Airlines
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...
Porter Extends Tremblant Summer Service
Porter Airlines will be offering extended summer service to Mont Tremblant, Quebec. The carrier's twice weekly flights begin June 24 and increase to four from late July to early September. The airline's service now runs until Sept. 25, with 40 round-trip flights for the season. The extended schedule coincides with Tremblant’s fall foliage festival, the Symphony of Colours. For the golfers, Porter Escapes will be offering the ability to book tee times before arrival, along with flights and accommodation. Porter Escapes packages are available at various prices, and all resorts...
ANA Bringing Flash To YVR
A new Boeing 787 Series 9 will soon start flying between Vancouver and Tokyo in the colours of All Nippon Airways (ANA), helping to confirm the city’s increasing priority as a gateway from Asia to North America. The ANA B787-9 will kick off flights on the Vancouver-Tokyo Haneda route as of April 28. It will feature newly designed business class suites in the J class cabin. These feature a roomy, staggered configuration for more space and privacy, and a full 180 degree recline function. The 48 seats in the cabin are aligned so that every passenger has aisle access. The new...
Can’t We All Be Friends
Partnerships among all stakeholders, including governments, to help aviation fulfill its important role as a catalyst for global economic growth and development are being welcomed by IATA. IATA's director general and CEO, Tony Tyler said that: “Airlines will transport 3.8 billion passengers and 53 million tonnes of air cargo this year. In doing so, they will support some $2.4 trillion in economic activity and some 58 million jobs. In Asia-Pacific, the corresponding numbers are over $700 billion in GDP and 33 million jobs. By 2034, global demand will reach 7 billion passengers, but that...
Fleet Renewal
Air Canada has entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Bombardier Inc. for the acquisition of up to 75 Bombardier CS300 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines as part of its narrow-body fleet renewal plan. The LOI contemplates 45 firm orders plus options to purchase up to an additional 30 aircraft and includes substitution rights to CS100 aircraft in certain circumstances. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in late 2019 and extend to 2022. The first 25 aircraft on delivery will replace Air Canada's existing mainline fleet of Embraer E190 aircraft, with...
Transat Offers Zika Update
Transat has issued an updated advisory to agents on the Zika virus. In the advisory, Transat tells agents: “As you are surely aware, the Zika virus is affecting many destinations around the world. This virus is mainly transmitted through mosquito bites. As such, it is strongly recommended that travellers take precautionary measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites.” And it continues: “It should be noted that those most at risk are pregnant women and women who are planning to become pregnant. Your clients should be encouraged to obtain further information on the...