Airlines
WTAAA criticizes IATA’s approval of global remittance policy, warns of impact on agents
The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) says that it strongly opposes IATA airlines’ decision to impose a globally standardized, shorter remittance period on travel agents. And WTAAA is warning that this move undermines local governance and jeopardizes collaborative relationships between local airline and travel agent representatives. In a recent mail vote of the Passenger Agency Conference, IATA airline delegates approved the enforcement of a globally aligned remittance period by mid‑2026, eliminating the flexibility for local markets to set alternative dates...
IATA reports air passenger demand continues to grow
In its latest data release, IATA reports that global air passenger demand continued to grow in November 2025. Highlights of the new data reveal that: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 5.7% compared to November 2024. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), increased 5.4% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.7% (+0.3 ppt compared to November 2024), a record high for November. International demand rose 7.7% compared to November 2024. Capacity was up 7.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.0% (+0.4 ppt compared to...
Lufthansa Group, Amadeus partner to introduce Order ID
The Lufthansa Group and Amadeus are partnering to make booking, customizing and managing flights even easier and more intuitive for travellers. The focus of the partnership is on the introduction of Order ID -- a new identification number that will replace the previous booking and ticket numbers in the future and bring together all components of a trip. These include the flight, reserved seats, baggage, and additional services such as upgrades or lounge access. This merger replaces the previously separate booking systems and thus creates a holistic overview of the entire trip for...
Tourism minister welcomes Flair’s new Toronto-Montego Bay service
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has welcomed Flair Airlines launch of new nonstop service between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Montego Bay (MBJ), strengthening airlift from Canada as the island enters the peak winter travel season. Minister Bartlett observed: “This new route will strengthen the island’s airlift and provide more options for our Canadian visitors to come to our shores. It also highlights the significant confidence that our airline partners have for the destination following an unprecedented category 5 hurricane.” And the...
Transat, Air Transat take off with January sales
As the new year begins, Transat and Air Transat are offering travellers the chance to take advantage of some great deals. Transat is offering up to 40% off packages to the South and to Europe, while Air Transat is offering low fares on flights to Europe, the South and Florida. Details of the offer include: Discounts on packages: Up to 40% off select packages to the South and Europe until Jan. 25. Flights on sale: Until Jan. 18, travellers can take advantage of reduced fares to many destinations departing from Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. The package discount...
Air Transat Pilots ratify new 5-year deal
Air Transat pilots have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new five-year employment contract -- marking the group’s first negotiated agreement in more than a decade. The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), which represents Air Transat’s pilots, said that of the 98% of eligible pilots who cast ballots, 91% voted in favour of the agreement, which now improves their competitive position within the Canadian airline industry and establishes a stronger foundation going forward. Capt. Bradley Small, chair of ALPA’s Air Transat Master Executive Council, said: “Our pilots...
Virgin Atlantic unveils its new leadership team
Corneel Koster, who took over the helm of Virgin Atlantic at the beginning of this year (Jan. 1, 2026) has appointed his new leadership team . In making the announcement, Koster, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said: “I’m incredibly proud and energized to be leading Virgin Atlantic into its next chapter. This airline has always been defined by its people — their red spirit, professionalism and unwavering care for our customers and for one another." And Koster continued: "I’m confident this leadership team brings together the experience, leadership qualities, innovative thinking and...
UPDATE: Carriers resume Caribbean flights after airspace restrictions lifted
In a post on X, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy advised that the airspace restrictions implemented on Jan. 3 in the Eastern Caribbean had been lifted. Duffy said in that post that: “The original restrictions around Caribbean airspace are expiring at 12:00 am and flights can resume. He continued: “Airlines are informed and will update their schedules quickly. Please continue to work with your airline if your flight was affected by the restrictions. Major airlines have begun to resume service, with carriers like American, United, Delta and others indicating...