Airlines
Feds Finalize Air Passenger Protection Regulations
The Federal Government has finalized new Air Passenger Protection Regulations, set to come into effect July 15. Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, said that after months of public and stakeholder consultations, Canadians will soon be covered by robust new regulations that apply to all air carriers flying to, from and within Canada. These new regulations will require air carriers to proactively offer standards of treatment. Additionally, in some cases, carriers will be required to issue compensation to passengers within strict timelines, compensation of up to $1,000 for flight...
Get Exploring in Muskoka With Porter
Travellers taking a flight to Muskoka with Porter Airlines this summer can take advantage of two special programs offered by the regional tourism organization, “Explorers’ Edge.” Travellers booking a minimum two-night stay at participating accommodations by June 21 and who also book a flight to or from Muskoka with Porter can get the Fly & Explore Package, which includes $100 in spending vouchers to redeem at more than 100 attractions, restaurants and shops. “There’s no catch,” says James Murphy, executive director of Explorers’ Edge. “The Fly & Explore...
Air Canada rouge Looking For New President
Duncan Bureau is no longer the president of Air Canada rouge. While there has been no official announcement of Bureau's departure from his post as Air Canada rouge's president, the airline has confirmed that he is no longer in that post. Air Canada said that the rouge leadership team will now report to Michael Rousseau, deputy CEO and CFO, until a new president is appointed. The company also indicated that “for agents and customers it is business as usual” at Air Canada rouge. Bureau was named president of Air Canada rouge in May 2018 and was responsible for all aspects of...
Swoop Opens New Group Booking Desk
Swoop has opened a group booking desk designed to facilitate flight bookings and reservation management for groups of 13 or more travellers. Every group booking includes one checked bag and a standard seat assignment per traveller, along with the support of a group booking agent when making reservation modifications. A one-time service fee of $5 per traveller applies at the time of booking. Travellers will also have the option to purchase optional extras and/or upgrade their seats through the booking agent. Requests for a group booking quote can be made by e-mailing the group...
WestJet Ratifies Agreement With Flight Dispatchers
WestJet reports that WestJet flight dispatchers, represented by the Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association (CALDA), voted 90% in favour of a three-year agreement. The vote does not include WestJet Encore. The agreement starts May 18 and expires May 18, 2022. “This agreement is beneficial for the long-term sustainability of WestJet, WestJet Dispatchers and our WestJetters,” said Jeff Martin, WestJet chief operations officer. “We thank our employees for their collaboration and openness to reaching an agreement.” “This is a positive step in the right direction and a...
KLM Gives Back
As part of its “Bringing people together” campaign, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines recently invited Toronto millennial Yulenka to surprise her grandfather in Mumbai. Her inspirational tale back to her roots is featured in a video at youtube.com/watch?v=4Etnjk1zXtw. Yulenka is one of the million Canadians with Indian origins. She immigrated to Canada when she was two. She confides that part of her never made the trip. This visit allowed her to connect to her heritage. Surprising and spending time with her grandfather ensured keeping the family’s culinary and cultural identity...
Another Blockbuster!
Now this is going to be quite a combination. Air Canada is entering into an “exclusive agreement” with Transat A.T regarding the proposed purchase by Air Canada of all issued and outstanding shares of Transat and its combination with Air Canada. The proposed transaction – valued at approximately $520 million or $13 per share of Transat (on a fully diluted basis -- will create a Montreal-based global travel services company in leisure, tourism and travel distribution operating across Canada and internationally. Air Canada said in its announcement that it has all the...
It’s Business As Usual At WestJet
Following Monday's unexpected announcement that WestJet has approved a $5 billion sales transaction with Onex, the airline's board of directors is assuring its partners and travellers that it's still business as usual at WestJet. In a statement, officials said, WestJet will “benefit from Onex’s aerospace experience, history of positive employee relations and long-term orientation. Onex is investing in WestJet’s culture, its leadership, its values, its people and its strategy.” It went on to state that with this transaction, WestJet will remain proudly headquartered in...