Airlines
A Message From Sunwing’s Stephen Hunter
"In uncertain times, one thing is certain - our commitment to Canadians,” writes Sunwing Travel Group's CEO, Stephen Hunter to begin his message to the Canadian travel trade. Says Hunter: “We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has created stress and uncertainty for all Canadians and we want to keep you informed about what we’re doing at this time to support our customers, employees and all other Canadians.” And he continues: “First and foremost, on behalf of Sunwing, I hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe. There’s no question that COVID-19 has hit the...
COVID-19 Hits Travel Search Hard
In a newly released study, trends data provider, SEMrush has analyzed the impact of COVID-19 on online behaviour to reveal that travel sectors and travel companies have been hit the hardest. According to SEMrush data, Google search volumes for the major global airlines fell significantly between January and March 2020 as the outbreak spread and flights were grounded. Branded searches within the overall industry average declined 16.2% from January to February, followed by an additional decrease of 6.7% between February and March. The worst-hit overall were China Southern (down...
Outbound Canada Tracking The Changes
The Conference Board of Canada’s Outbound Canada reports that outbound service on Canadian carriers has now been reduced by 3.5 million direct seats throughout the first half of 2020. Almost all of this decline is taking place in Q2. And although minor increases are currently being reported for June, massive declines have occurred in April and May. So far, Canadian carriers have decreased service by 94.2% in April and by 54.9% in May for a total loss of 3.3 million seats compared to 2019. Further worsening the overall impact is the cancellation of flights operated by 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...