two cities, so it’s great to see that route come back.”

While the restoration of old routes and the addition of new routes, may seem like a lot, Bell says WestJet is still operating well below pre-pandemic levels.

“We’re still at 60 per cent reduction in terms of capacity from what would have been 2019. In July 2019, we were operating about 600 flights a day, and this July, we’re only looking at about 300,” she said. “We still have a really long way to go.”

Airport, flying experience will be different amid the pandemic

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With an increasing number of people becoming comfortable with the idea of getting on a plane after more than a year on the ground, Bell says those who are planning on taking to the skies should be prepared for some changes.

“It’s definitely very different. I took my first flight today in six months, and it felt very different,” she said.

That’s because airports have implemented new rules and safety measures throughout the pandemic such as mandatory mask-wearing, dedicated entrance and exit flow, and increased cleaning throughout terminals. Victoria International Airport, for example, is limiting access to its terminal building to just passengers with tickets, though there are some exceptions.

“While we’re restoring all this and people are excited to get on the move again, we also understand that it’s going to be a new experience for them,” said Bell. “I mean, people haven’t been in an airport for potentially 18 months.”

“I think it’s going to be a good experience, but it’s also going to be something that people need to prepare for and be ready for.”

As a result, Bell suggests people read all the rules and travel requirements well before their flight and arrive at the airport even earlier than the recommended 90 minutes prior to departure.

“We’re still in the pandemic, there are new rules, and there are different screening points and security points to get through,” she said. “So, I would just always say give yourself extra time and just be willing and flexible to adapt to any changes that come your way.”

6 July 2021
Flair Airlines Starting Service as the First True Ultra Low-Cost Carrier in Victoria With Fares Less Than $30

EDMONTON, Alberta, July 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Flair Airlines, Canada’s only independent ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC), continues its growth with the inaugural service at Victoria International Airport (IATA: YYJ) in British Columbia starting today. The ULCC is adding ultra-affordable, non-stop flights between Victoria and 3 Canadian cities: Kitchener-Waterloo, Calgary, and Edmonton.

“It is quickly becoming known that the residents of British Columbia have been gouged on air travel for years,” says Stephen Jones, President and CEO, Flair Airlines. “Additional competition in the Victoria market is critical to ensuring a sustainable future of low-fares remains available for people in the region. Connecting people with the places, people, and experiences they love is at the heart of what we do. At Flair, we believe those connections should not be capitalized on by legacy airlines who refuse to keep their costs in check. The time for change and the lowering of Canadian airfares is now, and Flair is here to make that happen.”

“We’re pleased to welcome the return of Flair Airlines to Victoria and congratulate them today on their inaugural flight to Kitchener-Waterloo. We thank Flair for their commitment to YYJ and wish them the best of success with this new innovative service,” said Geoff Dickson, Victoria Airport Authority, President and CEO.

Victoria is among several new destinations Flair is adding to its network as the airline grows to serve 20 Canadian cities. Fares are available for less than $30 one-way. With an ambitious goal to grow to 50 aircraft in 5 years, Flair is rapidly expanding as it brings ULCC service to Canadians.

About Flair Airlines

Flair Airlines is Canada’s only independent Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) and is on a mission to liberate the lives of Canadians by providing affordable air travel that connects them to the people and experiences they love. With an expanding fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, Flair is growing to serve 20 cities across Canada. For more information, please visit www.flyflair.com

1 July 2021

Route	Frequency	Effective
Victoria – Las Vegas	2x/week Thursday and Sunday	February 1
Las Vegas – Victoria	2x/week Thursday and Sunday	February 1

Route	Departure	Arrival
Toronto-Pearson (YYZ) to Victoria (YYJ)	10:55 a.m.	1:04 p.m.
Victoria (YYJ) to Toronto-Pearson (YYZ)	2:00 p.m.	9:31 p.m.

Category: Victoria YYJ

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Airport, flying experience will be different amid the pandemic

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