Waterloo Region Connected

It just seems like its not profitable right now. The flights we've lost have had success selling the tickets - but just haven't made enough money to be worth it.

(10-13-2016, 09:45 AM)SammyOES2 Wrote: [ -> ]It just seems like its not profitable right now.  The flights we've lost have had success selling the tickets - but just haven't made enough money to be worth it.

The flights were profitable and the capacity was on target. The issue had a lot to do with the Cdn dollar. We weren't the only Canadian airport to lose AA. It has nothing to do with the Region of Waterloo airport. 


There is nothing to read into the situation. It is very unfortunate but hopefully someone will start new service soon.

I can't remember if we've lost other routes, but Bearskin also left because it wasn't profitable enough for them despite having good passenger numbers. And even in the AA case, I understand the dollar hurt them, but it still shows that the profit margin isn't particularly wide.

Saying "there is nothing to read into the situation" just seems like wishful thinking. It's a small airport in an area that is "relatively ok" in terms of existing service. That's a tough market to compete in. And starting a "new service" is a massive undertaking.

I said earlier, that I'm very optimistic about the airports medium/long term prospects. But I doubt we see any significant improvement in flight options in the next few years.

(10-13-2016, 10:02 AM)SammyOES2 Wrote: [ -> ]I can't remember if we've lost other routes, but Bearskin also left because it wasn't profitable enough for them despite having good passenger numbers.  And even in the AA case, I understand the dollar hurt them, but it still shows that the profit margin isn't particularly wide.

Saying "there is nothing to read into the situation" just seems like wishful thinking.  It's a small airport in an area that is "relatively ok" in terms of existing service.  That's a tough market to compete in.  And starting a "new service" is a massive undertaking.  

I said earlier, that I'm very optimistic about the airports medium/long term prospects.  But I doubt we see any significant improvement in flight options in the next few years.

To be precise, they left because Ottawa's airport fees were too high for them.  I will be very surprised if we don't see someone introduce Ottawa service within the next year of two.  Hopefully with larger aircraft than those Bearskin was using.

Yeah, I realize it was the other end - but unless we're flying in a big circle, that's something that matters.

Edit: I doubt we'll have regular Ottawa flights flying from YKF by Oct. 13 2018.  Certainly possible, but seems unlikely to me.

(10-13-2016, 09:18 AM)jgsz Wrote: [ -> ]Too bad no one locally is willing to start an airline to serve this area.

That's the joke about airlines. "How do you become a millionaire in the airline industry?" "Start with a billion dollars..."

(10-13-2016, 09:16 AM)Viewfromthe42 Wrote: [ -> ]It's not just the direct flights. If they are hires who travel (e.g. sales and marketing), they will take the less convenient flight in order to keep their points and status going up with whichever carrier they employ. For most of them, even the AA flight we've lost wasn't worth it.

Mmmmm.  As one who travels a lot for work (100K+ miles/year) I will take convenience over extra points.  I can recall ONE time in the last X years that I took a connection via Montreal rather than direct, but normally I fly direct whenever I can.

Just anecdotal evidence, but my point is that not everyone who travels a lot wants to do connections.

(10-13-2016, 09:16 AM)Viewfromthe42 Wrote: [ -> ]It's not just the direct flights. If they are hires who travel (e.g. sales and marketing), they will take the less convenient flight in order to keep their points and status going up with whichever carrier they employ. For most of them, even the AA flight we've lost wasn't worth it.

If you travel a lot points shouldn't be an issue. I had highest status on Star Alliance and Silver with One World. In fact it is convenient to have points in both, since there are some small locations which receive much better service with one or the other. That way, if you have both you can always get there conveniently while flying in upgraded business class.

(10-13-2016, 04:39 PM)BuildingScout Wrote: [ -> ]

(10-13-2016, 09:16 AM)Viewfromthe42 Wrote: [ -> ]It's not just the direct flights. If they are hires who travel (e.g. sales and marketing), they will take the less convenient flight in order to keep their points and status going up with whichever carrier they employ. For most of them, even the AA flight we've lost wasn't worth it.

If you travel a lot points shouldn't be an issue. I had highest status on Star Alliance and Silver with One World. In fact it is convenient to have points in both, since there are some small locations which receive much better service with one or the other. That way, if you have both you can always get there conveniently while flying in upgraded business class.

Depends on how much you travel exactly. Some years I need to be strategic to hit 50k miles, and in those cases, the extra connection can help sometimes. If you're way over 100k then it obviously doesn't matter.

Bearskin's still flying into the airport, but only charters. Saw one land last weekend.

Airport Master Plan Update

PCC on November 10, 2016

I wonder how much the general GTAA planning takes into account other changes to the general transportation system in southern Ontario, Quebec and the surrounding states. For instance, how have the near-domestic destinations (say less than 2-hour flight radius) in other countries or regions (say Europe) been affected by increased high-speed train service? Adding a fast train between Toronto and Montreal would definitely bite into the Pearson/Billy Bishop - Montreal traffic.

Alternately, what role would increased rail connectivity have in creating a network of interconnected airports where a domestic passenger might arrive at one, and then be whisked to another on their way out of the country?

This is very good news for YKF.   Local politicians already gave support to Canada Jetlines in its bid to change ownership rules. 

Flights next year?  I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Canada Jetlines is interested in YKF.  A member of their team will be in Waterloo Region on November 15 "to determine the best routes."  I was asked to provide input on routes via email.  

In my initial email, I suggested flights to the San Francisco Bay area and/or Vancouver.  I also mentioned the loss of flights to Chicago.  If you can make a case for other flights from YKF post them here and I'll pass them on...  

Jetlines is a new company and they are looking for input on new flights.  And one email from a local resident is probably worth 1,000 letters from Regional officials or YKF.  If you're interested in better service from YKF contact Jetlines and let them know.

(11-05-2016, 08:51 AM)jgsz Wrote: [ -> ]Canada Jetlines is interested in YKF.  A member of their team will be in Waterloo Region on November 15 "to determine the best routes."  I was asked to provide input on routes via email.  

In my initial email, I suggested flights to the San Francisco Bay area and/or Vancouver.  I also mentioned the loss of flights to Chicago.  If you can make a case for other flights from YKF post them here and I'll pass them on...  

Jetlines is a new company and they are looking for input on new flights.  And one email from a local resident is probably worth 1,000 letters from Regional officials or YKF.  If you're interested in better service from YKF contact Jetlines and let them know.

an eastcoast flight to boston or new york would be great even if its a smaller airport like westchester county just outside of new york that could be attractive.