Airlines
Lufthansa Group plans to take active role in TAP privatization
The Lufthansa Group has formally expressed its interest in participating as a bidder in the privatization process of TAP Air Portugal. A letter to this effect was submitted to Parpública, the Portuguese state holding company, within the specified timeframe. In addition to initially acquiring a minority stake, the aim of the process is to establish a long-term partnership between the Lufthansa Group and TAP Air Portugal in order to secure the successful future of TAP as Portugal's national airline. Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, said:...
Air Transat strengthens collaboration with Turkish Airlines
Air Transat has announced that its new interline and codeshare agreements with Turkish Airlines are now in effect. The partnership enables travellers to book itineraries combining flights from both airlines, enhancing connectivity between Canada and Türkiye, and key destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It allows them to travel on a single ticket for their entire journey and check in their bags only once, through to their final destination. The interline agreement offers access to cities such as Tehran, Delhi, Colombo, and Beirut via Turkish Airlines’ global...
WestJet Rewards, Skip link loyalty programs
WestJet Reward and Skip have teamed up to enhance what loyalty points can do with the launch of a new linked-loyalty partnership that will allow Canadians to treat their WestJet points as Skip currency, earning – and notably, redeeming – them on Skip. Canadians can now link their WestJet Reward and Skip accounts, to earn WestJet points on qualifying Skip orders. These points can be used for flights and vacations with WestJet or redeemed for Skip Credits that can be used for everyday essentials such as grocery, pharmacy, retail and restaurant delivery. This collaboration brings...
WestJet expands global connectivity through Toronto, Halifax for summer 2026
In a wave of announcements, WestJet released details of its 2026 summer network schedule, that includes five new seasonal international destinations from Toronto, three new transatlantic destinations from Halifax as well as new domestic and Nordic connections from Western Canada. Of particular note, is the announcement of WestJet's first South American non-stop connection from Toronto to Medellín, Colombia. Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Chief Executive Officer, said that: “Leveraging the extended range capability of our growing share of Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft, WestJet...
Etihad Airways takes off with major fleet expansion
Etihad Airways has unveiled the details of a major expansion of its widebody fleet with 32 additional Airbus aircraft, further accelerating the airline’s growth and reinforcing its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing full-service carriers. The agreement includes a mix of A350-1000s, A350F freighters, and A330-900s through both direct orders and lease commitments, with first deliveries beginning in 2027 – one of the earliest widebody availability windows in the global market. This new commitment follows Etihad’s agreement earlier this year for 28 additional Boeing...
Virgin Atlantic adds new flights to Phuket
Virgin Atlantic is launching new services between London Heathrow and Phuket for Winter 2026, building on its Eastward expansion and connecting North American customers with Thailand’s breathtaking beaches and vibrant nightlife via London. The three times a week service will operate seasonally beginning Oct. 18, 2026, as the only direct route from London Heathrow to Phuket with seamless connectivity at under two hours for Virgin Atlantic customers traveling from New York JFK. Customers can book flights from Nov. 26, 2025. Beyond its stunning beaches, Phuket boasts a rich culinary...
Amex GBT Air Monitor taps into 2026 airfare trends
According to American Express Global Business Travel’s (Amex GBT) newly released Air Monitor 2026, airfares are expected to “remain broadly stable” through 2026. The report states that “travellers in 2026 can expect airfares to look much like they do in 2025.” While business travel demand remains resilient, airlines have limited room to raise fares due to economic pressures and high operating costs. Instead of broad fare increases, carriers are focusing on premiumization and continuous pricing to drive revenue growth. Dan Beauchamp, VP Consulting, Amex GBT, said that:...
Air Transat hosts a double celebration in Toronto
Air Transat was in a celebratory mood last week as the airline celebrated the launch of four new routes from Toronto and also marked its 38th anniversary (Nov. 14, 1987) at the same time. Held at the funky Space on King event space in the city’s downtown late last week, the evening featured some signature cocktails, tasty food, lively music and dancing and a fun and festive atmosphere. Bernard Cote, Senior Director Brand Communications for Air Transat, made it clear that the big news of the evening was the airline’s launch of four new flights from Toronto – Medellin, Colombia...