Airlines
Transat Extends Loan Termination Date
Transat A.T. Inc. has extended the termination date of its $250 million short-term loan facility by three months. The facility had been arranged on Oct. 10, 2020, with Export Development Canada and National Bank of Canada as lead arranger. The loan facility will now terminate at the earliest date between June 30, 2021, and the closing of the arrangement with Air Canada (the "Arrangement"). It may still be drawn in tranches at any time before a date now set at May 31, 2021, subject to meeting the relevant prior conditions and applicable borrowing conditions. Those conditions...
Here’s The List Updated
The federal government's preliminary list of authorized quarantine hotels that was released last week has now (Feb 22) been expanded. On the web page where the quarantine hotels are listed, it also notes that hotel stopover bookings are managed by GB Travel Canada Inc., and are available by phone only. Bookings can be made by calling 1-800-294-8253. And it makes it clear that bookings can't be made directly with the hotel. The list of hotels is as follows: Calgary International Airport (YYC) Acclaim Hotel Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel Vancouver...
WestJet Drops Four As Demand Falters
WestJet is temporarily suspending its operations to St. John's, N.L., London, Ont., and Lloydminster and Medicine Hat, Alta., beginning March 19 and continuing until June 24, 2021. The Calgary-based carrier’s president and CEO, Ed Sims of the decision: “We have continued to operate in the face of uncertainty as domestic and international travel restrictions and quarantines have caused demand to plummet.” Sims continued: “Unfortunately, with new and increasingly restrictive policies, we are left once again, with no other option than to suspend service to these...
EC Adopts Slots, Licences Measures
The European Council has adopted two sets of temporary rules to support the transport sector, which continues to be heavily impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Relief from airport slot use requirements will protect airlines and prevent the environmental harm that would be caused by running empty flights merely for the sake of keeping the slots for the next year. An extension of the possibility to temporarily prolong the validity of driving licences, roadworthiness tests and other specific licences, certificates and authorizations will help transport operators and citizens who...
Sunwing Takes Off With Freedom 21/22 Sale
Sunwing has launched an Early Booking Bonus on future vacation packages during its Freedom 21/22 Sale. The sale will give Canadians something to look forward to and features exclusive discounts and special perks on select vacation packages booked by March 31, 2021, for the freedom of travel between Nov. 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022. Dr. Peter Nord, acting Chief Medical Advisor for Sunwing Travel Group and Chief Medical Officer at Medcan, observed that: “Almost a year of quarantining and months of gloomy winter weather is starting to take its toll on Canadians.” Dr. Nord...
The Doctor Is In
WestJet has hired Dr. Tammy McKnight as the airline's first Chief Medical Officer (CMEDO). Dr. McKnight will be responsible for assisting WestJet in developing and implementing initiatives relating to the health and well-being of WestJetters and guests. This will include furthering the airline's commitment to mental health, advising on risk mitigation efforts, and making health recommendations to meet or exceed regulations and in line with the varying guidelines in which a global airline operates. This work was previously spread among multiple service providers and internal roles...
Transat Provides Update On Air Canada Arrangement
Transat A.T. Inc. issued “a status update regarding its contemplated arrangement with Air Canada (the "Arrangement")” under the revised arrangement agreement between Transat and Air Canada dated Oct. 9, 2020 (the "Arrangement Agreement"). The company noted that as announced on Feb. 11, 2021 -- although the Canadian government has approved the Arrangement -- the Arrangement must still receive the approval of the European Commission (the "Commission"); and the Commission has requested additional information from the parties and its decision is now expected to be rendered only in the...
John Weatherill Takes On EVP & CCO Roles At WestJet
Arved von zur Muehlen is stepping down from his roles as Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer at WestJet on March 5, 2021. The carrier’s president and CEO, Ed Sims said: “Arved's strategic thinking and ability have been of huge value to WestJet. On behalf of our WestJetters and our board of directors, we thank Arved for all he has done.” WestJet’s departing EVP and CCO, von zur Muehlen said: “I am grateful to our WestJetters, our guests and my colleagues on the executive team for having the opportunity to work for this great airline through some of the...