Airlines
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...
Consumers Are Confident About Air Safety
In its latest passenger survey, conducted in June, IATA is reporting that most air travellers are confident about the safety of air travel and support mask-wearing in the near-term. However, IATA also found that a majority are frustrated with the ‘hassle factor’ around COVID-19 protocols, including confusion and uncertainty about travel rules, testing requirements, and excessive test costs. The survey of 4,700 travellers in 11 markets around the world revealed that: 85% believe aircraft are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected 65% agree the air on an aircraft is as clean...
Rise Higher
Air Canada has unveiled its comprehensive program in support of Team Canada's journey to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which includes the launch of its new ‘Rise Higher’ brand spot. The carrier began flying Team Canada athletes, coaches and support staff from Toronto and Vancouver to Japan on July 1 onboard a 787 Dreamliner in a special livery. And Air Canada is further celebrating the country's athletes through innovative activations, exclusive access and engagement opportunities for fans. Andrew Shibata, Vice President – Brand at Air Canada, said that:...