Airlines
2020: A Year When The Sun Forgot To Shine
Across the Caribbean, the impact of COVID-19 on the travel and tourism industry has been more than apparent; in fact that impact was particularly evident during the April to mid-June period when there was literally no activity in some Caribbean destinations -- empty hotels and restaurants; deserted attractions; shut borders; laid-off workers; grounded airlines; and crippled cruise lines. While the region saw some fluctuations in the levels of visitors for the remaining months of the 2020, the Caribbean Tourism Organization's newly released 2020 Performance Review makes it clear that...
Welcome News
IATA is praising the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council’s approval of the latest recommendations from its Aviation Recovery Task Force (CART). The Council approved recommendations for: Temporary liberalization of cargo flights Considering priority vaccination of air crew Increased cooperation among governments to implement CART recommendations and guidance As well, it provided updated guidance for: Testing certificates COVID-19 risk management including vaccination and its interdependencies Dangerous goods guidelines for the carriage of...
Air Transat Extends Flight Suspension To June 14
Air Transat is advising agents that due to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, it is extending the suspension of its flights until June 14, 2021. The company said that the ‘difficult decision’ stems from the travel restrictions still in place both in Canada and in the destinations to which we fly and as a result, “a resumption of flight operations prior to this date is simply not feasible.” Air Transat’s message continues: “All of your clients who had a trip planned between May 1 and June 13 will receive a refund made in the method of payment on the file. If the...
An Anniversary No One Wants To Celebrate
One year. I have been thinking about the passage of time. In those early days, it passed like a dripping tap … drip … drip … drip … we left our offices, closed our businesses, abandoned our daily routines and barricaded ourselves in our homes because we needed to stay away from each other. As we scurried to our safe place, we searched frantically for toilet paper, paper towels, antiseptic wipes, masks, gloves and other supplies that we bought in bulk, believing by doing so we'd be protected from something that couldn’t be seen, but we all knew was out there. At home,...
Time To Plan For A Restart – IATA
In its latest polling of recent travellers, IATA reports that here is a growing confidence in a return to air travel; frustration with current travel restrictions; and acceptance of a travel app to manage health credentials for travel. On the issue of travel restrictions, IATA found that: 88% believe that when opening borders, the right balance must be struck between managing COVID-19 risks and getting the economy going again 85% believe that governments should set COVID-19 targets (such as testing capacity or vaccine distribution) to re-open borders 84% believe that...
Aeroplan Partners With Starbucks Canada
Aeroplan has announced that a new partnership with Starbucks Canada will allow its members to earn and redeem points by enjoying their favourite Starbucks beverages and snacks. Members can now link their Aeroplan account to a Starbucks Rewards account and double-dip by earning both Aeroplan points and Starbucks Stars at participating Starbucks locations throughout Canada. Linking takes less than a minute and can be done at www.aircanada.com/starbucks. Mark Nasr, senior vice president, products, marketing and eCommerce, Air Canada, said: “We redesigned Aeroplan with the...
Air Canada Salutes Women On IWD 2021
Air Canada is marking International Women's Day 2021 by celebrating the contributions and achievements of its women employees. Four Air Canada women in non-traditional aviation careers share how they pivoted, then navigated with flexibility and resilience the ever-changing events related to the COVID-19 pandemic during a year like no other. The airline also championed the next generation of women aviators as it announced four winners in the second year of the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship. Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, executive vice president, chief human resources officer and public...
More Space In Economy On Emirates
Emirates’ economy class customers can now enjoy even more personal space and privacy onboard with the ability to purchase up to three empty adjoining seats on their flight. The seats will be offered to all Economy Class customers holding a confirmed booking. Customers will not be able to pre-book empty seats, as these are subject to availability. Empty seats will only be offered for purchase at the airport check-in counter prior to flight departure, and costs range from AED 200 to AED 600 (US$ 55 to US$ 165) per empty seat, plus applicable taxes depending on flight...