Airlines
EC Adopts Slots, Licences Measures
The European Council has adopted two sets of temporary rules to support the transport sector, which continues to be heavily impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Relief from airport slot use requirements will protect airlines and prevent the environmental harm that would be caused by running empty flights merely for the sake of keeping the slots for the next year. An extension of the possibility to temporarily prolong the validity of driving licences, roadworthiness tests and other specific licences, certificates and authorizations will help transport operators and citizens who...
Sunwing Takes Off With Freedom 21/22 Sale
Sunwing has launched an Early Booking Bonus on future vacation packages during its Freedom 21/22 Sale. The sale will give Canadians something to look forward to and features exclusive discounts and special perks on select vacation packages booked by March 31, 2021, for the freedom of travel between Nov. 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022. Dr. Peter Nord, acting Chief Medical Advisor for Sunwing Travel Group and Chief Medical Officer at Medcan, observed that: “Almost a year of quarantining and months of gloomy winter weather is starting to take its toll on Canadians.” Dr. Nord...
The Doctor Is In
WestJet has hired Dr. Tammy McKnight as the airline's first Chief Medical Officer (CMEDO). Dr. McKnight will be responsible for assisting WestJet in developing and implementing initiatives relating to the health and well-being of WestJetters and guests. This will include furthering the airline's commitment to mental health, advising on risk mitigation efforts, and making health recommendations to meet or exceed regulations and in line with the varying guidelines in which a global airline operates. This work was previously spread among multiple service providers and internal roles...
Transat Provides Update On Air Canada Arrangement
Transat A.T. Inc. issued “a status update regarding its contemplated arrangement with Air Canada (the "Arrangement")” under the revised arrangement agreement between Transat and Air Canada dated Oct. 9, 2020 (the "Arrangement Agreement"). The company noted that as announced on Feb. 11, 2021 -- although the Canadian government has approved the Arrangement -- the Arrangement must still receive the approval of the European Commission (the "Commission"); and the Commission has requested additional information from the parties and its decision is now expected to be rendered only in the...
John Weatherill Takes On EVP & CCO Roles At WestJet
Arved von zur Muehlen is stepping down from his roles as Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer at WestJet on March 5, 2021. The carrier’s president and CEO, Ed Sims said: “Arved's strategic thinking and ability have been of huge value to WestJet. On behalf of our WestJetters and our board of directors, we thank Arved for all he has done.” WestJet’s departing EVP and CCO, von zur Muehlen said: “I am grateful to our WestJetters, our guests and my colleagues on the executive team for having the opportunity to work for this great airline through some of the...
KLM Takes Off Sustainably
During the international conference on Synthetic Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) in The Hague, a passenger flight partly flown on sustainably produced synthetic kerosene, was carried out in The Netherlands. Shell, producer of the sustainable kerosene and KLM, operating the flight, presented this showcase during the meeting initiated by Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, Dutch Minister for Infrastructure and Water Management. European politicians, policymakers, representatives from the business community, the (aviation) industry and NGOs participated at the conference. The Netherlands is one...
Air Canada Reports 2020 Annual Results
Air Canada released its 2020 annual results, reporting total revenues of $5.833 billion in 2020 which is a decline of $13.298 billion or 70% from 2019. The carrier reported 2020 negative EBITDA(1) (excluding special items) or (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of $2.043 billion compared to 2019 EBITDA of $3.636 billion. It also reported an operating loss of $3.776 billion in 2020 compared to operating income of $1.650 billion in 2019. Unrestricted liquidity amounted to $8.013 billion at December 31, 2020. Calin Rovinescu, president and Chief...
Free Training For Former Cabin Crew From IATA
IATA is offering an online training course to help laid-off airline cabin crew members re-enter the job market. This course will be offered free of charge for those who register between now (Feb. 9) and Feb. 23. In a recent survey of 800 cabin crew who have lost their jobs in the crisis, IATA found that 78% wanted help to identify skills that can enable them to transfer into other roles. The three-hour Cabin Crew – Leveraging Professional Skills course was developed with input from former crew members to meet this need by enabling crew to enhance, promote and recognize...