Airlines
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...
At What Cost
IATA is warning governments that they need to take action to address the high cost of COVID-19 tests in many jurisdictions and urged flexibility in permitting the use of cost-effective antigen tests as an alternative to more expensive PCR tests. The airline industry association is also recommending that governments adopt recent World Health Organization (WHO) guidance to consider exempting vaccinated travellers from testing requirements. In its most recent survey of travellers, IATA reported that 86% of respondents are willing to get tested, but also noted that 70% believe that...
FLYGTA Signs Deal With Travelport
FLYGTA Airlines has signed a strategic commercial agreement with Travelport. The new agreement follows another deal the carrier reached with SITA as FLYGTA continues to expand its capability to distribute its private jet and regular scheduled airfares and inventory to a global network of travel agency partners. In the newly signed agreement with Travelport, FLYGTA Airlines will participate in Travelport's next-generation platform, Travelport+ which will be the first ever private jet distribution through a Global Distribution System. Chris Nowrouzi, CEO FLYGTA, said that: “The...
Reason For Optimism As Air Canada Reports Q2 Results
Air Canada is reporting its financial results for the second quarter of 2021, with highlights of those results including: Operating revenues of $837 million, an increase of $310 million or 59 per cent from the second quarter of 2020. Negative EBITDA (1) (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), excluding special items, of $656 million compared to negative EBITDA (excluding special items) of $832 million in the same quarter of 2020. Operating loss of $1.133 billion compared to an operating loss of $1.555 billion in the second quarter of 2020. Net cash...
More Ways To Pay With Porter Airlines
Porter Airlines is giving its customers more payment options when purchasing flights on the company’s website. The carrier is partnering with Ingenico to provide alternative secure and convenient payment methods, starting with PayPal and WeChat. New channels are also being considered for future introduction. As well, customers who want to travel, but prefer to spread out their costs, can finance purchases of $300 or more by paying through easy monthly installments using Uplift. Customers will see the total cost of their trip at the time of booking, along with the monthly...
ACV Expands Sun Routes In Western Canada
Air Canada Vacations has released details of its new lineup of 2021/2022 flights to sun destinations this winter. The roster includes a full flying program in Western Canada, with nonstop flights from major Canadian cities to Mexico and connections to an additional 31 destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Nino Montagnese, Vice President, Air Canada Vacations, said: “Our customers have been dreaming of sunshine, clear blue waters and warm sand between their toes for over a year now, and we want to make it easier than ever for them to turn those dreams into...