Sebring

Though we have a rumor thread on YVR-KIX, the fact Rome is out for the winter should justify starting a new thread with this confirmation from AC:

Rome and Osaka service suspended with winter schedule. We continuously review the performance of our operations and make adjustments to our schedule as necessary to ensure the most profitable deployment of our assets. The unrelenting record high price of fuel makes this activity more critical than ever as flying that is profitable with fuel at $80 per barrel (Sept. 2007) may no longer be viable when the cost of fuel reaches more than $115 per barrel. As part of this ongoing process, a decision has been taken to suspend service on two routes whose financial performance has not met expectations in this new environment. Suspension of service will coincide with the decrease in travel demand during the off-peak winter season. Aircraft currently operated on these routes will be re-deployed to respond to more profitable market opportunities elsewhere.
Toronto-Rome non-stop service will therefore be suspended effective Oct 26, 2008 (last flight YYZ-FCO Oct 24; last flight FCO-YYZ Oct 25). Based on current economic forecasts, we plan to resume Rome flights as demand increases effective spring 2009 for the peak summer season. In the meantime, Air Canada will continue to serve Italy via FRA, ZRH, and MUC, in cooperation with our Star Alliance partners. In addition, we will withdraw Vancouver-Osaka non-stop service until further notice, effective Oct. 26, 2008 (last flight YVR-KIX Oct 24; last flight KIX-YVR Oct 25). Air Canada will continue to serve Japan with up to twice daily non-stop flights between Canada and Tokyo, from Toronto and Vancouver. Air Canada offers codeshare services throughout Japan operated by our Star Alliance partner, ANA, via Tokyo.

why fly

WOW I wonder where the planes will GO... Are they to be parked or will AC have some new routes...
I dont imagine the 763 will be used for SUN Charters?

jimyvr

YVR - NRT is also going to 763 this winter instead of planned 77W.

2nd Daily YYZ - FRA is switch to 763 instead of maintaining 77W

ACYYZ/SD

Completely mystified by the seasonal suspension of FCO, yet MAD is starting up in June and running through the winter season. Go figure! FCO flights always packed but with the shift of AZ from MXP, perhaps too much winter capacity.

zorn

People who applaud after landings are not the same ones who make the airlines money.

shore9

Just because the a/c is full it does not mean it is necessarily a hugely profitable route. The YVR/KIX route seemed to be quite empty in J (at least by looking at KVS) and J is where they can make their big bucks. Maybe they will start up KIX again with domestic 762's.

Sebring

MAD flights can link with a partner - Spanair - and provide broader coverage. And Spain is a decent winter tourist destination. AC actually has more coverage of Italy via FRA than it has via FCO, and it has more coverage of FRA - nonstops from YUL, YOW, YYC and YVR as well as YYZ. I've always heard that FCO is like a charter route. Everyone flies on the cheapest fare, with little paid J traffic.

As for where the KIX and FCO planes will go, AC has to cover MAD plus dedicated services for EXE and SCL. If the 762s are removed, there is also the question of using 763s for Hawaii since the Airbus narrowbodies aren't suitable for that service.

Jalinth

For FCO, it depends on what the LAT and J sales are like. Low business travel generally means low profits and maybe the "next best alternative" is using the plane on the MAD run instead.

Sad about KIX being killed off since I was looking at going.

jimyvr

Don't forget they have cooperation with AirOne in Italy.

ACYYZ/SD

Given what's going on with the cost of fuel, it promises to be a very challenging year. Those routes which were previously "marginal" become unprofitable, and many which were profitable become marginal.

FCO has always had very steady loads in both classes even through the winter. Perhaps shifting the aircraft to the now vacant YYZ-MXP market would present an opportunity. Increased StarA connections at MAD might help to boost and sustain that market.

ajamieson

Well put.

LeSabre74

That's a pretty lame level of service to one of the world's largest economies.

djjaguar64

Just out of curiousity I wonder how many other airlines practise this type of a "hibernation activity" during low season?

ACYYZ/SD

Finnair for one. Countries with frigid climates shift capacity to seasonal hot spots during the winter.

As far as YYZ goes - add Malev and Czech Airlines to the list.

ChrisA330

I would go out on a limb to say the majority of airlines would do some type of seasonal adjustments, matching demand with overall capacity.

In these days of increased fuel costs, I'd wager you'll a whole lot more of it. A few US airlines are shelving routes that haven't even launched yet.