Airlines
Sunwing Introduces YVR-Costa Rica Service
Heading off on a winter escape just got a bit easier for Vancouverites, with the news that Sunwing will be offering a weekly non-stop direct flight service from Vancouver to Liberia in Costa Rica this winter. Flights depart on Sundays between Dec. 23 and March 31, 2019. Service is anticipated to be operated on the airline’s new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Andrew Dawson, president of Tour Operations for Sunwing, commented on the news, “We’re very pleased to be introducing Costa Rica for the coming winter. As well as being renowned for its eco tours and adventures, this popular...
Sunwing Takes It To The Next Level
Taking delivery of a new plane is always memorable, but add to this the ability to fly further and offer a better passenger experience and you'll understand why Sunwing executives are so excited to have two new Boeing 737 MAX 8's in their fleet, reports assistant editor, Greg Coates in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. The MAX 8 is both fuel efficient and passenger-friendly. Sunwing took delivery of its first MAX 8 on May 25 from Boeing in Seattle, and the second a week later. The airline took the opportunity on its first delivery to host a group of travel industry...
Air Canada Connects
Air Canada has begun offering next-generation, satellite connectivity on its wide-body international fleet with the introduction of Air Canada Wi-Fi provided by Gogo. Starting with flights operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, officials say the new service will be the fastest available on any Canadian airline and makes Air Canada the first Canadian carrier to offer customers the ability to stream TV and movies in-flight through the Internet. “Air Canada Wi-Fi will make travelling more enjoyable whether you're connecting with family and friends, watching a favourite movie or TV...
WestJet Says It Respects Arbitrator’s Swoop Order
The arbitrator presiding over the arbitration between WestJet and Swoop Inc. and the Air Line Pilot Association, International (ALPA) has issued a binding interim order regarding Swoop. The order – issued Thurs., June 7 -- directs, among other things, that existing Swoop pilots will remain in their current positions until directed otherwise by the arbitrator and that WestJet pilots can now fly Swoop aircraft at Swoop terms and conditions. The interim order further directs that ALPA, WestJet and Swoop will make a joint application to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB)...
Ukraine International Airlines Kicks Off Toronto Service
Ukraine International Airlines has begun a long-awaited goal of serving as an airborne link between Canada and Ukraine. Wednesday (June 6) saw the airline begin non-stop Toronto-Kiev service, with the Monday, Wednesday and Saturday flights using B767-300ER aircraft with three classes of service. The airline marked the launch by offering fares starting at $875 for travel to Kiev and $880 for travel to Lviv and Odessa between Oct. 17 and Dec. 15 and Jan. 16 to March 30. Ukraine International Airlines president Yuri Miroshnikov told a gathering at Toronto's Pearson International...
World’s Longest Commercial Flight Is Back
After a five-year hiatus, Singapore Airlines is set to relaunch the world's longest commercial flight, bringing back New York (Newark) Singapore service in October. The 18.5-hour flight will take place aboard the new Airbus A350-900ULR (ultra-long-range) aircraft. And for agents/travellers concerned about comfort, Singapore Airlines has that covered. The aircraft will be configured in a two-class layout, with 67 Business Class seats and 94 Premium Economy seats. Singapore Airlines' officials, along with representatives from the Singapore Tourism Board and Changi Airport Group,...
Take The ‘WestJet Challenge’ With TravelBrands
Travel agents have a chance to win a variety of prizes -- including air tickets and a car rental -- through TravelBrands’ WestJet Challenge, running through July 3. Participating agents can earn from 2,000 to 40,000 Loyalty Rewards. One lucky winner of the qualifying participants will also receive a grand prize of two air tickets on the new WestJet Dreamliner 787 along with a seven-day Hertz car rental. Each travel agent has an e-card with qualifying bookings on each square. Once an agent books a product on an e-card square, they will receive a stamp and attempt to make a...
Air Canada, Air China Sign Joint Venture Deal
Air Canada and Air China have signed the first joint venture agreement between a Chinese and North American airline. The signing took place at a ceremony in Beijing attended by Jianjiang Cai, chairman of Air China; Zhiyong Song, president of Air China; and Calin Rovinescu, president & chief executive officer. The joint venture enables the two countries' flag carriers and Star Alliance members to expand their existing codeshare relationship and deepen it by increasing commercial cooperation on flights between Canada and China and on key connecting domestic flights in both...