Airlines
Disappointment Continues
June 2021 passenger demand performance reveals only ‘a very slight improvement’ in both international and domestic air travel markets reports IATA. And the airline industry association says that due to international travel restrictions, demand remains significantly below pre-COVID-19 levels. It also notes that comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19 and, as a result, the comparisons that it is using are to June 2019, which followed a normal demand pattern. Highlights include: * Total demand for air travel in...
KLM Takes Off With COVID-19 Check, Upload@Home
KLM is advising that its customers who are travelling to a selected number of destinations can now have the necessary COVID-19 travel documents checked in advance. The carrier’s COVID-19 check | Upload@Home is a new service that allows customers to travel well-prepared and smoothly. Participation in Upload@Home is free and voluntary. KLM's online check of COVID-19 documents is now available for all KLM flights to Amsterdam, and for KLM flights from or via Amsterdam to Curaçao, Dubai, Lima, St Martin, Istanbul, Germany and Spain. The number of destinations for which Upload@Home is...
Change Of Plans
Responding to a query from Press Today about separate line-ups for vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers arriving at Toronto Pearson airport, a spokesperson for the airport indicated that that plan was no longer in effect. In its response, the airport said that: “As Government of Canada travel restrictions ease in a health-focused and measured way, Toronto Pearson is committed to testing measures that will prioritize passenger and employee health while also resulting in efficiencies in the airport journey.” The statement continued: “Toronto Pearson, in collaboration with...
WestJet Strengthens KLM Codeshare
WestJet’s codeshare with KLM is evolving as the carrier is now using its ‘WS’ on KLM-operated flights. As a result of the expanded codeshare agreement, WestJet’s passengers will now have access via Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport (AMS) to 18 cities across Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. WestJet’s and KLM’s enhanced partnership builds on WestJet’s new non-stop 787 Dreamliner service between Amsterdam and Calgary and provides greater access between Canada and European points for travellers on both sides of the...
ACV Unveils Winter Sun From Ontario, The Maritimes
Air Canada Vacations has unveiled its new lineup of winter 2021-2022 flights that includes the addition of new flights and a full flying program in Ontario and the Maritimes, resuming service to almost 100% of its pre-pandemic destinations. The tour operator is also introducing an all-new nonstop route from Toronto to Exuma, Bahamas. This winter, travellers from Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax will be able to access nonstop flights to a range of popular sun destinations and connections to additional destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Nino Montagnese, Vice...
A Not To Be Missed Event And Press Today Was There
Talk about the travel industry leading by example ... Last Thursday evening (July 22), Press Today had a chance to join many prominent Toronto-based travel industry officials at a get-together at Toronto's Mimico Cruising Club. It was a gathering that Pat Probert of Bob Family Travel was quick to point out required those attending to be vaccinated against coronavirus. Vaccinations are seen as critical for a travel industry rebound, with Probert telling those on hand that they had set a great example for others with a stake in tourism. “No vaxs, no tracks,” Probert...
Reversing The Slide
There is guarded optimism in the Caribbean as there is increasing evidence in the marketplace that pent-up demand is roaring back much earlier and at a much quicker pace than forecasters had predicted. The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is also encouraged by the data from its member countries, who have worked tirelessly to contain the coronavirus and reopen their economies. On the surface, a 60% decline in the first quarter of 2021 -- compared to the same period last year – might not seem encouraging, but a closer examination suggests that the Caribbean is beginning to...
Out Of Touch With Reality
IATA has responded angrily to the European Commission’s (EC) decision to set the winter slot use threshold at 50%, branding the decision as being ‘out of touch’ with reality. The airline industry association said that the EC has ignored the advice and evidence presented by EU member states and the airline industry, which had made the case for a much lower threshold. What the EC’s announcement means, IATA said, is that from November to April, airlines operating at slot-regulated airports must use at least half of every single series of slots they hold. As a result, IATA...