Airlines
WestJet Expands Its Agency Sales Team
WestJet is expanding its Agency Sales team, with four Business Development Managers and one Commercial Account Manager joining the WestJet family as of Dec. 9, 2019. Chuck Crowder, WestJet vice-president, sales and distribution, said of the appointments: “As WestJet grows globally and transforms into a network airline, we remain committed to supporting and building relationships with our valued travel trade partners.” Crowder continued: “Our partners will benefit from the breadth of airline and travel industry experience our new team members bring, and we know that our trusted...
Another Great Idea From Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand has begun trialling edible coffee cups with customers in the air and on the ground as it explores new and innovative ways to meet its sustainability challenges. The airline currently serves more than eight million cups of coffee each year. Niki Chave, the carrier's senior manager customer experience, points out that while the airline’s current cups are compostable, the ultimate goal would be to remove these totally from landfills. Said Chave: “We’ve been working in partnership with innovative New Zealand company ‘twiice’ to explore the future of edible...
WestJet Adds Boston to Calgary Hub
WestJet is giving travellers a chance to pack more business and leisure into their travel itineraries with new seasonal daily non-stop service between the airline's home in Calgary and Boston, starting May 14. “Fantastic routes need fantastic schedules and WestJet is offering guests convenient flight times between our extensive hub out of Calgary and the capital of Massachusetts,” said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet chief commercial officer. “While other carriers may fly the route, WestJet continues to build our schedule for the region's business and leisure travellers. It's...
SickKids Takes Off With Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines Canada continues to support the SickKids Foundation, donating over $50,000 in flights since 2017. Over the past two years the flight donations have supported the Centre for Global Child Health’s capacity-building projects in sub-Saharan Africa and the International Patient Program, both at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto. The International Patient Program is funded in part by The Herbie Fund, which helps children around the world receive life-saving surgery and treatment at SickKids. Wendy Dempsey, associate director, cause marketing,...
Air Canada Celebrates The Spirit Of The Season
Air Canada welcomed between 150 to 200 of its VIP travel partners to its offices at 20 Queen St. W in downtown Toronto last night. It was a festive atmosphere as the top executives from the airline thanked its partners for their support and – of late – their patience as Air Canada works out a few kinks in its brand new Amadeus Altéa Suite Passenger Service System. In welcoming the crowd, Lisa Pierce, Air Canada's managing director, Canada & USA sals, noted that 2019 has been “an amazing year” and “we couldn't have done it without you.” EVP & Chief Commercial...
The Deal Is Done
Onex Corporation and its affiliated funds (the “Onex Group”) and WestJet Airlines Ltd. have announced that they have completed their transaction (the “Arrangement”) valued at approximately $5 billion including assumed debt. The closing comes following the receipt of the final regulatory approval by the Canadian Transportation Agency of its determination under the Canada Transportation Act. Pursuant to the Arrangement, shareholders of WestJet are entitled to receive $31.00 in cash for each share held at the effective time of the Arrangement. A form of letter of transmittal...
AC Holiday Video Brings Loved Ones Closer Together
Air Canada is celebrating the holidays with the launch of a new ad spot called “Lost Reindeer.” The cinematic ad embraces the magic of the season, tapping into the emotional connection of being with loved ones for the holidays. The story follows a group of children who come across a lost reindeer. After discovering the reindeer is far more special than they could have imagined, the group works together to help the reindeer harness its magic and find its way home. “We wanted to create an ad that reflected the magic and celebration that takes place during this time...
Swoop Launches Winnipeg-Puerto Vallarta Service
Low-fare carrier Swoop, a subsidiary of WestJet Airlines Ltd., has launched its inaugural flight from Winnipeg to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It is Swoop’s second route from Winnipeg to Mexico, offering travellers the choice to vacation on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos from Manitoba’s capital. Having just launched a series of new routes from YWG, including Fort Lauderdale, Tampa Bay and Las Vegas, Winnipeggers have a total of nine destinations through Swoop’s year-round and seasonal operations. “Our route map is constantly expanding, working towards our mission...