Question 13
Simon follows up on PE
"YYZ is horrible both inbound and outbound.
Queue management is atrocious by GTAA. No fast-track lines through security or INS. Not Air Canada's fault, but can you help us?
Inbound -- gate agents don't show up, marshallers are late, we're stuck in an RJ especially at night"
Outbound:
-- nothing much can be done about INS. Part of the problem was WS complaining about AC PAX getting favoured treatment in the lines so GTAA has taken over the line management.
Stupid WS. If they would have just stuck in T3 we'd all be better off. Thanks for coming out.
-- they are working with GTAA on possible fast-track for security in T1 and T2
Note: it was mentioned that we could get the name of the appropriate people at GTAA and write to them. I would suggest we get this name and also write to the press as no doubt GTAA would ignore letters unless it is publicized. They are very arrogant and pompous, by all accounts. (my opinion, not ACs)
Inbound:
-- they didn't realize there was that much of a problem, but will definitely look into it.
-- anyone with an ID (i.e., pilots) can walk us off a plane. It would be nice to get this in a document somewhere that we can show.
Question 14
Miscellaneous
319LR IS being studied for short-haul Canada-Europe flights.
New destinations being looked at include Tehran, Cairo, Pakistan.
Air Canada believes the new lie-flat seats will be industry-leading, and competitive with, or better than carriers' First products.
An additional 4 767s (including 2 from the desert) and one 340 will be on-line by summer. The 340 is coming from BWIA and the interior will be thoroughly upgraded to AC standards.
Question 15
AP lifetime status
Lifetime SE is not sustainable model, as we have heard before.
They recognize the need to recognize long-term SE customers, but are looking at other ways to do that. Most of these PAX are looking for comfort and recognition when they do fly, not necessarily SE status per se.
That was pretty much it as far as I can recall for the Q&A. AC/AP were very open and forthright with us in answering questions, fielding criticism and compliments and not dodging the questions.