Airlines
Billy Bishop Unveils Safe Travels Program
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) has launched its Safe Travels Program, a comprehensive initiative developed in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic that includes operational measures and safety protocols that have been implemented to ensure a safe and healthy environment for passengers, staff and partners at Billy Bishop Airport. The airport has responded to the emergence of COVID-19 with a comprehensive health and safety program that is aligned with expert guidance and new industry best practices. Under the guidance of provincial and federal agencies such as Transport...
An Urgent Call From IATA To Reopen Borders
IATA is urgently calling on governments to work together to find ways to re-establish global connectivity by re-opening borders and to continue with relief measures to sustain airlines during the COVID-19 crisis. The airline industry association’s call comes as IATA reports that July passenger demand (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) continued at critically low levels -- 79.8% below July 2019 levels. This was “somewhat better” than the 86.6% year-over-year decline recorded in June, primarily driven by domestic markets, most notably Russia and China. Market...
WestJet Concerned By NAV CAN Rate Increase
WestJet is increasing domestic traveller surcharges to account for NAV CANADA rate increases of almost 30% starting Sept. 1. The carrier said it’s increasing the surcharge it charges for air traffic control services between $4 and $7 per guest depending on flight duration. NAV CANADA is Canada's air traffic control operator, responsible for Canada's civil air navigation system. WestJet is investigating an appeal of the rate increase and will remove the additional surcharge if the appeal is successful. Ed Sims, WestJet president and CEO, said: “We are deeply...
Zoom In On Israel
Israel, the land of inspiration, is hosting its first-ever Zoom in on Israel virtual roundtable for Canadian travel industry professionals. Set for Tues., Sept. 22 from 1 pm to 3 pm, travel advisors will have a chance to join some of Israel’s top travel industry professionals, who will share with advisors what’s new in Israel tourism and the diverse journeys that they can arrange for their clients – no matter what their tastes or budgets are. Israel’s tourism commissioner for North America, Eyal Carlin and its director and consul for Canada, Gal Hana will deliver opening...
Canada Extends International Travel Ban To Sept. 30
The Canadian government is extending the ban on international travel to Canada by another month. The announcement came this afternoon from Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and MP for Scarborough Southwest. Blair made the announcement of the extension on Twitter, stating: “Our government is extending the existing restrictions on international travel to Canada by one month - until September 30, 2020 - to limit the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in our communities.” And in a second tweet, Blair said that “Canadian citizens and permanent...
WestJet Implements Zero Tolerance Mask Policy
The WestJet Group has released multiple safety updates, including the potential for denied travel and a one-year WestJet Group travel ban for those who fail to comply with the airlines' mask regulation. It also announced the mandatory input of all guests' contact information at online and kiosk check-in to help the Public Health Agency of Canada and the provincial public health agencies across Canada with contact tracing in the case of infected individuals on board. The WestJet Group includes WestJet, WestJet Encore, WestJet Link and Swoop. Zero Tolerance Mask...
Swoop Gears Up For Pearson Take Off
Swoop is gearing up to launch its operations from Toronto Pearson Airport beginning Oct. 25 as part of its continued recovery plans. Charles Duncan, Swoop president, said that: “Travel is beginning to rebound, and we want to help encourage Canadians to reconnect with family and friends or plan that long-awaited vacation.” Duncan continued: “With the robust health and safety measures we have put in place on each of our flights, travellers in Toronto will now have more affordable air travel options than ever before.” Swoop's service at Toronto Pearson Airport will include a...
Full Recovery For Domestic Air Travel In China
ForwardKeys is predicting that domestic air travel in China, which has been recovering progressively in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, will reach a full recovery by the start of September. In the second week of August, domestic arrivals at Chinese airports reached 86% of 2019 levels and bookings (issued air tickets) hit 98%, with most being for travel in mid to late August. The travel data analytics company’s forecast of a full recovery is based on four factors. First, the pandemic is now under control. Second, domestic aviation seat capacity is set to grow by 5.7% in...