Air Canada’s Subsidiary, Air Canada Express, is operated by multiple airlines. These airlines are spread out across the country, and operate routes to many airports in Canada and the United States.
Saint John Airport
On my latest flight, I flew on a flight operated by Jazz Aviation, a subsidiary of Air Canada Express. I flew from my hometown airport in Saint John, New Brunswick, to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. My hometown airport was recently renovated, and has a very new and modern look on the inside, and the outside. The check-in process was very smooth. One of the best things about flying out of a small airport is that since the airport is serviced by small aircraft, the check-in and security lines are very short. Pre-security, there is a small restaurant and bar to grab a bite to eat, or maybe a drink before your flight. Big downside to this being pre-security is that you cannot bring any of your food or drink past security, however if you arrive early enough, you can enjoy your food, drink, and maybe catch up on some work using the free wifi!
The post security area also was recently renovated. Post security, there is a very comfortable seating area, that offers great views of the airport apron. There is also a small duty free shop that sells drinks, snacks, and even last minute souvenirs.
In-Flight Service
The service on the flight was very nice. On Air Canada Express, they offer complimentary drinks such as sodas, juices, coffees, teas, and even alcohol. They also offer snacks available for purchase. On some Air Canada Express flights, there are touchscreen entertainment systems. However, these are only available on the Embraer E175, and Bombardier CRJ-900 jets. For this flight, I flew on the Bombardier Q400. So I did not have a touchscreen entertainment system. I did however have magazines in the seat back pocket, as is standard on many flights. The magazines had recent stories and had information on Air Canada Destinations and the fleet.
The Aircraft
The aircraft I flew on was a Bombardier Q400. The aircraft I flew on was recently painted to the new black, red and white livery, which was a cool feature! My aircraft specifically was 6 years old, and it was very clean. The seats (from what I saw), were in good condition. The rest of the aircraft was pretty well maintained, however I will say that my air vent did not work, so a little bummer, but nothing that could ruin the flight!
Toronto Airport
Toronto Pearson Airport is the largest airport in Canada, and it does show for it! The parking for regional aircraft such as the Q400 is in a small extension of the main domestic terminal. The domestic gates are easily accessible from the regional terminal, but the international gates are harder to access due to the fact that #1 they are farther away, and #2 you must pass through security, and if your going to the United States, you must clear customs in Toronto. But you must re-clear security for all international flights. Other than that, Toronto airport is full of great restaurants and shops!
Overall
Overall, the flight was very smooth, and praise to Air Canada Express for their great service, and stellar pilots! I think that Air Canada Express is one of the best regional airlines not only in Canada, but in all of North America! I would recommend any subsidiary of Air Canada Express for your flight!
