Airlines
Give The Gift Of Travel With Air Canada
Between now and Dec. 1, Air Canada has a new flight pass option. Called the “Gift of Travel Flight Pass,” it offers travel to one of six geographic zones (Canada, US, South America, Europe, Asia, or Sun) anytime between now and April 2022, with the utmost flexibility. The Gift of Travel Flight Pass is special in how it works: It can be given as a gift to any Aeroplan member (If they’re not already a member, they just need to sign up prior to booking travel). The giver only chooses the travel zone. The recipient can choose the specific destination from anywhere Air...
Hong Kong, Singapore Launch Air Bubble
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) are launching the the Hong Kong-Singapore Air Travel Bubble (ATB), ahead of the departure of the first flights on Nov. 22, 2020. The Hong Kong-Singapore Air Travel Bubble – a bilateral, all-purpose and quarantine-free arrangement – is a milestone for the global tourism industry, and paves the way for a safe resumption of international travel. The partnership between the HKTB and the STB is also the first between the two tourism boards; demonstrating the close ties between the two destinations as well as a...
Global Airline Alliances Urge Harmonized Approach
The world’s three global airline alliances -- oneworld, SkyTeam and Star Alliance – have made it clear that they are in full support of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) second-phase Council on Aviation Recovery Task Force (CART) report released this week (Nov. 10). Together, they urge governments to implement the report guidelines for passenger testing protocols, as well as the adoption of digital health pass technology, so air travel may safely resume. Government-imposed travel and entry restrictions continue to significantly impact global travel demand....
Swoop, IHG Partner On Trusted Travel Getaways
Swoop has unveiled Trusted Travel Getaways -- packaged vacations designed to enable Canadians to enjoy a warm-weather vacation with confidence this winter. The limited offering of vacation packages aims to provide travellers with enhanced peace of mind throughout their travel journey. Trusted Travel Getaways will operate to Montego Bay, Jamaica, departing from Toronto beginning Dec. 19. Swoop launched the program in partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts and it will provide travellers with accommodation at the Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive. As well,...
Sunwing Takes Off
Sunwing Airlines took off from Toronto on its way to Punta Cana late last week, operating its first flight since it ground its aircraft for more than 230 days in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mark Williams, president of Sunwing Airlines, observed: “We are thrilled to be bringing Canadians back to paradise on board Sunwing Airlines. After months of staying home and with colder weather just around the corner, many Canadians are eager to return to the tropics. We are excited to be back in the skies, helping sun-seekers travel safely and responsibly.” Although the operator has...
Agents Can Win At ACTA Summit
Agents attending ACTA’s Travel Industry Summit which begins on Nov. 12 have a chance to win a number of prizes. Registered agents have a chance to win prizes from the event’s premiere sponsor, Air Canada and from a number of other suppliers. Prize winners will be announced at different times throughout the 2-day agenda. Travel agents must be in attendance to be eligible, and the more agents participate in the conference, the better chance they have of winning. Prizes include: 5 prizes to be drawn offering 2 tickets on Air Canada for North America, including Hawaii 2...
Preventing Catastrophe
IATA and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) are calling for urgent government intervention to prevent an employment catastrophe in the aviation industry. In a joint statement the two groups pointed out that estimates from the Air Transport Action Group suggest some 4.8 million aviation workers’ jobs are at risk as a result of air travel demand falling more than 75% (August 2020 compared to August 2019). The impact of COVID-19 related border restrictions and quarantine measures has effectively closed down the aviation industry, grounding planes and leaving...
No Commission Recalls: ACTA
In a statement issued following Transport Minister, Marc Garneau’s weekend announcement, ACTA reminds the government that the COVID-19 pandemic caused mass cancellations at an unprecedented rate last spring. And, the statement continued, based on consumer feedback, ACTA understands the need to provide refunds on COVID-19 affected bookings. ACTA president, Wendy Paradis said: “We know this is what the majority of Canadian consumers have asked for, and understand from yesterday’s announcement by Minister Garneau that consumer refunds will be a condition of any government...