YOUR AIRPORT & SEA ISLAND COMMUNITY CONNECTION
CELEBRATING SKYTALKONLINE.COM
1993-2018
SEPTEMBER 2018
YVR earns AA credit rating for 13th consecutive year
Cargo:
Air Canada receives IATA certification PG
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Airlines:
WestJet’s artificial intelligence chatbot PG
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Ratings agency Standard & Poor’s recently confirmed its AA long-term issuer credit and senior unsecured debt rating for Vancouver Airport Authority— for the 13th year in a row. The AA rating re-affirms YVR’s position as one of the world’s most financially stable airports, an achievement that stems from the airport’s focus on sustainable growth. “YVR’s strong financial health is testament to the success of Canada’s unique, not-for-profit airport governance model,” said Diana Vuong, YVR’s vice president finance and
chief financial officer. “As a community focused and financially independent organization, YVR
reinvests its financial success back into the airport and the region, driving growth while constantly
improving the airport for everyone.” YVR’s financial strength is based on a diversified revenue
model that focuses on providing unique business solutions while keeping costs low.
See CREDIT RATING page 3
Air Canada, TD, CIBC and Aimia reach agreement to acquire Aeroplan
Travel Talk:
‘Forest bathing’ in New Zealand PG
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Airshow:
Abbotsford Airshow celebrates NORAD PG
A consortium that includes Air Canada, The Toronto-Dominion Bank, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Visa Canada Corporation have entered into an agreement in principle for the acquisition of Aimia’s Aeroplan loyalty business. Aimia is the data analytics company that manages the Aeroplan loyalty program. The aggregate purchase price for the acquisition of Aimia’s Aeroplan business consists of $450-million in cash and is on a cash-free, debt-free basis and includes the assumption of approximately $1.9 billion of Aeroplan Miles liability.
In July, the same consortium offered $250-million cash plus $2-billion of Aeroplan Miles liability to acquire Aeroplan—an offer that was rejected. The transaction is expected to deliver significant value to Aimia’s stakeholders and the agreement in principle was approved unanimously by Aimia’s Board of Directors upon recommendation by its Special Committee of independent directors. “We are pleased to see that an agreement in principle has been reached as Aeroplan members can continue to earn and redeem with confidence,”
said Calin Rovinescu, president and CEO of Air Canada, on behalf of the consortium. “This transaction, if completed, should produce the best outcome for all stakeholders, including Aeroplan Members, as it would allow for a smooth transition to Air Canada’s new loyalty program launching in 2020, safeguarding their miles and providing convenience and value for millions of Canadians.” The transaction is subject to the satisfactory conclusion of definitive
Team Harbour Air Ride to Conquer Cancer raises $80,000+ Harbour Air employees, friends and family members came together as a team on August 25-26th to participate in the 10th annual British Columbia Ride to Conquer Cancer (RTCC). The airline’s 26-member team set a new company record, raising more than $80,000 in donations for the charity event. Marking the 10-year milestone, the RTCC featured a new, completely B.C.-based route for 2018. More than 2,500 cyclists from across the province rode 200 scenic kilometres over two days in B.C.’s Fraser Valley and collectively raised $10.6-million in support of the BC Cancer Foundation.
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Employment Opportunities:
Aircraft De-Icing Operations SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT We are seeking reliable and motivated individuals for Aircraft De-icing Technicians
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positions, to provide Aircraft De-icing Operations at Vancouver International Airport.
PGs
Position Details:
transaction documents, Aimia shareholder approval and certain other conditions, including due diligence, receipt of customary regulatory approvals and completion by the consortium of credit card loyalty program and network agreements for future participation in Air Canada’s new loyalty program.
The 2018 Team Harbour Air set a 10-year fundraising milestone of more than $80,000 raised for B.C.’s annual Ride to Conquer Cancer. Photo: courtesy Harbour Air.
Season operates annually from 1st October to the 30th April, casual / on-call positions, Shift Work, 24 Hour Operations, working in inclement weather.
Positions available for men, women, retirees and individuals with experience in:
Aircraft De-icing, Airport Operations, Students- Aircraft/Airport fields of study, Pilots, Firefighting or experience with operating high lift equipment is preferred.
Prerequisites:
Canadian Citizen or Landed Immigrant-IM1000, Fluent in English, MUST be able to obtain a valid Transport Canada Restricted Area Pass, valid Provincial Drivers License, able to pass physical examination.
Salary:
See CONQUER CANCER page 3
WestJet is doing big things as they transform to a global network carrier and with this transformation comes a variety of opportunities. The Bilingual Service and Sales Agent role (Home Based) is your opportunity to wow, surprise and amaze our guests, by providing a world-class guest experience in the comfort of your own home! See complete details on Page 18.
$14 per hour subject to qualifications and successful completion of paid training. Send your résumé by email to vancouver@aeromagyvr.com
Apply to this exciting opportunity at goo.gl/baqoCW or visit westjet.com/greatjobs for more information.