Quote:
Originally Posted by calgarygeologist
I can't explain it all at this point as it has been a couple years since I worked at WestJet but a big issue for them when these types of events happen is that crew availability becomes a major factor. AC has more crews spread across the country whereas WestJet has fewer crews and they often commute/deadhead for their flights. It becomes challenging to find staff for rescue flights and what not.
There are other complicating factors but this is a big one.
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by greyshep
I have no idea how that works but by cancelling flights outright, where would the backlog be? From what I understand, new replacement flights were not created. They are hoping to get people on other previously scheduled departures but most of those are already full.
Maybe I am missing something here?
|
WS is certainly taking their lumps on this but calgarygeologist has it right. And it’s not only crews but aircraft. The last thing an airline wants to do is send all their planes into an airport if they won’t be able to get back out. Makes more sense to cancel flights and at least have your aircraft and crews located somewhere where the schedule can be ramped back up,to normal when the weather improves. Also keep in mind there are only so many extra aircraft and crews that can be brought online for make up flights. It’s going to take awhile to sort out.
And it’s not just here, was watching the news and something like 1/2 the US is also under weather warnings and the hub airports in the affected areas are also a disaster today.