UPDATE 1-BA cabin crew vote for fresh strike

UPDATE 1-BA cabin crew vote for fresh strike action
* 5,811 BA crew vote for strike action, 1,170 go against


* Unite says still in talks with BA to end dispute


(Adds detail)


LONDON, March 28 (Reuters) - British Airways cabin crew on Monday voted in favour of taking fresh strike action in a dispute that has so far cost the airline more than 150 million pounds ($240 million).


The Unite union, which represents 90 percent of IAG (ICAG.L)-owned BA's 12,000 cabin crew, said 83 percent of the 6,981 BA cabin crew who returned valid voting papers voted in favour of taking industrial action.


"We urge BA's boardroom to see this as a clear message that they must think again about how to regain the trust and confidence of a significant part of their cabin crew operation," Len McCluskey, Unite's general secretary said in a statement.


"We continue to be in discussions with the company to find a solution to this long-running dispute."


The dispute, which began in November 2009 when BA announced it was cutting crew pay and reducing staffing, now centres on issues including the removal of travel concessions from crew members who took part in earlier strikes.


Unite polled just under 10,000 BA crew, 5,811 voted in favour of strike action, while 1,170 voted against.


BA declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.


Unite now has 28 days within which to announce strike dates and must BA at least a week's notice before it does so.


Shares in IAG in London, formed by the meger of BA and Iberia, were 0.2 percent down at 228.45 pence by 1320 GMT.

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Aer Lingus crew mark 75 years with vintage chic

Aer Lingus is marking 75 years in business by flying one of its new craft in one of its old liveries.


The airline has unveiled the latest addition to the fleet, an Airbus A320 EI-DVM, MSN 4634 series, above, in the Irish International colours dating to the 1960s.


The airline’s first flight was in 1936 from Baldonnell to Bristol in a de Havilland aircraft, An Iolar. Cabin crew modelled vintage uniforms from each decade, from 1945 through to the current Aer Lingus uniform by designer Louise Kennedy.


Chief executive Christoph Mueller (centre), is pictured with, from left, crew members Mark Tinney, Chaoilfhionn Ginnity, Fiona Scullion, Anna Cole, Aisling Rendall, Jane Curtain, Muriel Cooke, Paula Lawlor, Anna Moore, Donna Murray and Deborah McGuirk.


3. BA cabin crew could strike from April 4


BRITISH Airways could be facing fresh strikes as early as April 4, as the latest cabin crew ballot draws to an end.
More than 9,800 employees are being balloted out of 13,500 crew, with the results expected on Monday.
Bassa, Unite's main cabin crew branch, is expecting another overwhelming vote for strike action to follow up on the 22 days of strikes last year.
And if industrial action does go ahead, Unite and its members will be able to call on the support of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF).
Last week ITF general secretary David Cockroft issued an action alert to its 275 member aviation unions worldwide asking them to support the BA cabin crew.
He said: "The ongoing British Airways dispute is entering a new stage and we are calling on ITF-affiliated aviation unions to be ready to support the Unite union should it embark on further industrial action from April onwards.
"If the vote is for further strike action - and it appears very likely that it will be - then such action could be taken from April 4 or 5.
"Agreement has been within reach several times during this dispute, but resolution appeared to founder on BA CEO Willie Walsh's intransigence.
"Unite believes that the new CEO is more committed to finding a negotiated solution.
Unite will be relying on support from other unions to persuade the airline back to the negotiating table and to show it that the current situation is unsustainable."
BA has reassured passengers that any industrial action would cause limited problems for the airline.
A spokesman said: "Should there be any further industrial action, we will implement our well-established contingency plans.
"We will fly a full schedule at London City and London Gatwick.
"We are also planning to fly 100 per cent of our Heathrow long haul operation and a substantial part of our Heathrow short haul schedule."

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Neha Jain

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Industry veteran prepares rival airline for takeoff against Porter

After 30 years in the Canadian aviation industry, Russell Payson is preparing for battle once again as Air Canada’s hired gun in its fight against Porter Airlines Inc.


Mr. Payson’s Sky Regional Airlines Inc. surprised the industry last October by winning a high-profile contract to operate the new “Air Canada Express” service from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport starting May 1.


Most industry observers at the time expected the contract to go to Air Canada’s long-time regional affiliate, Jazz Air Income Fund, now known as Chorus Aviation Inc.


But knowing the admirable reputation Mr. Payson has earned for himself over the past three decades in the Canadian aviation industry makes the win a little less surprising.


It has been more than four years since Mr. Payson sold his interest in Skyservice Airlines, and he said in an interview this week he is champing at the bit for another opportunity to build an airline from scratch, and to get Sky Regional airborne this spring.


Air Canada’s new service from the island airport was originally slated to launch in February. But a hold-up negotiating terminal space pushed it out to May. In the interim, Mr. Payson said he has been training staff and putting the finishing touches on the service he and Air Canada will offer, putting an end to Porter Airlines’ five-year monopoly there.


“All of our staff is really up for this because it has become a personal pride issue for us,” Mr. Payson said. “Everybody is pretty hyped up on this.”


Mr. Payson’s history in Canadian aviation dates back to the launch of his air ambulance and executive jet business in 1986 under the Skyservice brand. In addition to maintaining a fleet of 60 business aircraft for well-heeled individuals and corporations, he now overseas a successful maintenance business for regional and business jets and turboprop aircraft.


Mr. Payson was also behind the launch of Skyservice Airlines in 1994, which quickly became one of the largest charter airlines in the country, and garnered him a reputation for running a tight ship. He managed to negotiate a graceful exit from Skyservice Airlines in 2007 when it was purchased by Vancouver-based Gibralt Capital Corp.


The charter airline subsequently fell into bankruptcy last year well after his departure.


But, like most in the industry itself, Mr. Payson’s path has not been without a few mishaps along the way, noted Rick Erickson, an aviation consultant who heads Calgary-based RP Erickson & Associates. The failed launch in 2001 of Roots Air, a luxury airline that lasted just 39 days before it folded, figures high on the list, he said.


That doesn’t detract from the fact that Mr. Payson is a heavy hitter in the aviation sector with a great deal of respect from his peers.


“He had some hiccups, Roots Air being at the top of the list. But there were some other players who had egg on their face over that too,” Mr. Erickson said. “In the meantime, he has run a steady-as-it goes business, and, obviously, Air Canada has a great deal of confidence in him too.”


Prior to the launch of Sky Regional, Mr. Payson had been focusing his attention on running his air ambulance business and Skyservice Business Aviation, which has bases in Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal, where Sky Regional will also co-locate.


He credits Skyservice maintenance facilities in Montreal, and his extensive track record for maintaining Bombardier Q400s that Air Canada will use on the Island dating back to the aircraft’s launch, for giving him a leg up in the competition to win the Toronto Island contract.

The Canadian Space Commerce Association Critiques Proposed Federal Budget

In reviewing the federal budget released yesterday, the Canadian Space Commerce Association (CSCA) believes that proposed government plans are not optimal for the requirements of the Canadian space systems sector.


The CSCA's primary concern is with the proposed 12 - 18 month "strategic review" of the "aerospace" industry. The smaller, but growing and primarily Canadian owned space systems sector has a different set of planning and policy requirements than those appropriate for the much larger aviation industry.


Putting the two categories of businesses together for a combined policy review does neither industry any service.


By way of comparison, the Canadian aviation sector as reported by the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) and summarized in the Deloitte report titled "The Strategic and Economic Impact of the Canadian Aerospace Industry" registered industry revenue of C$23.6 billion in 2008 and C$22.2 billion in 2009.


But the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) 2009 State of the Canadian Space Sector Report, which tracks Canadian private sector space activities over the same period, presents a far different picture. Comparatively Canadian space industry revenues were $3.025 billion over the same period of time, though with 8% annual overall growth over the previous year, and with workforce growth continuing strong. There is also little industry overlap between the top eight mostly Canadian companies being tracked in the CSA report and the top eight companies being tracked in the Deloitte report.


These are clearly two different industries being tracked by two different reports. The CSCA recommends these two industries be treated appropriately and differently to allow each to grow and generate high quality Canadian jobs.


The CSCA is also concerned that any combined "aerospace" discussion could end up being dominated by the F-35 procurement issue, which represents the largest government aviation undertaking ever but is not the primary business concern of companies focused on satellite services, Earth imaging, novel robotics development, and commercializing new applications.


The Canadian Space Agency has already completed a review that consulted stakeholders including other government agencies, academia and industry which resulted in the creation of a Long Term Space Plan which has been sitting in Ottawa patiently waiting for approval since 2009.


The revised Department of Defence space policy which was completed last fall is similarly waiting for approval by Ottawa.


The CSCA recommends these existing policy plans be utilized immediately as the basis for a space policy review, and such a review should not be tied to, or delayed by, any new government review of the aviation industry.


About The Canadian Space Commerce Association


The Canadian Space Commerce Association is a registered Canadian not-for-profit industry group that promotes and supports Canadian space sector businesses. We advance the economic, legal and political environment for space and aerospace focused companies. To that end, we have forged strong links with major organizations - government, research institutions and private industry.


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Family Law Workshop for Female Service Providers - Separation & Divorce: What you need to know to support your clients!
Thursday, March 31, 2011 10:00 AM
Family Law Workshop for Female Service Providers: Separation & Divorce: What you Need to Know to Support Your Clients - Thursday, March 31st, 2011 from 10:00 am - 12 Noon This is a women only event. Healthy snacks and Bus Tickets are...
Venue: Fort Garry Women's Resource Centre
Neighbourhood: Fort Garry
Educational


Canadian Aviation Historical Society - Manitoba Chapter
Thursday, March 31, 2011 7:00 PM
Monthly talks about Canadian aviation history. Recent topics have included: Elsie MacGill, Canada's first woman aeronautical engineer; Andrew Mynarski, VC; writing aviation history books; and the Canadarm. Open to everyone interested in Canadian aviation. For more information, please see
Venue: Western Canada Aviation Museum
Neighbourhood: St. James-Assiniboia
Community


Frontier Centre Breakfast - Peter Kaufmann
Thursday, March 31, 2011 7:30 AM
Most of us know the stats. At one time Winnipeg was the third largest city in Canada and the corporate headquarters capital for western Canada. Today, the city is the eighth largest and Calgary is headquarter city. Do we really have a chance to restore our City’s prominence and make it a world
Venue: Viscount Gort Hotel, Viscount A Room (2nd Floor)
Neighbourhood: St. James-Assiniboia
Business


Still Bloomin Gardening Club - PAL55+
Thursday, March 31, 2011 1:00 PM
Still Bloomin' Gardening Club with PAL55+ invites you to learn from their next guest presenter, John Morgan of Prairie Habitats, Argyle, MB.
Venue: Richmond Kings Community Center
Neighbourhood: Fort Richmond
Community


11th Annual Festival of Fools at The Forks
Thursday, March 31, 2011 11:30 AM
Families looking for some free, fun and foolish Spring Break entertainment should head down to The Forks Market between Saturday March 26 and Saturday April 2, 2011. The Winnipeg International Children’s Festival will hold its 11th annual Festival of Fools featuring zany entertainers, face
Venue: The Forks Market - Centre Circle
Neighbourhood: City Centre
Family


Still Bloomin' Gardening Club
Thursday, March 31, 2011 1:00 PM
Still Bloomin' Gardening Club with PAL(55+) invites you to learn from their next guest presenter, John Morgan of Prairie Habitats, Argyle, MB. Contact Diane - stillbloominpal@gmail.com
Venue: Richmond Kings Community Centre
Neighbourhood: Fort Garry
Community


Calendar Girls
Thursday, March 31, 2011 8:00 PM
At first glance, it looks like a classic Women's Institute calendar, complete with jams, cakes and knitting, except for one thing - the ladies are posing nude. When Annie Clarke's husband dies from leukemia, her friend Chris Harper comes up with the idea to raise money for a comfortable sofa for
Venue: Manitoba Theatre Centre
Theatre


4. A Snowbirds jet could be yours — for at least $50,000


A rare chance to acquire an iconic piece of Canadian aviation history is up for grabs when a Snowbirds Tutor Jet is auctioned in Toronto next month.
    The Canadian Forces’ Snowbirds team, which claims Moose Jaw as its home, has entertained millions of air show spectators as international ambassadors for Canada for more than 40 years.
    The pilots fly the Canadian-built CT-114 Tutor Jet.
    Now one of these rare aircraft will be offered at public auction for the first time at the annual Classic Car Auction of Toronto from April 8 to 10 held at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont., next to Pearson International Airport.
    It is one of only four known CT-114s under private ownership.
    The aircraft was flown by the team in the 1990s and retains its original cockpit instruments, controls and ejection seats. It was originally flown as number 10 although now has the number 15 on it.
    Originally powered by the J85 jet engine, which has since been removed after being retired from service, the aircraft is expected to become a candidate for restoration or historical museum display.


By
Neha Jain

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WSJ: Air Canada CEO: Strong C$ Helping Reduce Fuel Costs

MONTREAL (Dow Jones)--The strength in the Canadian dollar has provided modest relief to skyrocketing jet fuel costs, acting as a "natural hedge," said Air Canada Chief Executive Calin Rovinescu.

"We have a natural hedge in the Canadian dollar," he said in an interview. "It takes a portion of our fuel hedge requirements off the table."

For many airlines, today's higher crude prices have translated into a sudden, costly boost in the price of fuel. Canadian carriers have at least benefited somewhat from the strengthening Canadian dollar, the currency in which they ..

2.
DAVID FINCH AND NORMAN O’REILLY
The debate over the heavy hit on Max Pacioretty of the Montreal Canadiens took a fascinating twist recently when Air Canada threatened to pull its sponsorship of the National Hockey League. This isn’t just about the future of hockey and sponsorship – it also tells us a lot about modern marketing and communications and how social media empowers its audience.

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Just one hour?
Over the past year, there has been a frenzy in the Canadian media over head injuries in professional hockey. Sidney Crosby, Canada’s golden boy, has lost months to a concussion and when he will return remains uncertain. Medical researchers from Boston University confirmed that former NHL tough guy Bob Probert had chronic traumatic encephalopathy when he died at the age of 45. Then, Boston’s Zdeno Chara checked Mr. Pacioretty heavily into the boards, resulting in a fractured vertebra and severe concussion.

This is a difficult time for the NHL, as the debate about its next step rages on the sports networks and Twitter. But a new voice has entered the conversation – the sponsor’s.

Air Canada, airline sponsor of several NHL clubs and naming rights sponsor of the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, sent the following warning to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman:

“From a corporate social responsibility standpoint, it is becoming increasingly difficult to associate our brand with sports events which could lead to serious and irresponsible accidents; action must be taken by the NHL before we are encountered with a fatality. Unless the NHL takes immediate action with serious suspension to the players in question to curtail these life-threatening injuries, Air Canada will withdraw its sponsorship of hockey.”

Another sponsor, VIA Rail, also decided to engage. While distancing its statement from its sponsorship, VIA nonetheless stated that “being a sponsor gives us the right, as a stakeholder, to say what we said to the NHL today, from inside the arena if you will.”

This hard-line and very public position by a major sponsor is rare, but it is appropriate when a sponsoring company decides that an organization or personality no longer shares its corporate image or values. A number of Tiger Woods’s former sponsors made this decision.

However, we can find no precedent in which a sponsor has made such overt demands, under the guise of corporate social responsibility, including the offer to remain a sponsor if the league responds to its demands.

The strategic value of sponsorship – a promotional tool – extends beyond traditional advertising. Sponsorship is about demonstrating that a company shares the values of its target market. It is about building a deep emotional connection with the audience through what is called a halo effect, the value a sponsor receives by being associated with the product’s image.

In this context, the halo effect is powerful: Canadians are deeply passionate about hockey. Sponsors are therefore passionate about the NHL, because it offers an opportunity to build an emotional connection with a large, affluent market. This passion nets the Toronto Maple Leafs alone more than $50-million a year in sponsorship revenue.

What has motivated Air Canada and VIA to risk this sudden and public intervention? The fact that both organizations are headquartered in Montreal cannot be forgotten, because their employees are also passionate hockey fans, and the injured player in this case is a Canadien. Perhaps the companies are driven by a true concern for the violent nature of the game. Or perhaps they’ve decided that recent events have tarnished the NHL’s halo so significantly that the value of the sponsorship itself has dropped. If so, these sponsors’ positions may have more to do with Twitter and Facebook than Mr. Pacioretty or Mr. Crosby. In the world of social media, fans are no longer merely spectators; they are also active and empowered participants in issues around the game.

The companies clearly saw the opportunity, through social media, to capitalize on this event by positioning themselves on the popular side of this debate among the hockey fans who are also customers. It then becomes the job of these millions of newly empowered fans to spread the word and tell the league which side is right – one tweet at a time. Our early analysis of social media traffic suggests that the outrage of these fans, measured by volume, is almost unprecedented.

However, the league’s response to Air Canada in particular was immediate and blunt. The league said it will miss Air Canada but there are other sponsors who will be happy to fill that void – in particular, other airlines that would be happy to take the reported $20-million a year Air Canada generates from its NHL partners.

But if the league wants to use social media to promote the league, it must also be prepared for a conversation on more serious issues. Air Canada and VIA are betting on the public interest in continuing that conversation.

Both the league and these sponsors are treading in uncharted territory. The league’s recent actions on concussions suggest that it recognizes the risk to its brand’s value. When it comes to Air Canada’s threat, who will blink is anyone’s guess. But who is winning is easy: the newly empowered fan.

3. BSS rocker cheers Rush at Junos
TORONTO - Toronto indie-rockers Broken Social Scene, in an eight-man configuration, rehearsed World Sick at their Juno broadcast rehearsal at the Air Canada Centre on Friday afternoon and guitarist Brendan Canning said afterwards it just seemed like the right song to perform.

"I guess it's a good time to be playing a song like World Sick, lyrically speaking, with all that's going on, clearly the world's in need of some help," said Canning. "We're definitely not going to solve it with our song but it's a small part (we can do) as musicians or artists. It's about slightly being dismayed at what's going on around you and sort of (being) handcuffed."

BSS last played the Junos in 2006 in Halifax in a formation that was about twice the size.

"We did have the big band," said Canning. "This is basically the 2010 touring lineup. We wanted to do the 2011 Junos with kind of the band that put in the real time on the road for the Forgiveness Rock record." Canning said there are no plans to have frequent BSS members, Feist or Metric's Emily Haines, who are both presenting on Sunday night's Juno broadcast, be part of their performance.

"This song is good for the official touring 2010 lineup," he said.

As for the band's chances in their four categories (five including recording package), he's giving Arcade Fire's The Suburbs an advantage for alternative album of the year but he hopes they'll get group.

"That would be diplomatic," said Canning.

He also thinks Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage will trump This Movie Is Broken for music DVD of the year.

"As much as I like our film and our concert DVD, you gotta give credence and credit. What are you going to do? You can't take Rush, you can't knock them off the podium. And video, I honestly haven't looked at the other nominees in video."

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