Airlines
Make Changes Now
The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) is urging the federal government to immediately implement science-based fatigue rules for all commercial pilots in Canada. In a presentation to the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, ALPA's Canada president, Capt. Don Adamus said: “Updating flight time/duty time and minimum rest requirements is one of the most important aviation safety initiatives for flight crews in Canada, and new rules are long overdue. However, recent efforts to weaken proposed rules are unacceptable. We cannot continue to let...
WestJet Ramps Up Abbotsford Lift
WestJet is applauding Abbotsford and the Abbotsford International Airport for their plans to eliminate the airport improvement fee (AIF) on June 1, 2017. It's perfect timing as WestJet has launched non-stop service between Abbotsford and Winnipeg and increased frequency on the route between Abbotsford and Edmonton from 13 to 20 weekly flights. Brian Znotins, vice-president network planning, alliances and corporate development for WestJet, observed: “The leadership demonstrated by Abbotsford International Airport sets a standard we hope others will follow. Low fees allow us to...
Air Canada Adds Six New Routes
Air Canada continues to expand its international network with the addition of six new routes for the winter season: Vancouver-Melbourne, Vancouver-Orlando, Toronto-Belize, Toronto-St. Vincent, Montreal-Lima and Montreal-Phoenix. Flights are now available for booking. Benjamin Smith, president, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada, said: “Air Canada is continuing its strategic, global expansion with a diverse range of exciting new non-stop routes this winter to Australia, South America, the Caribbean and the United States.” Smith pointed out that “Vancouver-Melbourne is our...
It’s The Dreamliner
WestJet has signed a definitive purchase agreement with Boeing for up to 20 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The deal includes commitments for 10 Boeing 787-9 aircraft to be delivered between the first quarter of 2019 and December 2021, with options for an additional 10 aircraft to be delivered between 2020 and 2024. The airline also announced it has selected General Electric's GEnx-1B engine for the 787. Gregg Saretsky, president and CEO of WestJet, said: “This order represents an exciting new chapter in WestJet's history. We have carefully executed on our strategic plan, first...
Making It Easier To Connect
WestJet has received IATA's New Distribution Capability (NDC) level 2 certification, which confirms the airline's ability to send and receive NDC messages. NDC is a program designed to enhance the capability of communications between airlines and travel agents. Lyell Farquharson, vice-president sales and distribution for WestJet, said: “The benefits of IATA's NDC are robust and clear for both the travel trade industry and the consumer. As WestJet continues to unbundle our products and add ancillary options, these new capabilities allow us to integrate and collaborate more...
Cummings To Lead WestJet’s Ultra-Low-Cost Airline
WestJet has announced the appointment of Bob Cummings as executive vice-president responsible for the yet-to-be-named ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) which will launch late in 2017 or early 2018. Cummings will have accountability for all aspects of this new venture, including planning, branding, pricing, product development and operationalization. He will also continue to drive other key strategic initiatives for WestJet. Cummings has been with WestJet since 2005, with almost 11 years at the EVP level with a variety of responsibilities. WestJet also announced the appointment of Ed...
Qatar Airways Launches Global Sales Campaign
Qatar Airways has launched a Global Sales Campaign, offering travellers reduced fares on flights across all cabin classes. The campaign runs through May 3 and features flights to any destination across the Qatar Airways’ network of more than 150 destinations for travel through June 21. Sample fares include India $910, Thailand from $1,000 and South Africa from $1,350. To take advantage of these offers, agents should visit...
Air Canada Takes Off To Three More
Air Canada welcomed a stellar group of its industry supporters to Malaparte at the TIFF Bell LightBox in Toronto last night (April 26) for a celebration – and there was certainly a lot to celebrate. “I'm proud of what's happening,” the carrier's vice-president, global sales, Duncan Bureau told his audience, continuing, “In 2016, 28 new markets were launched and in 2017, there's lots more to come.” And if that's not enough reason to celebrate, Bureau pointed to the fact that Air Canada was celebrating its 80th birthday in 2017; its planes are being decked out in a new...