Airlines
Taking The Initiative
Transat may be facing fierce competition on several fronts but the company is fighting back with a series of initiatives to boost efficiency, simplify operations and reduce costs, reports Montreal editor, Mike Dunbar in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. According to company CEO Jean-Marc Eustache, Transat moves some 4.5 million passengers a year, including almost one million Europeans; it boasts revenues in the $3 billion range; flies to some 60 destinations, evenly divided between Europe and the South and employees a team 5,000 strong located in Canada, the UK,...
Lufthansa Reveals New Business Class Concept
Lufthansa has unveiled the concept for its new Business Class, which will be available for the first time in 2020 with the roll-out of the Boeing 777-9. The new seat is the key element connected to the service and comfort level in the cabin. With the new seat, Lufthansa guests will experience beds with a length up to 220 cm (86.6 inches). The comfort and convenience of the seat aids in facilitating a restful sleep, and the construction of the back rest makes it possible for the shoulder to sink in when you are lying on your side. This keeps the spine straight and allows those that...
WestJet Unveils WestJet Link
WestJet has introduced WestJet Link, a new regional air service operating under a capacity purchase agreement (CPA) with Pacific Coastal Airlines. Using Pacific Coastal Airlines' aircraft painted in WestJet colours, WestJet Link will connect the communities of Lethbridge, Lloydminster, Medicine Hat, Cranbrook and Prince George to WestJet's rapidly expanding network hub at the YYC Calgary International Airport. All WestJet Link flights will be operated by Pacific Coastal using its fleet of 34-seat Saab 340B aircraft. Each aircraft will include six seats available in WestJet Plus,...
Transat Winners
Transat has announced the winners of the last edition of its Surprise Dates contest, held on Nov. 14, the anniversary date of its inaugural flight 30 years ago. For the Ontario-Atlantic region, Emily Vail of CAA Travel in Guelph, Ont. will spend a week at the Meliá Las Dunas resort in Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba. And the Western Canada winner, Nicole Deibert of AMA Travel in Red Deer, Alta. will fly off to the Meliá Peninsula Varadero in Cuba. For the Quebec-Ottawa region, Véronique Thouin of Club Voyages Repentigny wins a holiday package for two, including Air Transat flights in...
WestJet Makes Time For Agents
WestJet hosted members of its Travel Agent Advisory Board (TAAB) for two days of discussions and planning at the Grand at Moon Palace in Cancun this week. The session was attended by 39 TAAB members representing 34 travel agencies across Canada. Both corporate and leisure agents were invited to share their feedback and had the opportunity to engage with WestJet employees face-to-face. The agenda for the meeting included presentations by Jane Clementino, director of agency sales at WestJet, and members of WestJet's revenue and pricing and technical operations...
Interjet Celebrates Canadian Service
Mexican carrier Interjet is inviting passengers travelling with it between Canada and Mexico to stretch their legs a little while airborne. This fall has seen the airline begin linking Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver with both Mexico City and Cancun, and an airline that has traditionally had a somewhat low profile in this country says it has a couple of aces up its sleeve when it comes to attracting Canadian clients, among them being able to offer them added comfort. Miguel Arana Martinez of the airline's head office told PressToday during a Wednesday Toronto gathering that...
Jamaica Pop-Up Party Helps Launch Sunwing Flights
A four-day Feel the Vibe Jamaica Pop Up Shop in Vancouver wrapped up operations earlier this week, but more long term effects are anticipated as a result, with the start of new flights to Jamaica from YVR. The Jamaica Tourist Board invited Vancouverites to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Jamaica through the colourful and interactive pop-up shop, which was set up in the Yaletown neighbourhood of the city. It opened in the afternoons at 4 p.m. and closed late – 12 midnight on Thursday, Friday and Sunday and at 2 a.m. on Saturday. The mini-Jamaica shop was designed to...
LOT Adding 787-9 Dreamliner To Toronto Route
Three new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft seating 294 passengers each are scheduled to start operating on LOT’s routes to Toronto, Chicago and New York in the spring and summer of next year. Tickets for the connections served by the Polish carrier’s new planes are available for sale. There are currently eight wide-body Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft in LOT’s fleet. Each of them offers 252 seats in three classes: 18 in business, 21 in premium economy and 213 in economy. The deliveries of larger 787-9 Dreamliners are expected to commence in the spring of next year. Each of...