Airlines
Flying High!
Global free trade is so good for aviation that airline bosses must have breathed huge sighs of relief when Belgium’s French regions finally signed on to the Canada-European Union Trade Agreement (CETA), reports Montreal editor, Mike Dunbar in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. That’s because the groundbreaking pact will likely ease the way for similar accords -- starting with the Brexit-bound UK and the United States. If, after seven years of negotiation the CETA talks had gone down the drain, it would have signalled that trade protectionism was in the...
Lufthansa Flight Disruptions
A pilot strike has forced Lufthansa to cancel as many as 137 long-haul flights tomorrow (Nov. 26). The move could affect as many as 30,000 passengers. Pilots, represented by union Vereinigung Cockpit, began a walkout on Wednesday. Lufthansa is reporting that 95% of its scheduled flights will take place on Saturday. A few medium- and short-haul flights are said to be affected as...
YVR Airport Workers Threaten Strike Action
Airport workers at Vancouver International Airport issued a 72-hour strike notice yesterday, a move that could affect flights out of YVR this weekend. The labour dispute is between Swissport Canada and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, who handle the airport’s baggage services and clean aircraft. Earlier this month, a tentative agreement was scrapped after union members voted against it. It's reported that the two sides have re-entered negotiations, and airport officials say contingency plans are being put in place in case of a strike. Agents...
AC Launches Altitude Skyriders Kids’ Club
Air Canada is upping the game for young fliers with the introduction of a new kids' club called Air Canada Altitude Skyriders – designed to make flights even more exciting and enjoyable for children between the ages of two and 12 years old. Once parents register their children for free online at Air Canada Altitude Skyriders, children will receive a kit containing a welcome letter, an exclusive Skyriders luggage tag and a logbook to chart their flights. Every time the child travels, he or she will also earn printable badges online to commemorate special milestones or achievements....
Transat, Aéroports de Montréal Unveil Espace Air Transat
Transat has unveiled Espace Air Transat, a space designed to reflect the airline’s image in the newly opened Montréal-Trudeau international airport terminal. Espace Air Transat is designed to welcome travellers in “a lively atmosphere brightened up by the joy of vacations.” “Given that close to a million Air Transat passengers will pass through the Montréal-Trudeau airport in 2017, this unique business partnership with Aéroports de Montréal was a natural move for us, and we are very happy about it,” says Annick Guérard, president and general manager of Transat Tours...
McCafé Takes Flight With WestJet
WestJet has partnered with McDonald's Canada in a move that will see the restaurant's McCafé Premium Roast coffee available aboard WestJet flights. The first flight serving the McCafé coffee took place Nov. 21. By Dec. 1, WestJet will offer the premium roast coffee across its fleet of Boeing 737NG and 767NG aircraft with the company's regional airline, WestJet Encore, to follow. “We are delighted to bring a new way to café on board WestJet and know that our 21 million guests per year will enjoy the taste of a complimentary McCafé Premium Roast Coffee wherever they are...
Pick A Winner
Air Canada is asking Canadians to help select the winner of the Air Canada Athlete of the Year Award 2016. Voters can go to http://athleteoftheyear.aircanada.com/ and vote for one of three finalists who were chosen for proudly flying the Canadian flag by demonstrating a drive for excellence, leadership and integrity. The voting ends Dec. 2 with the winner to be announced Dec. 8, 2016. This year's finalists are: Andre De Grasse – Athletics Derek Drouin – Athletics (High Jump) Rosie MacLennan – Gymnastics (Trampoline) Andrew Shibata, managing director, brand at...
WestJet Adds Arizona Lift
WestJet will launch service to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport from Calgary and Edmonton beginning Jan. 19, 2017 and seats are now available for sale. Bob Cummings, executive vice-president, commercial for WestJet, said: “We are proud of our expanding network of more than 100 cities in over 20 countries, and our reputation as an established, trusted brand with more than two decades of service to Canadians.” Cummings continued: “We have provided hundreds of thousands of our guests with non-stop service between Canada and Phoenix since 2004, and now look forward to bringing low...