Airlines
Air Canada Aims To Be A Champion
Air Canada is in the process of being transformed into a ``global champion,” according to Ben Smith, president of AC’s passenger airlines. Smith told a recent forecasting conference in Las Vegas that a three-pronged plan between now and 2018 is concentrating on network optimization, fleet growth and reconfiguration and the flexibility to adjust to shifting market conditions. By 2018, the widebody fleet will grow significantly from the current 70 aircraft to just under 100, while today’s narrowbody complement of 208 will max out at about 250, reports Montreal editor, Mike Dunbar...
WestJet Off To London
WestJet is making it a little easier for Canadians to get to the United Kingdom. The airline will launch new non-stop service to London (Gatwick) next spring, offering a total of four times daily from six Canadian cities – Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto and St. John's. The new routes represent WestJet's first non-stop service to London, and the only non-stop service from Winnipeg to the United Kingdom. One-way fares will start from: Toronto, $249; Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, $299; Winnipeg, $279; and St. John's, $199. WestJet will also be offering...
Porter Taking Off To Florida
Porter Airlines is set to take off to Florida for the first time, introducing seasonal service to Orlando-Melbourne International Airport. Flights begin Dec. 19, 2015 and continue to April 30, 2016, with Porter offering weekly, non-stop flights between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (BBTCA) and Orlando-Melbourne International Airport. The carrier's introductory fares start at CDN$392 for a round-trip and flights can now be booked at http://www.flyporter.com . Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines, commented: “Many Canadians want to escape during the winter season,...
Etihad Picks Amadeus Fare Families
Etihad Airways will be using Amadeus Fare Families tool in the indirect channel in order to support its merchandising strategy. The move will help the airline achieve its objective of accelerating international growth through differentiation and upsell opportunities, via its extensive sales network. Amadeus Fare Families will allow Etihad to brand and differentiate its products and services by showing the full value of each packaged fare on all its retailing interfaces for all customer segments and worldwide points of sale. The clear descriptions on service characteristics and terms...
SkyGreece Update
Following SkyGreece Airlines recent move to temporarily suspend operations, the airline has been working to rebuild and resume services. As part of its commitment to rebuild, SkyGreece has filed a Notice of Intention to Make a Proposal and Ernst & Young Inc. has been appointed as the Trustee in the company's proposal proceedings. A Notice of Intention is the first stage of a restructuring process and allows the company to pursue a restructuring of its financial affairs and operations, through a formal Proposal to creditors. Ernst & Young has set up the following web site...
WestJet Plus
WestJet has launched its new Plus product on all Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft – highlighted by an empty middle seat, added services and upgraded meal options on longer flights. “These changes mark the next step in the evolution of our popular Plus product,” says Marshall Wilmot, WestJet senior vice-president, Marketing and Digital. “Business travellers and vacationers alike will appreciate more personal space and comfort, added services like hot towels, upgraded meal options and booking flexibility.” Guests seated in Plus enjoy more legroom and elbow room. On...
New Etihad Baggage Policy Now In Effect
Etihad Airways has made changes to its baggage policies in conjunction with the launch of its new Fare Choices tariff structure, effective for tickets issued on or after Sept. 14, providing more choice and clarity to its guests. The new policy has been introduced to respond to individual customer needs with greater flexibility and to more closely align Etihad Airways with other Etihad Airways Partner airlines. According to officials, the changes will provide greater benefits to guests, with increased rewards for Etihad Guest loyalty program members. Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways...
Let The Sun Shine
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) sure knows how to throw a party. Music, prizes, Cirque-like entertainment, dinner and more prizes, not to mention the introduction of its biggest Sun Collection to date, were all part of last night's (Sept. 10) festivities at Pearson's Hangar 8 in Toronto. ACV's launch of its 2015/2016 Sun Collection included a large trade show featuring more than 20 trade partners, as well as an opportunity for agents to view and walk through an Air Canada rouge A319. Michael Friisdahl, president and CEO, Air Canada Leisure Group, and Eamonn Ferrin, president and COO,...