Airlines
Works Like A Charm
Anthony Lau, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), was all smiles during a recent stop in Toronto, which shouldn't be surprising as there's lots of good news coming out of the destination these days. Topping the list is the fact that Hong Kong and Taiwan's joint tourism promotional efforts – launched in 2016 – have produced some rather remarkable results. The program attracted the participation of five airlines – Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Eva Air, China Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines – and 19 tour operators offering 22 different packages. Not...
ACTA Shuns British Airways Move
ACTA is sharing in the disappointment being expressed throughout the travel industry towards British Airways and sister carrier Iberia’s announcement to impose a distribution fee on all bookings made through a Global Distribution System (GDS) not employing an NDC-led connection. ACTA president Wendy Paradis commented, “Travellers need consistency, transparency and choice. This can only be accomplished by providing content in all distribution channels. A surcharge imposed for booking through a GDS is not in the best interest of the traveller or our industry.” The surcharge will...
Air Canada Launches New Routes From YVR
Air Canada kicked off its summer early last week with the launch of two new international routes from Vancouver to Nagoya and Frankfurt (pictured), marking the beginning of the airline's summer season. In total, AC plans to launch 11 new international non-stop routes this summer from Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. “Nothing says summer like winging off to an exciting foreign destination, and Air Canada is pleased to offer its customers more options than ever this year. Through our ongoing international expansion, we are adding 11 new routes touching three continents beginning...
Sunwing Introduces YVR-Montego Bay Service
Beginning Dec. 19 and available weekly until April 3, 2018, Sunwing will be operating direct flights this winter and early next spring from Vancouver to Montego Bay, Jamaica. Travellers can choose between a stay at one of the tour operator’s resorts or a cruise package on board the newly refurbished TUI Discovery 2 that begins sailing from Montego Bay in November. Exclusively offered by Sunwing, TUI Discovery 2 offers a host of amenities, including a rock climbing wall, mini-golf course, spa, fitness centre and two pools. Passengers can choose from eight different dining options....
WestJet Extends Grace Period For New Fees
On May 11, WestJet introduced a fourth fare bundle and amended its change and cancellation fees, providing clients with more flexible options to get exactly what they need from their travel experience. To ensure travel agents have time to adjust to the new fees, the airline is offering an extended grace period. Until June 30, if the incorrect fee is charged for changes or cancellations made within 24 hours of booking, agents are asked to contact WestJet's Travel Support Team at 1-877-664-3205 where an agent will assist in correcting the file without...
WestJet Encore Gets New President
WestJet has announced that Charles Duncan has been named as the new head of WestJet Encore, WestJet's regional airline. “Charles is a proven leader with extensive experience in operations, commercial and general management for global airlines,” said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet president and CEO. “His operating skills and effectiveness working with teams will continue the success that WestJet Encore has already had in just less than four years of operations.” In his most recent role at United Airlines, Duncan was senior vice-president, Technical Operations. While at United, he...
A First For Juneyao
Juneyao Airlines has become the first airline to expand the Star Alliance network as a Connecting Partner. Under the Alliance’s partnership concept, the Shanghai-based airline now offers Star Alliance passengers new transfer opportunities at either of Shanghai’s two airports - Pudong International and Hongqiao International. For all connecting passengers through check-in will be offered in both directions and all qualifying Star Alliance Gold Status passengers will be provided the following privileges on their Juneyao Airlines connecting flights: Lounge Access Fast Track...
Istanbul Readies For New Airport
The countdown is on. October 2018 marks the anticipated opening date for a new airport in Istanbul, set to be significantly larger than Atlanta International Airport and London Heathrow Airport in sheer scale, and the world’s largest airport by passenger numbers, able to accommodate 150 million passengers a year. In terms of why Istanbul, Abdullah Nergiz, Airline and Cargo Marketing Director for the airport project, which doesn't yet have an official name, noted the destination marks the cross roads for global trade and economy, and is an ideal connection point between east and west,...