Airlines
Happy Birthday, WestJet
Happy birthday, WestJet! Hard to believe that it was 20 years ago that the carrier launched its first flight, but it is and the carrier is starting its next 20 years with a new Canadian-inspired logo, a birthday seat sale and lots more. WestJet's president and CEO, Gregg Saretsky observed that: “In just 20 years, WestJet has established itself as a great Canadian success story. From humble beginnings, we have grown to become an international airline and a strong contributor to the growth of Calgary, the province and the country.” And Saretsky continued: “I would like to...
Inflight Entertainment Goes Mobile at Transat
Air Transat has launched a new personalized inflight entertainment app on its Boeing 737 narrow-body jets, giving passengers access to a selection of movies and TV series, as well as music playlists on their iOS mobile devices. “We care deeply about enabling our passengers to start their vacations as soon as they board their flights, and even slightly before. Our new CinePlus B app now makes that possible,” said Jean-François Lemay, general manager, Air Transat. Passengers can download the innovative CinePlus B app from the App Store and then, a few days before departure, are...
Republic Airways Files for Chapter 11 Reorganization
US regional carrrier Republic Airways Holdings Inc. has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection. The Indianapolis-based short-haul carrier, which feeds flights to American Airlines Group Inc, Delta Air Lines Inc and United Continental Holdings Inc brands, reports Republic and its subsidiaries will continue normal business operations while restructuring the company’s finances and contractual relationships. “We worked hard to avoid this step,” said Bryan Bedford, Republic’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Over the last several months, we’ve attempted...
Transat, Pilots Reach Tentative Agreement
Air Transat and its pilots have reached a tentative agreement on renewal of the collective agreement that expired last April. The agreement, whose approval will be recommended by the union executive, will be submitted to the pilots in the coming days. “We have reached a reasonable agreement that is satisfactory to both parties and we are confident that it will be approved by all the pilots. The threat of an imminent strike has been averted,” said Jean-François Lemay, general manager, Air...
Dynamic Destination
Air Canada, the Rio Convention & Visitors Bureau and 25 suppliers (ranging from ground operators to hoteliers) teamed for a series of cross-Canada travel agency workshops. In Toronto, the event welcomed between 70 and 75 retailers, who had the chance to discover everything they need to know about Rio as the city gears up for the 2016 Summer Olympics. The workshops are also slated to make stops in Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. Tony Celio, manager, specialty sales for Air Canada, told Press Today that Brazil is a strong market for the carrier. AC introduced its thrice weekly...
WestJet Expands Seasonal Summer Routes
WestJet has introduced three non-stop seasonal routes for this summer. In June, WestJet will start service between Brandon, Manitoba and Toronto Pearson International Airport. In addition, the airline will start service between Vancouver and both Hamilton, and London, Ont. WestJet's limited-addition flights will be offered only during the peak summer travel season. “These new flights provide our guests in Brandon, London and Hamilton even more access to the WestJet network with non-stop service, greater convenience and more connectivity this summer,” said John Weatherill,...
Be Competitive
IATA is calling on the government of Thailand to urgently address safety, capacity and cost issues to keep Thailand’s aviation sector competitive. Tony Tyler, director general and CEO of IATA, said: “Aviation is critical to Thailand’s economic success. It is the backbone of the tourism industry and provides critical global business links. We estimate that today aviation and related activities account for some 2 million Thai jobs and generate $29 billion in GDP. And by 2035 we could see that grow to 3.8 million jobs and $53 billion in GDP. If realized, that potential 83% growth...
Anyone for OZ
Goway Travel is working with Tourism Australia and Virgin Australia to offer travellers a chance to discover some of Australia's coastal and aquatic delights. For example, there’s beautiful Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, Bondi and Manly beaches in Sydney and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. The 11 day Whitsunday and Sydney Escape starts at just US$2,599 per person and includes a four night stay in Sydney combined with four nights on Hamilton Island. Travellers will enjoy a full day Great Barrier Reef cruise, a half day excursion to Whitehaven Beach, entry to Hamilton Island...