Airlines provide temporary alternatives to international and domestic air supply shipping, which are usually transported by land. Air Canada has substantially increased its cargo capacity in and out of Vancouver from its three domestic hubs to help in the destruction of railway lines and blocking truck routes. Keep important supply lines open after natural floods and landslides.

The increase in cargo flights and the use of large aircraft in passenger flights will increase the capacity by 646 tons over the planned level, providing exports for shippers who have experienced transportation delays. The airline said on Monday that freight volumes to British Columbia have surged 45% and will continue until November 30.

Cargo vice president Jason Berry said in a statement that Air Canada (OTC US: ACDVF) has used Boeing 787, 777, and Airbus A330-300 wide-body aircraft on 28 scheduled passenger flights. It will replace the small aircraft and will operate an additional 13 large aircraft all-cargo flights between Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary.

"These aircraft will help transport perishable items such as mail and seafood, as well as auto parts and other industrial products," he said.

 

 

The management also worked with regional partner Jazz Aviation to provide additional regional cargo capacity by temporarily converting Air Canada’s De Havilland Dash 8-400 express train from its normal passenger configuration to a special freighter with seats removed. Jazz, which operates as an Air Canada express company, ordered 13 retrofit kits from manufacturers last year to allow ground cargo loading in the passenger cabin. Air Canada said the temporary cargo ship can carry 18,000 pounds of cargo and will be put into service this week.

Last week, Air Canada quickly upgraded its aircraft on 14 passenger flights to Vancouver to provide more air cargo.

Heavy rain brought by a major storm more than a week ago caused floods and landslides, which washed away parts of the CN and Canadian Pacific Railway and disrupted rail services to the Port of Vancouver. The storm also closed many roads in the province and restricted truck access to the port.

Vancouver is the main maritime gateway for Canada’s imports and exports, and an important intermodal route for Asian freight to the hinterland of the United States via Chicago.

CN and CP staff are working to restore rail services. CP officials said they expect to resume services in the area later this week. The delay has slowed the speed of unloading ships. As of Monday, 47 ships were waiting for berths.

Maersk Line told customers that the normal flow of goods in and out of Vancouver will be affected by the disruption within a few weeks.