Airlines
Ontario Ready To Go It Alone On Testing
Ontario Premier Doug Ford raised concerns about the testing of international travellers arriving at Pearson International Airport when he announced the details of a province-wide shut down that will come into effect on Sat., Dec. 26 at 12:01 am. In his remarks, Premier Ford said that he is “extremely alarmed” by reports of a new strain of COVID-19 that is much more contagious than “what we’ve been facing so far.” He continued: “This is an extremely serious threat. One we must take seriously and we need to ensure that our border is secure. We need to be certain that...
Supporting Families In Need
Despite the challenges of 2020, Air Canada Foundation has successfully continued its tradition of helping Canadian families in need from coast to coast. For December alone, over $135,000 (net) was raised through an inaugural public online auction, along with over 1 million Aeroplan points through its annual Matching Campaign. The auction funds raised will be redistributed to Canadian registered charities which focus on the health and well-being of children and youth, while the Aeroplan points donated by Aeroplan and its members will go toward the Hospital Transportation Program...
Garneau Issues Ministerial Direction On Refunds
Canada’s Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau has issued a new ministerial direction to the Canadian Transportation Agency to develop a new regulation to address future large-scale flight cancellations. In a statement, Minister Garneau said that: “Air travel is essential to Canada's economic growth and prosperity, and when Canadians buy an airline ticket, they expect airlines to meet their obligations. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a gap in the air passenger protection framework, which did not foresee the potential for large-scale and lengthy flight cancellations and...
WestJet Takes Off To Bonaire
WestJet is adding Bonaire to the destinations it serves in the Caribbean, with a new non-stop, once-weekly, seasonal service from Toronto beginning Feb. 6, 2021. Arved von zur Muehlen, chief commercial officer for WestJet, said: “Canadians have been asking for the addition of this diving and windsurfing paradise known for its pristine waters and rich marine life to our network.” He continued: “Bonaire is filled with safe activities for those seeking to getaway this winter and we look forward to connecting guests to the island's unique and unforgettable...
72 Hour Ban On Flights From The UK
In a statement, the Government of Canada indicated that it is closely monitoring the genetic variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 identified in the United Kingdom and is working with international partners, including the World Health Organization, to better understand this variant and its impacts. Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau convened a meeting of the Incident Response Group to discuss the new variant of COVID-19 identified in the United Kingdom. Minister of Health Patty Hajdu, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair, Minister of Transport Marc Garneau,...
Air Canada, Qatar Airways Sign Deal
Air Canada has the start of a strategic cooperation agreement with Qatar Airways allowing both airlines to expand their relationship, in conjunction with the launch of Air Canada's non-stop service between Toronto and Doha. The new agreement will provide customers access to a multitude of connections across the Middle East, Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, through Qatar Airways' Doha hub. Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada, said: “I am delighted to strengthen our relationship with Qatar Airways, one of the world's best airlines, which will...
Ready For Take Off
Transport Canada aviation safety experts have completed their independent review of the design changes to the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft recently certified by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and have now validated these changes. Validation of these changes means that these modifications can now be incorporated on Canadian registered aircraft. Transport Canada has worked extensively with the FAA and other key certifying authorities, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC), as well as...
WestJet Adds Sun, Dreamliner In January
WestJet has released its updated January schedule that features Dreamliner service to Mexico, along with more flights to sun destinations in the Caribbean, the United States (including Hawaii), Mexico and Central America. Arved von zur Muehlen, chief commercial officer for WestJet, said: “WestJet continues to welcome the introduction of new COVID-19 testing programs and pilots to ensure that our guests can confidently and safely travel abroad," said "With new destinations and the introduction of our Dreamliner service to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, guests can book with additional...