Airlines
ACTA, Air Canada Make The Connection
ACTA has unveiled details of what it's describing as an “enhanced partnership” with Air Canada. The new partnership will see the two organizations working together to develop a robust Learning Management System designed for the agency community. The Learning Management System will provide agencies across Canada with the ability to learn and gain accreditation on Air Canada products and services as Air Canada experts. Under the new agreement, ACTA and Air Canada will work closely on various travel industry initiatives delivered through the ACTA Learning Campus, Industry Events...
Take Off With TAM
Canadian travel agents have an new option for Brazil- and South American-bound clients with the launch of TAM Airlines service from Toronto, reports editor Michael Baginski in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. The carrier, part of the LATAM Group – a merger of TAM and LAN airlines – is now flying five times a week from Pearson airport via New York JFK, at which point passengers can carry on with TAM to São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport or connect onto the LAN network direct to destinations like Ecuador, Argentina and Chile. TAM is Brazil's largest...
Transat Increases Commissions on Select European Airfares
During this vacation-planning period, Transat has announced it is offering travel agents higher commissions when booking roundtrip flights to Athens, Budapest or Prague from Montreal or Toronto, for travel between May 1 and Oct. 31. This limited-time offer will allow agents to earn 10% commission on fares to these destinations. Air Transat offers three flights from Montreal and two from Toronto each week to Athens, as well as weekly flights from Montreal and Toronto to Budapest and Prague. For further details, visit Get...
Air Canada Slams Toronto Port Authority
Responding to developments from a public consultation for the Master Plan for the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport by the Toronto Port Authority, Air Canada has reiterated its position against allowing jets at the city airport and calls continuing developments irresponsible. “Air Canada's position on this matter is crystal clear,” said Derek Vanstone, Air Canada's vice-president, Corporate Strategy, Government and Industry Affairs. “We do not support jets at Billy Bishop – we prefer to see a growing downtown airport focused on short haul passengers using modern turboprop...
WestJet Announces Departure of CFO
WestJet president and CEO Gregg Saretsky has announced the resignation of Vito Culmone, chief financial officer and executive vice-president, Finance, effective May 29. Culmone will be joining another Calgary-based organization in a similar capacity. “Vito has played a significant role in the growth and financial stability of our company for the past eight years and will certainly be missed,” said Saretsky. “We wish him well in this new role.” Culmone joined WestJet as chief financial officer and executive vice-president, Finance, in March 2007 with responsibility for the...
Air France Inaugurates Paris-Vancouver Flights
Driving rain welcomed the inaugural arrival of the new Air France service to Vancouver International Airport from Paris on March 29. After clearing customs, dignitaries and airline brass met media and guests in the departure lounge amidst French-themed cuisine, music and appointments. This kicks off a schedule of up to five flights per week to Paris-Charles de Gaulle from YVR. Flights are being operated by a Boeing 777-200 with 309 seats: 35 in business class, 24 in premium economy and 250 in economy. To encourage further participation by agents, Air France has rolled out a...
TAM Airlines Launches New Gateway Toronto
Canadians have a new route to Brazil and South America with the launch of TAM Airlines service from Toronto yesterday (March 30). The carrier, part of the LATAM Group – a merger of TAM and LAN airlines – will fly five times a week from Pearson via New York JFK. At that point, passengers can carry on with TAM to São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport or connect onto the LAN network direct to destinations like Ecuador, Argentina and Chile. TAM, Brazil's largest carrier, has a vast network in South America and is the only Brazilian carrier operating in Canada. It is also...
AC Introduces Apple Watch App
Air Canada has developed an app for the recently unveiled Apple Watch designed to make it even more convenient for customers on-the-go to obtain important travel information and initiate tasks such as checking-in. “Air Canada is excited to offer customers the convenience of our new Air Canada app for Apple Watch. The app will allow customers to easily check their flight status and boarding times. They will also be able to save precious time with notifications that prompt them to check-in and board. The app further advances Air Canada's mobile strategy of innovating with the latest...