Airlines
FlyNeutral Takes Off
Air New Zealand and its customers have purchased over NZD$1 million worth of carbon offsets from permanent New Zealand native forestry projects through the airline's voluntary carbon offsetting program, FlyNeutral. The program was re-launched in late 2016 and it gives the airline's customers the option to offset the carbon emissions associated with their flights when booking online. The funds collected all go directly towards the purchase of certified carbon credits, which help to remove carbon from the atmosphere. Carbon credits are purchased from a range of permanent native...
Air Transat Let’s The Good Times Roll
Carrier Launches Non-stop Flights between Montreal And New Orleans Air Transat is adding New Orleans, Louisiana, to its portfolio of fall and winter destinations. Beginning in November 2019, the airline will offer two direct flights a week from Montreal, giving travellers a chance to experience the festive atmosphere of jazz clubs or a contemplative stroll along the Bayou. Annick Guérard, chief operating officer, Transat, said that: “With the steady demand for New Orleans, Air Transat is pleased to be the only airline to offer non-stop service from Montreal to this unique...
Something Special From Westjet
Along with celebrating Travel Agent Appreciation Month with its 31 days of giveaways in May, WestJet is also launching a new and exclusive offer to acknowledge the hard work of agents and to show its appreciation for those efforts. To that end, WestJet is offering agents and one companion 25% off Basic, Econo and EconoFlex fares, or 30% off Premium fares. The offer is valid on any wholly operated WestJet flights. Bookings must be made by 7 p.m. MT on May 31, 2019 for travel Sept. 4, 2019 to Dec. 14, 2019. Bookings must be made through the Travel Support Team (TST) during regular...
Air Italy Takes Off With New Toronto-Milan Service
Air Italy is flying high. Representatives from the airline were in Toronto yesterday (May 7) to celebrate the launch of new seasonal non-stop flights between Toronto and Milan — marking its first Canadian route. “Bringing our A330 to Toronto was absolutely outstanding, it was almost unreal coming home and bringing our baby back,” said Air Italy’s Chief Operating Officer Rossen Dimitrov, who has roots in Canada. “It’s been something that we have worked on for such a long time and finally being able to bring the aircraft to Toronto Pearson was outstanding for us.” The new...
WestJet Reports Q1 Results
WestJet has reported its first quarter results for 2019, with net earnings of $45.6 million, or $0.40 per fully diluted share compared with net earnings of $34.2 million, or $0.30 per fully diluted share reported in the first quarter of 2018. Ed Sims, president and CEO of WestJet, said of the results: “We remain confident in our strategic direction and continue to see positive trends as a result of our prudent growth and the strategic initiatives we are undertaking. I want to thank all of our guests for their continued loyalty and all WestJetters for their on-going...
Vacation Better With Sunwing
Sunwing is on the road these days, taking its Vacation Better Shows to Canadian agents to help them help their clients to Vacation Better. Press Today had a chance to ask the operator's vice-president of sales, Deana Murphy a number of questions about where agents fit in the company's plans; for some highlights of the new product that they were launching; for an update on the Boeing 737 MAX 8 situation; and, naturally, how they're different from the competition. Here's what Murphy had to say: Press Today: Can you talk about how big a role travel agents have played in the success...
It’s A Deal
Ninety-two percent of WestJet Encore pilots -- represented by the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) – have voted in favour of a five-year agreement with WestJet. The vote represents 90% of the 505 WestJet Encore pilots. The agreement starts January 1, 2019 and expires on January 1, 2024. John Aaron, vice-president, flight operations and general manager, WestJet Encore, said: “This agreement and outcome is beneficial for the long-term sustainability of WestJet, WestJet Encore pilots and all our WestJetters.” Aaron continued: “We thank ALPA and the ALPA Master Executive...
Air Canada Posts Strong Q1
Air Canada has reported first quarter 2019 EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and impairment) of $583 million compared to first quarter 2018 EBITDA of $504 million. The carrier also reported first quarter 2019 operating income of $127 million compared to first quarter 2018 operating income of $86 million. Adjusted pre-tax income amounted to $24 million in the first quarter of 2019 compared to an adjusted pre-tax loss of $32 million in the first quarter of 2018. On a GAAP basis, the airline reported net income of $345 million in the first quarter...