Airlines
Low Cost Carriers To Lead Recovery: GlobalData
According to GlobalData, the low-cost airline model will lead post-COVID recovery and help revitalize demand. The data and analytics company points out that frugal cost-cutting measures taken and operational responsiveness will see these carriers move quickly to absorb pent-up demand and capitalize on any opportunities ahead of other high-cost model airlines. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified consumer concerns around personal finances. GlobalData’s latest COVID-19 Recovery Survey showed that globally, a staggering 87% of respondents were ‘extremely’, ‘quite’, or...
FAA Issues Emergency Directive On 777s
After a United Airlines’ Boeing 777 suffered a catastrophic engine failure and had to make an emergency landing in Denver, United has removed those aircraft from service and Boeing has recommended that airlines ground all of its 777s with the type of engine (a Pratt & Whitney PW4000) that suffered a catastrophic failure over Denver on the weekend. In a statement following the emergency, FAA Administrator, Steve Dickson said that: “After consulting with my team of aviation experts about yesterday’s (Feb 20) engine failure aboard a Boeing 777 airplane in Denver, I have...
Emirates Gateway Set To Deliver More To Agents
Beginning July 1, 2021, Emirates will be offering exclusive rich content and services for travel agent partners on its NDC-enabled direct connect platform, Emirates Gateway. At the same time (July 1), Emirates will be introducing a surcharge on all bookings made via Global Distribution Systems (GDS). This follows the launch of Emirates Gateway in October last year, and marks a milestone in Emirates’ plans to cater to a dynamic marketplace by providing trade partners with a choice of connection options and differentiated products and benefits across channels. Adnan Kazim,...
Transat Extends Loan Termination Date
Transat A.T. Inc. has extended the termination date of its $250 million short-term loan facility by three months. The facility had been arranged on Oct. 10, 2020, with Export Development Canada and National Bank of Canada as lead arranger. The loan facility will now terminate at the earliest date between June 30, 2021, and the closing of the arrangement with Air Canada (the "Arrangement"). It may still be drawn in tranches at any time before a date now set at May 31, 2021, subject to meeting the relevant prior conditions and applicable borrowing conditions. Those conditions...
Here’s The List Updated
The federal government's preliminary list of authorized quarantine hotels that was released last week has now (Feb 22) been expanded. On the web page where the quarantine hotels are listed, it also notes that hotel stopover bookings are managed by GB Travel Canada Inc., and are available by phone only. Bookings can be made by calling 1-800-294-8253. And it makes it clear that bookings can't be made directly with the hotel. The list of hotels is as follows: Calgary International Airport (YYC) Acclaim Hotel Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel Vancouver...
WestJet Drops Four As Demand Falters
WestJet is temporarily suspending its operations to St. John's, N.L., London, Ont., and Lloydminster and Medicine Hat, Alta., beginning March 19 and continuing until June 24, 2021. The Calgary-based carrier’s president and CEO, Ed Sims of the decision: “We have continued to operate in the face of uncertainty as domestic and international travel restrictions and quarantines have caused demand to plummet.” Sims continued: “Unfortunately, with new and increasingly restrictive policies, we are left once again, with no other option than to suspend service to these...
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...