Airlines
Hong Kong Airlines Set to Launch YVR Service
Starting June 30, Hong Kong Airlines will operate daily direct flights between Vancouver and Hong Kong using Airbus A330 aircraft with 18 Business Class and 268 economy seats. “This new route service is Hong Kong Airlines' debut in North America,” noted Li Dianchun, chief commerical officer of Hong Kong Airlines. “The new route will open up more opportunities for travellers worldwide to leverage our connectivity in Asia, hence bringing more diverse and convenient travel options for travellers.” Hong Kong Airlines is represented in Canada by Discover the World. Fares are now...
Cathay’s Cronin Promoted to Director of Sales
Cathay Pacific Airways has promoted Ross Cronin to director, sales and marketing Canada, with overall responsibility for the airline’s passenger sales and marketing communication strategies in Canada. A veteran of the aviation industry, Cronin has spent more than 22 years with Cathay Pacific Airways, most recently as sales manager, Eastern & Central Canada, overseeing passenger sales for the airline in this important region. He joined Cathay in Vancouver early in 1994 and, later that year, transferred to the management position in Toronto. Prior to this, Cronin worked in...
WestJet Pilots Endorse Expansion Plans
WestJet reports that its 1,380 pilots have voted in favour of the company's plans to expand its successful wide-body operations. Such approval is required under the airline's agreement with the WestJet Pilots Association. “Our long-haul, wide-body flights to Hawaii and London (Gatwick) have brought low fares and more choices to hundreds of thousands of guests, reinforcing our position as Canada's low-fare leader,” said WestJet CEO Gregg Saretsky. “This agreement reflects the collaborative relationship we have with the WestJet Pilots Association (WJPA) and now allows us to...
2016 a ‘Satisfying’ Year for Air Canada
As it prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary this year, Air Canada has provided a review of 2016 highlights – a year which officials are calling “highly satisfying.” “We produced record EBITDAR financial results during each of the first three quarters of 2016 on which we have reported. We significantly increased our global footprint with the launch of 28 new routes, including 15 new international and 12 US transborder routes. With new service to Morocco, we joined the elite club of global carriers serving all six continents,” said Air Canada president Calin...
AC, Cathay to Introduce Codeshare Services
Air Canada and Cathay Pacific have finalized a strategic co-operation agreement that will enhance travel services for Cathay Pacific customers when travelling within Canada and for Air Canada customers travelling via Hong Kong to Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. Cathay Pacific and Air Canada customers will be able to book travel to their final destination on a single ticket with through-checked bags as well as enjoy reciprocal mileage accrual and redemption benefits. Tickets will go on sale Jan. 12 for travel beginning Jan....
Sunwing Flight Attendants Reject Tentative Agreement
Sunwing’s flight attendant have rejected a tentative agreement reached earlier with the employer by a margin of 68.8 %. The CUPE Local 4055 bargaining committee will now consult the members and ask for a strike mandate. In early January, the bargaining committee will visit all of Sunwing’s bases across the country to listen to the members and hear what additional improvements should be made to their collective agreement. The bargaining committee will also ask the members to give them a strike mandate. Once this round of consultation is over, the union will be ready to go back to...
Air Transat Inaugurates Four New Flights
This week, Air Transat inaugurated four new flights – Toronto-Managua, Montreal-San Salvador, Ottawa-Cayo Coco and Toronto-Cartagena. These direct flights will be offered until the end of March 2017: Toronto-Managua (Nicaragua), every Thursday to March 23; Montreal-San Salvador (El Salvador), every Thursday to March 23; Ottawa-Cayo Coco (Cuba), every Thursday to March 23; Toronto-Cartagena (Colombia), every Friday to March 24. Air Transat’s 2016-17 winter flight program offers travellers 35 Sun destinations and flights from 22 Canadian cities, in addition to a variety of...
Air Canada Names New Chief Commercial Officer
Air Canada has Lucie Guillemette, previously senior vice-president, Revenue Optimization, as executive vice-president and chief commercial officer. Guillemette, who is based at the airline's Montreal headquarters, joins the executive committee and continues to report to Benjamin Smith, president, Passenger Airlines. In her new role, Guillemette will be responsible for Air Canada's commercial strategy and revenue generation, including marketing, sales, network planning and revenue management. Prior to her appointment as senior vice-president, Revenue Optimization in May 2015, she was...