Airlines
Growth Continues
IATA reports that passenger traffic continued to show “strong growth” in August, with load factors increasing by 0.9% to 84.7%, while total revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) rose 7.1% compared to the year-ago period and August capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) increased by 5.9%. Tony Tyler, IATA's director general and CEO, commented: “August results continue the trend of strong demand for air travel, despite some softening in global economic growth, particularly in emerging markets.” Tyler continued: “Airlines are committed to meeting growing demand sustainably....
Working For A Sustainable Future
The aviation industry is calling on governments around the world to help the industry reduce its carbon footprint. In an open letter organized by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) and co-signed by IATA and ATAG members (which include airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers and air navigation service providers), the group re-affirms its commitment to its 3 key goals: 1.5% fuel efficiency improvement per year to 2020. Stabilizing net carbon emissions through carbon-neutral growth from 2020. Halving net carbon emissions by 2050 compared to 2005. Since the goals were set in...
Air Canada Taking Off To Delhi, Dubai
It was all about Delhi and Dubai as Air Canada hosted a group of some 260 travel agents, tour operators, corporate customers and other travel trade types to an event in Toronto last night. And whether you're client is 'dreaming of Delhi' or 'destined for Dubai,' at the beginning of November, Air Canada will be offering new air options to get them there. To Delhi, the carrier will be offering four flights a week from Toronto using its new 787-900 Dreamliners beginning November 1; while the thrice-weekly service to Dubai from Toronto begins on November 3, also featuring the 787-900...
Myrtle Beach Rolls Out The Red Carpet For Canadians
In a new initiative designed to fight the poor currency exchange between Canada and the US and to keep Canadians visiting, Myrtle Beach is rolling out the red carpet with a new incentive-laced “Dollar For Dollar Can-Am Days” program. Available from Jan. 1 through April 30, and only to Canadians, the program offers discounts of up to 65% at participating hotels and 30% at attractions and restaurants. The program was unveiled at a Myrtle Beach event in Toronto last night (Sept. 29) – an event that gave guests a taste of everything Myrtle Beach, including live entertainment,...
Royal Caribbean Introduces Air2Sea
Royal Caribbean International has re-branded its air travel program Air2Sea. Previously known as ChoiceAir, the Air2Sea program offers guests “the lowest priced airfare on their choice of preferred airlines, plus the peace of mind of assured arrival to their ship.” In addition, guests have round- the- clock support from a team of Royal Caribbean air specialists to assist with any issues that may arise during their travels. Agents who book clients' airfare through the Air2Sea program are guaranteed the lowest price or Royal Caribbean will credit them 110% of the difference to...
ACV Has New Agent Number for Seat Selection
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) has introduced a new phone number for the trade for seat selection on flights to Mexico, the Caribbean and North America. As of today (Sept. 28), travel agents should call 1-877-752-8810 for seat selection, land remarks and to add Aeroplan numbers to files for Mexico, the Caribbean and North America. For Europe, Groups and Cruises, continue to use...
Le Beau Brings Fresh View To New Role At AC
Travel agents are an integral part of the overall Air Canada team and will be treated as such by the airline’s newly minted senior director of agency sales, planning and optimization. That’s the pledge from Louise Le Beau, whose extensive background in revenue management promises to bring a fresh approach to the relationship between Air Canada and its independent retail sales force, reports Montreal editor, Mike Dunbar in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. Although she’s never worked directly in sales, Le Beau says her experience in planning and data analysis...
Air Canada, Amadeus Connect On Deal
Air Canada and Amadeus have signed a new multi-year distribution deal that will see all of Amadeus' travel agency customers – both offline and online – having access to all fares and seat availability for the carrier. AC will take advantage of Amadeus Fare Families and Amadeus Ancillary Services, providing travel agency customers with access to the airline's complete range of merchandising content. The companies will also work together to leverage existing features of the Amadeus point-of-sale retailing platform, as well as new cutting-edge features under development, to offer...