Airlines

Growth In Air Demand Continues

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports global passenger traffic data for June shows that demand (measured in total revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) rose by 7.8% compared to a year ago. This was in line with the 7.7% growth recorded in May. According to IATA, all regions reported growth. June capacity (available seat kilometres or ASKs) increased by 6.5%, and load factor rose 1% to 81.9%. For the first six months of 2017, the industry experienced a 12-year high in traffic growth (7.9%) and a record first half load factor of 80.7%. “A brighter economic...

Porter Teams Up With Craft Brewer Ace Hill

Porter Airlines has introduced a new partnership with Toronto-based craft beer company, Ace Hill. Porter will now exclusively serve Ace Hill Pilsner as part of its complimentary inflight beverage service. Ace Hill also offers a Vienna Lager that will be introduced after the launch providing an opportunity for passengers to enjoy a style of beer that was not previously available onboard. Ace Hill launched in 2016 with its Pilsner and recently introduced a second beer, the Vienna Lager. Porter will serve Ace Hill in 473 ml cans, poured in...

Air Canada Posts Record Second Quarter

Air Canada is reporting record second quarter 2017 EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, impairment and aircraft rent) of $670 million compared to the previous record second quarter 2016 EBITDAR of $605 million, an increase of $65 million. The airline recorded a second quarter EBITDAR margin of 17.1%. On a GAAP basis, AC reported second quarter operating income of $281 million versus operating income of $277 million in the second quarter of 2016. “I am pleased to report that in our second quarter we delivered record operating revenues, record...

WestJet Reports Disclosure of Guest Information

WestJet is reporting that some WestJet Rewards member profile data has been disclosed online by an unauthorized third party. None of the data, however, contained credit card or banking information. WestJet has taken immediate steps to secure affected systems and has been working closely with the Calgary Police Service and the RCMP cybercrime unit in its investigation. The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta and the federal Privacy Commissioner has also been informed. “The privacy and protection of our guests' information is a matter we take very...

Strike Continues at Pearson

Travellers are being advised to arrive early for flights at Toronto's Pearson International and be prepared for possible delays as more than 700 baggage handlers and ground crew continue to strike. The employees of Swissport have been on strike since Thursday evening. However, no major delays have been reported so far. The workers service more than 30 airlines, including Air Transat, Sunwing, British Airways and Air France. Travellers are advised to check on the status of their flights before heading to the...

Interjet Launches Toronto-Mexico Service

Today is the day Interjet Airlines launches new nonstop service between Toronto's Pearson International Airport and Mexico City’s Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez (MEX), as well as to Cancun International Airport (CUN). The airline is offering four flights a week between Toronto and Mexico. “We’re delighted to be able to offer Mexico’s business and leisure travellers the opportunity to visit Toronto and experience its rich history and culture while at the same time, offer Toronto business and leisure travellers to Mexico, our unique brand of lower prices with free...

Pearson Baggage Handlers, Ground Crew Strike

Travellers flying through Toronto's Pearson International Airport could face delays as more than 700 baggage handlers and ground crew went on strike last night (July 27). The unionized workers, employed by Swissport, voted 95% to reject the company's latest offer. While reports of delays were minimal, travellers should prepare for possible disruptions. Picketers were set up at Pearson's Terminal 3, but were not blocking passengers or traffic. The workers that service more than 30 airlines, including Air Transat, Sunwing, British Airways and Air France, include baggage handlers,...

TAP Extends Free Stopover Program

With almost 70,000 TAP Air Portugal travellers having enjoyed visits to Lisbon and Porto while en route to destinations in Portugal and throughout Europe and Africa with the popular “Portugal Stopover” program, the airline is now expanding it to include longer visits of up to five days for no additional cost. To commemorate the first anniversary of the Portugal Stopover program, TAP unveiled one of its A330-300 aircraft with a new special Stopover-themed livery, highlighting many popular icons of a visit to Portugal. This aircraft will begin service between Portugal and North...