The Air Travel Guide
Airports
BAA Chief Gives Up Bonus After Public Relations Meltdown
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Image source -The Guardian
The BAA chief executive, Colin Matthews, has accepted the failure of Heathrow’s handling of the snow storm that hit the airport earlier this week. Furthermore, he’s stated that he will not accept his annual bonuses because of the issue.
Matthews earned a whopping $1.53 million last year (including bonuses). It’s not known how much of that is bonus, but it is nice to see someone taking responsibility for the matter. Furthermore, he failed to state how much of his salary this year would be cut if he doesn’t accept the extra change.
Currently, Heathrow is running at two-thirds capacities, with both runways currently in operation. It is still recommended that passengers contact their airline for further information. London’s largest airport has been criticized for their lack of preparedness for the storm. A lack of communication between the airport and airlines has also been blamed for disgruntled passengers.
At this time, it appears that all Air Canada flights heading to the region are a go. However, it’s best to check with your airline to confirm.
Halifax Airport Welcomes First US Airways Flight
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Credit: Bobcatnorth on Flickr.
US Airways and Halifax International Airport (YHZ) are both proud to have their first flight from Philadelphia arriving. The flight, which came just before 1:00 in the afternoon, arrived on June 1, 2010.
“We are very pleased to welcome US Airways to our community,” says Tom Ruth, HIAA President & CEO. “This announcement is great news for air travellers, and the Atlantic Canadian economy as a whole, and demonstrates our commitment to expanding air service in Halifax,” he says.
The service from Philadelphia will be year round, and will operate three times daily. The flight will be on a CRJ-200 operated by US Airway’s partner, Air Wisconsin. The three flights will leave Halifax at 7:40 AM, 1:15 PM, and 5:00PM.
US Airways is now operating over 3,000 flights within North American, South America, Europe, and The Middle East. This newest airline to Halifax will provide residents with more direct access to American destinations.
NEXUS Card Holders To Be Able To Line Jump At Pearson International
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A Canadian Air Transport Security Authority project has now given those who hold a NEXUS card to be streamed into their own line at the security gates in Toronto Pearson International Airport. These card users will simply have to show their NEXUS identification and boarding pass to security personnel.
The only two problems that have become apparent with this installation is the fact that it’s only a trial period and will only be valid during Canadian domestic flights. This benefit will not affect any international or Americana destinations.
The NEXUS program was originally designed to give card holders a quicker way of crossing the border. However, to get accepted into the program people must have an extensive risk assessment done on them by both American and Canadian authorities. Furthermore, the card costs $50 and will take approximately 6-8 weeks to receive.
Prince Rupert Airport To Receive Safety Upgrades
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The government of Canada will be investing some safety upgrades to the Prince Rupert Airport. This, announced today by Stockwell Day, John Baird, and Maureen Macarenko. They plan on putting over $200,000 into the airport, replacing their aging snowplow truck and repairing the runway. The runway repairs have already been initiated by previous funding announcements by the government worth around $2.45 million.
“The Airport Authority is pleased with Transport Canada’s recent announcement of further financial support under the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) for important safety upgrades at the Prince Rupert Airport,” said Ms. Macarenko. “It is the Airport Authority’s hope that the federal government will continue its ACAP support and recognize the airport as a key and complementary component to the port development under the Asia-Pacific Gateway Initiative.”
These upgrades are a part of a national plan by the Canadian government to improve safety in airports across Canada. The investment is valued at more than $42 million.
The Prince Rupert Airport services regional airlines like Air Canada Jazz and Hawk Air. It has also served as a cruise ship transfer point, being host to larger airlines such as Alaska Airlines. The airport was opened in May 22, 1970.
Service Disruption Avoided At Vancouver International Airport
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Photo credit: Caribb on Flickr
GlobeGround Fuel Services today said that they have alternative measures in the case that a lockout of re-fueling personnel continues at YVR.
Aviation.ca reports that negotiations, which initiated in the fall of 2009, have crumbled at of July 16th, and that there are now talks between management and employee representation.
In a statement GlobeGround Fuel Services said “In order to ensure business as usual with the Company, we have brought in a team of experienced service professionals who meet or exceed all required training and certification.
GlobeGround Fuel Services also confirmed that travellers can rest assured that the parties involved will conduct themselves in compliance with federal law and policies regarding the safety of travelers.
The YVR airport authority has made no comments about the situation or whether they have a plan in place to ensure that service to airlines doesn’t get cut off.
5 Tips For Travellers At Vancouver International Airport
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image credit: Ecstaticist
Ever since the Vancouver Olympics, traffic at YVR (Vancouver International Airport) has increased tremendously. However, because of the Olympics, the airport authority at YVR have done a tremendous job in improving the customer experience at the airport. From posting beautiful native art structures to installing fantastic viewpoints, YVR is most definitely one of the premier airports in North America.
Just recently visiting Vancouver airport, I thought I’d share a few tips on how to make your experience there as most enjoyable as possible.
- Use the SkyTrain – If you’re planning on visiting the city of Vancouver I recommend using their fantastic transit system. With a station for the SkyTrain right between the international and domestic terminals, you’ll be able to make your way downtown in a flash. Depending on the hours you travel, tickets aren’t that expensive, and can get you downtown on the SkyTrain much faster than a bus or a taxi. Additionally, it’s a great way to see the city — until you go underground of course.
- Be prepared to walk – Concerning arriving international passengers primarily, there is a long path from getting to customs from the arrival gates. Fortunately, YVR has installed some moving pathways in most areas, so you’ll be able to take a break every so often. Unfortunately though, it is still a distance, especially if you’re a senior citizen or someone who’s mobility is restricted.
- Follow signs – The Vancouver airport is quite a large building and people can easily become lost in it. On the upside, there are plenty of signs available that will make your navigation around the airport much simpler. These signs will always lead you in the right direction no matter where you are in the airport, not to mention there are plenty of them so you can ensure you’re still on the right path. If you do get lost, however, there are plenty of airport agents there to assist you.
- Try the restaurants – Not only does YVR have a vast amount of fast food restaurants, they also have a handful of international ones, with a majority of them providing Asian food. The service there is fantastic, but the food is also delicious. I’ve spent plenty of nights waiting for a plane at YVR where I’ve had to eat there.
- Visit the public observation area – Newly installed because of the Olympics, the observation area allows travellers to view both take-off and landing runways at the airport. There are also information panels describing all the different planes and systems used at the airport. Furthermore, there are interactive kiosks that show you the many features of the airport. The observation area is quite a neat place — definitely recommend checking it out. The only problem with this airport feature, however, is that it’s near impossible to see outside at night, as the glare on the windows from the indoor lighting is just too intense.
Vancouver International Airport is one of the most user-friendly airports in North America. They have plenty of services to offer, whether it be food, multilingual information, or translation services. Definitely not an airport to be afraid of using.
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