Wildly inconsistent COVID-19 travel restrictions are stalling the recovery of air transport and IATA is urging governments to put an end to those restrictions by implementing simplified regimes to manage the risks of COVID-19 as borders re-open to international travel.
Willie Walsh, director general of IATA, said that: “Travel restrictions bought governments time to respond in the early days of the pandemic. Nearly two years later, that rationale no longer exists. COVID-19 is present in all parts of the world. Travel restrictions are a complex and confusing web of rules with very...
Flair Airlines is introducing nonstop service between Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) and Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) beginning Dec. 15, 2021. Flair is the only airline offering non-stop service on the route this holiday season.
Stephen Jones, president and CEO, Flair Airlines, said: “We see a vibrant future filled with opportunities as we expand and bring nonstop service between the Greater Toronto Area and the Coachella Valley. Our low fares and nonstop routes are changing the travel game for Canadians. We cannot wait to bring more travelers to these popular...
IATA has released its latest outlook for airline industry financial performance which reports improved results amid the continuing COVID-19 crisis:
Net industry losses are expected to reduce to $11.6 billion in 2022 after a $51.8 billion loss in 2021 (worsened from the $47.7 billion loss estimated in April). Net 2020 loss estimates have been revised to $137.7 billion (from $126.4 billion). Adding these up, total industry losses in 2020-2022 are expected to reach $201 billion.
Demand (measured in RPKs) is expected to stand at 40% of 2019 levels for 2021, rising to 61% in 2022.
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Air Transat has resumed its service between Canada and Cuba after several months of forced suspension due to the COVID-19.
The carrier operated its first flight back to Cuba late last week, from Toronto to Holguin and it’s resuming its Montreal-Holguin operations today (Oct. 5, 2021).
During the 2021-2022 winter season, Air Transat will being enhancing its service to include flights from
Toronto to Cayo Coco, Holguin, Santa Clara and Varadero
Halifax to Cayo Coco and Holguin
Moncton to Varadero
Montreal to Cayo Coco, Holguin, Santa Clara and Varadero
Quebec City...
The AIR MILES Rewards Program is introducing a series of improvements as part of its commitment to providing Canadians with an enhanced loyalty program that offers more choice, flexibility and value than ever before.
Over the coming months, AIR MILES collectors will be introduced to more redemption benefits, more ways to earn and more opportunities to take part in promotions.
Anchoring these program enhancements, is the announcement of the all-new AIR MILES Flights platform, which will officially launch in November.
AIR MILES Flights allows Canadian travellers to choose...
Transat has appointed Cole Keitamo and Marie-Eve Charbonneau to Group Sales Managers.
Keitamo has been promoted to Group Sales Manager, Ontario, Atlantic and Western Canada. He has over 20 years of experience in various roles at Transat, including Group Supervisor and Call Centre Supervisor. He has served as Group Sales Manager in Western Canada since March 2017.
Additionally, Marie-Eve Charbonneau has been promoted to Group Sales Manager, Quebec and Ottawa. She joined Transat in 2003 and has held several positions over the years, including various supervisor roles within the...
Aruba is gearing up to welcome back Canadian vacationers as Air Canada, WestJet and Sunwing resume service to Queen Beatrix International Airport in Oranjestad, Aruba.
Close to 55,000 seats between Canada and Aruba will be available between October 2021 and March 2022.
Ronella Croes, CEO of Aruba Tourism Authority, said: “In working with our trusted airline partners, we are thrilled to resume direct airlift service from Canada, expanding flight options for Canadian visitors to travel to our One happy island this fall and winter. With our year-round sunny skies and award-winning...
Tourism officials in Antigua and Barbuda are celebrating as the destinations will see a boost in airlift for the winter season, as demand for the destination increases amongst travellers seeking to escape the cold weather.
Air Canada resumed its flights from Toronto to St. John’s, Antigua & Barbuda yesterday (Oct.3).
Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Charles Fernandez said: “We welcome Canadians back to our shores and are very pleased that Air Canada has decided to resume services from Toronto to St. John’s, Antigua. This upcoming winter season, visitors...
The Air Canada Foundation successfully raised over $765,000 during the ninth edition of its annual golf tournament. The tournament resumed after a one-year pause due to COVID-19.
The fundraising event will support charitable organizations dedicated to the health and well-being of children and youth in Canada.
Held at the Saint-RaphaÎl Golf Club earlier this week and following local COVID-19 protocols, the event welcomed approximately 250 guests.
Priscille LeBlanc, Chair of the Air Canada Foundation, said: “On behalf of all the children and families whose lives are touched by...
IATA said that the recovery in air travel decelerated in August compared to July, as government actions in response to concerns over the COVID-19 Delta variant cut deeply into domestic travel demand.
Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted all comparisons are to July 2019, which followed a normal demand pattern.
The latest results from IATA reveal that:
Total demand for air travel in August 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was down 56.0% compared to August...