Airlines
Lufthansa to Fly Flagship A350-900 on YVR Route
Lufthansa has announced that its Vancouver route will see the airline’s new flagship, long-haul aircraft – the Airbus A350-900 – during the summer season. Beginning May 1, Lufthansa’s A350 will be operated on the daily flights from Vancouver (YVR) to Munich (MUC). The route will actively use the A350-900 until the conclusion of the summer season, on Oct. 27. “Placing our A350 flagship aircraft on the Vancouver route during the busy summer travel season shows how greatly we value and are committed to this market,” said Tamur Goudarzi Pour, Lufthansa Group vice-president,...
Air Canada Issues Travel Alert
With freezing rain warnings issued for much of eastern Ontario, Air Canada is warning travellers about possible flight delays or cancellations. The airline has also waived change fees for travellers wishing to change their travel plans. The alert, issued for Jan. 11-14, covers Toronto, Ottawa and...
WestJet Has Record December
WestJet has reported record December traffic results with a load factor of 83.6%, an increase of 2.8 percentage points year over year. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 9.8% year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 6% over the same period. The airline flew a record 2.1 million guests in December, a year-over-year increase of 10% or approximately 190,000 additional guests. “We are very pleased with our significant growth in traffic, as we reported a record December load factor and flew a record number of guests in December,”...
WestJet Encore Reaches Agreement With Cabin Crew
WestJet Encore reports that its cabin crew members have reached an evergreen agreement between WestJet Encore and WestJet Encore Cabin Crew Members (CCMs). The agreement was designed to address key concerns and feedback collected and brought forward by the WestJet Cabin Crew Association (WCCA) representing WestJet Encore CCMs. The agreement covers work rules, compensation, including guaranteed minimum hours, and career progression and guarantees an ongoing annual review of the contract. “We are pleased to reach an agreement that is simple, fair and provides opportunity for ongoing...
Seat Selection Made Easy With WestJet
WestJet is reminding agents and their clients that they can easily pre-purchase seats on its web site for both GDS and WestJet Vacations bookings. This feature was temporarily unavailable for GDS bookings due to some technical difficulties, but is up and running again, offering agents and their clients more convenience and flexibility when it comes to seat selection. Agents that didn’t add seats to a GDS booking and want to do so after completing the booking can visit westjet.com/addseats and search for their client’s reservation by entering their PNR and last name. To select...
Airlines Brace For Major East Coast Storm
With a severe winter storm warning issued for much of Atlantic Canada and parts of the eastern United States, airlines – including Air Canada, WestJet and Porter – are warning travellers of possible delayed or cancelled flights. Travellers flying to the east coast are advised to check their flight status before arriving at the airport. Air Canada, WestJet and Porter have all issued travel advisories for Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, as well as some US destinations, including Boston and New York. Change fees have also been waived for those...
Turkish Airlines Introduces New Inflight Toys
Turkish Airlines has completely revamped its selection of inflight toys, now made from all-natural materials. The revamp is in line with the airline’s recognition of the possible harmful effects of plastic on both children and the environment, and its commitment to making every aspect of its operation consistent with its goal of sustainable development and eco-friendly operations. The new toys, specially designed for Turkish Airlines, are created from cotton and wooden parts that are manufactured according to the sustainability rules set by the Forest Stewardship Council. The toys...
Emirates Kicks Off New Year With Special Fares
Emirates Airline is offering special fares to kick off the New Year. For a limited time, travellers can fly from Toronto to destinations around the world with fares starting at $1,049. The sale runs through Jan. 8 and is a limited-time offer for Economy and Business Class, valid for travel from: Jan. 22 through June 7 and Sept. 9 through Nov. 19 for Economy Class and Jan. 17 through Nov. 19 for Business Class. Emirates’ global network spans 157 destinations in 84 countries and territories across six continents. Select destination routes for Economy and Business Class start...