Airlines
WestJet Gears Up For Winter
WestJet will be adding dozens of new flights to its domestic and international networks as part of its 2016-2017 winter schedule. WestJet's executive vice-president, commercial, Bob Cummings commented: “The addition of dozens of new flights demonstrates our commitment to invest in communities and serve Canadians now and in the future, a commitment backed by our established, trusted brand and caring, people-driven service.” Cummings said that: “These increases enable communities to stimulate development, improve infrastructure and grow their economies. As our network of more than...
Waking The Giant
Look out world! The sleeping giant that has been Air Canada Vacations (ACV) is in wake-up mode and readying itself to emulate the parent company’s dramatic expansion that has turned AC into a major global player, reports Montreal editor, Mike Dunbar in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. “The reason we’ve sometimes been referred to as a sleeping giant is because people can see the broader potential of the ACV brand and the business opportunities out there,” conceded Air Canada Leisure Group president Craig Landry, who has been at the helm of ACV and Air Canada...
Transat Flight Attendants Ratify Deal
Air Transat flight attendants have ratified the July 4 agreement-in-principle between their union and management to renew their collective agreement. The six-year work contract is now in force, retroactive to November 1, 2015. Air Transat's president and general manager, Jean-François Lemay commented: “We are very pleased that the proposed offer has been accepted by a majority of our flight attendants.” Go to http://www.transat.com for...
NewLeaf Set For Takeoff
NewLeaf is set for takeoff with the low-fare carrier's inaugural flight scheduled for Monday (July 25) out of Hamilton, Ont., to Winnipeg, and most first-week flights nearly sold out. Travellers and agents can book flights aboard Flair Airlines on the NewLeaf Travel Company website (GoNewLeaf.ca) to/from Halifax, Moncton, Hamilton, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Kelowna, Kamloops, Fort St. John, Abbotsford and Victoria. “We are excited to resume operations as people plan their summer vacations,” said Jim Young, president and CEO of NewLeaf Travel Company. “We know...
Transat Speaks Out On Pilots’ Arrests
Air Transat has issued a statement regarding the July 18 arrest of two of its pilots in Glasgow, noting it's a complex issue and “because the matter is the subject of judicial proceedings in Scotland, the airline will not comment at this point.” Both pilots, who are personally facing charges, have received an administrative suspension for the duration of the carrier’s internal investigation. Air Transat reiterated that the safety of its passengers and crew is the number one priority for the carrier. “Canadian and European rules and regulations that we are subject to...
Sunwing Goes Cashless With New Buy Onboard Menu
Effective Oct. 5, Sunwing Airlines will introduce a new inflight menu featuring a variety of “fresh and affordably” priced meal options. The airline’s new buy-on-board service will feature a variety of hot meals, as well as snack options including a traditional tapas assortment, an artisan cheese plate, and even a kid’s snack box filled with brand name favourites. In addition to an accompanying complimentary non-alcoholic drink service, there will also be a selection of wine, beer and spirits available for purchase. Sunwing accepts all major credit cards for onboard...
Pearson Unveils Updated Security Measures
Toronto Pearson International Airport unveiled an updated screening process for travellers heading to the US this week. The two-year Security in Advance project at Pearson was developed and implemented to meet new US regulatory requirements and improve passenger flow for US-bound passengers using the pre-clearance process. The results of the project include: Process improvements for US-bound passengers that reduce passenger congestion and improve passenger flow. CATSA screening that occurs prior to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processing, meaning: Passengers...
Transat Pilots Remain in Scottish Jail
Two Transat pilots charged Monday for allegedly preparing to fly from Glasgow to Toronto while under the influence of alcohol remain in a Glasgow jail after appearing in court yesterday. Jean-Francois Perreault, 39, and Imran Zafar Syed, 37, were remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear again within eight days. It's reported that both are charged with threatening or abusive behaviour and performing an aviation function while over the legal alcohol limit. No pleas or declarations were made during the Tuesday hearing. Air Transat accommodated passengers, who were delayed 24...