Airlines
WestJet takes off to Tulum from Calgary and Toronto
WestJet has now launched service to Tulum, Mexico from both Calgary and Toronto as it continues to bolster its portfolio of sun destinations for winter season. “WestJet is pleased to further enhance our connections to sun destinations this winter with new seasonal service to Tulum from Calgary and Toronto, allowing guests from coast-to-coast to explore the beauty of Mexico's Riviera Maya," said Daniel Fajardo, WestJet vice-president, network and schedule planning. “Cementing our position as the country's leading leisure airline, the WestJet Group will provide more seat capacity...
Air Canada expands its intermodal strategy in Europe, Asia
Air Canada is extending its intermodal strategy across Europe to include Italy, Spain, Britain as well as to Asia, with its first operator in South Korea. Customers purchasing flights can now book onward land connections to destinations across these countries to create a seamless travel itinerary. The new rail and bus options expand the Air Canada Intermodal offering previously launched in December 2023 in France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President of Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada, explained that: “Following a successful launch...
Europe, U.S., Asia featured in Air Canada’s Summer 2025 services
Air Canada will add new seasonal services and increase capacity into popular destinations across Europe, the United States, and Asia in Summer 2025. Among the new and restored routes are Montreal to Naples and Porto, Toronto to Prague and to Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago and Ottawa to London. Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning, at Air Canada, said: “Air Canada is pleased to provide our customers a wide array of destinations for their Summer 2025 travel. By leveraging our hubs in Toronto and Montreal we will offer more than 100,000 weekly...
Expanded Canada-Australia deal opens door for more Australia flights
The Canadian government has announced that it has expanded its air transport agreement with Australia, potentially providing more flight options and convenience for those travelling between the two nations. Canada’s Minister of Transport, Anita Anand said: “This expanded air transport agreement will improve connectivity for passengers, deepen our cultural and commercial ties and strengthen our supply chains. This is great news for travellers and businesses in both our countries. We are pleased to enhance our strong relationship with Australia, one of our most important...
Travelport, TAP Air Portugal sign NDC content deal
Travelport, and TAP Air Portugal (TAP) have announced that they have signed a multi-source content distribution agreement that includes both NDC content and traditional content for Travelport’s agency customers. Mario Cruz, Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer at TAP Air Portugal, said: “This upcoming launch of our NDC content in Travelport+ will be a pivotal moment in our decades-long relationship. Together, we are looking to deliver a solution that makes it easy for agents to access, sell, and service tailored NDC content and offers from TAP Air Portugal through the...
Air Canada unveils top 10 best new restaurants for 2024
Air Canada revealed its 2024 Top 10 Best New Restaurants in Canada during a celebration in Toronto this week, with Montreal's Sabayon taking top spot. Led by acclaimed pastry chef Patrice Demers and sommelier Marie-Josée Beaudoin, Sabayon offers intimate afternoon tea and evening dinner services that showcase locally sourced seasonal ingredients. In second place, Toronto-based Mhel, by co-owners Seung-min Yi and Young Hoon Ji, serves Korean-Japanese dishes with a touch of magic. Taking third place, Édith Foliot and Didier Lortie's Maison de Soma redefines farm-to-table...
Qantas appoints new director of sales for Canada
Qantas has recently appointed a new director of sales for Canada, based in Vancouver. James Howey, formerly of Air Canada, started work in his new position in early October. Howey is tasked with strengthening the Australian flag carrier’s presence in the Canadian marketplace and further developing Qantas’ relationships with the Canadian travel trade, corporate clients and key government stakeholders. He joins Qantas following a 27-year tenure with Air Canada, where he was employed in various roles in business development, sales and global account management. Howey said he was...
IATA reports ‘all-time high’ for September passenger demand
The peak travel season ended on an all-time high, with IATA reporting that global passenger demand for September 2024 saw: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 7.1% compared to September 2023, an all-time high for September. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 5.8% year-on-year. The September load factor was 83.6% (+1.0ppt compared to September 2023). International demand rose 9.2% compared to September 2023. Capacity was up 9.1% year-on-year and the load factor rose to 83.8% (+0.1ppt compared to September 2023). ...