Region of Waterloo International Airport | 120,828 Passengers (2012)

[BuildingScout]

Until next summer, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The article is a bit unclear, but it seems the increase is for check in at the airport only:

While the fee Ryanair demands for checking in a bag online will remain unchanged, the cost for doing so by telephone or at the airport will rise dramatically.

However this alone makes me not want to fly with them ever again:

The no-frills airline is also pushing up its fee for printing a boarding card at the airport from £40 to £60.

[KevinL]

Did they ever go through with the plan to sell tickets for standing places on board?

Nope, never got past safety regs.

[UWaterloo]

Great news re. the Chicago service. Mind you I'd rather an Aeroplan partner like United over AA. Haven't used ONE WORLD since the demise of Canadian.

[BuildingScout]

I'm curious to read about the market research/study American Eagle did before announcing this route...I assume they did one

It just occurred to me that the Toyota plant in Indiana is five hours due south of O'Hare or a short 50 minutes flight from O'Hare to nearby Evansville Airport with four connections daily by, you guessed it, American Eagle.

It wouldn't surprise me at all if Toyota pre-purchased a few thousand tickets.

Side note: before the car market implosion of a few years back, Toyota would fly its own private plane back and fro to Indiana every day. I understand those flights stopped after the North American car market sales collapse.

This brings to three the count of offices in Waterloo with strong connections to O'Hare: Toyota as mentioned above, Open Text with Global headquarters in suburban Chicago, and Google whose local android team is likely to interact heavily with recently acquired Motorola Mobility also headquartered in suburban Chicago.

[RangersFan]

Major project at the region's airport

May 2, 2012 | By Tiffany Hendsbee | 570 News | LINK

A major construction project is underway at the Region of Waterloo International Airport.

Crews have been working day and night for about a week, ripping up 5,200' of the airport's 7,000' main runway.

Airport General Manager, Chris Wood, says it's been a short but extreme project with work expected to wrap up by May 12th. "It was nearing the end of it's useful life," he says of the runway.

Wood tells 570 News, as the airport has grown, so has the need for repairs. "WestJet is operating quite heavy aircraft on it daily. That did reduce the expected life we thought we had out of the runway. But, none the less, we're taking this opportunity to strengthen it so that will not happen in the future."

[UrbanWaterloo]

American Eagle Airlines Launches Daily Service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport from Waterloo Region
June 14, 2012 | YKF | Link

Today American Eagle, the regional affiliate of American Airlines, launches round-trip service between Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Waterloo Region. Waterloo Regional Chair Ken Seiling will be joined by Dale Morris, Managing Director of State and Community Affairs from American Airlines, to welcome the inaugural flight. The first flight departs O’Hare at 1:20 p.m. and will touch down today at the Region of Waterloo International Airport at 3:55 p.m. The aircraft will receive a water cannon salute from the Airport Fire Service Team upon arrival.

"We are delighted that twice daily service to Chicago by American Eagle is now operating out of the Region of Waterloo International Airport", said Ken Seiling, Regional Chair. "The Chicago service provides our businesses and residents with easy access to the U.S. and destinations worldwide."

“New air service to the Chicago market is an important part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s vision to bolster Chicago’s leading position in the global aviation system while creating new economic opportunities for our region,” said Rosemarie S. Andolino, Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA). ”We’re pleased to experience the continued growth of American Airlines, and continued choices for our passengers traveling to Canada.”

American Airlines has operated at O’Hare since 1955. American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® carrier serve 116 airports in more than 11 countries and territories from Chicago O’Hare with, on average, more than 474 daily flights (departures).

O’Hare International Airport is the global gateway to Chicago and one of the major ports of entry into the U.S. O’Hare provides travelers with quick access to Chicago’s central business district and connectivity to cities around the world. O’Hare has been voted best airport in North America for eight consecutive years by Global Traveler, a leading travel magazine.

Chicago O’Hare to Waterloo Region

Flight	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
3926	1:20 p.m.	3:55 p.m.	Daily
4268	7:50 p.m.	10:15 p.m.	Daily, Except Sat.

Waterloo Region to Chicago O’Hare

Flight	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
4269	6:30 a.m.	6:55 a.m.	Daily
4269	8:00 a.m.	8:25 a.m.	Saturday Only
3929	4:40 p.m.	5:15 p.m.	Daily, Except Sat.

As one of the world's largest airlines, American's global network strengthens economies worldwide. American contributes directly by creating jobs and paying salaries, paying taxes and fees to governments, investing in transportation infrastructure, and supporting local suppliers, who in turn employ local workers. In addition, American Airlines’ in-kind and fundraising activities - as a company and through its employees - have a significant economic impact on the local organizations and causes that they support.

“We’re delighted to begin service to Kitchener-Waterloo from our hub in Chicago,” said Charles Schubert, American’s Vice President – Network Planning. “This schedule will allow customers throughout the Kitchener-Waterloo Region to make a day trip to the Chicago area for business or connect through this key international gateway to destinations throughout the American Airlines and oneworld® alliance global network.”

With the addition of service to Waterloo Region, guests traveling from O’Hare can now travel to 12 destinations in Canada, including Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, London, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Regina, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg.



American Airlines Affiliate American Eagle Begins Daily Nonstop Jet Service Between Chicago O'Hare And Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario
Customers Can Earn Double AAdvantage Miles Between Kitchener-Waterloo and American's International Gateway at Chicago O'Hare
June 14, 2012 | American Eagle | Link

American Eagle, the regional affiliate of American Airlines, today begins daily round-trip jet service between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. Eagle will operate two flights per day Sunday through Friday between Chicago O'Hare and Kitchener-Waterloo, and one flight on Saturday. Eagle will operate the routes with 50-seat Embraer jets.

"We're delighted to begin service to Kitchener-Waterloo from our hub in Chicago," said Charles Schubert, American's Vice President – Network Planning. "This schedule will allow customers throughout the Kitchener-Waterloo Region to make a day trip to the Chicago area for business or connect through this key international gateway to destinations throughout the American Airlines and oneworld® alliance global network."

"Nonstop air service to Chicago is a real win for residents of the Region, but it doesn't stop with Chicago," said Chris Wood, Airport General Manager at the Region of Waterloo International Airport. "American, American Eagle and their oneworld partners can now get our residents to all corners of the globe, right from their hometown airport."

"We are delighted that twice-daily service to Chicago by American Eagle is now operating out of the Region of Waterloo International Airport," said Ken Seiling, Waterloo Regional Chair. "The Chicago service provides our businesses and residents with easy access to the U.S. and destinations worldwide."

[panamaniac]

This is going to be a good option for anyone headed west or south (or just to enjoy Chicago, which is a great city). I was tempted to try it out for my return from Panama next week, but it involved an overnight stay in Chicago.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Sunwing Continues to Bring Residents from Kitchener/Waterloo South in 2012/2013
23 Aug 2012 | Sunwing Vacations | Link



Sunwing understands the importance of offering Canadians across the country an opportunity to head south to sun destinations at an affordable cost, with the convenience of being able to fly right from "their doorstep". For this reason, Sunwing currently operates out of 33 Canadian gateways, including Kitchener, ON, with several vacation options offered.

Sunwing continues to offer flights and vacation packages from Kitchener to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for the 2012/2013 season. "We are thrilled to have Sunwing Airlines back in the Waterloo Region," said Chris Wood, General Manager at the Region of Waterloo International Airport. "Residents have come to expect a stress-free beginning and end to their Dominican Republic vacation from the Region of Waterloo International Airport. Along with low cost parking, passengers enjoy a quick check in, breeze through our efficient security screening and Canada Customs, and get home before they could find their cars at other airports. Flying from your local airport saves you time, stress, and money."

"We're pleased to continue offering flights from Kitchener," said Andrew Dawson, President of Tour Operations at Sunwing. "Our customers have expressed their appreciation for the convenience of travelling from their local airport, as well as the excellent service they experience on our Sunwing Airlines flights, and we're very proud to be able to meet the vacation needs of so many Canadians."

All Sunwing vacations from Kitchener include flights aboard the "high frills" Sunwing Airlines, where passengers are treated to the award winning Champagne Service, which includes a bon-voyage glass of champagne, hot towel service, a choice of hot meals at lunch and dinner served with choice of wine, and complimentary in-flight entertainment, including first run movies. For just $40 more per flight segment, travellers can upgrade to Sunwing's Elite Plus service, which features extra leg room seats, advance seat selection, separate check-in at a majority of airports, advance boarding, and 30 kg baggage allowance.

[UrbanWaterloo]

The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) sets an all time record for passenger traffic in 2012
January 22, 2013 | YKF | Link



The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) is proud to announce 2012 was a record year for passenger traffic. A total of 120,828 passengers travelled through the air terminal building which was a 19.5 per cent increase over 2011.

“Passengers love this airport and we want to thank everyone who made the choice to support American, Bearskin, Sunwing and WestJet out of Waterloo Region,” said Chris Wood, Airport General Manger at the Region of Waterloo International Airport. “The passenger numbers are impressive, and our airline partners continue to see strong advanced bookings from Waterloo Region. We are confident that in 2013 our passenger numbers will be even better than 2012.”

Passengers can travel non-stop daily to Calgary, Chicago and Ottawa with one-stop service available to over 250 destinations in over 40 countries. In addition, Sunwing Airlines provides seasonal winter weekly service to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Airports are measured in two ways; total passengers and aircraft movements (a landing or a takeoff.) In addition to our record breaking passenger numbers, the airport also recorded 103,326 aircraft movements, which is an increase of 6.7 per cent over last year, and the best year in 10 years.

The Region of Waterloo International Airport is easy to navigate with: complimentary baggage carts, free high-speed wireless internet; charging stations; licensed sit down departure lounge café, operated by Edelweiss (Valid boarding pass required); National, AVIS and Hertz car rentals available on-site and $6.00 per day parking. No traffic jams or lost vehicles, just convenient, fast and friendly air service.

[BuildingScout]

I've flown out of the KW airport to Chicago and it is a much preferable option over Pearson.

Also if your flight from Pearson to your USA destination is not direct, again KW airport is by far the better option.

[benton]

One day i will probably go to West Edmonton Mall and will more than likely use this airport. I hope they add Las Vegas in the near future since i can get free hotel rooms, tickets for shows and even meals by playing a facebook game.

[markster]

One day i will probably go to West Edmonton Mall and will more than likely use this airport.

I can tell you that it's pretty much as amazing as you think it is!
The thing could really use an interior transit system though. It's a long slog from one end to the other. There's little wonder why there can be up to 3 outlets for the same coffee chain.

[plam]

I've flown out of the KW airport to Chicago and it is a much preferable option over Pearson.

Also if your flight from Pearson to your USA destination is not direct, again KW airport is by far the better option.

Unless you're collecting frequent flier points. YKF really has no way to collect Aeroplan status miles (Bearskin gives non-status miles), nor can you easily connect to Star Alliance flights in the US from YKF. But YKF is indeed easier to get to than YYZ.

[BuildingScout]

nor can you easily connect to Star Alliance flights in the US from YKF. But YKF is indeed easier to get to than YYZ.

O'Hare is a United hub. Why is not possible to connect to star alliance there?

[HillDweller]

I use AirMiles and AAdvantage miles out of YKF.

[plam]

O'Hare is a United hub. Why is not possible to connect to star alliance there?

It's possible. But if you're collecting points, sometimes that extra 1 segment and 500 miles helps. You also have to change terminals and the schedules may not line up as well. That may be more of an issue for transoceanic flights than US flights, which are usually fairly frequent.

[Urbanomicon]

One day i will probably go to West Edmonton Mall and will more than likely use this airport. I hope they add Las Vegas in the near future since i can get free hotel rooms, tickets for shows and even meals by playing a facebook game.

I flew to Las Vegas (non-direct) out of YKF several years ago back when Northwest Airlines was operating there. It was a great experience. Coming back, it was literally less than 10 minutes between departing the aircraft and starting my car (including going through customs and picking up my checked luggage).

[UrbanWaterloo]

Carrier news...

AMERICAN AIRLINES AND US AIRWAYS TO CREATE A PREMIER GLOBAL CARRIER
THE NEW AMERICAN AIRLINES
February 14, 2013 | American Airlines | Link

• Customers to Benefit from an Expanded Global Network and Investment in New Aircraft, Technology, Products, and Services
• Combined Company to Enhance oneworld® Alliance, Offering a Seamless Global Network
• Will Improve Loyalty Benefits by Expanding Member Opportunities to Earn and Redeem Miles
• Combination Provides Path to Improved Compensation and Benefits with Greater Long-Term Opportunities for Employees of Both Companies
• Combined Airline Expects to Maintain All Hubs and Service to All Destinations
• Expected 2015 Annual Synergies of More Than $1 Billion, Creating Value for Stakeholders of Both Companies
• Enhances Recoveries for Stakeholders
• AMR Stakeholders to Own 72% and US Airways Shareholders to Own 28% of Combined Company’s Common Stock
• Company to Retain Iconic, Globally Recognized American Airlines Brand
• Company to Be Headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth, with Significant Corporate and Operational Presence in Phoenix

AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines, Inc., and US Airways Group, Inc. today announced that the boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement under which the companies will combine to create a premier global carrier, which will have an implied combined equity value of approximately $11 billion based on the price of US Airways’ stock as of February 13, 2013.

Operating under the American Airlines name, one of the most recognized brands in the world, the combined airline will have a robust global network and a strong financial foundation. The merger will offer benefits to both airlines’ customers, communities, employees, investors, and creditors. Customers will have access to more choices and increased service across the combined company’s larger worldwide network and through an enhanced oneworld® Alliance, of which American Airlines is a founding member. With firm orders for more than 600 new mainline aircraft, the combined airline will have one of the most modern and efficient fleets in the industry, and a solid foundation for continued investment in technology, products, and services.

Thomas Horton, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Airlines, will serve as Chairman of the combined airline’s Board of Directors through its first annual meeting of shareholders, and will also serve as the combined airline’s representative to the oneworld Alliance, of which he is currently chairman, and International Air Transport Association for the same duration. Doug Parker, Chairman and CEO of US Airways, will serve as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Parker will assume the additional position of Chairman of the Board following the conclusion of Mr. Horton’s service. The Board of Directors will initially be made up of twelve members. The Board will be comprised of three American Airlines representatives, including Tom Horton, four US Airways representatives, including Doug Parker, and five AMR creditor representatives.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, US Airways stockholders will receive one share of common stock of the combined airline for each share of US Airways common stock then held. The aggregate number of shares of common stock of the combined airline issuable to holders of US Airways equity instruments (including stockholders, holders of convertible notes, optionees and holders of restricted stock units) will represent 28% of the diluted equity of the combined airline. The remaining 72% diluted equity ownership of the combined airline will be issuable to stakeholders of AMR and its debtor subsidiaries that filed for relief under Chapter 11 (the “Debtors”), American’s labor unions, and current AMR employees.

The merger is to be effected pursuant to a plan of reorganization (the “Plan”) for the Debtors in their currently pending cases under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The Plan is subject to confirmation and consummation in accordance with the requirements of the Bankruptcy Code.

In connection with the merger agreement, AMR has entered into a support agreement with certain unsecured creditors holding approximately $1.2 billion of prepetition unsecured claims against the Debtors. Pursuant to the support agreement, the creditors party thereto have agreed, subject to certain conditions, to support a plan of reorganization implementing the merger and incorporating a compromise and settlement of certain intercreditor and intercompany claims issues. Provisions of the support agreement relating to the treatment of prepetition unsecured claims against the Debtors and the treatment of existing equity interests in AMR are summarized further below.

The combined airline will offer more than 6,700 daily flights to 336 destinations in 56 countries. The combined airline is expected to maintain all hubs currently served by American Airlines and US Airways, resulting in more travel options for customers. Both airlines expect that the regional carriers they own – AMR Corporation’s American Eagle and US Airways’ Piedmont and PSA – will continue to operate as distinct entities, providing seamless service to the combined airline. The company will be headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth and will maintain a significant corporate and operational presence in Phoenix.

“Today, we are proud to launch the new American Airlines – a premier global carrier well equipped to compete and win against the best in the world,” said Tom Horton, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of American Airlines. “Together, we will be even better positioned to deliver for all of our stakeholders, including our customers, people, investors, partners, and the many communities we serve.

“The combination of American and US Airways brings together two highly complementary networks with access to the best destinations around the globe and gives us a strong platform to provide our customers the most connected, comfortable travel experience available. The operational and financial strength of the combined airline is expected to enable continued investment in new products and technologies and will create exciting new opportunities for our people, even as we deliver strong cash flow and sustainable profitability.

“Over the past year, the American team stood tall as we established a rock solid foundation for long-term success through an efficient and effective restructuring. As part of this process, after months of exhaustive analysis and a thorough review of all alternatives, we concluded that this merger is the best outcome for our company, delivering not only the greatest value for our financial stakeholders, but also positioning us well for sustainable success over the long term.

“This merger provides enhanced potential for full recovery for our creditors. In addition, I am pleased that we were able to obtain the support of a sizable portion of our unsecured creditors for a plan that provides a recovery of at least a 3.5% aggregate ownership stake in the combined airline for our shareholders. It is unusual in Chapter 11 cases – and unprecedented in recent airline restructurings – for shareholders to receive meaningful recoveries. I look forward to working closely with Doug Parker, whom I have known as a friend for more than 25 years, and with the leadership teams of both companies to assure a smooth integration and the creation of a new industry leader.”

Doug Parker, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of US Airways, said, “Today marks an exciting new chapter for American Airlines and US Airways. American Airlines is one of the world’s most iconic brands. The combined airline will have the scale, breadth and capabilities to compete more effectively and profitably in the global marketplace. Our combined network will provide a significantly more attractive offering to customers, ensuring that we are always able to take them where they want to travel, when they want to go.”

Parker continued, “Today’s announcement is possible only because of the important work carried out over the past year by Tom Horton and the American team. No one cares more about the long-term success of American Airlines and its people than Tom. Through a successful restructuring and this merger, Tom and the American team have established an excellent foundation for the new American Airlines to become a premier global airline. I am grateful for all that Tom has done to ensure that American is in the best position possible for future success and am delighted he has agreed to remain on board to assist with the transition.

“I am particularly pleased for the employees of both US Airways and American. This merger will create a stronger company, with the path to improved compensation and benefits and greater long-term opportunities for all our employees. We are grateful to have the support of both companies’ unions and thank them and their leaders for their hard work and vision. We look forward to a bright future for our employees and enhanced service and choice for our customers. With today’s announcement, we start becoming one team and one new airline.”

...

Clear Roadmap to Completion

The merger is conditioned on the approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, regulatory approvals, approval by US Airways shareholders, other customary closing conditions, and confirmation and consummation of the Plan. The combination is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2013. During the period between the signing and closing of the transaction, a transition-planning team comprised of leaders from both companies will develop a carefully constructed integration plan to help assure a smooth and sustainable transition.

Website

Additional information about the benefits of the transaction is available at a new joint website launched by the airlines at www.newAmericanarriving.com. Customers are also invited to learn more at www.aa.com/arriving and www.usairways.com/arriving.

[joe]

This might be good for YKF if they don't scrap the flight to ORD.

[BuildingScout]

This might be good for YKF if they don't scrap the flight to ORD.

They can't, at least for a while. They signed a one year deal with the region.