YYZ AC Delays - Runway Construction - April 7 2017
May 5, 2017, 2:01 pm
#196
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: AC SE100K, Emerald Exec, HHG
Posts: 631
The letter fails to mention that this is only phase 1 of the reconstruction, and that construction will resume again later this year. Its worded in a way to suggest " hang on, we're almost at May 16th"
May 5, 2017, 2:11 pm
#197
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: YOW
Programs: AC*SEMM, *G, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 898
What I suspect ended up happening is that GTAA provided a best case scenario (ie: here's what will happen if there's no rain, no wind, no this and that...) and they may have provided a worst case scenario. Airlines being airlines, they anticipated or planed according to a best case scenario. I think it is fair to say that April/May has seen more episodes of heavy rainfall and unfavorable wind conditions then would be seen on average -with the worst scenario materializing.
The one big difference that I have seen between WS and AC is that WS has had a tendency to just cancel the flights, whereas AC has kept a fair share going, but with significant delays. I had a colleague last week flying YOW-YYZ on WS and flights were cancelled one after another, but without much advance notice.
As to why an e-mail now, I suspect that this might be one of the worst weekend yet with all the rainfall warnings... I see many domestic QK flights currently being held at origin between 20:00-22:00, for departures scheduled this afternoon...
The one big difference that I have seen between WS and AC is that WS has had a tendency to just cancel the flights, whereas AC has kept a fair share going, but with significant delays. I had a colleague last week flying YOW-YYZ on WS and flights were cancelled one after another, but without much advance notice.
As to why an e-mail now, I suspect that this might be one of the worst weekend yet with all the rainfall warnings... I see many domestic QK flights currently being held at origin between 20:00-22:00, for departures scheduled this afternoon...
May 5, 2017, 2:16 pm
#198
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: YYC
Programs: AC 50k 1MM, Marriott LT Titanium Elite
Posts: 3,402
Dear RatherBeInYOW,
If your travels have taken you through Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson Airport in recent weeks, you may have been impacted by the major construction project currently being undertaken at Canada’s busiest airport. At Air Canada, we have a responsibility to ensure your trip is safe, comfortable and on time, so when your plans are disrupted, we strive to take care of you and keep you informed along the way.
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority, the airport authority that oversees Pearson, is managing a major construction project to overhaul the busiest runway and its associated taxiways. The project started March 28 and is scheduled to be completed May 16, 2017. The positive news is that it is on schedule. The bad news is that the work is much more disruptive than anticipated, and recent weather conditions have only added to that difficulty. The customer experience travelling through Toronto during this time has been unpredictable at best, and downright frustrating at worst, due to extensive flight delays and a disproportionately large number of cancellations.
We are extremely sympathetic to the disruption this project is causing you. When the project is completed, it will be a big step forward. Right now, however, we want you to know that we understand the inconveniences – both big and small – that you are experiencing. We also want you to know we are doing our best to manage through this and want to help you in any way we can. While we are not managing the construction project, we will be doing everything within our power to help you get through the next few weeks with the least disruption.
Before departing for the airport, please check to ensure your flight is on time. When you arrive at the airport, please check in with us and let us know how we can help. Please see here for the latest updates on the runway construction.
Best regards,
Benjamin Smith
President, Passenger Airlines
Air Canada
If your travels have taken you through Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson Airport in recent weeks, you may have been impacted by the major construction project currently being undertaken at Canada’s busiest airport. At Air Canada, we have a responsibility to ensure your trip is safe, comfortable and on time, so when your plans are disrupted, we strive to take care of you and keep you informed along the way.
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority, the airport authority that oversees Pearson, is managing a major construction project to overhaul the busiest runway and its associated taxiways. The project started March 28 and is scheduled to be completed May 16, 2017. The positive news is that it is on schedule. The bad news is that the work is much more disruptive than anticipated, and recent weather conditions have only added to that difficulty. The customer experience travelling through Toronto during this time has been unpredictable at best, and downright frustrating at worst, due to extensive flight delays and a disproportionately large number of cancellations.
We are extremely sympathetic to the disruption this project is causing you. When the project is completed, it will be a big step forward. Right now, however, we want you to know that we understand the inconveniences – both big and small – that you are experiencing. We also want you to know we are doing our best to manage through this and want to help you in any way we can. While we are not managing the construction project, we will be doing everything within our power to help you get through the next few weeks with the least disruption.
Before departing for the airport, please check to ensure your flight is on time. When you arrive at the airport, please check in with us and let us know how we can help. Please see here for the latest updates on the runway construction.
Best regards,
Benjamin Smith
President, Passenger Airlines
Air Canada
I meant his email address. My fault. I wasn't clear.
May 5, 2017, 2:18 pm
#199
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Mississauga Ontario
Posts: 4,105
What he could have said:
Right now, however, we want you to know that we understand the inconveniences – both big and small – that you are experiencing. We also want you to know we are doing our best to manage through this and want to help you in any way we can. THIS INCLUDES ADDITIONAL PAID OVERTIME FOR AN-ALL HANDS ON DECK SITUATION FOR OUR CALL CENTER STAFF, SO THAT WE CAN ANSWER YOUR CALLS QUICKLY, AND SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS FAST.
But he didn't.
And so they have really done ..... nothing.
So it's hot air. Pathetic.
Right now, however, we want you to know that we understand the inconveniences – both big and small – that you are experiencing. We also want you to know we are doing our best to manage through this and want to help you in any way we can. THIS INCLUDES ADDITIONAL PAID OVERTIME FOR AN-ALL HANDS ON DECK SITUATION FOR OUR CALL CENTER STAFF, SO THAT WE CAN ANSWER YOUR CALLS QUICKLY, AND SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS FAST.
But he didn't.
And so they have really done ..... nothing.
So it's hot air. Pathetic.
May 5, 2017, 2:52 pm
#200
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC 50K, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 1,551
Currently on the ground in ORD. AC 510 cancelled. Automatically re-booked on AC 512, 1.5 hours later. No chance that it will leave on time. Rush to the airport to see if AC 508 delayed - of course it is. Able to snag a SBY seat. 1 hour late pushing back with a 1 hour ground hold. Will depart essentially when AC 510 was supposed to leave.
The good news was they cleared everyone who was on 510 onto 508 as soon as you got to the gate.
The good news was they cleared everyone who was on 510 onto 508 as soon as you got to the gate.
May 5, 2017, 3:37 pm
#201
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,353
Currently on the ground in ORD. AC 510 cancelled. Automatically re-booked on AC 512, 1.5 hours later. No chance that it will leave on time. Rush to the airport to see if AC 508 delayed - of course it is. Able to snag a SBY seat. 1 hour late pushing back with a 1 hour ground hold. Will depart essentially when AC 510 was supposed to leave.
The good news was they cleared everyone who was on 510 onto 508 as soon as you got to the gate.
The good news was they cleared everyone who was on 510 onto 508 as soon as you got to the gate.
I've definitely moved from a delayed 571 to a delayed 569 leaving at 571's departure time quite a few times.
At that point, I find even reservations will confirm the change for you, no questions asked.
May 5, 2017, 3:58 pm
#202
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: YQR
Posts: 2,743
What he could have said:
Right now, however, we want you to know that we understand the inconveniences – both big and small – that you are experiencing. We also want you to know we are doing our best to manage through this and want to help you in any way we can. THIS INCLUDES ADDITIONAL PAID OVERTIME FOR AN-ALL HANDS ON DECK SITUATION FOR OUR CALL CENTER STAFF, SO THAT WE CAN ANSWER YOUR CALLS QUICKLY, AND SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS FAST.
But he didn't.
And so they have really done ..... nothing.
So it's hot air. Pathetic.
Right now, however, we want you to know that we understand the inconveniences – both big and small – that you are experiencing. We also want you to know we are doing our best to manage through this and want to help you in any way we can. THIS INCLUDES ADDITIONAL PAID OVERTIME FOR AN-ALL HANDS ON DECK SITUATION FOR OUR CALL CENTER STAFF, SO THAT WE CAN ANSWER YOUR CALLS QUICKLY, AND SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS FAST.
But he didn't.
And so they have really done ..... nothing.
So it's hot air. Pathetic.
So, here's the thing: if you know your software is crap and causes a huge amount of extra labour, why don't you invest in improving that so that it minimizes the effects of irrops? I know it's a standard thing to know that AC's IT is terrible, but when even the employees are being impacted hugely on an efficiency level you'd think it couldn't be ignored anymore.
May 5, 2017, 5:03 pm
#203
Join Date: May 2015
Location: EXT, sometimes NYC/LON/YQT
Programs: Aeroplan, SPG/Marriott, Radisson Rewards
Posts: 774
QK ain't been doin' so hot during this mess. I swear there seems to be a higher ocurrence of QK cancelations/delays, but that could be observation bias on my part.
May 5, 2017, 8:53 pm
#204
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: YYC
Posts: 4,035
Yes. If the airport is capacity constrained, the airlines need to decide what flies and what doesn't. Typical plan is you cancel the short flights first. Easier (and cheaper) to get 50 people to Thunder Bay than 450 to Tokyo.
May 6, 2017, 5:07 am
#206
Join Date: May 2015
Location: EXT, sometimes NYC/LON/YQT
Programs: Aeroplan, SPG/Marriott, Radisson Rewards
Posts: 774
I am curious how pax loads on TATL/TPAC/TCON are affected given the large mount of feeder flights (not just QK) that have been delayed (hence misconnecting pax) or cancelled. Maybe load factors stay the same since they empty seats are filled with yesterday's pax
.
May 6, 2017, 7:46 am
#207
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: AC E35K, NEXUS
Posts: 4,368
Despite the construction and weather, I arrived YYZ last evening and had no delays to speak of. I wanted to post something that worked.
It was ACr, and I thought when I booked it earlier this week, it was 319 but it was a 763, so maybe other flights have been merged. I haven't done much checking to investigate.
We landed on the north-south runway and took the long way along the taxiways on the south and east side and the bags were a little longer to arrive than has been the norm at YYZ lately, but to be honest, it was acceptable given the surprisingly on time arrival.
There was some kind of media interview taking place as I exited the Customs hall so maybe they were on their best behaviour.
It was ACr, and I thought when I booked it earlier this week, it was 319 but it was a 763, so maybe other flights have been merged. I haven't done much checking to investigate.
We landed on the north-south runway and took the long way along the taxiways on the south and east side and the bags were a little longer to arrive than has been the norm at YYZ lately, but to be honest, it was acceptable given the surprisingly on time arrival.
There was some kind of media interview taking place as I exited the Customs hall so maybe they were on their best behaviour.
May 6, 2017, 7:56 am
#208
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255
May 6, 2017, 8:01 am
#209
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: YYZ most of the time
Programs: AC SE100K MM, Princess Elite
Posts: 3,921
Your data point shows 1 particular flight in each of the 2 examples. To say that QK is having trouble with it, show all of the YQT flights on each of the days and then maybe you point is valid. I am not trying to say that QK is without blame, but unless we have all the complete daily data, to say that 1 flight has been cancelled for several consecutive days doesn't necessarily mean that they haven't been operating all of the other flights on a given route close to on time.
May 6, 2017, 9:28 am
#210
Join Date: May 2015
Location: EXT, sometimes NYC/LON/YQT
Programs: Aeroplan, SPG/Marriott, Radisson Rewards
Posts: 774
Your data point shows 1 particular flight in each of the 2 examples. To say that QK is having trouble with it, show all of the YQT flights on each of the days and then maybe you point is valid. I am not trying to say that QK is without blame, but unless we have all the complete daily data, to say that 1 flight has been cancelled for several consecutive days doesn't necessarily mean that they haven't been operating all of the other flights on a given route close to on time.
It's entirely anecdotal from me, mostly based off viewing the fun by D1-D12. I've also seen a few rescue flights go out, but those are harder to Google.
Could be fun if someone with e.g. a pro FR24 subscription ran the fleet-wide stats.