Airlines
Vaccinations Mandatory For WestJet Group Employees
The WestJet Group has announced that effective Oct. 30, 2021, all WestJet Group employees will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In addition, full vaccination status will be a requirement of employment for all future employees hired by the WestJet Group. Mark Porter, WestJet executive vice-president of people, said that: “Protecting the health and safety of our guests and employees remains our number one priority and vaccinations are our best line of defense.” Porter noted that: “Aviation has been one of the hardest hit industries and we believe requiring...
Air Canada Rouge Is Back
Air Canada Rouge has resumed service with flights operating between Toronto and Las Vegas, Orlando, and Regina, with other destinations being introduced in September, including Cancun and Tampa. Jon Turner, vice president inflight services and president, Rouge Operations at Air Canada, said that: “Air Canada Rouge remains integral to Air Canada's overall strategy. As we emerge from the pandemic, we anticipate increased demand for vacation travel and from customers flying to enjoy overdue visits with family and friends.” Turner continued: “Air Canada's leisure airline is...
The 2021 Air Canada Race In Switzerland Signals Hope For The Industry
Although there have been multiple Air Canada Races held since its inception in 2006, arguably the most monumental is the 2021 edition which just wrapped up in Switzerland from August 28-Sept. 2. The competition signalled a restart of travel as it marked the first international trip for the majority of the 36 travel advisors who participated since the pandemic had a detrimental impact on the industry. “While this is the eighth Air Canada Race, this particular one is very special in my view,” Lisa Pierce, Vice President, Canada & USA Sales at Air Canada, told Canadian Travel...
Porter Airlines Is Back And Flying High
Porter Airlines is celebrating today (Sept. 8) as it resumes service from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport close to 18 months after it suspended its flights due to COVID-19 public health and travel restrictions. The carrier's flights to Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Thunder Bay are the first to restart; with service to Halifax, Quebec City, St. John’s, NL, and Moncton resuming in the next 10 days. Beginning Sept. 17, Porter will resume its operations to U.S. destinations, including Boston, Chicago, New York and Washington. Flights to other year-round destinations are set to...
Europe’s Summer Travel Season Sees Mixed Results
In new research, ForwardKeys reports that international flights to European destinations in July and August reached 39.9% of pre-pandemic levels; which is significantly better than last year (which was 26.6%), when the COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread lockdowns; and vaccines were not yet approved. However, ForwardKeys notes that the picture was very mixed, with some destinations doing considerably better than others; adding that the outlook is not improving, as bookings slowed towards the end of the summer period. Looking at performance by country, Greece was the stand-out. It...
Flash: Air Transat Launches Fall Seat Sale
Air Transat has launched what it’s calling its 10,000 Seats Under $299 flash sale and it’s inviting Canadian travellers to book their fall travels to the South or Florida, or within Canada. The promotion is valid for new individual bookings made between Sept. 3 and Sept. 13, 2021 for flights departing from Montreal, Quebec City or Toronto for travel between Sept. 20 and Dec. 16, 2021, to the South (Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, St Maarten), Florida (Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Miami, Orlando) and within Canada (Calgary, Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto,...
Tough Winter In The Forecast For European Airlines
According to GlobalData, European airlines can expect to face a tough winter as a result of the ongoing pandemic and the fact that travel confidence is likely to remain supressed. However, the data and analytics company says that low fares will be key to stimulating demand as travel restrictions are likely to continue. Gus Gardner, associate travel and tourism analyst at GlobalData, observes that: “With revenue still suppressed, airlines will have a tough winter ahead. During what is traditionally the offseason in Europe, the pandemic is likely to make operating conditions...
Air Canada Resuming Service From Toronto Island
Air Canada will resume service to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on Toronto Island beginning Sept. 8, 2021 with five daily return flights to Montreal. Mark Galardo, senior vice president, network planning and revenue management at Air Canada, said: “We are pleased to restart our operations at Billy Bishop airport and offer our customers the choice to fly in and out of Toronto Island, which is popular among business travellers for its proximity to the city centre and its ability to connect travellers to our global network through Montreal.” Galardo continued: “Our schedule...