[David A]

Now this isn't to do with YEG, but there was the first ever direct flight by Air Canada to Manila that officially landed in Manila today.
First flight lands in Manila
I see this as a positive with many Filipinos, including myself living here in Edmonton. Hopefully this could lead to something involving YEG.

Vancouver seems like a natural hub for many flights to Asia (as opposed to some other places in Canada that are more forced or artificial hubs) and of course now having a direct flight from Vancouver will make it easier for people traveling from Edmonton to there, as would coordinating or increasing connecting flights.

 

[EdmTrekker]

From EIA:
Starting June 11, 2025, fly non-stop daily between Edmonton and Hamilton with Porter Airlines.
YEG rewards members are automatically entered to win two non-stop economy class tickets to this month's feature destination.

 

[MattPT]

From EIA:
Starting June 11, 2025, fly non-stop daily between Edmonton and Hamilton with Porter Airlines.
YEG rewards members are automatically entered to win two non-stop economy class tickets to this month's feature destination.

I will be using this one at the end of June. It was great timing because all the flights to Toronto at good times were expensive. And you get food/drink with porter as far as I know. Wanted to show our friends from Spain Niagara Falls before Toronto, so this flight worked perfectly.

 

[Vanfan123]

Looks like WestJet’s Edmonton YEG- Atlanta ATL route in May 2025 is cut in half & only operates 4x weekly

Not surprised.
More changes likely, (depending on demand).

 

[blue12]

I would hope both

I wouldn't hold out hope on the former - the existence of a new YVR-MNL service will actually be decreasing the chances of anything from YEG (especially MNL). Without a doubt in my mind Western Canada does not have enough demand for both YVR-MNL (on AC and PAL) and YEG-MNL - it's one or the other. And for obvious reasons both airlines have opted for YVR.

Also still a pipe dream, but Tokyo is much more realistic than Manila, but even that has zero correlation to the existence of NRT/HND flights out of Vancouver.

 

[Markyeg]

I wouldn't hold out hope on the former - the existence of a new YVR-MNL service will actually be decreasing the chances of anything from YEG (especially MNL). Without a doubt in my mind Western Canada does not have enough demand for both YVR-MNL (on AC and PAL) and YEG-MNL - it's one or the other. And for obvious reasons both airlines have opted for YVR.

Also still a pipe dream, but Tokyo is much more realistic than Manila, but even that has zero correlation to the existence of NRT/HND flights out of Vancouver.

AC can also use sixth freedom flights to funnel traffic from the US onto its YVR-Asia flights, in addition to feed from the rest of Canada. YEG doesn’t even come close to having the amount of connecting traffic YVR does to make a flight to Asia work for the foreseeable future.

 

[blue12]

Not to mention YEG's largest airline, Westjet, has just increased YYC-NRT to daily year-round..... further capitalizing on Western Canadian demand and decreasing Edmonton's chances of getting an Asian carrier. Rather unfortunate.

 

[Offworld]

From EIA:
Starting June 11, 2025, fly non-stop daily between Edmonton and Hamilton with Porter Airlines.

Is Hamilton an actual destination in need? I would not see how that could be the case.

 

[Vanfan123]

Not to mention YEG's largest airline, Westjet, has just increased YYC-NRT to daily year-round..... further capitalizing on Western Canadian demand and decreasing Edmonton's chances of getting an Asian carrier. Rather unfortunate.

True , It would not be surprising to see Air Canada re add Calgary YYC - Tokyo Japan NRT flight route, once AC gets enough deliveries of its new fleet of Boeing 787-10 , that will allow AC more room to move a Boeing 787-8 /787-9 plane to compete with WestJet on YYC- NRT .

AC has previously flown the YYC - NRT 3-5x weekly on the Boeing 767-300ER and it did okay & lasted a good few years, before it got cut & before AC’s 767 fleet retirement.

 

[blue12]

Is Hamilton an actual destination in need? I would not see how that could be the case.

There's a decent amount of demand, but most airlines' attempts to fly to YHM have failed as they lose too much traffic to YYZ. Westjet most recently tried YEG-YHM but it did end up getting terminated.

Porter on the other hand seems to be establishing a mini-hub in Hamilton which has the potential to act as a secondary airport to, cheaper than, and less busy than Toronto Pearson, but also be a closer option for those in surrounding cities like London or Kitchener-Waterloo.

I think they can definitely make it work but it will be interesting to watch what happens.

 

[blue12]

True , It would not be surprising to see Air Canada re add Calgary YYC - Tokyo Japan NRT flight route, once AC gets enough deliveries of its new fleet of Boeing 787-10 , that will allow AC more room to move a Boeing 787-8 /787-9 plane to compete with WestJet on YYC- NRT .

AC has previously flown the YYC - NRT 3-5x weekly on the Boeing 767-300ER and it did okay & lasted a good few years, before it got cut & before AC’s 767 fleet retirement.

1. This is the YEG thread not YYC (just saying this as I know how some people tend to get upset when YYC talk hijacks the thread)
2. I wouldn't bank on this happening as AC has shown no interest in returning to the YYC market heavily, evident in their September 2023 route cuts which included YYC-FRA on the B789.

 

[BrettB]

New hangar, new jobs: Nolinor doubles down on Edmonton


EDMONTON, AB, April 8, 2025 /CNW/ - Nolinor Aviation is proud to announce the acquisition of the former North Cariboo Air complex in Edmonton—a major step forward in the company's expansion in Western Canada and its commitment to providing customized airlift solutions to remote regions.

The 41,600-square-foot facility features a fully equipped passenger terminal, modern offices, dedicated workshops, and a 30,000-square-foot hangar. This site will act as the regional hub for Nolinor's growing operations, particularly supporting the expanding Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) programs initiated with last year's long-term contract.

"This move reinforces our commitment to Edmonton and the surrounding communities. We're investing in infrastructure, local talent, and services that support the unique needs of our clients in the North." – Marco Prud'Homme, President of Nolinor Aviation

The on-site Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) offers full passenger check-in counters, security screening, and cargo handling capabilities, ensuring a smooth experience for both passengers and cargo. The facility also provides office space for mining companies seeking to coordinate operations directly. All vital ground support equipment and services will remain, with additional improvements planned. Nolinor also plans to enhance the terminal progressively for better passenger flow and comfort.

Nolinor is actively pursuing new contracts in the region and aims to add at least one more major FIFO agreement in the coming months. "We're here to support mining and resource development projects with the most adaptable, efficient, and reliable aviation services available," added Prud'Homme.

This expansion enables the integration of another Boeing 737-200—an aircraft renowned for its performance in remote operations—into the fleet and the opening of a third heavy maintenance line, the first outside the Montreal region. This development directly supports the company's Yellowknife and Edmonton bases. Recruitment is already underway to staff this new maintenance line.

About Nolinor

Established in 1992, Nolinor Aviation specializes in charter flights transporting passengers and cargo to remote northern destinations. Renowned for its exceptional reliability, innovative solutions, and commitment to safety, Nolinor operates a diverse fleet, notably featuring the versatile Boeing 737-200, ideal for challenging gravel and ice runways. For additional information about Nolinor Aviation and its services, please visit www.nolinor.com. Updates and news can also be found by following @nolinor_aviation on Instagram.

 

[Markyeg]

Is Hamilton an actual destination in need? I would not see how that could be the case.

Hamilton is a great airport (also YKF) for anyone heading to Niagara or west of the GTA.

Unfortunately since they are smaller airports the schedules are hit or miss. It’ll be a mid day departure from YEG to YHM which I like but an 8 am departing coming home (though awful, slightly better than Flair’s 6 AM flight from YKF).

 

[Vanfan123]

1. This is the YEG thread not YYC (just saying this as I know how some people tend to get upset when YYC talk hijacks the thread)
2. I wouldn't bank on this happening as AC has shown no interest in returning to the YYC market heavily, evident in their September 2023 route cuts which included YYC-FRA on the B789.

Yes true, AC has shown not much love for Alberta’s 2 airport lately .
But they’ve shown in the past they are willing to compete with WestJet at YYC on some of the routes (with strong demand /yield & makes a profit) .

AC cut the YYC - FRA on the Boeing 787-9 2023 as they were tight on heavy fleet of planes operating flights at its busier main hubs in Vancouver YVR, Toronto YYZ & Montreal YUL & (AC signed a deal with Discover Airlines to operate the YYC- FRA -YYC route on the Airbus A330 in place for them at least a few more years), before they reconsider things.

 

[IanO]

Is Hamilton an actual destination in need? I would not see how that could be the case.

Wine country, great lakes, many like to avoid the GTA/Pearson like the plague, even a good access point for the US if renting and driving around a bit.