Airlines
Revenues At Risk
In an updated analysis, IATA says that the COVID-19 crisis will see airline passenger revenues drop by $314 billion in 2020, a 55% decline compared to 2019. On 24 March IATA estimated $252 billion in lost revenues (a drop of 44% compared to 2019) in a scenario with severe travel restrictions lasting three months. IATA’s updated figures reflect a significant deepening of the crisis since then, and reflect the following parameters: Severe domestic restrictions lasting three months Some restrictions on international travel extending beyond the initial three months ...
Sunwing Taking Care Of Canadians
Sunwing is donating over 46,000 meals to 17 communities across Canada as part of a new national partnership with Second Harvest, the largest food rescue organization in Canada. Stephen Hunter, CEO of Sunwing Travel Group, commented: “We know Canadians are worried about their health and safety, but they shouldn’t have to worry about putting food on the table. Working with an incredible organization like Second Harvest gives us the opportunity to continue to help Canadians even as our operations are temporarily suspended.” Hunter continued: “As a Canadian family-run business,...
Air Canada Updates Altitude Members
Air Canada has announced a number of updates for Altitude members to ensure their status remains in effect until they are able to resume flying. The changes include the extension of current status until the end of 2021, the ability to share any status achieved in 2020 with a loved one, and new opportunities to qualify for Altitude status and earn Aeroplan Miles from home. Mark Nasr, vice-president, loyalty and eCommerce at Air Canada, said that: “Loyalty is a two-way street – certainly in good times, but especially so in hard times. Altitude members have shown outstanding...
Doing All That’s Necessary
Air Canada is reconfiguring the cabins of three of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to give them additional cargo capacity. The first aircraft conversion is complete and is now in service, with the second and third aircraft to be completed shortly. Tim Strauss, vice-president – cargo at Air Canada, said: “Bringing critical medical and other vital supplies rapidly to Canada and helping distribute them across the country is imperative to combating the COVID-19 crisis. The transformation of the Boeing 777-300ERs, our largest international wide-body aircraft, doubles the capacity of each...
IATA Releases 2019 Safety Report
IATA has releases its 2019 Safety Report showing continuing improvements in airline safety compared to 2018 and to the preceding five years. All major 2019 safety performance indicators improved compared to 2018 and to the average of the 2014-2018 period. Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO, commented: “The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew is aviation’s highest priority. The release of the 2019 Safety Report is a reminder that even as aviation faces its deepest crisis, we are committed to making aviation even safer. Based on the 2019 fatality...
Transat Extends Suspension To May 31
Transat is advising travel agents that due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, it must extend the suspension of flights until May 31. In a statement, the company said: “This difficult decision comes as the travel restrictions in place in Canada and at the destinations to which we fly continue, with the aim of reducing the spread of the virus.” And it continues: “Therefore, all your clients who had a trip planned for May will receive a credit for the value of the amount that was paid on file, which can be used within 24 months of their original return date. You don’t...
Frequent Flyer Flexibility From Porter
Frequent flyers, unable to travel due to COVID-19, are being provided with greater flexibility by Porter Airlines. Porter Pass holders and VIPorter loyalty members will continue receiving the full value of their travel programs. Porter Pass offers frequent travellers prepaid tickets for a select number of one-way flights, at a discounted price. Porter Pass holders with vouchers set to expire between March 2 and July 31, 2020, now have until June 30, 2021 to use their passes. The system is automatically updated and no action is necessary. All other terms and conditions apply. For...
WestJet To Apply For Federal Wage Subsidy
In a video message released late last night, WestJet’s CEO Ed Sims said the carrier will use the federal government’s emergency wage subsidy program to bring its 6,400 workers back onto the payroll. And while the move will help those works with their expenses, Sims warned that there might not be enough work for those employees when they’ve been rehired. Sims added that it will be advising its staff affected by the move as soon as possible. In March, WestJet cut about half of its 14,000 employees, cutting 6,900...