Airlines
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...
Alberta, Canada Team Up On Pilot Rapid Test Program
Alberta and the federal government are teaming up on a joint, pilot program that will safely test an alternative to the current 14-day quarantine requirement for international travellers while continuing to protect Canadians from COVID-19. Travellers returning to Canada continue to be legally required to quarantine for 14 days after entering the country. The new pilot announced today (Oct. 22) will explore the feasibility of using a rigorous testing and monitoring program as a strategy to reduce the mandatory quarantine period, while keeping Canadians safe. Beginning on Nov. 2,...
Saint Lucia Says Welcome Back To Canadians
Saint Lucia is welcoming Canadian visitors back this fall with Air Canada Vacations starting on Nov. 7, 2020. The first flight back to Saint Lucia will depart from Toronto after nearly eight months of no air service as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Air Canada will resume its direct nonstop service from Toronto (YYZ) to Saint Lucia (UVF) operating on a once a week frequency every Saturday, then increasing to (3) weekly flights starting in December 2020. Saint Lucia officially opened its borders to international travellers on June 4, 2020 as part of Phase One of the...
Air Canada Welcomes New Rapid Testing Initiative
Not surprisingly, Air Canada is welcoming yesterday’s joint announcement by Alberta and the federal government that they were teaming up on a joint initiative for a pilot project to test international and transborder travellers arriving in Alberta for COVID-19. As the industry is well aware, Air Canada has been a leader, as well as a strong advocate, for the use of rapid testing to protect customers and employees. Earlier this year, the carrier partnered with McMaster HealthLabs (MHL) and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority for a study on testing that continues to yield results...
WestJet To Begin Providing Refunds Starting Nov. 2
The WestJet Group of Companies said it will begin providing refunds to original form of payment for those guests with flights cancelled by WestJet and Swoop, from any time period, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning Mon., Nov. 2, 2020, WestJet will systematically contact eligible guests, beginning with those with flights cancelled at the onset of the pandemic. The refund process is expected to take six to nine months to work through eligible requests. Ed Sims, WestJet president and CEO, said: “We are an airline that has built its reputation on putting people first....