C-GKOB has had a bit of an interesting life. The Airbus A319-100 started service with Air Canada back in 2002. For a short time, at the end of 2007 and start of 2008, the A319 flew for doomed Skybus, an American ultra low cost carrier. After returning to Air Canada, the airliner spent time with the Air Canada Jetz brand before settling in with subsidiary Air Canada Rouge.
We photographed C-GKOB on February 24, 2018 while plane spotting at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). For full-size, high resolution versions for any of the photos in the image gallery, simply click on the individual pictures. See below for more detailed information on C-GKOB, the Airbus A319-100 model in general and the airline.
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C-GKOB
Airbus A319-100
Air Canada Rouge
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C-GKOB
C-GKOB performed its maiden flight on November 1, 2002 and was delivered to the main Air Canada fleet on December 9, 2002. On November 1, 2007, the Airbus A319-112 entered service with Skybus as N571SX. Skybus was founded in 2004 and commenced operations on May 22, 2007.
Timing is everything and at that time, fuel costs skyrocketed and the U.S. economy collapsed. Skybus was out of business by April 5, 2008. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the ultra low cost carrier modeled itself after European airline Ryanair. They flew to 17 destinations with a fleet of 12 aircraft, all Airbus A319-100 models.
After returning to Air Canada, C-GKOB spent time with business charter brand Air Canada Jetz, starting in March, 2010. The airliner was transferred to Air Canada Rouge on June 30, 2014. One of 20 A319 aircraft in the Rouge fleet, this airplane is configured for a maximum total of 136 passengers with 12 seats in economy class and 124 economy class seats.
On October 12, 2015, flying for Rouge, the Airbus A319-100 was traveling from Calgary, Alberta to Los Angeles, California. At cruise altitude, the message ‘Hydraulic Green Low Level’ popped up. The aircraft was diverted to Vancouver, British Columbia for a safe landing but had to be towed to the apron. As a result, a leaky hydraulic line that connected to the left side thrust reverser isolation valve was replaced.
Airbus A319-100
The first Airbus A319-100 took flight on August 25, 1995 and was later introduced for service with Swissair in 1996. This a shorter version of the initial Airbus A320-200 variant in the Airbus A320 Family. Around 1,500 have been produced.
The A319 is 34 metres or 111 feet in length with a wingspan of 36 metres or 118 feet. At the tail, the airliner stands 12 metres or 39 feet in height. The flight range for this airplane is 6,950 kilometres.
Air Canada Rouge
Founded in December, 2012, Air Canada Rouge is a wholly owned subsidiary of Air Canada. Therefore, the airline is a member of the Star Alliance as the parent company is a founding member. Rouge flies to nearly 50 destinations with a fleet of 50 aircraft. The fleet consists of Boeing 767-300ER, Airbus A321-200 and Airbus A319-100 models.
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