Airlines
Air Canada Rouge Is Back
Air Canada Rouge is back, taking off from Toronto to Cancun this week. Mark Galardo, vice president, network planning and alliances at Air Canada, said that: “Air Canada Rouge remains an important part of our overall strategy in rebuilding Air Canada's global network. As leisure traffic resumes, we will progressively add Air Canada Rouge to select North American leisure markets from Eastern Canada.” Nino Montagnese, managing director at Air Canada Vacations, said: “Since the beginning of the summer Air Canada Vacations has been working to bring vacations back to customers who...
Canada Extends 14-Day Quarantine
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency preparedness, Bill Blair and Minister of Health, Patty Hajdu have announced that the federal government is extending the Mandatory Isolation Order and temporary travel restrictions for all non-US travellers -- unless their travel is for non-discretionary reasons – to Nov. 30, 2020. The federal government has also made some practical adjustments to provisions allowing limited Canada-U.S. cross-border travel, in a few specific circumstances. Effective Oct. 31, 2020, residents of Campobello Island, New Brunswick; Stewart, British Columbia;...
Sunwing Ramps Up Commitment To Health, Safety
Sunwing Airlines has announced that its aircraft will be treated using AEGIS Microbe Shield -- a powerful antimicrobial spray that controls and prevents the growth of bacteria on surfaces – as the company gears up to resume flight service beginning on Nov. 6, 2020, The AEGIS treatment is being introduced on Sunwing planes as part of the company’s Safe with Sunwing commitment, which includes enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols to protect customers and employees at every step of the vacation journey Mark Williams, president of Sunwing Airlines, explained that: “The...
Little Good News On The Cost Front: IATA
In a new analysis, IATA reveals that the airline industry cannot slash costs sufficiently to neutralize severe cash burn to avoid bankruptcies and preserve jobs in 2021. The airline industry association reiterated its call for government relief measures to sustain airlines financially and avoid massive employment terminations. It also called for pre-flight COVID-19 testing to open borders and enable travel without quarantine. Total industry revenues in 2021 are expected to be down 46% compared to the 2019 figure of $838 billion. The previous analysis was for 2021 revenues to be down...
An Elevated Experience
WestJet opened its flagship lounge at Calgary International Airport today (Oct. 27), revealing a space that features over 9,300 square feet of space – complete with panoramic views – and stepping up the carrier’s goal of attracting premium travellers. Incorporationg a host of Canadian-inspired details, the WestJet Elevation Lounge blends contemporary design with refined mountain living inspired by this country’s diverse landscape. It was designed in collaboration with global architecture and design firm Gensler to carefully consider the needs and safety of guests and...
ACV Brings Vacations Back To The West
Air Canada Vacations is bringing vacations back to Western Canada with additional destinations in Mexico available to book with travel beginning in November 2020. Nino Montagnese, managing director at Air Canada Vacations, said: “At Air Canada Vacations, our goal is to continue to offer our customers more flexibility and more options when they are looking to book their next sunny getaway.” Montagnese continued: “With Air Canada CleanCare+ and Air Canada Vacations’ health and safety standards, travellers can book with the peace of mind they need to enjoy their well-deserved...
Swoop Unveils Edmonton, Pearson Winter Scheds
Swoop has unveiled details of its winter schedules from Edmonton International Airport and from Toronto Pearson Airport. Bert van der Stege, head of commercial & finance at Swoop, said: “We are excited to be expanding our ultra-low cost carrier model from Edmonton by adding Toronto to our network. We know that Canadians are cautious about travelling, and with the significant health and safety measures we have put in place, travellers can rest assured that their safety is our top priority." From Edmonton, the inaugural winter schedule operations also include a return to sun...
US DoT Tentatively Approves Delta, WestJet Application
The U.S. Department of Transportation DoT) has given tentative approval of, and grant of antitrust immunity for, the proposed alliance agreement submitted by Delta Air Lines and WestJet. The carriers request antitrust immunity to operate a joint venture between the United States and Canada, through which they intend to coordinate their services, including network planning, pricing, and sales activities. By combining networks, the carriers are expected to expand capacity on some existing routes while introducing services on several new routes, allowing more options for travel to and...