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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
ACFamily Services
Events and Donations
Air Canada Heritage Poster
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Dear NetLetter,
We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by over 2714 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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Need to know...
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Employee Travel Site - revision to child policy. Effective immediately, the definition of "child dependency" has been modified so there is no longer a requirement for children to be enrolled in continuous schooling to be eligible for dependent employee travel privileges. To review the new dependency criteria, visit the Employee Travel Site at www.travel.aircanada.com - look for the revised "Child Policy" under "News & Policies". For additional information, e-mail the Employee Travel team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 1 866 473 4732.
All Non-Revenue tickets must be submitted to Winnipeg Finance - Refund Services for processing on a deferred basis. You must submit your original ticket along with your Request for Refund of Non- Revenue tickets (ZED/ID) that you will have previously downloaded. Two versions of this form exist: Unused tickets (ACF23A) and Partially used tickets (ACF23B). Refunds will be completed within one week of receipt.
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Nice to know...
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Diane Carignac sends this information -
Earn 75 Aeroplan Miles when you buy a shop! card from Cadillac Fairview Aeroplan announces another exciting way for Aeroplan members to earn valuable Aeroplan Miles. Until June 12, 2006, Aeroplan members will earn 75 Aeroplan Miles when they buy a Cadillac Fairview shop! card worth $75 or more. Cadillac Fairview shop! cards are redeemable at over 4,000 stores in 28 of Canada's finest shopping centres. Learn more about it in the Promotion Section at www.aeroplan.com or www.shops.ca
Now's a great time to become an Aeroplan member and/or a Costco member online.
Tell your family and friendsAeroplan® announces another innovative way for Aeroplan members to earn valuable Aeroplan Miles. Until May 10, 2006, Aeroplan members who shop online at www.costco.ca may earn one Aeroplan Mile for every dollar spent on purchases*, excluding taxes. And, if Aeroplan members sign up for a Costco membership online, they may earn 1,000 Aeroplan Bonus Miles. If you're not an Aeroplan member and want to become a Costco member, why not maximize the benefits? We suggest that you apply a two-step strategy: become an Aeroplan member by enrolling online at www.aeroplan.com, then, with your Aeroplan membership number in hand, become a Costco member at www.costco.ca and shop online to your heart's content.
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Air Canada News
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Air Canada recently launched the new leisure hotels website for active and retired Air Canada employees. The new site is accessible through the Employee Travel Website (be sure to use Internet Explorer). Once on the Employee Travel Website, simply click on the "Hotel" icon located in the menu and then select "Personal AC".
This site offers a large selection of discounted hotel rooms around the world and special offers from selected properties. In addition, internet links to industry rates offered by major hotel chains are also available on the home page.
Those who have questions can send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Be sure to visit the site often as new hotels are frequently added. Happy travelling!
Upcoming new routes
Apr. 8: Toronto Fort McMurray
May 1: Edmonton Los Angeles *
Jun. 8: Toronto Salt Lake City *
Jun. 16: Toronto Abbotsford
Jun. 16: Montreal Denver
Jun. 17: Toronto Shanghai
Jun. 17: Montreal Mexico City
Jul. 1: Toronto San Diego
Jul. 3: Edmonton Yellowknife *
Jul. 4: Calgary Yellowknife *
Aug. 1: Edmonton Victoria, BC *
Aug. 1: Calgary Comox *
Aug. 1: Edmonton Kelowna *
Aug. 1: Winnipeg London, ON *
* Operated by Air Canada Jazz
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Star Alliance News
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SWISS and South African Airways join Star Alliance.
On April 7th, Star Alliance carriers welcomed SWISS into the family during a ceremony in Zurich, Switzerland. This summer the carrier will serve 69 destinations in 42 countries, and operates a fleeth, another welcoming ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa will see South African Airways officially join the Star Alliance team. The airline serves 34 airports in 26 countries, and operates a fleet of more than 55 aircraft. With the addition of these two carriers, Star Alliance will grow to 18 major airlines and three regional carriers. Together, they will serve 842 airports in 152 countries.
Star Alliance plans to add two more airlines during 2006 and are having talks with Air China Ltd, China Eastern Airlines Corp and Shanghai Airlines.
Star Alliance is working on collective specifications for the 787, Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe told the group's meeting in Johannesburg earlier this week.
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Found on the Internet
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gbp15 million error! An expensive accident occurred at the Airbus factury in Chester UK over Christmas when a crane carrying the 50 tonne wing for an Airbus aircraft snapped. The wing, destined for a Lufthansa aircraft, is being repaired at a cost of gbp5 million.
The only Concorde on display at the South East of England is at Brooklands Museum, Surrey. The museum, which is on the road between Weybridge and Byfleet is open from 10:00 to 15:00
Canadian start up Flair Airlines is based in Kelowna BC using Kelowna Flightcraft B727-200 for passenger charters as well as an ex-Afrjet B727-200 which is based in YYZ and flown on behalf of Cubana Airlines to Havana. These flights were previously operated by the now defunct All Canada Express.
Spend a few minutes seeing what others are offering - http://airlinemeals.net/index.html
Taxes by destination: The taxes and official charges (including the September 11th Security Fee of usd$2.50 per US Enplanement, US International Transportation Tax, US Customs User Fee, US INS User Fee, US Aphis Fee, Passenger Facility Charge and Iceland Passenger Fee) listed below are approximate and may fluctuate due to exchange rates. In addition to these taxes and official charges which apply to all destinations, each destination also adds additional taxes and official charges which appear in parentheses after each destination.
Between US and:
- Amsterdam (includes Netherlands Noise Isolation Charge, Security Charge and Passenger Service Charge): $90
- Copenhagen (includes Transportation Tax and Passenger Service Charge): $90 Faroe Islands (includes Departure Tax from Faroe Islands): $71
- Frankfurt (includes Airport Security Charge and Passenger Service Charge):$85
- Glasgow (includes UK Air Passenger Duty and Passenger Service Charge): $115 (Business Class tickets may add additional fees)
- Greenland (includes Passenger Service Charge): $75
- Helsinki (includes Passenger Fee International and Security Charge): $73
- London (includes UK Air Passenger Duty and Passenger Service Charge): $115 (Business Class tickets may add additional fees)
- Oslo: $74 (includes Passenger Service Charge)
- Paris (includes Aviation Civile Tax, French Airport Tax and Passenger Service Charge International): $90
- Reykjavik (includes Airport Service Charge): $90
- Stockholm: $78 (includes Passenger Service and Security Charge)
Taxes and official charges on international airline tickets are imposed by the US government, and that of the destination. The tax amount is not a percentage of the fare amount, and therefore does not change according to the base fare. More fees may be added for travel involving multiple stopovers.
- Hawaii $3.30 ZP tax per segment, a $2.50 per enplanement September 11th Security Fee (not to exceed $10) and PFC surcharge of $3- $4.50 where applicable will be applied to each ticket purchase. Taxes, fees & other restrictions apply.
Airline Taxes
All airline tickets are subject to various foreign and domestic government taxes. These include security charges, airport facility charges, customs and immigration fees, inspection fees, fuel surcharges and more. The total of these taxes vary anywhere between $85 and $200 per passenger and must be paid with your airline tickets issued by Celtic Tours.
The items which make up a total tax may include some, but are not limited to any or all of the following:
U.S. Taxes and Fees
U.S. Transportation Tax: $26.80 per passenger
Custom User Fee: $5 per passenger
Federal Inspection Fee: $7 per passenger
APHIS User Fee: $3.10 per passenger
Security Fees: Between $16-$30 per passenger
September 11th Security Fee: $2.50 per enplanement per passenger (maximum $10 per roundtrip).
Passenger Facility Charges: $3-5 per passenger per flight
Segment Tax: $2 per passenger per flight
Foreign Taxes and Fees Foreign taxes and fees vary greatly by country. Fees potentially include International Boarding Tax, Embarkation Tax, Travel Tax, Security Tax and more. Typically these fees range from $20 to $70 per passenger.
Fuel Surcharge
A fuel surcharge may be levied by some airlines ranging from $65 to $95 per ticket.
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Where are they now?
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The only aircraft in the fleet of Orange Air operating out of Sierra Leone is a Boeing B747-217B c/n 20929 registered 9L-LOR previously with Pakistan Internationmal Airlines as AP-BCL.
Former employees of CP Air will recognise this as their former B747 registered as C-FCRE.
DHC8-102 c/n 211 fin 810 C-GABH now with North Cariboo Flying Service registered as C-FNCG since Dec 15/05.
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Reader FeedBack
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Recently, Alan Rust, administrator of www.acfamily.net visited China, while he hasn't gotten around to telling us about the trip, here is a response from Bob Burnett which may be of interest -
Hope that you had a good vacation and Tour of China, I was very fortunate back in the mid eighties to have travelled to China a number of times, at the time I was Director of Cargo Sales- Wholesale and went there to negotiate a contract with the Gov't for the importation of Canadian Cattle from Alberta, took about two years to get off the ground even though they wanted the cattle. We transported them in our DC 8 Freighters that we had at the time. It was a very exciting time for Air Canada Cargo and an even more exciting time for me, lots of red tape to wade through. You talk about Internet problems, in 1986 they hardly had phones, no office space to work out of, most hotel rooms were rented by businesses for office space, communication with AC Headquarters was difficult, had to use our Embassy help on a number of occasions.
Saw a recent documentary shown over a two night period on CBC about the modern China. what a change in 20 years. Anyhow glad that you have been there you will fascinate your friends with your tales about the place.
Thanks again for the "NetLetter" I really enjoy reading them and I appreciate the effort that you put into its publication.
Bob Burnett ========================================
and Alan's response -
Hi Bob,
Thanks for the feedback and kind comments! I remember working on the freighters and wondering who decided to let cattle fly... Now I know!
I worked in Aircraft Maintenance and remember the smell afterwards as we did our regular maintenance. Luckily I didn't have to clean up after them.
I was generally impressed with China, I think they have lessened some of the red tape now. I figured it would take some time entering the country but it was as easy (or easier) than entering the USA.
I'm glad you like the NetLetter as well, it's different from all the other newsletters out there. I only put it together for mass mailing and have little to do with the content, that's Vesta and Terry's job and they do it well. (since 1995)
I hope to get time to add my insights of China to the NetLetter and also publish them on the ACFamily Network in the near future. I need to do this while it is still fresh in my mind.
Regards,
Alan
The Nanaimo Coffee klatch held on Apr 12th was attended by Terry Baker, Cec and Arlene McCulloch, Hans Brouwer, Leo Goulet, Ray Tsuji, Bryan and Carol Humphrey. A lively discussion took place regarding out of province medical insurance, experiences flying on the CRJ and EMB aircraft and recent cruises. The next meeting will be on May 10th
OUR FLYING HERITAGE is the newest book by author Ross Smyth This illustrated book of 151 pages covers early Canadian air heroes right through to the jet age. Its chapters vary from aviation humour and air mysteries to the role of women in flight. Other books. Readers may receive a copy by sending a cheque for $19.95 to;
Ross Smyth,
8965 Tolhurst St.,
Montreal QC H2N 1W9
Help!
Trev Trower sends this plea!
Bish Boucher-Found's address or email i would like to get in touch with her, she and Mickie were on my flight to TPA ( F902) leaving for their honeymoon, gosh that seems like so long ago.
Thanks
Trev Trower This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Terrys Travel Tips
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Visiting the U.K.? Here is some accommodation you may consider - ENGLAND Westcliffe on Sea, Essex Beaches and sea a five minute walk. A 2 bedroom, very comfortable, self- contained Upstairs apartment. Recently modernized, fully furnished and equipped. TV-stereo-microwave and ceiling fans in all rooms. Close to shops and restaurants (and pubs). Thirty mins east of London, commuter trains and express buses (five mins walk) to central London, Tower of London and Trafalgar Square, Brochure available at request $600 weekly; Tel: 905-822-3540, Fax: 905-823-5212 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Colin Waters tells us that his son lives and works in Reading ,U.K.direct bus there every 20 mins from Heathrow.
His son is on sabbatical for the summer and wishes to rent at C$1800.per month.
It is also advertised on the acfamily.net also on ACPA.
cheers
Colin M Waters
# 94621 retired may1 2000
Contact: phone 905 839 8893
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Smilies
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 Here are some more signs and notices written in English that were discovered throughout the world, mostly collected by an American airline employee.
A sign posted in Germany's Black forest: It is strictly forbidden on our black forest camping site that people of different sex, for instance, men and women, live together in one tent unless they are married with each other for that purpose.
In a Zurich hotel: Because of the impropriety of entertaining guests of the opposite sex in the bedroom, it is suggested that the lobby be used for this purpose.
In an advertisement by a Hong Kong dentist:Teeth extracted by the latest Methodists.
In a Rome laundry: Ladies, leave your clothes here and spend the afternoon having a good time.
In a Czechoslovakian tourist agency:Take one of our horse-driven city tours - we guarantee no miscarriages.
Advertisement for donkey rides in Thailand: Would you like to ride on your own ***?
In a Swiss mountain inn: Special today -- no ice cream.
In a Bangkok temple: It is forbidden to enter a woman even a foreigner is dressed as a man.
In a Copenhagen airline ticket office:We take your bags and send them in all directions.
On the door of a Moscow hotel room: If this is your first visit to the USSR, you are welcome to it.
In a Norwegian cocktail lounge: Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar.
In a Budapest zoo: Please do not feed the animals. If you have any suitable food, give it to the guard on duty.
In the office of a Roman doctor: Specialist in women and other diseases.
In an Spanish hotel: The manager has personally passed all the water served here.
In a Tokyo shop: Our nylons cost more than common, but you'll find they are best in the long run.
From a Japanese information booklet about using a hotel air conditioner:
Cooles and Heates: If you want just condition of warm in your room, please control yourself.
From a brochure of a car rental firm in Tokyo: When passenger of foot heave in sight, tootle the horn. Trumpet him melodiously at first, but if he still obstacles your passage then tootle him with vigor.
Two signs from a Majorcan shop entrance: English well talking. - Here speeching American. Reply With Quote
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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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