Airlines
Lufthansa Group finalizes 41% stake in ITA Airways
The Italian airline ITA Airways is a new member of the Lufthansa Group. The Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and Europe's leading aviation group concluded the transaction. As a result, the Lufthansa Group has a 41 percent stake in the Italian airline ITA Airways. The remaining 59 percent will initially continue to be held by MEF. The two parties already agreed in May 2023 that Deutsche Lufthansa AG would acquire a minority stake of 41 percent in ITA Airways. The European Commission recently approved the participation by approving the remedies on 29 November 2024. Other...
TAP Portugal extends Africa & Europe sale
TAP Air Portugal has extended its 2025 New Year sale, now good for purchase through January 24. The travel period has also been extended through May 31. Black-out dates are April 7-22. Economy fares to Europe fares from Toronto and Montreal, starting from CAD $579 roundtrip, are available to seven cities in Portugal and beyond to 40 destinations across Europe and Africa. Business Class fares to Portugal start from $2199 roundtrip. The New Year deals (all fares CAD) include: From Toronto (YYZ): $579 roundtrip to Lisbon, Porto, and Faro (Algarve) $599 roundtrip to Ponta...
Condor expands inter-European network from Frankfurt hub
Condor Airlines is further expanding its route network within Europe. Beginning in March, travellers from Canada and the U.S. will have more flight options flying from Condor’s Frankfurt hub. The carrier has previously served leisure destinations in Spain and Greece or provided connections to other destinations within Europe via its interline agreements with partner carriers. More flights from Frankfurt Condor will add flights to/from the following destinations from Frankfurt: Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), Paris (CDG), Prague (PRG), Vienna (VIE), Zurich (ZRH), Berlin, (BER), Hamburg...
Halifax Stanfield welcomes JetBlue as newest airline partner
Halifax Stanfield has added JetBlue to its airline roster to strengthen connectivity between New England and the Atlantic Region. Starting in June 2025, JetBlue will launch service at its second Canadian airport with daily, summer seasonal non-stop flights between Halifax and Boston. This exciting development will provide travellers with a swift and convenient link between two vibrant coastal cities and their flight network beyond. With JetBlue's reputation for low fares, travellers can look forward to a seamless journey across the border. "We're absolutely delighted to welcome...
WestJet adds seasonal service from Calgary to New York
WestJet has announced seasonal service between Calgary and New York LaGuardia, bolstering existing service from Calgary to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport and boosting non-stop travel capacity between the Empire State and WestJet's Global Hub. The decision to increase guest capacity from Calgary to New York underscores WestJet's commitment to operating as Canada's leading leisure carrier and comes as travel demand remains strong across North America, particularly during the busy summer season. "There is a significant appetite for flights to New York, either...
WestJet’s Andy Gibbons leaving the company after 12 years
WestJet’s vice president, external affairs, Andy Gibbons has announced that he will be leaving the airline on Jan. 24, 2025. In a message posted on his LinkedIn account, Gibbons said that after 12 years (and close to 20 including consulting), he’s leaving the airline “to pursue new opportunities.” Gibbons wrote in his post: “This is a difficult decision given my passion and dedication to the work and my colleagues. But it is the right and timely one for my life and career.” And he continued: “Working at WestJet has been an incredible professional experience for...
PLAY Airlines is leaving Canada after just two years
After two years, PLAY Airlines is ending its service from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport as of April 22, 2025. In a statement to Travel Press Today, PLAY spokesperson, Birgir Olgeirsson explained: “The reason behind this is that we announced a strategic shift in our business plan last fall. PLAY operates on a hub-and-spoke model, connecting passengers between Europe and North America via Iceland. As part of this strategy, we chose to place greater emphasis on leisure destinations in Southern Europe.” Olgeirsson continued: “As a result, the frequency of North...
WestJet’s Calgary to Mexico City route takes off May 2025
WestJet has announced non-stop service between Calgary and Mexico City International Airport (MEX). Beginning May 14, 2025, WestJet will operate five weekly flights, while reinforcing Calgary's position as a key hub for the airline's global network. "WestJet's continued investment in popular sun destinations had made us the gateway between Canada and Mexico, bolstering both countries vital commercial and tourism economies," said Daniel Fajardo, WestJet, Vice-President of Network and Schedule Planning. "Service between Calgary and Mexico City opens the door for more Western...