Airlines
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...
Porter continues to expand sun network with first flight to Puerto Vallarta
Porter Airlines was celebrating last week, with the take-off of its first roundtrip between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Mexico. The service to Puerto Vallarta marks the latest expansion of Porter’s sun network. Seasonal service to Puerto Vallarta begins with three weekly roundtrip flights, and then increasing to five weekly beginning Dec. 14. Nonstop flights from Hamilton and Ottawa to Puerto Vallarta launch in December, expanding sun destination options for travellers. Andrew Pierce, vice president, network planning and reporting, Porter...
WestJet Group strengthens commitment to Québec
WestJet Group has deepened its commitment to enhancing the guest experience in Québec and continuing to grow its vacation offerings from the region with the appointment of Lyne Chayer as Vice-President, Québec Guest Experience & Vacations. In this expanded role, Chayer will continue to oversee Québec tour operations while also serving as the voice of the guest within the province -- ensuring that the unique needs and preferences of Québec travellers are well represented across the organization. Samantha Taylor, Chief Guest Experience Officer, WestJet Group, said: "As we look...
One Love – One Bermuda Mission lands in Jamaica
The One Love Bermuda Relief Effort touched down at Norman Manley International Airport earlier this week, marking a proud and heartfelt milestone in Bermuda’s humanitarian response to support Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The BermudAir flight 2T903 carried a massive consignment of more than 4,000 lbs of disaster relief supplies collected through the overwhelming generosity of the Bermudian people. Donations poured in at the Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Centre on King Street, where community volunteers worked tirelessly to organize, sort, and...
IATA taps into future of travel with new global passenger survey
Mobile reliance and biometric adoption are two key trends redefining the passenger travel experience that are highlighted in IATA’s newly released 2025 Global Passenger Survey (GPS) Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Operations, Safety and Security, observed that: “Passengers want to manage their travel the same way they manage many other aspects of their lives -- on their smartphones and using digital ID. As experience grows with digital processes from booking to baggage claim, the message that travellers are sending in this year’s GPS is clear: they like it, and they...
Porter takes off to the sun with first Toronto-Cancun flight
Porter Airlines is taking off to the sun with the launch of roundtrip service between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Cancun, Mexico (CUN) this week. This is the first flight operated by the airline outside of Canada and the U.S., and part of a significant expansion into southern markets that also includes the Caribbean and Central America. Kevin Jackson, president, Porter Airlines, said: “Today’s inaugural Cancun flight is the start of establishing a significant presence for Porter in southern vacation markets this winter. Travellers who have long wanted the...