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Canada 3000: Toronto to Abbotsford
by Jerry W. Bird, from WingSpan Magazine, Summer 2000

 

A Winning Touchdown: History was made in late June 2000, when Canada's second-largest airline touched down on the broad runway at Abbotsford Airport. This bold and timely move by Canada 3000 Airlines brings the Fraser Valley's 700,000 plus residents their first direct air service to Toronto's Pearson International Airport, with its dozens of Canadian, US and worldwide connections. Those waiting in the Abbotsford terminal building were in a mood of celebration, and expectations were high that this first 'touchdown' signals the beginning of continued long to medium haul service from Mighty Fraser Country to various destinations, large and small. Just 40 miles from Vancouver's city center, Abbotsford Airport is fast becoming the preferred gateway for a variety of reasons; easy access and extended parking being high on the list.

While known for low cost overseas charters, Canada 3000 expects 75% of its future business will be as a scheduled carrier , and judging by the Abbotsford-Toronto connection, this should happen in short order. Speaking of the airline's former position in the market, company President and CEO Angus Kinnear said, "All of these restrictions were placed on us to keep Canadian (Airlines) alive. We're in a situation now that we can provide a service that the public wants. We don't have to walk around with one hand tied behind our back."

Although their giant competitor Air Canada boasts over 370 aircraft, Mr. Kinnear said , "We're the airline with a comparable fleet; all of our airplanes are new and our service standards are of equivalent value." Thanks to a high aircraft utilization rate measured by flight hours per day, and the youngest average fleet in Canada, the company claims to be one of North America's lowest cost operators. Canada 3000's national network includes 9 Canadian regional offices, plus 7 overseas bases. The airline began operations in 1998 and has since established an excellent record for safety and service. Current passenger traffic exceeds 2.5 million annually, with flights to 85 destinations. To enhance customer service, the airline is expanding its presence in travel agents' computer reservation systems, and its preparing to launch an e-commerce distribution system.

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