Tag: Region of Waterloo (Kitchener) YKF

Air Canada Inaugurates Motorcoach Service Linking Hamilton and Region of Waterloo Airports with Toronto Pearson

Air Canada’s partnership with The Landline Company creates easy, one-stop connections to the airline’s global network
Premium, Canadian-built motorcoaches are fully accessible and offer spacious leather seats with power outlets, complimentary WiFi
Uninterrupted connection with full itinerary protection and the ability to earn Aeroplan points

MONTREAL, May 1, 2024 /CNW/ – Air Canada has begun offering residents of the Hamilton-Wentworth and Waterloo Region more convenient, one-stop access to the airline’s global network and a world of travel possibilities.

Air Canada has begun offering residents of the Hamilton-Wentworth and Waterloo Region more convenient, one-stop access to the airline’s global network and a world of travel possibilities. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

With today’s launch of its new motorcoach service in collaboration with The Landline Company, Air Canada is connecting the Hamilton and the Region of Waterloo airports to Toronto Pearson. Customers can now create a single itinerary when booking travel with Air Canada from Waterloo Region or Hamilton through Toronto to any destination. The service includes a high-end motorcoach service connecting with Air Canada flights, offering a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. This integrated service is a trial initiative from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport and the Region of Waterloo International Airport, with the potential to make it available elsewhere in Canada in the future.

“We are excited to launch this new service in collaboration with The Landline Company, offering our customers a convenient, stress-free multimodal option that will make connections easy and travel more seamless. We are committed to improving regional services and this innovative partnership is a testament to that,” said Ranbir Singh, Director Regional Airlines and Markets at Air Canada. “Passengers who choose to travel between airports using Landline’s top-tier motorcoaches will enjoy similar benefits as those who opt for air-only connections: a convenient single itinerary, when departing Hamilton or the Region of Waterloo, disruption protection and Aeroplan earning opportunities.”

“We are thrilled to launch our premium connecting service from Hamilton and the Region of Waterloo in partnership with Air Canada,” said Nick Johnson, Vice President, Commercial for Landline. “In addition to premium onboard amenities, and a protected flight connection on every trip, passengers can now book and ride our luxury motorcoach for no additional cost when paired with their Air Canada flight.”

“Today marks an exciting development for the future of air travel in southern Ontario as Air Canada’s luxury motorcoaches, operated in partnership with The Landline Company, officially take to the road from Hamilton International,” said Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director of John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. “This innovative new service aligns with Hamilton International’s commitment to provide a comfortable, convenient travel experience for passengers and expands access between our region and Air Canada’s global network.”

“At YKF we are investing and expanding in so many ways. We are thrilled to welcome Air Canada’s motorcoach service, further connecting Waterloo Region to a network of 140-plus destinations,” said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo. “We look forward to continuing to work together to build on an airport that offers options for every traveller.”

How it works

Landline will operate six, non-stop round trips daily to Toronto Pearson from each of the Hamilton and Region of Waterloo airports in southern Ontario. Air Canada customers beginning their journey at Hamilton or Region of Waterloo airports will check in as normal for their flight and obtain boarding passes for all segments of their trip. At a designated departure point at the local airport, they will board a luxury, Air Canada-branded motorcoach and their checked baggage will be loaded. Upon arrival at Toronto Pearson, customers will proceed directly with their bags to the departure level.

In the event of coach or flight delays, customers travelling on Landline will be automatically rebooked like customers travelling on air-only itineraries. Members of Air Canada’s Aeroplan program will earn points for both ground and air segments, as on any normal connecting flight itinerary. For more information see www.aircanada.com/landline

From	To	Day of Week	Departure Time	Arrival Time
Hamilton (YHM)	Toronto (YYZ)	Daily	5:00am 6:00am 10:45am 1:40pm 3:45pm 5:40pm	06:00am 06:55am 11:50am 2:45pm 5:00pm 6:50pm
Toronto (YYZ)	Hamilton (YHM)	Daily	8:05am 9:50am 1:00pm 3:05pm 6:00pm 9:40pm	9:10am 10:55am 2:05pm 4:20pm 7:20pm 10:40pm

From	To	Day of Week	Departure Time	Arrival Time
Kitchener/Waterloo (YKF)	Toronto (YYZ)	Daily	5:00am 6:05am 10:55am 1:40pm 3:50pm 5:45pm	6:05am 7:15am 12:05pm 2:55pm 5:15pm 7:00pm
Toronto (YYZ)	Kitchener/Waterloo (YKF)	Daily	8:15am 9:40am 1:15pm 3:15pm 6:15pm 9:35pm	9:30am 10:50am 2:25pm 4:40pm 7:35pm 10:40pm

Premium motorcoaches

The motorcoaches used by Landline for Air Canada are made in Canada by Prevost, a manufacturer of touring coaches based in Sainte-Claire, Quebec. Each Landline motorcoach provides a premium experience, with 36 spacious, leather seats in a two-by-one configuration. The coaches are equipped with free WiFi, power and a table tray available at each seat, generous overhead storage for carry-on baggage, and an onboard lavatory. Announcements will be made in both Official Languages and the coaches are fully accessible, including a power lift for customers requiring mobility aids.

Air Canada Regional Services

Air Canada operates to 40 communities across Canada, including in partnership with regional carriers Jazz Aviation LP and PAL Airlines. Through its innovative new partnership with Landline, Air Canada is extending its regional network to conveniently connect local airports directly to its global network. There is potential to further expand the partnership with Landline to connect with other regional airports in Canada at a future date.

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 partners. Through Air Canada Vacations, it offers more travel choices than any other Canadian tour operator to hundreds of destinations worldwide, with a wide selection of hotels, flights, cruises, day tours, and car rentals. 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. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OTCQX in the US.

About The Landline Company

The biggest airlines in the world trust Landline to power their first and last mile connectivity. Landline’s industry-first platform allows airlines to leverage the seamlessness and affordability of ground transportation to add dynamic new routes to their network without sacrificing on quality or customer experience. Landline operates seamless multi-modal networks on behalf of Air Canada, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines. Landline is fundamentally reshaping the way every consumer thinks about the travel day by making air travel multi-modal. Visit landlineco.com for more information.

1 May 2024

Air Canada Expands Regional Services with Luxury Motorcoach Land-Air Connections for Customers
- Multimodal pilot project with The Landline Company to link Hamilton and Region of Waterloo airports to Toronto Pearson
- Premium, Canadian built motorcoaches are fully accessible and offer spacious leather seats with power outlets, complementary WiFi
- Seamless connectivity with full itinerary protection, baggage transfers, Aeroplan point earning
MONTREAL, Feb. 21, 2024 /CNW/ – Air Canada today announced that it has partnered with The Landline Company to connect airports in Hamilton and Waterloo Region with the airline’s Toronto Pearson global hub. Customers will be able to book a single itinerary combining a luxury motorcoach service with Air Canada flights for a seamless, convenient and more sustainable journey. Now available for booking, the multimodal service will begin operating as a pilot project from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport and the Region of Waterloo International Airport in May 2024, with the potential to make it available elsewhere in Canada in the future.

“Air Canada is focused on improving regional services and through this innovative partnership with The Landline Company, we are connecting communities and extending our network by offering customers a convenient, stress-free multimodal option,” said Alexandre Lefevre, Vice President Network Planning, North America, and Scheduling, at Air Canada. “Customers travelling between airports on Landline’s premium motorcoaches will enjoy the same benefits as those making air-only connections, including the convenience of a single itinerary, through-checked baggage when departing Hamilton or Region of Waterloo, disruption protection and Aeroplan earning opportunities. We will look to further expand our regional network in Canada through our Landline partnership, as it also advances our sustainability programs by potentially removing tens of thousands of vehicles from the road each year.”

“We are proud to partner with Air Canada to provide seamless connections to their world class Toronto gateway. Every day, thousands of customers face a stressful, time consuming journey from Hamilton and Waterloo Region to Toronto Pearson airport,” said Nick Johnson, Vice President, Commercial for Landline, which is based in Colorado. “Customers will love letting Landline and Air Canada do the driving for them, enjoying a connected experience while relaxing on one of our luxury motorcoaches.”

How it works

Landline will operate six, non-stop round trips daily to Toronto Pearson from each of the Hamilton and Region of Waterloo airports in southern Ontario. Air Canada customers beginning their journey at Hamilton or Region of Waterloo airports will check in as normal for their flight and obtain boarding passes for all segments of their trip. At a designated departure point at the local airport, they will board a luxury, Air Canada-branded motorcoach and their checked baggage will be loaded. Upon arrival at Toronto Pearson, customers will proceed directly through security screening, while checked bags will be automatically transferred to the onward connecting flight.

In the event of coach or flight delays, customers travelling on Landline will be automatically offered the same protections as customers travelling on air-only itineraries. Members of Air Canada’s Aeroplan program will earn points for both ground and air segments, as on any normal connecting flight itinerary. For more information see www.aircanada.com/landline

Premium motorcoaches

The motorcoaches used by Landline for Air Canada are made in Canada by Prevost, a manufacturer of touring coaches based in Sainte-Claire, Quebec. Each Landline motorcoach provides a premium experience, with 36 spacious, leather seats in a two-by-one configuration. The coaches are equipped with free WiFi, power and a table tray available at each seat, generous overhead storage for carry-on baggage, and an onboard lavatory. Announcements will be made in both Official Languages and the coaches are fully accessible, including a power lift for customers requiring mobility aids.

“We’re very excited about this partnership between Air Canada and our customer Landline, and proud to be able to offer them the comfort and quality that Prevost is known for. These new coach routes will enable them to serve their passengers by providing safe transportation adapted to their needs. For us, this new partnership ensures a solution that meets the current and future needs of the airline industry by giving them the opportunity to connect more of their regional customers to their major hubs,” said François Tremblay, president of Prevost and Volvo Group Canada.

Air Canada Regional Services

Air Canada operates to 40 communities across Canada, including in partnership with regional carriers Jazz Aviation LP and PAL Airlines. Through its innovative new partnership with Landline, Air Canada is extending its regional network to conveniently connect local airports directly to its global network. There is potential to further expand the partnership with Landline to connect with other regional airports in Canada at a future date.

“We are excited to partner with Air Canada and The Landline Company to deliver this innovative, convenient, hassle-free travel option to passengers travelling from Hamilton International Airport,” said Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director of John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. “Being able to connect into Air Canada’s global network via a luxury motorcoach service opens up access to dozens of exciting new destinations while providing the consistent customer experience our passengers know and trust.”

“This innovative service by Air Canada and Landline opens up a world of opportunities, allowing our Waterloo Region community to easily access a wider array of destinations and meaningful experiences both within Canada and internationally. We look forward to welcoming both new and returning travelers to YKF through this exciting partnership,” said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo.

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 partners. Through Air Canada Vacations, it offers more travel choices than any other Canadian tour operator to hundreds of destinations worldwide, with a wide selection of hotels, flights, cruises, day tours, and car rentals. 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. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OCTQX in the US.

About The Landline Company

The biggest airlines in the world trust Landline to power their first and last mile connectivity. Landline’s industry-first platform allows airlines to leverage the seamlessness and affordability of ground transportation to add dynamic new routes to their network without sacrificing on quality or customer experience. Landline operates seamless multi-modal networks on behalf of Air Canada, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines. Landline is fundamentally reshaping the way every consumer thinks about the travel day by making air travel multi-modal. Visit landlineco.com for more information.
21 February 2024
Passenger numbers soar at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)

Wednesday January 31, 2024

Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) had another record-breaking year in 2023. In total, 445,312 passengers travelled through YKF, an 18.39 per cent increase over 2022.

YKF continues to be the fastest-growing airport in Canada and consistently ranks as one of the top 20 busiest airports in the country. The success of commercial service has increased passengers and that growth is directly funding the expansion of the airport’s facilities.

“It is wonderful to see more residents using our airport to explore destinations and connect with family and friends,” said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo. “This increased growth reinforces our work on the 20-Year Airport Master Plan which guides development at YKF. The airport is a key piece of infrastructure and an economic driver for Waterloo Region.”

The current airport expansion project will enable YKF to support up to one million passengers per year – with no additional operating costs to get there. In 2023, phase two of the expansion reconfigured the air terminal building to provide an enhanced passenger experience. The project included self-service kiosks and common-use airline counters to improve check-in. A third security line that speeds passenger screening and, a new baggage system, with self-service bag drop and expanded sort area to streamline baggage handling. In addition, the airport constructed a domestic arrivals building and expanded the departure lounge in 2022.

Phase three of the expansion is currently underway with Airport Administration relocated to the Airport Operations Centre. The second-floor terminal offices will soon house the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) while the existing main floor CBSA space becomes a Primary Inspection Line for passengers returning to Canada.

Flair Airlines, Sunwing and WestJet provide scheduled air service to Calgary, Cancun, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Orlando Sanford, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana, Vancouver and Varadero. Summer 2024 schedule includes the return of Abbotsford, Charlottetown, Deer Lake, Halifax, Edmonton, St. Johns and Winnipeg. For more information visit www.waterlooairport.ca.

1 February 2024

Flair Airlines unveils affordable new routes between Newfoundland and Labrador and the Greater Toronto Area

Flair Airlines unveils affordable new routes between Newfoundland and Labrador and the Greater Toronto Area
Flair Airlines lands in St. John’s for the first time with routes connecting to Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo.
Flair launches the airline’s first-ever flights between Deer Lake and Toronto.
Almost half of Atlantic Canadians say they have to limit domestic travel due to high costs. Not anymore.
Fares start as low as $39 one way, taxes and fees included.

EDMONTON, November 9, 2023 – Flair Airlines, Canada’s leading ultra-low fare airline, is proud to announce exciting new routes launching next summer from St. John’s and Deer Lake. This is a significant moment for Flair as the airline brings its low fares to St. John’s for the first time and establishes its first connection between Deer Lake and Toronto.

“Flair Airlines is thrilled to bring our low fares and expand our Atlantic Canada routes, establishing Flair’s presence in St. John’s and offering the most affordable flights between Toronto to Deer Lake,” said Stephen Jones, CEO of Flair Airlines. “We are honoured to provide Canadians with affordable travel options and to strengthen our connection with Atlantic Canada, allowing customers in each city to connect with loved ones and explore Canada. Our recent consumer survey revealed that over half of Canadians believe domestic air travel in Canada is unaffordable. As Canada’s leading ultra-low fare airline, we are dedicated to breaking down the economic barriers associated with air travel and creating opportunities for domestic travel and tourism within Canada.”

These affordable flights between the GTA and Newfoundland and Labrador offer a unique opportunity to boost tourism in the provincial capital of St. John’s and inspire more Canadians to explore the picturesque landscapes of Deer Lake, including the renowned Gros Morne National Park. Flair is excited to bridge the gap for Newfoundland and Labrador expatriates, providing an affordable and reliable means of travel to connect with their hometowns and loved ones.

“Flair Airlines has demonstrated a continued commitment to providing affordable access to our province. Affordable and accessible flights expand opportunities for tourism and business, contributing to our province’s economy and, ultimately, making Newfoundland and Labrador a better place to work and live. We value our relationships with our airline and airport partners and look forward to continuing to advance access to the province,” said the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The City of St. John’s is pleased to welcome this new low fare airline to our community,” said Danny Breen, Mayor of the City of St. John’s. “The new routes will provide enhanced connectivity for our residents, improve tourism prospects, and support economic growth. We commend Flair Airlines’ commitment to affordability and accessibility, which we believe will help cement their success in our community.”
Mayor of St. John’s

“The Town of Deer Lake is very excited for Flair Airlines to return to the Deer Lake Regional Airport offering direct flight availability to Pearson International Airport. Deer Lake is an ideal location for those looking to explore the Western Region of Newfoundland & Labrador. Having Flair offer this direct flight will greatly assist those who may want to visit the Deer Lake area and provide residents and businesses of the Western region the ability to travel to their destinations at an affordable cost, said Mike Goosney, Mayor of Deer Lake.
Mayor of Deer Lake

“We are delighted to announce that Flair will be operating at YYT in 2024,” said Dennis Hogan, Chief Executive Officer of the St. John’s International Airport Authority. “These routes will provide affordable access to Ontario and will add a brand-new route to our largest market. This announcement demonstrates Flair’s continued commitment to Newfoundland and Labrador as part of their growth strategy, and we look forward to a strong partnership.”
Chief Executive Officer of The St. John’s International Airport Authority

The new flights come at a time when a recent consumer survey by Flair revealed:

81% of Atlantic Canadians believe air travel in Canada is too expensive.
60% of Atlantic Canadians find Canadian airfares unaffordable.
Nearly half of Atlantic Canadians, 48%, indicated that high airfares limit their domestic travel.
64% of Atlantic Canadians consider price the most essential factor when selecting an airline.

In collaboration with the government and local officials, Flair Airlines is excited to bring these affordable travel options to Newfoundland Labrador and the GTA, enhancing the local economy and contributing to the economic well-being of the entire country.

Through an economic impact study developed by InterVISTAS, Flair Airlines estimates that it has created over 8,100 jobs and generated more than CAD$1.2 billion in economic output in Canadian communities through direct employment and tourism visitor spending. Additionally, in 2023, Canadians are projected to save at least $415 million in airfare through Flair Airlines.

The newly launched routes include:

Route	Period	Frequency
Toronto (YYZ) – St. John’s (YYT)	May 6, 2024 – October 25, 2024	3X per week increasing to 4X per week on May 28, 2024
Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – St. John’s (YYT)	May 6, 2024 – October 25, 2024	2X per week increasing to 3x weekly on May 27, 2024
Toronto (YYZ) – Deer Lake (YDF)	May 27, 2024 – October 7, 2024	3x weekly

For more information or to book an affordable flight, please visit www.flyflair.com.

About Flair Airlines

Flair Airlines is Canada’s leading low-fare airline and its greenest airline, on a mission to provide 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 over 35 cities across Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. For more information, please visit www.flyflair.com.

9 November 2023

Minister of Transport announces new funding for essential equipment for Region of Waterloo International Airport
BRESLAU, ON, May 25, 2023 /CNW/ – Canada’s airports are essential to helping keep communities connected and creating good, middle-class jobs to support our economy. From visiting friends and family, to essential medical services, to getting goods to market, we rely on our local airports to support and sustain vibrant communities.

The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, today announced that the Government of Canada is making important safety investments at the Region of Waterloo International Airport. Through Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program, the Government of Canada is providing the airport with close to $3 million to purchase two aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicles and associated equipment. These vehicles and equipment will help keep passengers and airport workers and crew safe by ensuring a rapid and effective response to aircraft emergencies.

This funding is in addition to the more than $4 million provided to the Airport through the Program in 2021-22 for the purchase of a plow truck and the partial rehabilitation of Taxiways A and C, Apron IIIA, and aircraft stands.

Quotes

“Our country’s airports help keep our supply chains moving and our communities connected from coast to coast to coast. This funding for the Region of Waterloo International Airport is good news for the communities the airport serves and will ensure that residents in and around Waterloo Region are able to travel safely and efficiently, whether it be for personal or business reasons. Through investments like these in our air sector, we are building healthier, stronger communities for the residents of Waterloo Region and across the country.”

The Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport

“The safety of Canadians is a priority for our government. Under the Airports Capital Assistance Program, we are funding the much needed supports for aircraft emergencies at YKF with the purchase of two aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicles and associated equipment. This is another addition to help keep airport workers, crew, and passengers safe.”

The Honourable Bardish Chagger
Member of Parliament for Waterloo

Quick Facts
- Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) provides federal funding to help eligible airports finance capital projects that will help them maintain safety.
- Under the Airports Capital Assistance Program, eligible airports may apply for funding towards capital projects related to safety. Improvements include purchasing and replacing heavy airside mobile equipment; installing wildlife fencing; and rehabilitating runway pavements, airfield lighting and electrical systems.
- Since the Airports Capital Assistance Program started in 1995, the Government of Canada has invested over $1.25 billion for 1,239 projects at 201 local, regional and National Airports System airports across the country.
Associated Links
- Airports Capital Assistance Program
Transport Canada is online at tc.canada.ca.
25 May 2023
Flair Airlines’ promise for improved service leaves customers divided

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11 April 2023
Flair Airlines’ promise for improved service leaves customers divided

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8 April 2023
Flair Airlines tells Waterloo region travellers it’s ‘around for the long term’

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5 April 2023
Flair Airlines cancels Waterloo-Edmonton service, other routes from Waterloo to continue

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31 March 2023
Flair Airlines finding success with sunseekers flying out of Waterloo airport, adds new route

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8 March 2023