AC drops YEG-LHR over the winter
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AC drops YEG-LHR over the winter
Why do airport authorities do things like this? So they promote one service to Europe over an existing service that has been in place for several years by slamming an existing customer? Not only do they lose the existing customer (and fees) for a period of time but EIA also pays out incentives to the new service to induce them to come to D-eadmonton in the first place.
Great move EIA!
Quote of the day:
Mayor-elect Don Iveson said he is taking the matter seriously.
“I can’t speak to the content of the allegations because I haven’t seen them, but I think Air Canada is making a very bad business decision here,” Iveson said.
Really? I think it's normal to protect market share. It's a feature of a competitive marketplace even in YEG...
Air Canada letter says it suspended London flights after Edmonton airport ‘promoted’ Icelandair
Great move EIA!
Quote of the day:
Mayor-elect Don Iveson said he is taking the matter seriously.
“I can’t speak to the content of the allegations because I haven’t seen them, but I think Air Canada is making a very bad business decision here,” Iveson said.
Really? I think it's normal to protect market share. It's a feature of a competitive marketplace even in YEG...
Air Canada letter says it suspended London flights after Edmonton airport ‘promoted’ Icelandair
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From: Hong Kong
So AIr Canada doesn't like competition, and are trying to threaten the YEG airport authority. Tell me whats new here...? Why not increase frequency, provide a superior service, and let nature take its course. ( I think we know how that will end up )
Lets face it, the level of service provided by mainline North America carriers, from a global perspective is, shall I say, lacking.
Be fun to watch this develop....
Lets face it, the level of service provided by mainline North America carriers, from a global perspective is, shall I say, lacking.
Be fun to watch this develop....
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From: cowtown
AC should have taken the opportunity to pay the same rates that the subsidized carrier was paying.
If YEG can afford to subsidize new airlines it should be able to offer the same rates to existing Airlines.
I would have remitted the same landing fees as the upstart rather than what the airport was charging AC. Then let the Airport authority justify the different rates in court.
It would never get passed the discovery stage as someone would get fired as soon as the finger pointing started.
If YEG can afford to subsidize new airlines it should be able to offer the same rates to existing Airlines.
I would have remitted the same landing fees as the upstart rather than what the airport was charging AC. Then let the Airport authority justify the different rates in court.
It would never get passed the discovery stage as someone would get fired as soon as the finger pointing started.
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Sidney, BC, Canada
Opportunity
Attract one of the Middle East carriers to provide direct service to their hub. This would greatly improve through YEG from both western Canada and the western United States while increasing global access to Alberta.
Qatar Airways would be my biased preference.
Qatar Airways would be my biased preference.
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Canada
Question for Wxgeek and fitliker - have Air Canada never received assistance or inducements to serve particular airports or routes in the past?
Also, I understand that Icelandair also serve Halifax, Toronto and Vancouver as well (the latter announced at the same time as the Edmonton flights), but AC only seem to have spat the dummy out re YEG.
Also, I understand that Icelandair also serve Halifax, Toronto and Vancouver as well (the latter announced at the same time as the Edmonton flights), but AC only seem to have spat the dummy out re YEG.
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From: cowtown
I do not know if AC has ever received any subsidies from another country to serve that countries customer base. It is not normal or accepted business practice to subsidize foreign air carriers in any country.
It is strange that an air carrier is able to get financing in a country that cannot find the pension money lost by that countries banks.
It would be truly cosmic if the lost European police pension funds that were "Lost" in the Icelandic banks, were funding the expansion of their airline.
It is strange that an air carrier is able to get financing in a country that cannot find the pension money lost by that countries banks.
It would be truly cosmic if the lost European police pension funds that were "Lost" in the Icelandic banks, were funding the expansion of their airline.
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From: Nanaimo (CAC8)
On a side-note:
Only eight weeks of winter in Edmonton now? Global warming? 
“It’s not that Icelandair’s service is making it hard to fill that winter eight weeks because Icelandair isn’t operating at that time,” Hamilton said.
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Opinion: Air Canada's treatment of Edmonton perplexing
Yawn. I don't think it is that difficult to understand that a thin 767 route like winter YEG-LHR can't withstand even an incremental drop in traffic. If the dollars are not there to fly a route then it is time to redeploy the aircraft to a more profitable winter route.
But Icelandair will get you to E'rope so no problem right? Enjoy that jetlagged middle of the night connection in KEF people! I wonder how many YEG customers will opt for driving/flying to YYC to catch a flight out of there instead? Either way YEG airport authority just made getting to LHR more difficult for Edmontonians.
I doubt righteous indignation will lure AC back but go for it! It just might work ...or not
Yawn. I don't think it is that difficult to understand that a thin 767 route like winter YEG-LHR can't withstand even an incremental drop in traffic. If the dollars are not there to fly a route then it is time to redeploy the aircraft to a more profitable winter route.
But Icelandair will get you to E'rope so no problem right? Enjoy that jetlagged middle of the night connection in KEF people! I wonder how many YEG customers will opt for driving/flying to YYC to catch a flight out of there instead? Either way YEG airport authority just made getting to LHR more difficult for Edmontonians.
I doubt righteous indignation will lure AC back but go for it! It just might work ...or not
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Canada
It is not normal or accepted business practice to subsidize foreign air carriers in any country.
Airlines such as (for example) Continental, Emirates and Air France (amongst others) have benefitted from these programs - are these programs illegal?
It is strange that an air carrier is able to get financing in a country that cannot find the pension money lost by that countries banks.
It would be truly cosmic if the lost European police pension funds that were "Lost" in the Icelandic banks, were funding the expansion of their airline.
It would be truly cosmic if the lost European police pension funds that were "Lost" in the Icelandic banks, were funding the expansion of their airline.
But Icelandair will get you to E'rope so no problem right? Enjoy that jetlagged middle of the night connection in KEF people!
How dare YEG promote their new service via KEF!
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But Icelandair will get you to E'rope so no problem right? Enjoy that jetlagged middle of the night connection in KEF people!
You fly 2/3 of the way to LHR which puts you in KEF middle of the night YEG time, then you find your connecting flight and continue to LHR.
Used to be a non-stop YEG-LHR. Now its 2 flights with a middle of the night connection.
Or you can catch a flight (or drive) to YYC mid afternoon and fly non-stop to LHR.
Either way it's not as good as a non stop YEG-LHR.
Clear enough?
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Canada
The AC flight YEG-LHR is also overnight? Being direct it will certainly be quicker "point to point" but I recall that it is not a long connection in KEF so the time penalty is not huge. Also, if you are bringing jetlag into it, then jetlag can affect people on non-stop overnight flights too......
The Icelandair flights are an alternative to the AC flights - not quite as quick, but with the competitive fares that are available on Icelandair, some people will choose this alternative. It might not be an alternative that you would personally choose, but others will.
Remember that not all passengers travelling AC to LHR will just be going to the London area, others transit through LHR to other destinations - for example elsewhere in Europe or the UK. Icelandair will also work for a number of these destinations.
You mentioned that some passengers can fly or drive to Calgary to catch flights from YYC - agreed and this certainly happens now and likely will do in the future.
However, it isn't neccessarily a great option - if flying from YEG - YYC then onto LHR/elsewhere, you have check-in at YEG plus the short flight to YYC (30-40 mins?) then whatever "cushion" applies between arriving at YYC and continuing on "over the pond".
If you drive from Edmonton to Calgary, in decent conditions it is about 3-3.5 hrs and if the roads are bad it would be longer. Add on check-in time for your international flight from YYC, and you are departing home approx 5+ hours before your flight leaves YYC. Plus you have the "joys" of Hwy 2 and the crazy Alberta drivers!
So, the Icelandair flights from YEG could be a feasible option for travellers (especially if their pricing is competitive), as opposed to taking AC's indirect options to LHR and beyond.
Clear enough?
The Icelandair flights are an alternative to the AC flights - not quite as quick, but with the competitive fares that are available on Icelandair, some people will choose this alternative. It might not be an alternative that you would personally choose, but others will.
Remember that not all passengers travelling AC to LHR will just be going to the London area, others transit through LHR to other destinations - for example elsewhere in Europe or the UK. Icelandair will also work for a number of these destinations.
You mentioned that some passengers can fly or drive to Calgary to catch flights from YYC - agreed and this certainly happens now and likely will do in the future.
However, it isn't neccessarily a great option - if flying from YEG - YYC then onto LHR/elsewhere, you have check-in at YEG plus the short flight to YYC (30-40 mins?) then whatever "cushion" applies between arriving at YYC and continuing on "over the pond".
If you drive from Edmonton to Calgary, in decent conditions it is about 3-3.5 hrs and if the roads are bad it would be longer. Add on check-in time for your international flight from YYC, and you are departing home approx 5+ hours before your flight leaves YYC. Plus you have the "joys" of Hwy 2 and the crazy Alberta drivers!
So, the Icelandair flights from YEG could be a feasible option for travellers (especially if their pricing is competitive), as opposed to taking AC's indirect options to LHR and beyond.
Clear enough?
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: CYXY YT, Whitehorse Canada
that may be an option will consider next fall is of course they continue to offer any stop over time in Iceland .... good way to combine Europe and Iceland visits ...
stop over means nothing as from Whitehorse there is always stop overs ...
stop over means nothing as from Whitehorse there is always stop overs ...
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...as opposed to taking AC's indirect options to LHR and beyond.
I havent price checked YEG-YYC-FRA or YEG-YYZ-Europe or YEG-YUL-Europe on AC or Rouge but I would suggest if price trumps convenience these are viable options to add to the mix if final destination is not LHR.
YEG has effectively given up YEG-LHR direct for a YEG-KEF-LHR service in the hopes of getting a price competitive service which may or may not happen.
...good way to combine Europe and Iceland visits ...
Average high 14C but it could get up to 26C! Here's hoping you get there in a hot spell.
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Canada
I guess it is possible to put lipstick on this pig and call it a girly.
Average high 14C but it could get up to 26C! Here's hoping you get there in a hot spell.
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From: Canadian Shield
Iceland is just fantastic - dropped in there for the first time in June and did a tour of the island. Cannot wait to go back again.
Icelandair too were just great. Comfortable, civilized and friendly service. Everything that AC is not these days.
And, even counting the hotel costs, it was still cheaper than an AC late-booking.
So... fly ICELANDAIR!
Icelandair too were just great. Comfortable, civilized and friendly service. Everything that AC is not these days.
And, even counting the hotel costs, it was still cheaper than an AC late-booking.
So... fly ICELANDAIR!
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It sounds like YEG and KEF are a good fit then.
You want to get away from the mosquito filled summers in YEG? You can go to KEF!
Edmonton winters getting you down? KEF? HNL? Hmmm. Its a coin toss for sure!
Who knew Iceland was such a vacation destination? LOL.
You want to get away from the mosquito filled summers in YEG? You can go to KEF!
Edmonton winters getting you down? KEF? HNL? Hmmm. Its a coin toss for sure!
Who knew Iceland was such a vacation destination? LOL.
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 113
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From: Canada
Hawaii I'm sure is very nice, but HNL is not much use for connecting onto the UK/Europe...
Quite a lot of people actually, you should become better informed about things.
Funnily enough, those foolish folks at BC's international gateway airport seem to be reasonably happy about the Icelandair services also starting from YVR next spring:
YVR > Flight Information > Latest Information > Icelandair to Fly from YVR
More flight options for BC travellers - how dare YVR welcome such a development!
Who knew Iceland was such a vacation destination? LOL.
Funnily enough, those foolish folks at BC's international gateway airport seem to be reasonably happy about the Icelandair services also starting from YVR next spring:
YVR > Flight Information > Latest Information > Icelandair to Fly from YVR
More flight options for BC travellers - how dare YVR welcome such a development!
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What YEG had before Icelandair showed up:
non-stop service to LHR
one stop services to Europe via YYZ
-13 destinations AC (some seasonal)
-5 destinations rouge (starting next year for some of them)
-17 destinations AT (most seasonal)
-pretty much all the big European airlines offer service out of pearson all the time
one stop services out of YUL
-5 destinations AC all the time
-3 destinations rouge (starting next year)
-20 destinations AT (most seasonal)
-pretty much all the big European airlines offer service out of dorval all the time
Now you lost one direct service to LHR but gained an additional one stop service to Europe via KEF to ~ 30 destinations.
Did I mention SEA? I notice Horizon does a service to SEA-TAC from YEG. More European destinations if you are price shopping and don't mind a stop.
My point is YEG already had one stop service to Europe. What Icelandair is offering is not new or significant. There is more frequency and competition on the North Atlantic routes out of YUL and YYZ... I am doubtful Icelandair will make much of a splash.
It reminds me of the "Target" retail launch in Canada. The media says "prices will drop!" but did they? Target ended up pricing close to what other similar retailers were charging. Is Icelandair going to be any different?
non-stop service to LHR
one stop services to Europe via YYZ
-13 destinations AC (some seasonal)
-5 destinations rouge (starting next year for some of them)
-17 destinations AT (most seasonal)
-pretty much all the big European airlines offer service out of pearson all the time
one stop services out of YUL
-5 destinations AC all the time
-3 destinations rouge (starting next year)
-20 destinations AT (most seasonal)
-pretty much all the big European airlines offer service out of dorval all the time
Now you lost one direct service to LHR but gained an additional one stop service to Europe via KEF to ~ 30 destinations.
Did I mention SEA? I notice Horizon does a service to SEA-TAC from YEG. More European destinations if you are price shopping and don't mind a stop.
My point is YEG already had one stop service to Europe. What Icelandair is offering is not new or significant. There is more frequency and competition on the North Atlantic routes out of YUL and YYZ... I am doubtful Icelandair will make much of a splash.
It reminds me of the "Target" retail launch in Canada. The media says "prices will drop!" but did they? Target ended up pricing close to what other similar retailers were charging. Is Icelandair going to be any different?
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From: cowtown
Britain is accused of spying on Iceland when it tried to retrieve savers' cash from collapsed banks | Mail Online
If the spies that stop for tea and biscuits at eleven and four are chasing the thieves in the Icelandic banks ,then nothing will happen.
The Icelandic banks stole the pensions of more than one police force, you know those guys who know a lot of criminals who might help re-rob their monies.
Pay attention this is going to get messy.
If the spies that stop for tea and biscuits at eleven and four are chasing the thieves in the Icelandic banks ,then nothing will happen.
The Icelandic banks stole the pensions of more than one police force, you know those guys who know a lot of criminals who might help re-rob their monies.
Pay attention this is going to get messy.
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: YYZ via the UK
Is Icelandair going to be any different?
Stopovers are included in the airfares between YYZ and Europe (via KEF) and the iceair website does have a lot of extra "holiday" packages available. You can't get people to visit your country if you don't first have a direct link to that country (for convenience sake).
I am already considering using them out of YYZ for onward travel to the UK...simply to try a short break in Iceland. I am probably the market that is being targeted rather than those who want direct A-B or cheapest price.
