In case you haven't heard, Air Canada is in trouble. I'm sure some of you have had bad experiences with Air Canada, as it's inevitable with any business that some people won't be happy no matter hard you try. However, if you are like me and have flown on many different airlines around the world, you will agree with me that Air Canada is one of the best airlines in the world. You want airlines from the USA in here? No way! Airlines in the US are by and large the worst.
That said, I think airlines in Canada need our support now more than ever. I was thinking I might put together a website that would allow people show support, mostly to the government who might take this as a sign to let crappy airlines from other countries to fly domestic routes. What does everything think? Is it worth my time?
-dr
I agree, AC is one of the best Airlines. I have flown many also, and the best service was with AC.. however, their prices are rediculous at times when flying within Canada. But so be it.
I think its great if you want to show your support by putting together a site. BUT, I think you've answered your question "is it worth my time?"… I just wonder if it really matters if support like this will either matter.
IMHO, no, it probably won't matter.
If you do make a site.. let us know.. i'd be glad to support it.
I heard just awhile ago that they had pulled their stocks off the toronto stock exchange. I have flown a bit in canada and most of it was on air canada. Hard to make a comparison when you dont have much to compare with, but think a site to show support would be a great idea. Go for it DR!!!
I've flown AC and Westjet, and much prefer Westjet, but I do know I would prefer ANY Canadian airline over any American airline…yes, I'd support it.
What does everything think?
This thing thinks that you can have my support too!
I think it's a great idea dr, I'd have to say that AC is the second best in canada; those puffy seats are much too comfortable; nothing beats the canvas and steal of a C-130 (Military)
You've flown on a C-130? When was that? For me, it's been several times, though the first time was as a recruit in 1993 on my way to Shilo, MB for two months of deadly heat doing QL2. And I'm sure Sarge has travelled on them once or twice also.
-dr
Trying to save anything Canadian is worth the time dr! I for one will be behind you on this one! Air Canada is after all part of our national identity. They do after all carry the maple leaf to the world! YES! The venerble Hercules probably the most fun flights I ever had! Plus a trip to Europe in a Yukon and a STOL trip in a Buffalo 1 flight lesson in an Otter! My flight in an L1011 was quite boring by comparison. Just to comfortable!!
Been on that steel bird many times from 1998 to 2001. Shilo Eh? Mine was Borden CFMPSA
Despite being a former Traffic Officer, doing tactical air movements and all, I've never flown in a Herc, but have been in them many times. But if you talk helicopters, I've flown in almost every type the CF has or had in the last 12 years, except Sea Kings (I don't get paid enough!) And had a three hour flight in a USAF Chinook last summer around Trail-Castlegar BC!
I would have said yes this is a good idea a couple of years ago. However, a professor I had in a business class made a very clear and obvious point about Air Canada. The federal government should not have provided financial assistance for them in past, because what they did was allow a highly inefficient business to continue. This accounts in part for the high prices someone mentioned in a previous message.
So then today we see the problems with Air Canada are even worse and now Canadian competitors that may have had better organizational structures are gone. Now we are in tough spot as they are clearly running a terrible business, yet we do not want to fly American airlines.
Overall I think government aid for Air Canada would be a bad idea as it is would only continue this scenario. Other Canadian companies exist to step up to fill much of void of Air Canada, and this nees to happen if Air Canada doesn't survive, and it then that I think we would need to add pressure to the government if they decide to open up to American airlines instead.
I don't fly very often, not my favorite thing to do. (probably BECAUSE I've had a few trips in a Herc) But I am behind supporting anything Canadian. I think you have a great idea dr.
Iam sorry but I don't agree with gov't helping buisness if you want to keep it going get people to buy shares.
The government needs to force AC into bankruptcy to force them to rationalize thier financial holdings. AC has hundreds of millions of aircraft inventory they are not using but refuse to sell for fear that they will be purchased by competing airlines. Great strategy if you are playing monopoly, but terrible if you are bleeding to death with debt.
AC will never dissapear, but they need to be reined in if we are to ever have a practical national airline.
This is one of the rare times I agree with the federal government- shovelling money to this 'near monopoly' will not save them- they need to be re-organise, even if it is with their arm twisted behind thier back. The AC that emerges from this trial by fire will be something that can survive on it's own without perpetual infusions of cash from taxpayers- or we need to allow it to die for the good of this county.
Just so you know, I wasn't in favour of shovelling money into Air Canada, I just don't want the government to allow foreign airlines to fly domestic routes. You'll notice that my original posting refers to the need to support all airlines in Canada. :)
-dr
Yup, I know. I only wanted to explain why bankruptcy wouldn't necessarily mean the demise of AC, only that it would force them to do what they should have done 12 years ago. Sometimes the doctor has to force us to go on a diet for our own good. At least I've been told… :)
I'll support them once Milton and the current board goes..
Dr. sounds like you should focus on what you want.Thats to keep American airlines off Canadian air routes. I'll support that anytime. I trust A.C. will survive in some fashion I'd hate to see it die. I don't fly much but It's not worth it to me anyway. To save A.C. when it like burning money.
I work in the airline industry and if air Canada goes under it will give the little guys a chance. Right now they nearly have a monoply with C3 and Royal gone.
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