Airlines
WestJet, Copa Airlines connect on interline deal
WestJet and Copa Airlines have signed a new interline partnership agreement that will significantly enhance connectivity across both carriers' networks. The interline deal allows WestJet passengers to seamlessly travel beyond the carrier’s newly announced destination, Panama City, with access to 37 Copa Airlines destinations across Central and South America. Additionally, Copa guests travelling north will gain access to WestJet's extensive North American network. John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, explained that: “Building on the...
IATA reports passenger demand growth in July
IATA has released global passenger demand data for July 2025, with the highlights including: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was up 4.0% compared to July 2024. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 4.4% year-on-year. The July load factor was 85.5% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024). International demand rose 5.3% compared to July 2024. Capacity was up 5.8% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.6% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024). Domestic demand increased 1.9% compared to July 2024. Capacity was up 2.4% year-on-year....
Turkish Airlines flying high with new Toronto office opening
Turkish Airlines is flying high these days with the opening of its new Toronto office. The event, this week, saw the airline welcome industry VIPs to celebrate and explore the carrier’s new Toronto home and also get an update on some of Turkish Airlines new initiatives in Canada. Located at 90 Adelaide Street West, #700, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 4A6, travel trade types also enjoyed a selection of authentic Turkish cuisine during the evening’s festivities. Meanwhile, in other news, as a destination, Türkiye is gaining growing popularity in the Canadian market, with tourism...
Porter adding new Fort McMurray-Ottawa route
Porter Airlines is introducing new service between Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM); making the carrier the only airline offering nonstop service between the two destinations. The year-round service takes off Nov. 17, 2025, with three weekly nonstop roundtrip flights. Andrew Pierce, vice president, network planning and reporting, Porter Airlines, said: “Porter is the only airline providing service between Ottawa and Fort McMurray. As the latest addition to our network, Fort McMurray is gaining valuable new air service to support its...
WestJet adds Puerto Escondido to its winter 2025/2026 schedule
WestJet is adding Puerto Escondido to its route map for the first time, providing seasonal access for travellers between Calgary and the Pacific coast surf town in Oaxaca, Mexico. Beginning Dec. 12, 2025, the route will operate once per week throughout the winter travel season. John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Delivering this hidden gem to WestJet's network is another way we're fulfilling our promise to give Canadians more unforgettable and affordable getaways.” And Weatherill added: "For those looking to trade snow...
Travel options expanding at Hamilton International
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (Hamilton International or YHM) has released details of its 2025/26 Winter Program, featuring flights to destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Florida, along with continued service to key Canadian cities, including Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax and Vancouver. As well, passengers travelling from Hamilton International will enjoy the added comfort and convenience of passenger jet bridges – that’s a first. The much-anticipated additions are coming just in time for the winter season and will provide direct, weather-protected access from the...
Air Canada updates goodwill policy for customers as recovery accelerates
Air Canada said that it expects “to deliver close to its full network schedule” by tomorrow (Fri., Aug 22, 2026). As it continues to ramp up its operations, Air Canada also advised that it had updated its goodwill policy to cover reasonable additional accommodation and out-of-pocket expenses incurred by customers as a result of the labour disruption at the airline. The updated, exceptional policy applies to customers whose original travel was disrupted between Aug. 15 and Aug. 23, 2025 inclusive and builds on the flexible rebooking policy implemented earlier to cover transport...
Air Canada’s Lisa Pierce: “We are here for all agents”
When you ask Lisa Pierce how Air Canada will be rebuilding trust as it resumes its operations, she’ll tell you that the airline will do it by being present, being transparent, being honest and providing constantly updated information to the travel trade and to their clients in what can only be described as an unprecedented situation. “It's up to us to earn their trust back and we're committed to doing that,” Pierce, VP Global Sales & Air Canada Vacations, said in conversation with Travel Press Today. Addressing the travel trade, Pierce thanked agents for working extremely...