Airlines
October Passenger Demand Rebounds
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports global passenger traffic results for October showing that demand (measured in revenue passenger kilometres, or RPKs) rose 7.2% compared to the same month last year. Capacity grew 6.2% and load factor climbed 0.8 percentage points to 80.8%, which was a record for the month. October’s performance was a strong bounce-back after the hurricane-related disruptions in September. Domestic and international travel growth largely was in balance. “As expected, the recent severe weather in the Americas region had only a temporary impact...
WestJet, Delta to Form Joint Venture
WestJet and Delta Air Lines are enhancing their existing partnership by entering into a “comprehensive transborder joint venture” that will increase travel choices between Canada and the US. The airlines have entered into a preliminary memorandum of understanding regarding their intention to deepen their existing partnership to form an commercial joint venture arrangement, which will offer customers access to an “extensive transborder route network, world-class airline products, enhanced frequent flyer benefits, shared airport facilities and amenities, and a more seamless travel...
Flair Removes Baggage Fees
Kelowna, BC-based Flair Airlines is no longer charging passengers for carry-on luggage. Effective immediately, for anyone booking their flights in December, Flair will remove the $30 carry-on baggage fee. Flair allows for one small personal item, and now one carry-on bag per person. Standard luggage sizes apply. Passengers will be required to pay for checked...
Air Canada Inaugurates Melbourne Service
Air Canada inaugurated new Boeing 787 Dreamliner service to Melbourne, Australia, from Vancouver Dec. 1. It marked the only non-stop service linking Canada and Melbourne, and is Air Canada's third destination in Australia. Seasonal service now operates four times weekly between Vancouver and Melbourne until Feb. 4, with year-round service beginning June 1, 2018. Air Canada's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft features 30 International Business Class lie-flat seat suites, 21 Premium Economy and 247 Economy Class seats with upgraded, and personalized in-flight entertainment at every...
Looking Back, Moving Forward
In this week's issue of Canadian Travel Press, we're proud to present our annual industry forecast which takes a look at what's gone on in 2017 and what's to come in 2018. Now before you point out that there's not much of a challenge to offering a forecast of the year just passed – although that approach would make everyone look brilliant – we anticipated that astute observation by asking contributors to reveal what they saw as the Big Surprise during the past 12 months. As for the year ahead, well we asked the question that everyone in the industry is constantly asking: What's...
AC Rouge Launches New Routes
Air Canada Rouge has introduced non-stop, seasonal service between Montreal and Victoria, BC, as well as new Rouge services from Toronto to Nanaimo and to Kamloops, all taking flight in June 2018. The new domestic transcontinental route complements Air Canada's US transborder expansion announced Wednesday with new non-stop year-round Montreal-Baltimore and Montreal-Pittsburgh routes beginning in Spring 2018. All new flights are now available for...
EXCLUSIVE: Taking In Tahiti’s Wonders
Our FAM contingent is still washed in the fragrant flower garlands that welcomed us off the Air Tahiti Nui flight from Los Angeles just yesterday, writes Jim Donald in an exclusive report for Press Today. The Manava Suite Resort was a comforting 5 minute drive from Papeete International Airport. Manava’s majestic infinity pool led our gaze to the pacific ocean, with a pristine view of Moorea, one of French Polynesia’s most beautiful islands. A morning tour of Manava’s studio suites, duplex suites and Manava apartments rounded out our knowledge of the offerings for both tourist...
Air Canada Debuts ‘Signature Suite’ at Pearson
Air Canada has debuted its Air Canada Signature Suite for its top international business customers at Toronto's Pearson International. The new suite is an exclusive airport retreat where eligible premium customers can dine à la carte at a complimentary, full-service restaurant from a menu created by acclaimed chef David Hawksworth, or enjoy hors d'œuvres, champagne, fine wines and cocktails in an intimate, Canadian-designed and decorated setting. “The Air Canada Signature Suite provides premium Air Canada customers with a luxury experience unrivalled in North America that...