Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Air Canada schedule change seemingly catches customers, Airport and City of Prince Rupert by surprise

What YPR calls miscommunication between Air Canada  and its
customers in Prince Rupert has made for some concerns from travellers 

A change to the Air Canada Schedule for the one flight per day from Prince Rupert to Vancouver is making for some confusion  and concern for travellers. 

That related to the lack of coordination between the airline and those working on the ground at the Digby Island Airport,   or flying out of Prince Rupert.


Notice of the change was first shared by the YPR social media stream, the notice for October 31st from the airport the first actual message to that board since April.  

As the comments to their post from this week indicate, some in the community have questions over how the airport gets the word out to those who fly out of Prince Rupert.

For its part YPR notes that they are "actively working on behalf of passengers to address the issue of miscommunication between passengers and the airline schedule changes"




The notice from YPR was shared by the City of Prince Rupert's social media feed as well, the City asking that the advisory be shared, a request that seems to have acted on with vigour, judging by the replies ...



That contribution to the information relay, now makes for a focus group of sorts towards air travel options and information sharing  in the city.

The main question being asked and so far not answered; being who is responsible for updating information on the 622-2222 information line and why haven't they done such for a number of months.

Another question not asked, but one the City might want to share sone notes on is who is actually running the airport these days. 


If they hired anyone from the search to replace Mr. Pucci, they haven't shared the name with anyone in public, likewise City Council hasn't asked for a public update on Airport Operations in more than a few years.

Considering the sense of lack of communication between the only airline that serves the community and the airport it flies in and out of; Council may want to put forward an invitation to someone to share some notes on the current issues and maybe some idea as to what the future plans are for air service in the city.

Recently Smithers celebrated their work in.securing a second flight per day for their connection to Vancouver, that compliments other service available there. Terrace of course has a number options for travellers whether with Air Canada, West Jet or Central Mountain Air.

If the Prince Rupert Airpot is hoping to repatriate some of that travel down Highway 16, having better communication with potential customers might be a good place to start.

More on Aviation in the Northwest can be reviewed here.




2 comments:

  1. How in the hell can it catch an airport by surprise. I have an upcoming trip in a couple of days the Air Canada app had it.

    Just another thing for council to question.

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    Replies
    1. The communication from that airport has been broken for years. Lots of finger pointing between the four parties (airport, airline, contracted bus company and the city ferry). No one want to step in and do something about it. Funny the city is responsible for three of the four parties, but it is always the fault of someone else never the city.
      Just take ownership and fix it!

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