Airlines
Authentically Canadian, Uniquely WestJet
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre was abuzz last night as WestJet kicked off its 2017 Travel Trade Expos in Toronto, welcoming more than 400 agents who had a chance to meet with over 60 suppliers to learn all about what WestJet and WestJet Vacations has in store for them in the coming year. And there's lots to learn, whether you look at product for both the airline and the tour company, but also with all the changes that are going to be taking place at WestJet over the next five years as it sets a course to become the world's “most caring” international airline. (To find out...
Agents Are Big News At WestJet Expo
WestJet kicked off its 2017 Travel Trade Expos in Toronto and Baxter Travel Media was out in full force, providing agents with copies of its industry-leading publications – Canadian Travel Press, Travel Courier, The Personnel Guide to Canada's Travel Industry and lots more – snapping shots of the event and most exciting of all, putting you – are faithful and loyal travel agent readers – on the cover of Travel Courier. Naturally, the cover features the appropriate WestJet theme. Over 400 agents – and every one of them dropped by our booth – attended, taking time to meet...
Something For Everyone In Ethiopia
The Ethiopian Tourism Organization (ETO) has generated interest among in Ethiopia as an emerging destination during the launch of the tourism brand: Ethiopia, Land of Origins at the first roadshow by the ETO in North America. The three-city roadshow in Los Angeles, New York and Toronto was held on March 24-30. At each event there was a media briefing for travel trade journalists followed by a presentation and workshop with one-on-one meetings organized with 21 Ethiopian suppliers. “There is something for everyone to discover while in Ethiopia,” said Solomon Tadesse, CEO of the...
WestJet Pilots Seek ALPA Representation
WestJet pilots filed membership cards yesterday with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to hold an election for representation by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA). ALPA president Capt. Tim Canoll said: “WestJet pilots told us they are ready for a certified union. Now is the time for them to take the next step and vote for ALPA in order to obtain the resources available to secure their goals.” In the next few weeks, the CIRB will verify the membership cards and schedule an ALPA representation vote. ALPA expects that the secret-ballot election...
Cayman Airways Picks AirlinePros
AirlinePros has been appointed as Cayman Airways (IATA KX / 378) BSP Administrator for the Canadian market. The appointment will strengthen Cayman Airways' travel community outreach, allowing travel professionals to further develop itinerary and product needs with Cayman Airways. AirlinePros Canada director, Karl Muller said: “The Cayman Islands are a very exciting destination to visit. Each year, more and more Canadians consider the Caymans as their top choice vacation spot, to enjoy pristine nature, world-class water sports, dining options, luxury accommodation, in a unique...
A Milestone For Montreal In 2017
Montreal has a lot to celebrate this year. Sure, there’s its 375th anniversary as well as Canada’s 150th birthday – and the city’s going all-out to extract the maximum visitation potential from both – but ask Tourisme Montreal chief Yves Lalumière what excites him most right now and he’ll point to Air China’s four-times-weekly non-stop service to Beijing and Air Canada’s new daily Dreamliner flight to Shanghai. “For the next 10 years China is the key for Montreal and it will be our most important priority,” he told Travel Courier's Mike Dunbar in a wide-ranging...
Holy ULCC, WestJet!
WestJet is going back to its roots with the announcement today that it plans to launch a new, ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) in Canada. Remember back in 1996 when WestJet arrived, modeling itself after Southwest, and shaking things up in the airline business in Canada with its low-cost approach to air travel. WestJet said that service is expected to start in late 2017 with an initial fleet of 10 high-density Boeing 737-800s. The move is subject to agreement with WestJet's pilots and any required regulatory approvals. The ULCC will provide Canadians with no-frills, lower-cost...
Making An Impact
Transat is creating a new distribution unit that will be led by Joseph Adamo, who takes on the role of vice-president and chief distribution officer for Transat Tours Canada (TTC). The new distribution unit groups the company's commercialization and Customer Care Centre resources. Nathalie Boyer will take over the role of general manager, Transat Distribution Canada (TDC), a post that Adamo has held since 2013. Boyer has been a member of the TDC executive for the past 17 years and will take on her new duties on May 1, 2017. In making the announcement, Jean-Marc Eustache,...