Talks Soon To Open Skies To U.S. Airlines

Although I am annoyed at the thought of having AA flying between Toronto and Montreal, the benefits are potentially huge for our own carriers in the States. Westjet, Jetsgo, AC, Canjet...the USA market is huge and they would be able to make significant inroads into the US. As far as US carriers flying in Canada...wouldn't they have to offer bilingual services? That is a requirement of federal transport law. I'm not so sure US airlines would go for that...they'd have to bilingualise their planes for one, and also hire some bilingual flight attendants.

This seems like a lopsided deal in Canada's favour, provided market access is
guaranteed (and Canada has carriers with which to compete, meaning
majority-Canadian-owned airlines).

I agree, you can see the potential for a Canadian airline in the United States. We should jump at the chance. Three Hundred million potential customers. Hardly anybody lives here. As our market share increased in the U.S. we would have opportunities for Canadians to be based there. It is very difficult to get a work visa now as many of you know. I know I have tried. It just gives Canadians another opportunity. A friend of mine was saying that Americans must feel coming to Canada what we feel about going to Quebec or France. Visiting is like operating behind enemy lines. Our strange attitudes to America I hope is just being in the silly season. Not to worry. Take two aspirins and have a good nights sleep. The American advantage is minimal but our advantage could be very great. Besides, there is money to made here. Buy a stock in one our airlines. Buy on the rumour and sell on the fact.

Well, I'd sure like to "bilingualise" a couple of those American stewardesses.

This could be good for Canadian carriers. For anyone who has flown on both US and Canadian airlines knows Canadian carriers offer better service overall. Now, compared to European or Asian carriers - N.American carriers are hopeless.

Anyone who thinks Canadian planes will be flying in the united states is clueless. The united states would never allow such a thing. What self respecting country would allow a foreign airline to operate within it's own country. Flights from montreal to Quebec city wouldn't even be in french and the person who is proposing that Canada except this deal happens to be a Quebecer, Jean Lapierre. The Liberals care so little about this country there bottom line is simply money.

This would be wonderful opportunity for Canadian carriers.
Why should it not happen as it is just another logical step in integration. We drive autos, none built by a Canadian Company, we take pills, probably none developed in Canada, we fly on US or French planes...this doesn't bother most Canadians as not many of us want to walk to work, nor die from our heart condition nor swim across Lake Ontario to get to the U.S. I take your point about giving access to such a large market in exchange for just flying around Canada. Good point. They may limit us to certain routes as I'm sure we would want to cherry pick for instance, New York to San Francisco or LA. Northwest airlines, Toronto to Vancouver sounds good to me. There probably is no dark side on the American side. I say that as Canadians are buying banks all over the U.S., they can't buy a Canadian bank. Our government won't even let Canadian banks buy a Canadian bank. We are quite restrictive here; I may stand corrected but I believe we can and do purchase in U.S., newspapers, banks, cable companies, radio stations and utilities. This will be an advertising field day. Fly American twice and receive free air ticket to Washington and meet Mr. Bush (for free) or fly to Ottawa and meet Mr. Martin (not free but all charges will be deposited in secret fund) Fly Northwest, Toronto to Vancouver and receive US flag and gift certificates for McDonalds. How can you turn down this deal? North america is the greatest.

all airline carriers who operate in canada are required by law to provide a minimal level of bilingual services. should US carrier ever fly from YYZ to YUL, they will be subject to those restrictions. And furthermore, the market will demand bilingual service on that particular route.

The Canadian airlines like this deal because it opens up the door to being bought out, then we will have nothing but American owned airlines flying throughtout N.A. The poster(s) above in favour of this scheme are delusional.

All except the poster who wants to "bilingualise" a couple of those American stewardesses. I've seen 'em. They're choice.

Most American airlines are in no position to be buying out anyone. they are having enough trouble staying afloat.

If they are going to open the skies in Canada to US airlines, they might as well open up to European, South American, Caribbean and Asian airlines as well. I stand neutral when it comes to opening the skies to foriegn airlines. There are many advantages and disadvantages.

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Alliance Atlantis: A Canadian Film Distribution Company
Star Wars: Episode III May 2005
"A person who walks in someone elses footprints leaves no footprints."

No, this is not good for Canadian airlines. All this will do is allow for easier takeover of Canadian airlines by American ones. It would be like me, trying to start up a diamond company, competing against DeBeers. I`d fry like Pike in a pan!

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Dave Ruston

When American airlines come to Canada it will give Canadian folks more choice. With competition you can vote with your dollars. Most people do not speak highly of Air Canada so would likely welcome American entry. When my family flies to California we always choose Northwest airlines over Air Canada due to price, service. Although we do make one stop on the way we do not mind this. With globalization there seems to be a new question to solve every day. I suppose the nationalists and the globalists would have a different opinion and seldom agree. As Holmes would say "time shall reveal all".