[BrettB]

I am happy for YEG but need to understand the logic of not using a existing base.

I can think of a few of reasons, no one reason would be a deal-breaker, but together, it all fits:
- runways. DND is having to spend hundreds of millions to upgrade runways, taxiways, and other infrastructure at CFB Trenton for the 330s. That's not the case at YEG;
- Personnel. The AC are both for RCAF missions and troop transport. Edmonton is the Western HQ for the land forces. Basing these AC near the base allows them to deploy troops with relative ease.
- Location. If you want to deploy people and materiel to the Arctic, YEG is well situated;
- Logistics. It's fairly easy to get parts and spares to YEG by train, plane or truck.

 

[Edmcowboy11]

This will be another nice addition for YEG. Quietly expanding and expanding.

 

[BASE]

Certainly something to keep an eye on for Monday and maybe sooner if some details happen to leak out. Looks like the even is happening in the transborder check-in area so not sure if this is a sign on a new transborder flight or just a quieter area at that time of day to host this.

I would surmise this is a new destination announcement as I don't think they would call a media scrum for frequency increases? As for where? My best guess is probably a DL hub that isn't currently served and if I had to put that in order (most to least likely) I would say 1. JFK 2. SLC 3. DTW 4. BOS

Could really be anything though, we shall see.

 

[BASE]

Update. Looks like it was loaded on their website already. https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/flights/direct-flights

ORD 3 weekly (Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday) June 4 - Oct 19
SLC 5 weekly (Monday - Friday) May 15 - Oct 26

 

[MacLac]

Pretty sure ORD could hold its own for year round dailies…..oh well……at least it’s something

 

[Westendyeg]

Would’ve been nicer to see ORD 5x/week and SLC 3x/week instead, but it’s better than nothing!

 

[BASE]

SLC is perfect for business travel and will serve mostly as connections flying all weekdays. Will be a alternative to DEN and MSP connections. ORD won't be handling much for connections so it's just for travel between the two mainly. Would have been fantastic to see American or United step up with ORD.

 

[The_Cat]

I'm guessing Edmonton has around 15 U. S. destinations.

Non-stop destinations

Discover all the non-stop options to and from Edmonton. Plan your travels based on where you can fly non-stop from YEG.

flyeia.com

 

[davcocom]

I'm guessing Edmonton has around 15 U. S. destinations.

Non-stop destinations

Discover all the non-stop options to and from Edmonton. Plan your travels based on where you can fly non-stop from YEG.

flyeia.com

Bring back IAH, please and thank you

 

[EdmTrekker]

Bring back IAH, please and thank you

Was a Star Alliance route. DFW would be better for most connecting passengers to Mexico and the rest of Latin America.

 

[MacLac]

Speaking of Dallas, there was a comment made about 6 months ago that AA would be launching daily DFW in 2025…..came from some insider on SSP.

 

[EdmTrekker]

Speaking of Dallas, there was a comment made about 6 months ago that AA would be launching daily DFW in 2025…..came from some insider on SSP.

AA is the largest carrier by any metric: volume, destinations, connections. Dallas and Miami are there best connections you can get money wise and scheduling. If we could get even 1 of the 3 Mexican airlines to fly nonstop of AICM Mexico City International Airport - that would also be sweet.

 

[The_Cat]

New York and Fort Lauderdale would also be popular destinations.

 

[Gronk!]

New York City please and thank you.
London UK is still my Number 1 destination though.

 

[MacLac]

SLC is perfect for business travel and will serve mostly as connections flying all weekdays. Will be an alternative to DEN and MSP connections. ORD won't be handling much for connections so it's just for travel between the two mainly. Would have been fantastic to see American or United step up with ORD.

So I see that’s not the first time I’ve heard ORD is not good/popular for connections? Wouldnt it be good for connecting to say: NY, BOS, PHL or any other city on the east coast? Or is it because it’s not a Delta hub? Ergo, not a popular place for WJ as per their agreement with DL……