Airlines
Air Transat Takes Off To Portugal
Air Transat has resumed service to Portugal, operating its first flights between Canada and Portugal recently, following its temporary suspension of service as a result of the global pandemic. The carrier is now offering two direct flights per week from Montreal to Lisbon and from Toronto to Porto. Direct flights from Toronto to Faro are set to begin on Jan. 18, 2022. For more on Air Transat’s service to Portugal, go to Agent...
Industry Applauds Easing Of U.S. Travel Restrictions
Industry associations were welcoming the announcement by the Biden Administration that it was planning on lifting travel restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers with a negative test result prior to travel beginning in November. Both the U.S. Travel Association and IATA applauded the move, with Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, observing that “the Biden administration’s announcement of a roadmap to reopen air travel to vaccinated individuals from around the world … will help revive the American economy and protect public health.” Dow pointed...
Born To Explore
On Aug. 27, Tara Sparshu, a professional travel consultant with TierOne Travel in Edmonton, Alta., embarked on her first international trip since the industry was altered by the onset of the global pandemic. “For me it was important not only because I miss travelling to see and experience new destinations but also to learn about what it’s like to travel now, learn and experience firsthand the new travel protocols so I can help my clients through these processes, as well as show people that travel can definitely be done safely,” Sparshu tells Travel Courier. Sparshu was one of...
US Set To Ease Travel Restrictions In November
The Biden Administration has indicated that it plans to ease restrictions on foreign travel into the U.S. beginning in November. At that time, it will require all foreign nationals entering the U.S. by air to be fully vaccinated. However, restrictions on non-essential travel from Canada and Mexico will continue to be in effect at the land borders until Oct. 21. With the changes the Biden administration is making in November, foreign travellers will be required to present proof of vaccination before they board their flight to the U.S.; they’ll also have to present proof of a...
Swoop Adds To Winter Schedule
Swoop is adding non-stop service to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) to its winter schedule from both Edmonton and Toronto. The carrier’s non-stop service will operate twice weekly from Toronto and once weekly from Edmonton. Bert van der Stege, head of commercial & finance, Swoop, said: “We are thrilled to expand our winter schedule just in time for our travellers in Toronto and Edmonton to book that long-awaited vacation to Los Cabos, Mexico.” He continued: “With non-stop flights available for as low as $139.00 † one-way, we are pleased to be offering...
WestJet Taps Taylor As Interim President, CEO
The WestJet Group has tapped Harry Taylor to assume the interim role of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with a transition period taking place between late November and mid-December 2021. Current CEO Ed Sims announced his retirement on June 9, 2021. WestJet Group Board Chair, Chris Burley said: “I am extremely pleased Harry has agreed to take on this interim role. Our global search for a permanent CEO continues, and on behalf of WestJet and the board, we are grateful Harry has stepped up to help us through this critical transition.” Burley continued: “Harry has...
Lufthansa Group, Travelport Sign New Distribution Deal
The Lufthansa Group airlines and Travelport have signed a new distribution agreement that enables modern airline retailing as well as technology innovation. Under the agreement, which covers the carriers Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS and Air Dolomiti, Travelport will distribute Lufthansa Group airlines’ NDC content through the next-generation content distribution and travel retailing platform, Travelport+. The agreement builds on the ongoing distribution of Lufthansa Group airlines’ content through traditional EDIFACT channels. Both companies are...
Air Transat Takes Off To Manchester
With demand growing as travel restrictions ease in both the United Kingdom and Canada, Air Transat is resuming its operations to Manchester earlier than initially planned. Beginning Oct. 19, it will once again offer direct flights to this popular English metropolis from Toronto. As well, Air Transat is resuming its direct flights between London Gatwick and Toronto on Sept. 15 (today), after many months of inactivity. Initially, the carrier will be flying three times a week between these two travel hubs and will gradually increase its service over the coming months. And the...