Airlines
SunExpress Makes The Switch
SunExpress – which is the joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa – has made the switch over to IBS Software's PSS platform, iFly Res, to power its passenger reservation, ticketing, and departure control operations. The carrier has a fleet of over 70 aircraft and it carried 8 million passengers in 2016 to more than 80 destinations across Europe, Turkey and Northern Africa. iFly Res enables a strongly enhanced general communication between SunExpress and its important distribution network, the European travel agencies. The new system contains the distribution standard...
WestJet Introduces ‘Plus Lowest’ Bundle
In a move designed to give travellers more options, WestJet has introduced a fourth fare bundle called “Plus Lowest,” with the carrier now offering two fare options under the Plus umbrella – Plus Lowest and Plus Flexible. With Plus Lowest, clients pay a lower fare, change fees will apply, and the fare will be non-refundable. With Plus Flexible, no change fees apply and the fare has a refundable option. Both Plus Lowest and Plus Flexible clients enjoy the added comfort and onboard amenities included in WestJet's Plus fares. There is no change to commissions as a result of this...
WestJet Launches Calgary’s First Non-Stop to Nashville
WestJet has launched new, non-stop service between Calgary and Nashville (Metropolitan Nashville Airport). The carrier is now offering twice-weekly access to Nashville from Calgary. WestJet began service to Nashville from Toronto in 2016 and currently flies daily on WestJet Encore. Flights from Calgary to Nashville will be operated on WestJet's Boeing 737 aircraft featuring the enhanced Plus product and WestJet Connect, WestJet's inflight entertainment system, which is accessed directly through smartphones, tablets or...
Icelandair Going Year-Round from YVR
Due to increased demand from Vancouver, Icelandair is increasing its current seasonal service to Iceland to a full year-round schedule starting this winter. Icelandair offers three cabins of service with one checked bag, personal in-flight entertainment systems and gate-to-gate Wi-Fi available for all passengers. The expanded Icelandair service will further strengthen YVR and Icelandair’s successful partnership, which started with the launch of its YVR-Keflavik International Airport (KEF) service in 2014. The flight will continue to use the Boeing 757 aircraft and will depart YVR...
Air Travel Defying Global Challenges
Despite recent terrorist attacks and on-going geo-political wrangling, the latest global overview of air travel reveals that passengers from Europe, the Americas and the Far East, are making more bookings and taking more flights, according to ForwardKeys. Presenting its findings at the recent World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit, ForwardKeys report that: Canada is the new star destination in North America. Europe is recovering from last year's terrorist attacks - arrivals growth is back on track. Political events can have a major impact on the tourism industry: the...
WestJet Expos Have Agents Buzzing In The West
Travel agents turned out in force to meet WestJet exhibitors, partners and suppliers at the WestJet Travel Trade Expo, at venues across western Canada last week. The trade shows, plus WestJet product presentations, took place at three venues on the western side of the country, including the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary on May 1, the Northlands Edmonton Expo Centre on May 2, and the Vancouver Convention Centre on May 4. There were 346 travel agents and 59 exhibitors in Calgary; 371 travel agents and 59 exhibitors in Edmonton; 399 travel agents and 61 exhibitors in...
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...