Airlines
Kingston Airport Welcomes FLYGTA Visitors
Good news for Kingston and the city’s tourism industry with the announcement that FLYGTA will be adding the city to its list of Ontario destinations beginning Sept. 10 – the first stage in working toward potential daily air service to and from downtown Toronto and a link to the Porter Airline network. Megan Knott, executive director of Tourism Kingston, said: “We are thrilled that our beautiful airport will welcome visitors who will arrive aware of and primed to follow our COVID-19 measures and who will come ready and excited to support our local restaurants, artisans, hotels,...
Swoop Is Ready For Winter
Set to begin operations from Toronto Pearson International Airport on Oct. 25, Swoop has now released details of its winter schedule, unveiling the new markets it will serve from Pearson. Swoop's winter schedule includes the restart of operations at Kelowna International Airport and the addition of non-stop service to popular sun destinations. These consist of flights from Toronto to Montego Bay, Cancun, Las Vegas, Orlando and Tampa Bay. Charles Duncan, president, Swoop, said: “Our winter schedule is in response to a growing rebound in travel, as we know travellers are eager to...
Trio Team Up To Study Airport-Based COVID-19 Testing
McMaster HealthLabs (MHL), Air Canada and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) are partnering on a voluntary COVID-19 study of international travellers arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The study's core purpose is to gather information to explore the effectiveness of various quarantine periods for travellers. MHL is a non-profit organization that develops COVID-19 research initiatives and testing solutions to accelerate business recovery during the pandemic. John Gilmour, MHL's chief executive officer, said: “MHL's team of scientists and doctors...
Belize Revises Tourism Reopening Plan
Belize prime minister, Dean Barrow has announced that the country’s international airport (BZE), the Philip Goldson International Airport, will be opened on Oct. 1, 2020, as part of the country’s five-phase re-opening strategy for tourism. Originally, Belize had announced it would reopen August 2020, however, in an overabundance of caution for visitors and residents alike, postponed the reopening until further notice. The opening of the international airport will kick-off Belize’s third phase of re-opening, allowing for a limited re-opening of international leisure travel...
Billy Bishop Unveils Safe Travels Program
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) has launched its Safe Travels Program, a comprehensive initiative developed in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic that includes operational measures and safety protocols that have been implemented to ensure a safe and healthy environment for passengers, staff and partners at Billy Bishop Airport. The airport has responded to the emergence of COVID-19 with a comprehensive health and safety program that is aligned with expert guidance and new industry best practices. Under the guidance of provincial and federal agencies such as Transport...
An Urgent Call From IATA To Reopen Borders
IATA is urgently calling on governments to work together to find ways to re-establish global connectivity by re-opening borders and to continue with relief measures to sustain airlines during the COVID-19 crisis. The airline industry association’s call comes as IATA reports that July passenger demand (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) continued at critically low levels -- 79.8% below July 2019 levels. This was “somewhat better” than the 86.6% year-over-year decline recorded in June, primarily driven by domestic markets, most notably Russia and China. Market...
WestJet Concerned By NAV CAN Rate Increase
WestJet is increasing domestic traveller surcharges to account for NAV CANADA rate increases of almost 30% starting Sept. 1. The carrier said it’s increasing the surcharge it charges for air traffic control services between $4 and $7 per guest depending on flight duration. NAV CANADA is Canada's air traffic control operator, responsible for Canada's civil air navigation system. WestJet is investigating an appeal of the rate increase and will remove the additional surcharge if the appeal is successful. Ed Sims, WestJet president and CEO, said: “We are deeply...
Zoom In On Israel
Israel, the land of inspiration, is hosting its first-ever Zoom in on Israel virtual roundtable for Canadian travel industry professionals. Set for Tues., Sept. 22 from 1 pm to 3 pm, travel advisors will have a chance to join some of Israel’s top travel industry professionals, who will share with advisors what’s new in Israel tourism and the diverse journeys that they can arrange for their clients – no matter what their tastes or budgets are. Israel’s tourism commissioner for North America, Eyal Carlin and its director and consul for Canada, Gal Hana will deliver opening...