[Payd1964]

I'm not sure we've ever seen how much $$ Alberta put on the table for that deal. In the same breath, it should be noted WS turned down federal support during the pandemic.

The Alberta government committed approximately $73 million over five years (starting around late 2022) to support WestJet in making Calgary International Airport (YYC) its primary global hub, aiming to stimulate traffic and boost the aviation sector. This agreement includes investment in infrastructure, tourism, and increased capacity, including up to C$7 billion in fleet commitments by WestJet.

• Key Investment Components:
  • $73 Million Agreement (MOU): The primary funding to support WestJet’s hub strategy.
  • Aviation Skills Grant: In 2023, WestJet received $3 million from a $9.6 million provincial investment in the aviation industry.
  • YYC AeroNex Project: The government is providing over $21 million to support infrastructure, which benefits overall airport growth and connectivity, including WestJet's operations.

 

[Ned]

Not sure if it was noted here yet or not but saw it shared elsewhere that Westjet is adding a 2x weekly flight to Terrace, BC (YXT) this summer from YEG.

Does that area of Terrace, Kitimat and Prince Rupert have much in the way for tourists to enjoy the mountain and ocean scenery such as hikes, kayaking, viewpoints, exploring forestry roads, island hopping and beaches? I have the idea of Kitimat primarily as an aluminum town and Prince Rupert as a port, but I could be wrong.

 

[Vanfan123]

I'm not supportive of provincial money to WS at the exclusion of YEG in the agreement.

As part of a 2022 partnership with the Government of Alberta, WestJet designated YYC as its exclusive global connecting hub, concentrating all 787 Dreamliner intercontinental flights there.

This agreement, backed by provincial support for the aviation sector, dictates that all 7 Boeing 787-9s (and any that get added) are based in Calgary to boost long-haul routes to Europe and Asia.

Key Details of the Partnership

Exclusivity: YYC is the only airport for WestJet's intercontinental 787 operations.Investment: The deal, aimed at economic growth, included significant investment from the Alberta government in the aviation sector.

The agreement involves over $7 billion in aircraft capacity and a pledge to double capacity in Calgary by the end of the decade (provincial money but no targets mentioned for YEG).

Fleet Concentration: All 787 Dreamliners are to be based in Calgary, allowing for expanded international service, such as flights to Tokyo, Paris, and London.

How is Edmonton supposed to get a 787 flight to Europe via WS with an agreement like that.

Yes , even without Alberta Provincial Government partnership.
After (WS) WesJet completed construction of its $50 million 125,000-square-foot maintenance 787 hangar during the CEO Ed Sim years- there were (some) signs WS was planning to base all its Boeing 787 fleet of planes to operate flights out of its Calgary YYC hub in Canada .

When WS started 787 operations in (February 2019) Edmonton YEG didn’t get any either, as it rotated from YYC - Toronto YYZ - Vancouver YVR - YYZ- YYC domestic & along with operating some international flights at YYZ/ YVR (seasonally) too.

WestJet unveils its 787 Dreamliner maintenance hangar

/CNW/ - WestJet today celebrated the opening of its new Dreamliner maintenance hangar at its hub at Calgary International Airport (YYC). Member of Parliament,...

www.newswire.ca

 

[Vanfan123]

I'm not supportive of provincial money to WS at the exclusion of YEG in the agreement.

As part of a 2022 partnership with the Government of Alberta, WestJet designated YYC as its exclusive global connecting hub, concentrating all 787 Dreamliner intercontinental flights there.

This agreement, backed by provincial support for the aviation sector, dictates that all 7 Boeing 787-9s (and any that get added) are based in Calgary to boost long-haul routes to Europe and Asia.

Key Details of the Partnership

Exclusivity: YYC is the only airport for WestJet's intercontinental 787 operations.Investment: The deal, aimed at economic growth, included significant investment from the Alberta government in the aviation sector.

The agreement involves over $7 billion in aircraft capacity and a pledge to double capacity in Calgary by the end of the decade (provincial money but no targets mentioned for YEG).

Fleet Concentration: All 787 Dreamliners are to be based in Calgary, allowing for expanded international service, such as flights to Tokyo, Paris, and London.

How is Edmonton supposed to get a 787 flight to Europe via WS with an agreement like that.

Edmonton YEG (sometimes) do get Boeing 787 or 777 service on KLM to Europe- (but currently it’s operated by Airbus A330 mostly) .

Air Canada provides (some) Boeing 787 / 777 or Airbus A330 domestic flights to Toronto YYZ year round.

Sure its not on (WS) WestJet- but it’s not like YEG hasn’t had any of it.

 

[David A]

Yes Captain Obvious We all know about how hubs work and how YEG isn't a hub. We aren't expecting to ever have the same level of service of any of the hubs. We just want consistent daily flights to a few more key US hubs like ORD and god forbid another flight to Europe (oh yes something more than the token 12 flights Westjet is running this year to KEF). Given that this is a YEG forum, perhaps offer some wisdom about what you would suggest that YEG do to attract more flights. I anxiously await your words of wisdom on this matter.

There are real hubs in Canada based on population and location. I would argue there are three. Then there are artificial hubs that are being forced upon us by corporations and governments.

 

[Airboy]

Not sure if it was noted here yet or not but saw it shared elsewhere that Westjet is adding a 2x weekly flight to Terrace, BC (YXT) this summer from YEG.

The next phase of LNG is starting up. Funny that WS didn't do it during the first phase. If I wasn't on the charter I flew through Van.

 

[The_Cat]

Sad to see WestJet suspend US flights.

 

[MakeYEGGreatAgain]

^ Sad indeed. Last year, I flew SFO-YEG on WS. Many many folks on the flights were connecting from India judging by the bag tags. So even if travel to the US is down, losing connections to major airports is not great especially that the flights that we lose are not being replaced by anything other than more runs to YYC.

 

[Glenco]

Coming next to gate 49 Firehouse Subs.

 

[MacLac]

It's about time - I mentioned this about 6 months ago....strange, I was just flew out of Gate 49 the other day - this sign wasn't up yet......next door to the slot room that is closed now? There were booths in front of this room, not sure if they are permanent or not....

 

[The_Cat]

 

[ABAviationFan]

There are real hubs in Canada based on population and location. I would argue there are three. Then there are artificial hubs that are being forced upon us by corporations and governments.

Air Canada is much bigger airline than Westjet and make more than one city their primary. Westjet can’t and so chose to be Cgy. You whine a lot you know. Lot of airlines consolidate their flight to one or few airports depending on their circumstances. Show some positive attitude pls.

 

[Glenco]

Air Canada is much bigger airline than Westjet and make more than one city their primary. Westjet can’t and so chose to be Cgy. You whine a lot you know. Lot of airlines consolidate their flight to one or few airports depending on their circumstances. Show some positive attitude pls.

Thank you captain obvious. We will do all the whining we need to relieve our frustrations you don't have to read it.

 

[David A]

Air Canada is much bigger airline than Westjet and make more than one city their primary. Westjet can’t and so chose to be Cgy. You whine a lot you know. Lot of airlines consolidate their flight to one or few airports depending on their circumstances. Show some positive attitude pls.

Sorry, I call bs here. They can, but choose not to. At times, they sometimes they seem talk about more service here, sometimes after someone else brings in a new route here, followed by cutting it back after.

In part, this is the classic noncompetitive behaviour you would expect of an oligopoly. A city our size deserves better and you can see this in particular by looking at international service here vs. elsewhere in Canada.

 

[Glenco]

Sorry, I call bs here. They can, but choose not to. At times, they sometimes they seem talk about more service here, sometimes after someone else brings in a new route here, followed by cutting it back after.

In part, this is the classic noncompetitive behaviour you would expect of an oligopoly. A city our size deserves better and you can see this in particular by looking at international service here vs. elsewhere in Canada.

I liken it to the boy who licks all the cookies not because can eat them all he just doesn’t want anyone else to have them.