Airlines
SATA Azores Takes Off With Travel Agent Program
SATA Azores Airlines has launched its Travel Agent Specialist Program, providing agents with the opportunity to learn about SATA Azores Airlines and the destinations it serves as well as win fabulous prizes. The Specialist program is divided into 4 lessons: SATA Azores Airlines, The Azores, Madeira, and Other Destinations. Each lesson is divided into short categories that are quick and easy to read and complete. Agents can start the lesson, stop, and save their lesson and come back any time to complete the lesson. For the launch of the program, a promotion will run through July...
Air France Takes Up The Sustainable Challenge
Two very special KLM flights took off from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol recently – one to Edmonton, Alberta, the other to Porto, Portugal. Both flights underwent the widest possible array of sustainability measures. Initiated by KLM employees, the Sustainable Flight Challenge will see 16 SkyTeam Airline Alliance members competing with a view to sharing insight and experience on sustainability, thereby accelerating the drive towards greater sustainability throughout our industry. The two most effective ways of reducing CO2 emissions are fleet renewal and the use of sustainable...
Air Transat Takes Off From Quebec City To London
Air Transat operated its first flight between Quebec City and London (TS492) this week. This exclusive service will be offered weekly, on Wednesdays from Quebec City and Thursdays from London-Gatwick, until late September. Joseph Adamo, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Transat, said that: “With this new flight to London, Air Transat becomes the only carrier to offer our loyal travellers in the Quebec City area a second direct connection to Europe, after Paris, making it easier than ever for them to plan their vacations. At the same time, we are delighted to introduce British...
IATA Welcomes EASA Mask Mandate Recommendation
IATA is welcoming new guidance from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) removing its recommendation that masks should be required in-flight. EASA’s updated Aviation Health Safety Protocol, published 11 May, calls for the mandatory mask rule to be relaxed where rules have been relaxed for other transport modes. This important shift reflects the high levels of vaccination, natural immunity levels, and the removal of domestic restrictions in many European nations. The updated guidance also acknowledges the need to move from an emergency situation to a more sustainable mode of...
Avery Re-Joins WS As VP, Commercial Strategy
WestJet has announced that former WestJetter, Chris Avery will rejoin the carrier as its Vice-President, Commercial Strategy. The appointment is effective immediately. John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Commercial, said: “Chris' knowledge and experience will be critical as we continue to drive growth and accelerate recovery. We are thrilled to welcome Chris back to the WestJet team as travel demand ramps up and we focus on our long-term commercial strategy.” Avery returns to WestJet following five years with Canadian North where he served as President and CEO...
Air North Takes Off From Toronto
Air North has broadened its presence in the South by providing a direct link between this country's largest city and the capitals of both the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. The Whitehorse-based carrier Tuesday launched a twice-weekly Whitehorse-Yellowknife-Toronto route, with the Ontario capital joining a network that also includes Victoria, Vancouver, Kelowna, Edmonton, Calgary and Ottawa. The route was praised by visiting Yukon officials at a reception at Toronto's Pearson International Airport. "I'm absolutely thrilled to be here today...for Air North's inaugural...
Sabre Maps The New Normal Of Travel
In a new study – “Mapping Travel’s New Normal” -- Sabre Corporation identified prominent shifts in travel. The wide-ranging study highlights the different areas of focus for airlines and agencies as both sectors seek to capture opportunities for recovery and for future growth. Commissioned by Sabre and carried out by Munich-based management consultancy Dr. Fried & Partners, the study involved both quantitative and qualitative research with 500+ decision-makers from airlines and travel agencies. Respondents were surveyed in eight languages across 20 countries in EMEA,...
ACTA Says Airport, Passport Delays Need To Be Addressed
With Canadian travellers experiencing significant delays at airport security and customs & immigration check points and long wait times for Canadians renewing passports in-person, ACTA is calling on the government to urgently address the situation. The association notes in a statement that these delays are caused by several factors, including labour shortages and increased administrative burdens due to legacy COVID-19 policies, as well as absenteeism. Wendy Paradis, president of ACTA, said: “Canada’s travel industry, including travel agencies and independent travel agents,...