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About us!
Since October 1995, Vesta Stevenson and Terry Baker have been issuing an email newsletter for those ex Air Canada types who have provided us with their email addresses. The Newsletter was created by Vesta, who gave the name 'NetLetter' and added 'Between Ourselves' - a TCA periodical with which you are probably familiar with from the 50's and 60's. It was then changed to "Between Yourselves" to avoid confusion when "Horizons" resurrected the name. Then finally simplified to just "The NetLetter".
We believe that our NetLetter, which originates from Vancouver Island, was the FIRST to use this medium to disperse information for retirees of Air Canada.
The NetLetter contains airline related information such as anecdotes or stories supplied by some of the recipients, Internet tips, travel news, cheap... excuse me, "inexpensive" accommodations, tours, interline travel, and, in some small way, we help keep our Air Canada family together and in touch.
Our 'NetLetter' is NOT sponsored by any Pionair group, nor are we seeking any financial support, only the Internet email addresses of those who would like to receive our 'NetLetter'. Please forward this to other retirees who can then subscribe right from the forwarded link at the bottom of this email.
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Sponsors
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Donations
Air Canada Heritage Poster
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Dear NetLetter,
We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by over 2716 retirees when counting our email distribution and those that print the NetLetter and give them out to their friends.
To get in touch with either the Editor/Pilot or Co- Pilot our email address is still This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To make changes to your e-mail address or to unsubscribe, please see the links at the bottom of the page for "Update Profile/Email address" and SafeUnsubscribe. This is now automated so that you can remove yourself from the list or change your email address (or name) without our assistance. We will still do this manually if you have any difficulties.
Many of our members are having difficulty finding these links. You will need to scroll to the bottom of the page, the link is similar to the following image. (The image below doesn't work but your links at the bottom will).
Thank you
Alan Rust - ACFamily Administrator
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Nice to know...
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Star partners adopt Air Canada's economy baggage allowance. Eleven of our Star Alliance partners - including Thai, United Airlines, Lufthansa, US Airways and Swiss - have adopted the economy baggage allowance of two bags each not exceeding 50 lbs/23 kg each. As of June 1, this allowance will be extended to apply to all destinations in Asia, except Japan. Brazil is also exempt from this baggage allowance modification.
New generation kiosks - installation begins this week. Starting today and over the next few weeks, "IBM N2" kiosks will be installed at select stations in Canada. The first of these new generation kiosks, equipped with passport readers and two- dimensional barcode scanners, is being set up today at Ottawa airport. Next in line is Toronto's T2 on April 26, followed by Edmonton and Winnipeg early next week. The IBM N2 kiosks will wear Air Canada's new colours and branding, and will eventually replace our current green Express Check-in boxes at all airports where we have proprietary kiosks. The N2s currently being installed should be up and running for our customers by the end of next week.
Pionairs announce our 2007 Annual General Meeting will take place in Victoria British Columbia, on March 12th to 14th, 2007 at the Beautiful and Elegant Empress Hotel. Please mark your Long-Range Calendars.
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Vancouver Spring Luncheon Reminder
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The District Spring Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 in the Gun Room at the Work Point Barracks in Esquimalt. Take Head Road off of Esquimalt Road to the Barracks. We hope to have someone directing you to the parking. Social Hour from 11:30 to 12:30 followed by a wonderful Roast Beef and Baked Salmon Buffet prepared by oldstream Caterers. Our Guest Speaker will be John Hopkins, National President of the Air Canada Pionairs. Door prizes and 50/50 Draw. Cost per person including Tax and Gratuity is $20.00
Send cheque payable to AIR CANADA PIONAIRS to
Marjorie Thorpe, 1769 Astra Rd., Comox, B. C., V9M 4B6, NO LATER THAN MAY 8, 2006
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Air Canada News
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Air Canada will have Boeing install the Class 3 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) on its B777 and B787 making the airline the first in North America to operate a class 3 (EFB) integrated into the commercial aircraft's avionics.
New fuel purchasing company to be operational this spring. FuelCo, Star Alliance's fuel management company, has been incorporated and will likely begin operations in Frankfurt this spring. The current shareholder is Air Canada, who will likely soon be joined by Lufthansa, SAS, United and Star Alliance GmbH. With oil prices hovering around $60 US per barrel, reducing fuel costs for participating member carriers and ensuring an uninterrupted supply have become very important goals. "At present, Star Alliance carriers spend some $26 billion US annually on fuel. That equals about 25 per cent of the global jet fuel demand," said Petra Dreyer-Decher, General Manager, FuelCo. In February, founding members Air Canada, Lufthansa, ANA, SAS and United met to agree on the future role and structure of the new company, and also on the hubs that FuelCo will target. While the actual cost of fuel is beyond the carriers' direct control, other elements are not, such as the cost of transportation, delivery and storage. FuelCo's purpose will be to negotiate with suppliers with a single voice representing Star Alliance carriers to ensure carriers get the best terms possible and a guaranteed supply in agreed key locations.
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Found on the Internet
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The world's largest commercial airliner, the 555 seat Airbus A380, will make its British debut when it flies into London's Heathrow Airport on 18th May 2006, to carry out airport compatibility checks in conjunction with airport operator British Airports Authority.
British Airways raises fuel surcharge. British Airways said it was raising its fuel surcharge on long-haul flights as crude oil prices shot to record highs. The airline will increase its surcharge on tickets to GBP£35 ($62.2 US) per flight from GBP£30, the first time it has increased the levy since September. BA said it will not increase surcharges on short-haul flights where it faces stiff competition from low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, which do not have fuel surcharges.
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Where are they now?
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Capt. Russ Brown CPA (ret'd.) tells us that ex CP AIR DC-8 63 CF-CPP (fin 802) - now N819AX - AUG 2005 Operated by Airborne Express for DHL he last flew this particular DC-8 on 23 DEC 81, YYZ - YEG - YVR with F/O Ross Ens & S/O Don Craig.
Click on photo for larger image.
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Reader FeedBack
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Help!<br> Clint Ward sends us this appeal -
Subject: search
Hi - On June 1st of 1957 a very interesting flight was completed that might be a bit of a milestone in Canadian Aviation history.
The first ever non-stop flight between Toronto and Vancouver. It was Trans-Canada Air Line's Pacific Mercury Flight 5. Today long range flights are old hat but back in 1957 it was eventful enough to have a major kick-off out of Toronto with red carpets, speeches and a pipe band. I am looking for the names of anyone who might have been involved in this flight - agent, passenger, crew, band members and so on. Any ideas how we might dig into the past and come up with some names? Perhaps among the ranks of retired AC personnel there might be a clue or two. Or any other direction we might proceed to. There is a radio interview with the Captain which is in the CBC archives. I have a feeling we should commemorate this milestone in some way at the 50th anniversary.
Clint Ward
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Karin Fulcher sends this -
You might have heard that my husband Bob Fulcher pilot, (Canadi>n Airlines 1962 - 1996) died on April 5, 2006 after a 10 year battle with lymphoma, prostate and bladder cancer. Karin Fulcher - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Our condolences to the family - eds)
Gerald A. Archambeau sends this -
I would like to complement you and your colleges; for the thoughtfulness as volunteers of your group, and by giving me as a new author the opportunity to get some exposure within our AC Pionair group and the many others who have access to the Net Letter around the world.
Being so pleased in the way you presented my blurb in the Netletter #920, I must say was impeccable and most appreciated by me.
Please pass on the good news to your friends that the hits on my web site have greatly increased.
For me as a retiree, it is more than I ever expected, now that I am doing book signings and speaking tours regularly in southern Ontario.
All the best for your future efforts and success in your personal endeavours in assisting our fellow members and former coworkers in AC.
Stay in touch should you need any information that I can help with.
Sincerely, Gerald A. Archambeau
I was really surprised by the article on Ryan Air as I recently booked on them and on their web site they are very clear about what the luggage restrictions are and what the excess charges will be.
They allow 10 kg. carry on and 20 kg. checked. If you indicate when you book that you have one checked bag you are charged 3.50 euro whereas if you wait until you check in the charge is 5 euro. There is also a charge for sporting equipment such as a golf bag but unfortunately I can't remember what that was. I ended up paying only 22.00 euro between Dublin and Edinburgh as the fare was .99 euro, the checked bag 3.50 euro and the rest was taxes - still a terrific deal. If anyone is going to Ireland in the next few months Aer Lingus has a special from London to Dublin - one euro plus taxes and handling. My ticket from Heathrow to Dublin May 23 was 25.45 pounds. I would have used RyanAir but Aer Lingus is out of Heathrow which is a lot easier as I am flying there from Canada. And thanks for all your hard work on the NetLetter.
Bronach Cole
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Deals
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Vaccaro Spa is a full service salon and spa with an experienced team of massage therapists, estheticians and hairdressers, located in the Sheraton Hotel in Terminal 3 in Toronto. Vaccaro Spa is happy to offer all ACE employees, retirees, and their families 25% off ALL services during each visit. In addition, employees will receive 1 Reward Point for every $20 spent. 1 point can be redeemed as $1 off.
To benefit from this offer, all you have to do is inform Vaccaro Spa that you are part of the ACE Corporate Loyalty Program when you make your appointment. Please feel free to visit the Vaccaro Spa website at www.vaccarospa.com, take a look at the Spa Menu and Pricing and book your appointment today!
United Van Lines offers all ACE employees and retirees exclusive discounted rates on all services including storage. For further information, contact Jennifer Moore at United Van Lines at 1-800- 268-9990.
RBC General Insurance is offering all active and retired Air Canada employees with preferred Home and Automobile insurance rates. As the insurance specialists of RBC Financial Group, they will provide expert advice and personal attention to employees' personal insurance needs.
The program is available to all Air Canada employees, their spouse, and children living in the household. Some of the features of the program include:
24/7 emergency after-hours claim service
Flexible payment options
Preferred pricing
Dedicated employee 1-800 number
Comprehensive online quoting
Get a quote online by visiting the RBC General Insurance website at: www.rbcinsurance.com/quote/aircanada/
or call 1-800-ROYAL 2-9 for a no obligation quote.
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Terrys Travel Tips
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StarTrips.com is the Star Alliance website for the people of the Star Alliance. Employees and Retirees from diverse places like England, Japan, Singapore, Spain, Canada, and New Zealand and beyond access StarTrips to learn more about Star Alliance and its member carriers, dovetailed with the very best in interline travel opportunities.
StarTrips features extraordinary accomplishments and every day teamwork. We provide in-depth articles about member carrier initiatives; technology in the workplace, travel incentives and business model changes that affect the Star Alliance and the airline industry as a whole.
As a crucial part of the Star Alliance communications suite, StarTrips records our unique business and employee culture and connects our expansive community at home and across the continents.
StarTrips is in testing right now at www.startrips.com Testing will last until May 2nd when the site will be pulled down for refinement. StarTrips will be launched system wide on May 14th, 2006 to the entire membership in commemoration of the 9th Anniversary of the Star Alliance.
"We are pleased to use StarTrips.com as an additional source for employees to access industry information," said Christian Klick, VP Corporate, Star Alliance. "Our member carriers have important things to say to employees, and StarTrips is another way of getting news out to them. As internal communicators know, getting information to frontline employees can be difficult at times because not all employees have access to intranets, e-mail and other forms of electronic distribution. The StarTrips site is attractive to employees because it is a fun and interactive website that they can go to anytime."
StarTrips.com the Star Alliance Employee Website
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Smilies
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Overheard at the tower frequency at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (EHAM) in The Netherlands..."
Tower: KL123 you are cleared to land on runway 24
KL123: (with a loud background noise) Thank you sir, KL123 cleared to land runway 24
Tower: KL123, what is that high noise on the background?
KL123: It's just normal cockpit noise
Tower: You sound like a Fokker 50 cabriolet
KL123: Fine, I'll close the window
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AC Heritage Poster
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Enjoy this visual display of Air Canada’s historic fleet from its beginning in 1937 to the present including aircraft from:
- Trans-Canada Airlines
- Canadian Airlines
- Pacific Western
- Eastern Provincial
- Nordair
- Transair
and Wardair
This 68 x 96 cm (27 x 38 inch) poster is printed in full colour on high quality paper and depicts over 300 aircraft and liveries flown by Air Canada throughout its history.
The cost of the poster is $24.99 plus tax and shipping where applicable. This is a great gift for reunions, retirements and birthday gifts, etc.
A donation is made to Dreams Take Flight for each poster that is sold.
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More info here |
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Submissions
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Important reminder, for all new articles, submissions and or comments for the "The Netletter" please send to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Please add to your Address Books).
This e-mail address has been set up so that both of us Terry & Vesta (exclusively) will get an automatic copy and so we can keep up with the continuity of news for the NetLetter.
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NetLetter Archives
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The archives of the NetLetter are kept on the ACFamily Network Forums area. They are in plain text format so you can print them from there if desired. If you are not a member of the ACFamily Network yet, we encourage you to join us there. Non members can Register here. (It's Free!)
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NetLetter Archives Link |
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