Originally Posted by
negrilsand
Well, Thepegboy, we can all sympathize with you. Perhaps a little effort at communication by Air Canada would have helped a lot. But I suspect that between us, Captain Oil and I, have over 50 years of experience on the front lines of aviation. We may know just a little bit. There are very few spare aircraft, if any, available at any given time that would be available for charter. Leasing a spare aircraft from another airline is even more unlikely-impossible!. Finding an aircraft that would carry the same number of passengers and fly the route would be very very unlikely. Due to the lack of communication by AC and a lack of a little stroking of egos, you are left in a situation where there is very little that would satisfy you. An airliner these days cost usually over $100 million US. You will not find this kind of asset sitting around as a spare at various airports waiting for a random maintenance problem. The Air Canada personnel at MBJ are most likely almost entirely part time contract employees. They are not exceptionally skilled in public relations, motivated nor authorized to completely handle such situations. If Air Canada or, for that matter any airline, could have done what you wanted, your airfare would have to have been at least 3-5 times what you paid-at least. I'm pulling a number out my hat, but the cost to get a replacement aircraft-even if possible- would be well over $200,000 US! Your ticket just did not cover that. Again Air Canada, in a good will gesture, should give you a voucher good for a future flight. Captain Oil, thanks for reminding me to carry snacks!
