7635 replies to this topic

[Matt R.]

Reducing service to improve service. How Orwellian.

And if I never hear the word "unprecedented" again in my lifetime, it will be too soon.

What were these guys thinking. The restaurant industry did this 14 months ago, Air Canada and BC Ferries didn’t see it coming somehow.

[Victoria Watcher]

It’s catching on.


WestJet says it will have fewer flights this summer compared to July 2019, in an effort to provide "stable operations" as soaring travel demand in Canada outpaces airport staffing capabilities.

That means the country's second-largest airline will fly about 530 flights a day this summer instead of the more than 700 of two years ago — 25 per cent less — according a statement released on Thursday.

https://www.cbc.ca/n...ights-1.6507396

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 30 June 2022 - 02:35 PM.

[Nparker]

Folie à deux

[Matt R.]

Our student was supposed to travel home to Milan yesterday, AC delayed his departure from YYJ so much it messed up all the connections, so they are trying again today.

36 hours, he’s travelled about 50km. Lame.

[Missed Approach]

The pre boarding security screening wait time "ticker", has been removed from the VAA website.

When I asked why. 

Response was, "no longer used as it was not current to the conditions and general traveler advisory is arrive 90 minutes prior to your flight and expect delays during pre boarding experience."

[Victoria Watcher]

Could not handle enough digits maybe.

Nothing like an airport that requires 90-minute advance arrival for a 25 minute flight. Which most of their flights are.

They need to find a way to be much better.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 01 July 2022 - 06:05 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Come on, people.





B.C. woman says she spent more time stranded in airport looking for lost luggage than in Portugal

Mahan Zaeri said she finally located her bags herself, with no help from authorities. The Air Canada tracker still shows the status of her luggage as 'unknown'


https://nationalpost...nadian-airports

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 01 July 2022 - 07:05 AM.

[spanky123]

A checked bag is a lost bag - been a popular saying as long as I can remember.

In reality, can you not go on vacation for a week with only a carryon and handbag? How many changes of clothing do you need?

Edited by spanky123, 01 July 2022 - 08:02 AM.

[Mike K.]

So far the only appetite for mass timber, beyond a couple of examples, are institutional projects back by the province.

 

Kelowna is getting an expanded airport terminal:

 

People travelling through the Kelowna International Airport (YLW) will benefit from an expansion and upgrade of the terminal, which will use mass timber through the Province's Mass Timber Demonstration Program.

 

The Airport Terminal Building Expansion project is anticipated to break ground in 2023 and will receive funding through the program, which has supported the advancement of mass timber in several projects throughout B.C.

 

“This project showcases what is possible when we promote innovation in the construction sector and support the development of mass timber in large infrastructure projects in B.C.,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “This initiative will help the airport and region grow, while also aligning with a key goal of the StrongerBC Economic Plan to grow a clean economy that works for all British Columbians.”

 

The airport will receive $500,000 from the Province to help with costs associated with the use of mass timber, as well as the creation of a digital construction twin, advanced fire modelling and life-cycle assessment of building materials. The use of prefabricated mass-timber panels will reduce construction time and will result in less construction traffic to the site. Canada’s 10th largest airport will remain open and fully operational throughout the nearly 8,000-square-metre expansion.

 

Building off the project at YLW and the success of the first two intakes of the Mass Timber Demonstration Program, the Province is also announcing an additional $2 million to open a third intake, which begins immediately.

 

“We’re excited to continue onward with the Mass Timber Demonstration Program,” said George Chow, Minister of State for Trade and chair of the Mass Timber Advisory Council. “This new intake will further advance B.C.’s mass-timber sector by continuing to grow B.C.’s position as a world leader in the field, while also building the knowledge and talent to keep driving the sector forward here at home.”

 

Individual projects can receive as much as $500,000 for incremental or one-time costs associated with design development, permitting and construction activities in mass-timber building construction. Expressions of interest will be accepted between July 11, 2022, and Oct. 7, 2022. Successful applicants will be notified by early 2023. The Mass Timber Demonstration Program is delivered by Forestry Innovation Investment on behalf of the Province.

 

This funding announcement continues the momentum gained from B.C.’s recent trade mission to Europe where the Province signed a mass-timber-focused agreement with Finland, which is a world leader in sustainable forestry. The agreement sees continued collaboration on the research, advancement, development and commercialization focusing on both regions to further develop the forest bioeconomy and the mass-timber sector.

 

The StrongerBC Economic Plan moves British Columbia forward by tackling the challenges of today while growing an economy that works for everyone. The plan builds on B.C.’s strong economic recovery and works to address two long-standing challenges – inequality and climate change – by closing the skills gap, building resilient communities and helping businesses and people transition to clean-energy solutions. The plan sets two main goals for the province – inclusive growth and clean growth – and puts forward six missions to keep B.C. on track.

Quotes:

 

Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests –

“Growing B.C.’s mass timber sector is key part of our government’s vision for the future of forestry – a future where we get more value from every tree harvested. It’s great to see that mass timber will be a key feature in Kelowna International Airport’s expansion project and shows B.C. continues to lead the way on mass timber.”

 

Colin Basran, mayor, City of Kelowna –

“I’m thrilled to see that the terminal expansion will use mass timber, showcasing the versatility and design capabilities of B.C. lumber, while also contributing to the local economy. As YLW is the gateway to the Okanagan, the choice to use mass timber is an important decision to highlight the characteristics reflective of the region.”

 

Sam Samaddar, airport director, Kelowna International Airport –

“We would like the thank the Province for investing in YLW and in the use of mass timber for our terminal building expansion. With the increases in both aircraft movement and passenger traffic, this terminal expansion enables the Kelowna International Airport to continue offering the highest level of service.”

 

Learn More:

To watch a 3D architectural rendering of the Airport Terminal Building Expansion, visit: https://youtu.be/VM0-ezHBJYk

[Victoria Watcher]

London's Heathrow Airport is capping daily passenger numbers for the summer and telling airlines to stop selling tickets as it steps up efforts to quell travel chaos caused by soaring travel demand and staff shortages.

Britain's busiest airport said Tuesday that it's setting a limit of 100,000 passengers that it can handle each day through Sept. 11. The restriction is likely to result in more cancelled flights even after airlines already slashed thousands of flights from their summer schedules.


https://www.cbc.ca/n...ngdom-1.6517714

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 12 July 2022 - 06:26 AM.

[spanky123]

I can't see why anyone would want to fly anywhere these days. I have to imagine that after a spring rebound, hotel bookings are bleak.

 

The constant media barrage about how poorly airlines and airports are run and people losing luggage and missing flights would scare off even the most seasoned traveler.

 

The latest outrage is a lady who was forced to check her carry on luggage. OMG. You mean that if you board a plane late there is now a chance that you may be asked to check your carry-on if the overhead bins are full? That never happens. Congrats to the G&M reporter who got the scoop on that one.

[Mike K.]

Bleak or not, rates have never been higher. Best Western in Duncan up on the highway is $250 a night.

[Nparker]

The 2 year pent-up desire to travel will exceed the current chaos. It's likely things will be closer to normal for those travellers who can wait until the summer rush is over and most kids are back in school.

[spanky123]

Bleak or not, rates have never been higher. Best Western in Duncan up on the highway is $250 a night.

 

Today's visits were probably booked months ago. It is the fall and winter which will be impacted.

Edited by spanky123, 13 July 2022 - 02:16 PM.

[LJ]

A lot of airlines will ask you to gate check your luggage, for free.

That was OK back when they weren't losing all the bags.

 

Flying out of YYJ we always wind up gate checking our carry on luggage as virtually nothing fits in the overhead bins on the Q400's.

 

That's OK tho because you just pick it up when you get off the aircraft.

Edited by LJ, 13 July 2022 - 07:36 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

The federal government has announced that it will be resuming mandatory random COVID-19 testing for international travellers arriving at four major airports next week.

Ottawa had initially suspended random testing for fully vaccinated travellers last month after airport authorities urged the government to drop the program, saying it was causing long delays at airports, although testing remained in place for those not considered fully vaccinated.

https://www.cbc.ca/n...ports-1.6520257

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 14 July 2022 - 09:50 AM.

[Nparker]

You can always count on our governments to do exactly the wrong thing.

Edit: I notice comments are turned off for that story.,

Edited by Nparker, 14 July 2022 - 09:55 AM.

[LJ]

The tests won't be done at the airport, you will get a notice via e-mail after you pass through customs.

 

It will be up to you to do the test.

[Nparker]

And if you don't do the test?

[spanky123]

And if you don't do the test?

 

They will keep sending you emails.