2003-02_skytalk

100-Year Anniversary of Flight Celebrations At Vancouver’s Space Centre

n celebration of the invention of powered, controlled flight in 1903, Vancouver’s H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is planning a special program that will focus on the progress of aviation from Kitty Hawk to the orbiting International Space Station. This 100 - Year Anniversary of Flight programming includes new shows in the Planetarium Theatre, GroundStation Canada Theatre and Virtual Voyages™ Simulator.

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In the Planetarium Star Theatre, Flying into the Future - 100 Years of Flight and Beyond premieres at 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on March 15. Throughout history, humans have looked up to the sky and wondered how to explore its limitless reaches. This brand new 40-minute multimedia presentation focuses on Canadian innovation and aviation technology, following the history of flight from early Greek legend to the

Wright Brothers and beyond. From Kitty Hawk to the International Space Station and the possibility of astronauts exploring Mars, the future of flight holds no boundaries as we continue to reach further and higher with the science of advanced space travel.

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F R E E FEBRUARY 2003 • Your Airport Community Newspaper – Vancouver International Airport

WestJet Adds Daily Non-Stop to Montreal estJet has announced that it is adding service to three new destinations, including non-stop summer service starting July 21 between Vancouver and Montreal with one-way fares starting at $265.

Other new destinations announced include: St. John’s and Gander, NFLD. Clive Beddoe, WestJet’s president and CEO said: “We are pleased to announce the addition of three new cities to our network.

Our service into Quebec and Newfoundland marks WestJet’s launch into our eighth and ninth Canadian provinces, allowing us to connect Canadians from coast-to-coast with WestJet’s signature low fares and great service.”

Four flights a week between St. John’s and Moncton, NB, with connecting service through Moncton to 16 additional WestJet destinations will commence June 16, 2003 and starting June 17, 2003 three flights a week will be offered between Gander and Moncton.

Three non-stop Montreal-to-Hamilton flights each business day will start July 17, 2003, with twice-daily service on weekends.

With these additional destinations WestJet will have increased its service to 26 Canadian cities in total.

“These announcements are signs of our continued commitment to expand our low-

W Traditional dragon dance brings good luck for the New Year.

YVR Merchants Usher in Year of the Ram he Merchants at YVR celebrated the Feb. 1, 2003, start of the Chinese New Year-Year of the Ram (sheep, goat) – with the traditional Lion Dance performance. Lion dances take place throughout the first few days of the Chinese New Year in order to bring good luck to the households and businesses which they visit.

The Lion Dance is performed by two ‘dancers’ one at the head and the other at the tail of the lion. The dance is accompanied by loud music played on a large drum accompanied by a gong and cymbals to dispel evil and bring good luck – evil being afraid of loud noises.

The dramatic climax of the Lion Dance is the Choi Cheng or ‘Picking the Green.’ The green referring to vegetable leaves which are tied to a piece of string, which also has a red packet SEE YEAR OF THE RAM attached containing money.

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fare service to every major city in Canada, which demonstrates the underlying strength

of WestJet as we continue to expand while others shrink,” said Beddoe.

Challenging Careers in Emergency Response Airport Authority Takes Over Services ancouver International Airport Authority is undertaking the transition of airside emergency response services at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to be incorporated within the Airport Authority’s airport operations department.

The transition includes the recruiting and training of a highly skilled team of Emergency Response Specialists (ERS).

Phase one of the recruiting process has been completed with the Airport Authority seeing more than 900 applicants by the application deadline of February 14.

As a critical component of the Airport Authority’s airside safety management

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team, emergency response specialists will be fully trained in, and perform duties in the areas of airfield operations, aircraft rescue firefighting and incident first response. General duties of the emergency response specialists are as follows: • To respond to airside aircraft emergencies.

• To provide first response to non-aircraft, airside emergencies that pose an immediate threat to life or health.

• To maintain the personal ability to perform ERS duties at or above the standards established by Transport Canada and the Airport Authority.

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Cell Phone Rentals Call * YVR is the international aeronautical designation for Vancouver International Airport.

604-671-4655

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Space Centre,

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“The invention of the airplane was a fundamental turning point in history. It redefined the way we fought our wars; revolutionized travel and commerce; fueled the process of technological change; and helped shape the world in which the very survival of a nation would depend on its scientific and technical prowess.

Flight is, and will continue to be, one of humankind’s most significant accomplishments.”

- U.S. Centennial Flight Commission

In the GroundStation Canada Theatre, a new live presentation Space: A Dangerous Place - Piloted versus Unpiloted Spaceflight premieres at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on March 15. This 20-minute live show examines the difference between the ways space is explored, shifting the idea of exploration from a trip to the corner store, all the way to Mars and the hazards involved in both. Topics include an explanation of piloted versus unpiloted space flight and where and when each is sent. Also included is an interesting look ahead to the future challenges of space exploration and some of the exciting new forms of space craft and propulsion technology that

might allow us to eventually travel to the edge of our solar system.

The return of the popular Virtual Voyages™ Full Motion Simulator ride Wings also marks the 100-year Anniversary of Flight celebrations at the Space Centre. Soar to adventure with a variety of military aircraft from the legendary Sopwith Camel to the modern day F-16 Falcon. Wings will put you in the cockpits of history’s greatest flying machines, allowing you to experience first-hand the thrill of aviation as you strap in as a test pilot to push the limits of each aircraft. Wings premieres on March 15, at 10:15 a.m.

World’s First Flight Ticket Office

The simple brick hut was built in 1911 and can be found at Brooklands, Weybridge, England. It was operated by Keith Prowse Ltd. Up to World War I. Photo: Patrick Stewart

Emergency Response,

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• To support, participate in and initiate airside safety and security management activities.

• To perform pre-planning and fire prevention inspections of airside facilities, and to provide information about and participate in activities designed to increase awareness of the airside community regarding safety and security issues.

• To maintain airside areas of the airport in a safe condition through the removal of hazards, debris, litter and snow, using heavy and light equipment.

“It’s a demanding position, and we’re looking for high calibre individuals,” said Craig Richmond, Vice President, Airport Operations. “They

Year of the Ram,

must be motivated, enthusiastic, organized and decisive, have a proven record of working effectively as part of a team and possess excellent communications skills.” He added that multiple skills from varied backgrounds will be required to build a high performance, diverse team of emergency response specialists.

“We fully expect that some of the positions will be filled from within the Airport Authority, with the rest selected from outside applicants,” Richmond said.

Training of the new ERS team will begin sometime in the spring, and the 24-person team will begin operating in 2004.

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Contact: Wayne Duzita: wayne@iat-yvr.com Tina Caven: tina@iat-yvr.com Tel: (604) 273-4611; Fax: (604) 273-5624 Suite 2000 – 5000 Miller Road, Richmond, BC Canada V7B 1K6 VANCOUVER•CALGARY•EDMONTON•SASKATO ON•WI N N I PEG•LAS VEGAS •R ENO

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Marianna Mah and David Mah participated in the 2003 Chinese New Year opening ceremony at YVR by dotting the eye of the dragon-performed before the start of the dance to awaken the spirit of the lion.

The string is hung above the door of a house or business and the lion ‘eats’ both leaves and red packet.

At YVR, a head of lettuce and red envelope were hung above each participating merchant’s outlet. The lion dancers grabbed the lettuce and envelope hanging above each unit and threw pieces of lettuce, as a sign of good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year, for employees to catch.

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PRESIDENT’S CORNER

By LARRY BERG, President and Chief Executive Officer

Olympic Games – It’s Our Time To Shine

Orville Wright’s famous first airplane flight, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, December 17, 1903.

2003

A Hundred Years of Flight

By Giovanni Bisignani

viation is celebrating its centennial year. We pay tribute to the Wright Brothers who made the first dream of flight come true and to all those who carried that vision forward, flying further and faster over the last 100 years.

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Designed in close collaboration with major airlines, airport and airworthiness authorities, the A380, which will enter airline service in 2006, will seat 555 passengers in a typical three-class interior layout From its first brave beginnings to today, the civil aviation industry remains dynamic and although some of the priorities have changed, the spirit and passion remain.

Some priorities are not new: safe-

ty, the need for efficient operations, adequate capacity to meet growth and, of course, customer satisfaction.

Other priorities have gained prominence in recent years – security, war risk insurance and environmental concerns – and will remain important to us in the coming years.

Despite this difficult period in our industry’s history, we must look ahead with confidence to the next 100 years. The people involved in aviation are our greatest asset. Their creativity and willingness to invest in new ideas will move our industry forward.

Whether we are flying faster than the speed of sound, or moving 600 passengers at once, or even vacationing on the moon, it is people that will make it happen.

Looking back, we salute the first aviators whose tenacity brought us to where we are today. Looking at today, we salute the dedicated individuals and industry partners working with determination to achieve a strong recovery.

Looking forward, we salute our future pioneers and the visions they will turn into reality.

Giovanni Bisignani is the director general and CEO of IATA (International Air Transport Association).

CHECKOUT YVR’S WEBSITE AT WWW.YVR.CA

The Airport Authority and many of our business partners here at YVR are proud supporters of Vancouver’s bid to host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. We’re excited about the prospects of welcoming the world to our province and the enormous benefits that staging the Olympic Games will provide to all British Columbians.

The 2010 Games are an investment in our community and in our future. An independent economic impact study completed recently estimated that the Games, together with an expanded convention centre, will generate incremental tax contributions totalling up to $2.6 billion. The study also estimated that economic activity across all sectors in B.C. will increase by more than $10 billion, generating some 244,000 new jobs.

The worldwide exposure that British Columbia will gain through staging the Games is equally staggering.

The 2002 Salt Lake City Games attracted a worldwide television audience of 3.5 billion. Staging the 2010 Games will provide billions of dollars worth of global media exposure for B.C. destinations and businesses, providing a massive boost for our tourism industry.

The Games will be a catalyst for infrastructure planning and improvements that will benefit our communities for years to come. New or upgraded sporting facilities will be used for training and future competitions following the Games. The athlete villages will provide

affordable housing units in both Vancouver and Whistler.

The impact goes beyond dollars and infrastructure improvements. The opportunities and rewards of being the Host City extend far beyond the realm of sports and include arts, culture, tourism, business, education, technology, environmental science and so much more.

The Games are also about dreams – the dreams of athletes across this country who train relentlessly for the opportunity to represent Canada on the world stage. Their dedication and drive is an inspiration to us all. The Games are also about community spirit and pride. Vancouver has the people, the resources and the ability to stage an event that can serve as the standard by which future Olympic Games are measured.

Next month Vancouver and Whistler will welcome a delegation from the International Olympic Committee.

The visit is a critical component in the process of evaluating Candidate Cities to stage the Games. They will see, first-hand, what 2010 supporters already know – Vancouver has submitted a superior bid.

On February 22, the City of Vancouver is holding a plebiscite on its participation in the 2010 Games. If you live in Vancouver, I urge you to vote yes in favour of the 2010 bid. Together, we can create a positive legacy that will last for generations.

Your Airport Community Newspaper FEBRUARY 2003 ISSUE • VOL. 10 • NO. 4 YVR SKYTALK, the official newspaper of the Vancouver International Airport, is published monthly by Westco Marketing Ltd. for the more than 26,000 people who make up the airport community at YVR. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher.

Publisher: Patrick Stewart Associate Publisher: Joan Stewart Editorial Liaison: Ralph Eastman Editorial Board: John Korenic, Heather Madden-Johns, Ralph Eastman,Ali Hounsell, Kim Abrams, Erin Sills Contributing Writers: Arnold Klappe, Phil Melnychuk, Jim Jorgenson Creative / Production: James Martin Photography: Jim Jorgenson

VANCOUVER OFFICE: Suite 306 - 5400 Airport Road South Richmond, BC V7B 1B4 Tel (604) 736-6754 • Fax: (604) 736-6750 Email: jstewart@westerndriver.com Printed on Recycled Stock using vegetable based inks Please recycle this product.

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Alaska Airlines Cuts Business Fares Vancouver-San Francisco Slashed 38% laska Airlines has slashed its highest fares by nearly 50 percent in a variety of markets as part of a test to see if a simplified fare structure will lure business travellers back to the skies.

“We’re going to test the theory that the convoluted nature of airline pric-

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ing is a major deterrent to flying,” said Gregg Saretsky, executive vice president of marketing and planning.

“This will provide the best value to our customers and at the same time simplify the fare structure.”

Starting this month, business fares that require little or no advance pur-

Introducing:

chase or minimum stay have been reduced by hundreds of dollars on routes such as Vancouver, BC to San Francisco, Seattle-Boston, Anchorage-Chicago, Seattle-Las Vegas, Portland-San Francisco andOntarioSeattle, Seattle-Miami.

First Class fares in those markets have also been cut dramatically.

“A sluggish economy, coupled with the aftershocks of 9/11, has given rise to a troubling fact that has helped put the airline industry on its back: Many business travellers are no longer flying and those who are flying often modify their itineraries in order to qualify for the lowest possible fare,” Saretsky said.

For instance, the lowest-priced business fare, which requires only a three-day advance purchase, has been slashed from US$839 to US$499 for travel between Seattle and Boston, and between Anchorage and Chicago it is US$574, down from US$1,073.

On the West Coast the VancouverSan Francisco fare dropped from US$306 to US$189.

Another idiosyncrasy of the traditional airline fare structure is the existence of as many as 15 or more different fares between the same two cities. The

he Quarter Century in Aviation Club has established a $500 Bursary to provide assistance to a deserving British Columbia aviation student. Applicants must be Canadian citizens, with at least 50 per cent of their course completed.

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new structure reduces the number of individual coach fares to as few as six.

Fares do not include the airport passenger-facility charges of up to US$18 (amount depends on itinerary); Federal segment tax of US$3.00 per segment and the September 11th Security Fee of US$2.50 per enplanement (up to US$10).).

Canadian fares do not include Canadian airport improvement fees (varies by airport), Canadian Security

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F E B R U A R Y

Ottawa Joins List of Jetsgo Destinations etsgo is expanding its network to Ottawa and improving service in Vancouver and Timmins, Ont. This growth will be made possible with the addition of a seventh Boeing Super 80 jet to the airline’s fleet, extending service to an increasing number of Canadians.

A weekday Ottawa-Toronto schedule begins on March 3 with twice-daily return flights, plus one return flight on Sundays. This provides a flexible schedule for both business and leisure travelers.

Connections from Toronto are available to Vancouver, Winnipeg, New York, Timmins, Halifax and Charlottetown.

“Ottawa is the largest market in Eastern Canada where Jetsgo is not yet flying,” said Michel Leblanc, president of Jetsgo. “This destination will open up new routes and connections across our network, while offering Jetsgo’s economical service to over one million people in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. We wanted to be able to effectively service a city of Ottawa’s size before adding it to the Jetsgo family. With the addition of our seventh plane, we now have that capability.”

Vancouver will also benefit from the addition of three weekly Toronto flights, starting March 2, while Timmins is improving its weekday schedule to Toronto, allowing for connections to Ottawa, Montreal, New York and Vancouver.

Examples of Jetsgo fares from Ottawa include Toronto starting at $64, Winnipeg starting at $122, Vancouver starting at $196 and New York starting at $113. These fares are the lowest available to Canadian consumers on these routes.

Jetsgo’s first-ever flight took off on June 12, 2002. Since that time, five new destinations and four additional planes have contributed to the airline’s goal of being the leading discount carrier in Eastern Canada.

“We have been able to grow profitably since our launch with the support of customers looking for an affordable air travel alternative,” said Leblanc.

Jetsgo reported strong traffic statistics for December 2002, flying 52,551,491 Revenue Passenger Miles (RPMs) or 67,366,080 Available Seat Miles (ASMs). This represents a load factor of 78 per cent, an increase over November’s 69.3 per cent.

The Jetsgo fleet now consists of seven Boeing Super 80s operating in a 160-seat configuration. The Super 80 is one of the most efficient jets in the

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marketplace, operating with excellent fuel economy, low maintenance requirements and a quiet, comfortable cabin.

Cabin crews on all Jetsgo flights

are bilingual, providing an added benefit for markets such as Ottawa and Timmins.

Headquartered in Montreal with 250 employees, Jetsgo offers discount

air service to 10 Canadian destinations including Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax.

Service to the United States is to New York and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

The Ultimate Meeting Place

By Joan Stewart ne of the more unique events that took place recently at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) was the marriage of Scott Huntley of North Vancouver to Caryn Millett from Sydney, Australia.

The couple, in true millennium fashion, met over the Internet through a chat program in March 2001, and after many, many hours of writing and phone calls, they decided to take the plunge and meet. It was decided that it would be easier for Caryn to move to Vancouver and with some trepidation she arrived at YVR on May 15, 2002.

The couple’s relationship progressed over the next few months, and seven months later they decided to be married on December 15, 2002. The location: the arrivals area of the International Terminal Building at YVR, their first meeting place.

Airport community relations manager, Heather McCarley-Tomlin secured permission for the couple to put up some decorations for the ceremony in the Arrivals area, the only restriction being on helium balloons.

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“Though we have had weddings at the airport before, I always find it exciting to right: Gisa Laslo, marriage commissioner, and the when a couple Left happy couple, Caryn and Scott Huntley. chooses to celebrate such a special day here,” said McCarley-Tomlin.

“We wish Caryn and Scott the best of luck in their new life together.”

The ceremony took place in the afternoon with Caryn simulating walking down the aisle and recreating her arrival in Vancouver at the arrivals area. Together the couple walked hand-in-hand to a spot behind the arrivals board where a wedding commissioner performed the marriage service.

Coincidentally, Scott is originally from Liverpool, Nova Scotia, and the closest town to Sydney, Australia is a town also called Liverpool.

RRSP-Eligible MIC Provides Investment Alternative

Advertorial

By Don Bergman When anyone in Canada sets out on an airline for a vacation, business trip or for work, they can feel quite confident in arriving secure and safe. However, when investing today many may not have that same sense of confidence.

Over the past while, the drop in value of many equity portfolios has rattled investors. Furthermore, it appears unsettled stock prices, stagnant bond markets, and low interest rates, may continue for a while yet.

It now makes sense for investors, planning for or trying to enjoy retirement, to be asking for investment alternatives with less volatility and a better return.

Consequently, it may be worthwhile to consider a real estate investment that’s been around for 29 years.

It is a tax-free Mortgage Investment Corporation also known as a MIC. The investment structure for an MIC was passed into federal law in 1973 under the Residential Mortgage Financing Act. The MIC was heralded back then as an opportunity for small investors to participate in the mortgage loan market. Yet, today surprisingly few have any knowledge of this type of RRSP-eligible real estate investment.

The details of this investment structure are spelled out in Section 130.1 of the Income Tax of Canada. The guidelines outlined in the act must be strictly followed or the MIC risks losing its tax exempt status.

Briefly, an MIC is a pool of investors that lends

money for the purchase or renovation of single family, multi-unit residential and commercial real estate. An MIC should not be confused with a Real Estate Investment Trust nor is it a mortgage broker. There are no brokerage fees.

An MIC pays out 100% of its net income to its preferred shareholders. These payments could be in the form of quarterly cash dividends. Investors can expect a return of between 6% and 10% per annum.

An investment in a MIC can be made directly with a mortgage investment company or through the trustee of an RRSP. Each MIC manages the tolerance to risk differently.

The management style, investment philosophy and strategy of an MIC should be closely scrutinized and clearly understood.

One indicator to look for is the return on investment.

Remember the old adage, “the higher the return the higher the risk.” Ask to see the company’s offering memorandum or prospectus before investing.

An MIC investment may not be for everyone. It’s not a get rich quick scheme. Liquidity, as with most real estate investments, can be difficult.

If you are retired or planning for retirement and want to supplement your income with a reliable quarterly cash dividend on preferred shares backed by the equity in real estate, an MIC investment may be for you.

Don Bergman is founder, president and portfolio manager for ACIC, an MIC that has paid its shareholders between 6% and 10% annually since 1998. For a free brochure call toll free 1-866-772-ACIC (2242) or visit the Web site at www.ACICinvestor.ca.

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Local Emergency Responders Receive Bravery Awards

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ACIC can help you plan your way. By investing with ACIC you own a RRSP eligible real estate investment that holds its value and pays a reliable quarterly cash dividend. ACIC is a tax free mortgage investment corporation as defined in the Income Tax Act of Canada. It invests only in mortgages on quality residential and commercial rental properties in British Columbia and other parts of Canada.

Want to know more? Contact ACIC today to find out how you can add an income investment secured by real property to your RRSP portfolio.

Find out more about The Right Way To Invest In Real Estate Call: 1-866-772-ACIC Visit: www.ACICinvestor.ca This is not an offering or solicitation to sell securities. That must be done through a prospectus or offering memorandum.

(Left to right) Jeff Watts, Doug Gambicourt, and Clarke McGuire. hree of the agency coordinators involved in the YVR’s “Operation LowTide” crash exercise last September have received the RCMP Commissioner’s Commendations for Bravery.

B.C. Ambulance veterans, Clarke McGuire and Jeff Watts, were commended for their courage, professionalism and quick-thinking to assist the RCMP to disarm and administer first aid to a suicidal, knife wielding indi-

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WIN Canuck Tickets & Souvenirs, Airport Bucks or

Souvenirs, Airport Bucks or Dinner for Two. FREE REGISTRATION!

Extra, extra, read all about Stanley’s Pool Tournament.

Come shoot some Pool and blow the breeze with your friends and colleagues at Stanley’s Bar and Lounge.

Have your name placed on the Trophy as the Name:_________________________________ Phone: ____________________________ ultimate player of Pool.

Prizes will be Fax: __________________________________ Email:_____________________________ awarded with every Company: ______________________________ If partner, please list:____________________ round – Canuck Register by Feb 20th, Tel 604 273-4441 • Fax 604 303-3017 Tickets and Souvenirs, Airport Qualifying Games Begin Bucks or Dinner for Two. February 25 Quarter Finals Begin Stanley’s Happy Landing March 18 Lounge will be featuring Semi-Finals Begin specials on food and drink for Week of Aprill 8 game nights.

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PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORM TO THE BARTENDER AT STANLEY’S HAPPY LANDING LOUNGE.

vidual. Both of the Richmond Advanced Life Support paramedics have been active with YVR mock crash scenarios and tabletop exercises for many years.

S/St. Doug Gambicourt, who heads the RCMP Dive Team, was awarded for his courage, professionalism and compassion shown in his repeated search and rescue attempts to evacuate the occupants of a burning building.

Ledcor Wins Award for Airport Project edcor Industries recently received three awards at the Vancouver Regional Construction Association Awards of Excellence ceremony.

The Safety Award for 200,000+ man-hours in the General Contractor category was presented to Jim Billey, safety manager. Ledcor was the only company to receive the award this year.

Contractor of the Year Award went to Ledcor vice president, Peter Hrdlitschksa, and project manager Roy Van Beest received the Award of Merit in the category of Best Project over $10M, for the Level 3 Domestic Terminal Building upgrade of Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

The YVR project consisted of a major remodel of the departures level and included a complete gut-

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ting of the departures hall, the front exterior wall and entrances back to the original structural frame.

There was a large structural component to Peter Hrdlitschksa, seismically up- vice president grade the build- Ledcor Industries, ing, followed won the 2002 by completely Contractor of the new mechani- Year Award for work cal, electrical on Level 3 Domestic and finishing Terminal Building upgrade at YVR. works.

The project was completed in 2002.

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Alaska Airlines Partners With Cathay Pacific Airways laska Airlines has announced a new partnership with Cathay Pacific Airways that allows members of each airlines’ frequent-flyer program to earn and redeem miles on the other carrier.

This is the first time that Mileage Plan, Alaska’s frequent-flyer program, has partnered with an Asiabased carrier.

Cathay Pacific, headquartered in Hong Kong, serves more than 60 des-

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Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy Take To The Skies The Eskimo that has adorned the tail of all Alaska Airlines aircraft since the early 1970s is taking a welldeserved vacation – at least on one aircraft that is.

Instead, the faces of Disney’s most recognized theme park characters – Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy – have taken to the skies on a newly-painted Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-400 named the “Spirit of Disneyland.” This is the first time a major U.S. airline has worked with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts to paint an aircraft with Disney theme park characters.

“It’s been more than a quarter of a century since a face other than our trademark Eskimo has graced our aircraft,” said Bill Ayer, Alaska Airlines’ president and CEO, referring to the

period when the images on Alaska’s aircraft not only included an Eskimo, but also a Sourdough, Russian spires and a Native totem. “And come to think of it, it’s the first time four faces have appeared on one of our aircraft at the same time.”

The exterior of the “Spirit of Disneyland” aircraft is painted bright blue with the characters’ images and the words “We’re going to Disneyland!” The interior of the plane has fun graphics and printed messages from Disney characters inside the overhead bins, and a commemorative plaque at the forward door. This Disney-themed jet will fly throughout most of Alaska Airlines’

route system, including flights to and from Southern California airports.

“The Disneyland Resort and Alaska Airlines have enjoyed a successful partnership for many years and we’re delighted to see this continue in such an exciting way,” said Cynthia Harriss, president of the

Disneyland Resort. “This is an amazing first for our company. We’re honored to work with Alaska Airlines on this flying ambassador of happiness.”

The plane, which holds 138 pasSEE DISNEY CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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tinations in Asia, North America, Australia, Europe and Africa.

Beginning February 19, Mileage Plan members will earn one mile for each mile flown on Cathay Pacific plus a 25 per cent bonus for Business Class and a 50 per cent bonus for First Class. Later this spring, Mileage Plan members will also be able to redeem miles for travel on Cathay Pacific.

“We are particularly happy to include Cathay Pacific among our mileage partners,” said Gregg Saretsky, Alaska Airline’s executive vice president of marketing and planning. “It is a pleasure to complement the superior service we provide with a

quality partner such as Cathay Pacific, bringing exciting destinations such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Korea and Taiwan.”

In addition to Cathay Pacific, Alaska and Alaska’s sister airline Horizon Air, Mileage Plan provides mileage-earning and award opportunities on a multitude of airlines worldwide, including American Airlines, British Airways, Continental Airlines, Hawaiian, KLM, Lan Chile, Northwest Airlines and Qantas.

To enroll or obtain information about Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, visit alaskaair.com or call 1-800-6545669.

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F E B R U A R Y

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This Year, Try a Contrarian Approach

MONEY MATTERS

lthough it’s the investing equivalent of swimming upstream, putting your money into the least popular market sectors is likely to get

invest in the least popular sectors of the market tend to do better than those who follow the crowd. Time after time, highly emotional investors pay too much for the exciting “flavor or the month” stocks and industries, and ignore the “down-in-the-dumps” dogs, not leaving enough room for unexpected gains.

This “ugly duckling” theory is supported by a recent study by Morningstar, Inc., which found that investing in the three unpopular fund categories from a given year and holding on for three years has been a profitable strategy for investors who have the courage to swim against the tide. This strategy has beaten the average equity fund over the following three years 70 per cent of the time.

Another recent study by Melvyn Teo and Sung-Jun Woo of Harvard, reaches a similar conclusion: past performance of mutual fund investing styles are inversely related to future stock performance. The portfolio in the style category with the worst performance over the previous two years beat the S&P 500 index in the following year, whereas the portfolio in the best performing category under-performed.

Although the unpopular categories vary widely each year, this bottomfeeding process does seem to pay off more often than not. There are, how-

A

you further ahead than by following the crowd. Last year was a terrible period for equity investors, and the current Iraq situation is making many

people nervous. But before you put all of your RSP into bonds and moneymarket funds, consider the following.

Research suggests that people who

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ever, a few words of caution to heed.

• Buy one fund from each of the unpopular groups. Clearly not every downtrodden category will rally during the next year, so a small stake in each group will make a difference.

• Limit the investment: To execute this strategy, investors must often pick funds in highly volatile sectors.

Thus, we would suggest limiting this approach to a maximum of five per cent of your portfolio.

• Pay attention to fundamentals.

Investors who applied this strategy in 2001, and bought technology and telecom funds are seeing huge losses, offset only partially by the Pacific Rim area. A careful look at the price earnings ratios/ price-tobook ratios would have told you that during 2001, large technology and telecom companies were still overpriced—a carryover from the gross over-valuation of 1999-2000.

• For 2003. Avoid gold funds, energy funds, bond funds, and income trusts. Consider investing in broadly based International funds, US Value funds, corporate bond funds and Canadian Equity funds. The very aggressive investor might consider tech/telecom funds.

Peter Kutney is a Financial Planner with Equinox Financial Group in Burnaby. He can be reached at 604-438-1603 or at kutney@aebc.com.

Air Fair 2003 Come and join us in a frank discussion on the present state and future of flight operations in Canada.

March 22, 2003

17:30 hrs Richmond Inn, Conference Centre 7551 Westminster Hwy. Richmond Air Fair 2003 will inspire and motivate aspiring pilots in British Columbia. By conferring one on one with Flight Operations and Training Managers, aspiring pilots will gain invaluable insights and information. This will enable attendees to formulate a game plan with realistic goals to advance their career.

The evening will begin with a networking session where participants may interact with flight departments’ representatives from participating airlines. Flight departments are being represented by operations managers, chief pilots and training managers.

The evening will progress to enjoying the inspiring words from the following guest speakers.

PAT KENNEDY Operations Manager, Pacific Flying Club. The State of aviation in Canada and how it affects you, the pilot.

driftw d

JOHN MONTGOMERY President, Professional-IFR. The importance of attaining your licenses and a game plan.

TOM ZEISER President, Pegasus Presentations, Professional Speaker. Being the best that you can be and enjoying the moment.

courtyard homes by townline

Three Air Canada “Heavy” captains will conduct a spirited discussion that will encompass their humble beginnings as flight instructors fumbling along, the industry’s pitfalls, opportunities, and wisdom that has come from decades of experience.

Best Value in West Richmond!

Starting from $498,000

Become informed, ignited and inspired.

Purchase tickets at the following outlets: Pro-IFR, Aviation World, or by calling 604-274-3153

Visit our Display Home and Presentation Centre 3813 Lam Drive Open 12 - 5 pm Daily (except Fridays)

Advance tickets: $35.00 • Door purchase: $45.00

Call 604.231.0911 www.townline.ca

courtyardhomesbytownline@shaw.ca

*Applies to plan B only.

www.pegasuspresentations.com e-mail: tzeiser@shaw.ca

F E B R U A R Y

Commendations Awarded to Quick-Thinking Employees A

and vandalizing cars. He contacted the RCMP immediately, keeping the two under surveillance until the police arrived. Both were arrested.

Bhupinder Jaswal, an employee of SBM Services Ltd., witnessed a man attempting to steal a laptop computer

AOC Honours Former Airport Employees ast month, the YVR Airline Operators Committee (AOC) honoured three members of the airport community who were transferred from YVR to new duties in other locations. Presentations to the three honourees were made at the Richmond Inn by the AOC, Canada Customs and CARA.

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Airfield Team Marks Safety Achievement

YVR PEOPLE

ctions by quick-thinking airport employees have resulted in the arrests of two vandals and a baggage thief.

Jai Porter, a former Airport Authority employee, was walking through the parkade in January when he saw two people kicking

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he Airport Authority’s Airfield Operations department celebrated a significant milestone on January 20 - three consecutive years without a lost-time injury.

“When you take into account the nature of their work and heavy equipment involved, it is quite a considerable safety achievement,” said Arnie Jassman, superintendent, Airfield Operations. “Not many airports can boast about a record like this.”

The 19-person team is responsible for round-the-clock maintenance of the airport’s runways, taxiways, aprons, fields, dykes and drainage systems.

“This is an excellent measure of the success of our training and safety awareness program,” Jassman added.

T Paramjit Uppal, SBM Services Ltd.

Jai Porter

from a baggage cart in the International arrivals area. The RCMP was contacted, and police recovered the computer and arrested the man.

In December, two other SBM employees, Paramjit Uppal and Kulwant Sandhu (who has since left the company), witnessed two apparently lost passengers setting off an emergency exit door alarm to gain

Bhupinder Jaswal, SBM Services Ltd. illegal entry to a restricted area. They stopped the passengers and held them until security arrived.

Vancouver International Airport Authority began a program two years ago of recognizing those who take that extra step and act on security concerns they see around them. All of these individuals received commendations.

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Renewal Centre in your neighbourhood • House Insurance • Commercial Insurance • Life Insurance • Travel Insurance

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Richmond skismithers.com Photo: left to right – Francis Parkinson, now general manager of Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, formerly overseeing the startup of the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel; Remo Ditomaso, Cathay Pacific Airlines, chair of the AOC; Roy Gammon, of American Airlines, transferred to Oakland, CA from YVR; Steve Gilbert, officer-in-charge, US Customs Service, transferred to Portland, OR; Dean McCunn, of Air Transat, vice-chair of the AOC; and Andrew Fiddis, CARA Flight kitchen, secretary of the AOC.

hawkair.ca

(Capstan Way & Garden City)

Tel: 604-606-8100 Fax: 604-606-8172

Christmas Tree Contest Aids Orphans’ Fund

Getaway to Smithers this ski season Great NHL Coverage!

All Canuck Pay Per View!

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Bill Devlin (right), Air Canada and Rebecca Lim, grand prize winner of the Children’s Christmas Tree Decorating Contest.

3rd-Garibaldi Annex, Vancouver 4th-Strathcona Elementary, Vancouver 5th-Pebble Hill Elementary, Tsawwassen.

More than $10,000 was raised for the CKNW Orphans’ Fund.

*WITH BEVERAGE PURCHASE

✂

ongratulations to Rebecca Lim from Richmond, who was the lucky winner of airfare for two to any Air Canada destination in North America, compliments of the airline.

Lim’s name was automatically entered in a draw when she voted on her favourite Christmas tree by donation.

Thirty elementary school classes decorated Christmas trees at the airport to raise funds for the CKNW Orphans’ Fund. The trees were hung on the columns lining the International Terminal for the entire month of December. The voting results were as follows: 1st-Brighouse Elementary, Richmond 2nd-Hastings Elementary, Vancouver

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F E B R U A R Y

TRAVEL

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Discounts for Canadians Visiting Washington State

TALK

ashington State is luring Canadians across the border by providing attractive rates until May, 2003. Visiting Canadians will find at par programs, discount packages and two-for-one offers for accommodation, transportation and shopping from Bellingham to Seattle.

“We would like to reassure Canadians that they are welcome in Washington and that we are finding ways to help them stretch their Canadian dollar,” said Carrie Wilkinson Tuma, media and trade program manager.

Here are some of the discounts being offered: Bellingham’s Best Buys, a Bellingham/Whatcom County Convention & Visitors Bureau program: Canadians receive up to 50 per

W

cent off regular lodging rates, in effect until April 30, 2003. Call (888) 2617795 or reserve on-line at www.bellingham.org.

Seattle Super Save Package, a Seattle Convention & Visitors Bureau program. Offering up to 50 per cent off regular room rates at more than 40, downtown Seattle hotels, in effect until March 31, 2003. Rates range from US$59-$189 per room. Call (206) 461-5882 or book on-line at www.seattlesupersaver.com.

Rooms At Par, a Snohomish County program. Offered in 12 different hotels when guests pay for their room by credit card-kids stay free.

Includes free parking and free local shuttle to area shopping centres and restaurants. In effect until May 31, 2003. Snohomish County, 20 km

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north of Seattle includes Arlington, Edmonds, Everett, Lynnwood, Marysville and Snohomish.

Amtrak provides a free companion fare (buy one ticket and a companion rides free) on any Amtrak Cascades route between Vancouver and Eugene, OR during the same time period for Rooms At Par participants. Call (888) 557-2889 for hotel reservations, www.

RoomsatPar.com. For train schedules call 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit

www.amtrakcascades.com.

At Par Rates, a Preferred Hotels & Resorts program. At par rates for Canadians until March 31, 2003.

Hotels include Resort Semiahmoo, Blaine; The Willows Lodge, Woodinville; Woodmark Hotel, Kirkland/Seattle; and Sorrento Hotel, the newly renovated downtown Seattle hotel. Rates start from US$129.

Other At Par Facilities: Camano Island Waterfront Inn, Puget Sound,

offers rooms at par until May (Sunday-Friday). Two-night minimum excluding holidays. Recently rated among the top five B&Bs in the U.S. Located one hour north of Seattle.

Pacific Plaza Hotel in downtown Seattle, at par rates from US$69 until April 30, 2003.

The States Inn & Ranch, Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, offering at par rates until May 15, 2003, with savings of up to US$100 per day.

Improved Web site for Skiers and Snowboarders The Canadian Ski Council has revamped its Web site to provide skiers and riders with all the information they need with one simple click of the mouse.

“Our Web site is now more accessible, convenient and consumerfriendly,” reports Colin Chedore, president of the Canadian Ski Council. “We’ve endeavoured to make this site a one-stop shop for skiers and snowboarders.”

Skiers and riders can click on www.skicanada.org and www.canadasnowboard.org to access this bilingual site that is the portal to all things related to skiing and snowboarding in Canada.

If you’re looking for any information about skiing and snowboarding,

these Web sites are a great place to start. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you will get connected to a source that can help you get the answers you need.

Discovering Kahlo’s World With the success of the recently released Miramax Films “Frida Kahlo.” tourists visiting Mexico City can learn more about the amazing life and works of the artist while exploring her homeland.

Mexico City’s better-known museums associated with the artist are: • Frida Kahlo Museum / Casa Azul (Blue House) in Coyoacan is where Kahlo was born, lived with her husband, famed artist/muralist Diego Rivera, and eventually died. After her death in 1954, at the age of 47, Casa Azul was turned into a museum.

• The Dolores Olmedo Patino Museum at Hacienda La Noria in the charming area of Xochiumilco, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. An hour from the centre of Mexico City, this private museum is home to 25 of Kahlo’s paintings.

• The Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno), located in Chapultepec Park in Mexico City.

• Diego Rivera Studio Museum, located at Diego Rivera 2 in San Angel.

For more information on Mexico’s many destinations call 1-800-44-

MEXICO or visit www. visitmexico.com.

Low Airfares Combined With Scenic Train Journey Rocky Mountain Railtours is offering a special $98 roundtrip fare for departures between Vancouver and Calgary when purchased in conjunction with one of the rail company’s scenic, independent package tours.

Packages must be purchased by March 31, for travel between April and October, 2003. The special airfare offer applies to a vacation package selection with a minimum value of $1,899 per person, based on double occupancy.

Rocky Mountain offers two-day, all-daylight rail journeys between Vancouver and the Rocky Mountain destinations of Jasper, Banff and Calgary. Travellers can elect to take their trip in an east bound or westbound direction. Built around the twoday spectacular train trip are more than 40 different vacations packages, ranging from four to 17 days taking guests through the beautiful scenery of Canada’s West and the Canadian Rockies.

Contact Rocky Mountain Railtours at (800) 665-7245 or visit www.rockymountaineer.com.

Grant McDaniel (former YVR Air Canada employee)

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Disney, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 sengers, was launched in December as part of a two-year marketing agreement between the theme park and the airline, which will include a major marketing initiative featuring special vacation offers between Alaska Airlines and the Disneyland Resort.

Last month, a “Kids Fly Free” promotion, combined with five days of theme park fun for the price of three, and the fourth night free at a Disneyland Resort area hotel was launched.

For reservations call Alaska’s tollfree reservations line at 1-800ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522).

For general information on the Disneyland Resort, call (714) 781-4565 or visit www.disneyland.com.