Airlines
Porter Airlines, BMO & Mastercard launch first Canadian credit card program granting instant loyalty benefits
Porter Airlines, BMO and Mastercard are launching two new BMO VIPorter Mastercard credit cards – creating the first and only travel credit card program in Canada that grants immediate frequent flyer benefits for cardholders in an airline’s loyalty program, while enabling accelerated travel rewards. More than 30,000 people have joined the pre-launch waitlist since the program was announced in January 2025 as Canadians seek more choice and benefits from their travel credit cards. The new BMO VIPorter Mastercard credit card lineup enhances customers’ ability to earn VIPorter...
Porter expands VIPorter loyalty program with addition of Air Transat
Porter Airlines is expanding its VIPorter loyalty program, giving members even more ways to earn and redeem points for travel. For the first time, members can redeem VIPorter points for flights with partner airlines, starting with Air Transat and Alaska Airlines. More than 2,000 routes are now available for reward travel with this update. This marks the next phase of partnership in the joint venture of Porter and Air Transat, and a deepening of the commercial partnership launched with Alaska in December 2023. With this program enhancement, VIPorter members can now redeem seamless travel...
Heathrow Airport says it’s now able to “safely restart flights”
UPDATE: Heathrow Airport is advising that it's now "safely able to restart flights," however it said in the statement, posted on its website, that in order to "maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues," it will be "running a reduced operation prioritizing repatriation and relocation of aircraft." There was no indication from the airport as to how long it would take for flight operations to get back to normal. Airlines here in Canada were advising passengers of their flexible rebooking policies due to the situation, while several tour operators were providing advice to...
Air Canada Café opens at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport
Air Canada is introducing its newest Air Canada Café at the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, offering a seamless, premium grab and go experience for eligible domestic travellers. Designed for convenience and comfort, this new addition, located near Gate A2, opens tomorrow and marks the third Air Canada Café location, reinforcing the airline's commitment to improving premium lounge offerings at its Montréal hub. Blending local flavours with modern amenities, the Air Canada Café features a curated menu of iconic Montréal snacks, a selection of self-serve beverages, and...
Cathay Pacific launches all-in-one booking platform for Canadian market
Cathay continues to build towards its vision of becoming one of the world’s greatest service brands with the refresh of Cathay Holidays, a premium one-stop travel hub with a new booking site powered by Expedia Group that offers customers a seamless way to plan and book their trip with ease. “At Cathay, we are committed to building deep, engaging relationships with our customers by offering them curated travel lifestyle products and experiences throughout their lifetime," said Paul Smitton, Cathay Director Customer Lifestyle. "We are extremely excited for the launch of our reimagined...
Air France unveils its exquisite new La Première experience
After launching an exceptional airport journey at Paris-Charles de Gaulle in 2024, Air France is reinventing the travel experience on board its most exclusive cabin. Four suites, each nearly 3.5 square meters, will gradually be introduced on a selection of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, with the first in-flight experience available beginning in spring 2025. Featuring five windows – an Air France exclusive – as well as a seat and a chaise longue that converts to a true two-meter-long bed, the new La Première cabin promises a unique experience enhanced by personalized service and a...
Air Transat chooses Farenexus as tech partner
Air Transat has selected Farenexus as its technology partner to enhance its New Distribution Capability (NDC) strategy and integration. This collaboration will enable the seamless distribution of Air Transat’s NDC content through Farenexus' platforms. The first phase of the partnership will focus on integrating Air Transat’s NDC content into nexusWind, Farenexus' agency travel booking solution. This will allow Farenexus customers to access Air Transat’s offers directly within the platform. Phase 2 will expand NDC accessibility by developing tools that enable other integration...
Transat posts Q1 results; reports enhanced performance year over year
Transat A.T. Inc. has shared its results for the first quarter ended January 31, 2025. "The first quarter of fiscal 2025 ended with a better performance compared to the same period last year despite economic uncertainty. Higher traffic and a disciplined capacity increase of 0.5% resulted in a yield improvement of 1.7% year-over-year. Transat's financial results also progressed with revenue growing 5.6% from the first quarter last year and adjusted EBITDA totaling $20.0 million driven by reduced fuel costs and a tight control on operating expenses," said Annick Guérard, President and...