Airlines
Government Response Threatening Recovery
IATA reports that while the recovery in air travel continued in October – with broad-based improvements in both domestic and international markets -- the imposition of travel bans by governments, against the advice of the World Health Organization (WHO), could threaten the sector’s recovery. Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted all comparisons are to October 2019, which followed a normal demand pattern. Those results indicate that: Total demand for air travel in October 2021...
Porter Partners With Allianz Global Assistance
Porter Airlines has partnered with Allianz Global Assistance in a move that sees Allianz Global Assistance become the carrier’s new travel insurance provider, and offering its customers a variety of insurance products and options. Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines, explained: “We’re giving Porter customers more insurance options, so they can feel comfortable and prepared for their unique travel needs. Porter Airlines. “Porter and Allianz are prepared to provide quality customer support for those looking to add these policies...
U.S. Tightening Testing Protocols
Early next week, the United States will tighten pre-departure testing protocols by requiring all inbound international travellers to test within one day of departure globally, regardless of nationality or vaccination status. In making the announcement, the Biden Administration indicated that the tighter testing timeline provides an added degree of public health protection as scientists continue to assess the Omicron variant. As well, the Biden Administration will continue to require masking during international or other public travel – as well as in transportation hubs such as...
Canada Ramps Up Border, Testing Measures Again
The federal government is again ramping up border measures following the World Health Organization announcement that it had classified B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern called Omicron. Since the WHO's announcement, Omicron has been found in a number of countries and regions, including a number of travel-related cases confirmed in Canada. As a result, the Canadian government is expanding the list of countries with entry prohibitions – which it announced on Nov. 26 – to include Egypt, Nigeria and Malawi. The other countries on that list are Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique,...
WestJet Names Schuster As Executive VP, CLO
WestJet has appointed Karl Schuster, as its Executive Vice-President and Chief Loyalty Officer (CLO). Schuster will join the WestJet executive leadership team in early 2022, following the completion of the immigration process. He has over 19 years of loyalty experience, including six years as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Velocity Frequent Flyer, Virgin Australia's loyalty program. During his time at Virgin Australia, Schuster grew Velocity to be one of the largest loyalty programs in Australia, significantly increasing their annual revenue; increasing membership...
All About Helping Kids For Air Canada Foundation
It’s Giving Tuesday and your donations will go a long way in helping Jessica and her son Israfil, a two-year old boy who suffers from a rare type of cancer, and many other kids across Canada, to fly for medical appointments. That’s the goal of the Air Canada Foundation Aeroplan Points Matching Week is all about: helping children reach medical care. Valérie Durand, spokesperson for the Air Canada Foundation, said that: “Your generosity, year after year, truly makes a difference in the lives of children and their families. With your precious contribution we've been able, over...
Taylor Is Now Interim President, CEO At WestJet
Harry Taylor has officially assumed the role of interim President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The WestJet group announced Taylor as the interim President and CEO on Sept. 15, 2021, following news of Ed Sims retirement announced on June 9, 2021. Commenting on the announcement, Taylor said: “I am honoured to take on the interim role of CEO at this pivotal time for the WestJet Group, and am focused on our relentless commitment to safety above all while ensuring continuity for our recovery, as we rebuild our airlines for our guests and our people.” He continued: “By...
Air North Adds Toronto Flights
Air North, Yukon's Airline is adding Toronto, Ontario to its route network. Joe Sparling, Air North’s president and CEO, said that: “As we look towards economic recovery in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories over the coming years, it has become evident to us that another connection to central Canada is going to be essential. Having a direct flight to Canada’s economic hub will kickstart opportunity for both territories.” Sparling’s comments were echoed by Garry Njootli, president of the Vuntut Gwitchin Development Corporation and a member of Air North’s board of...