Airlines
Tropical Storm Erika Could Affect Punta Cana Flights
Air Canada and Air Canada Express are advising that flights to, from or connecting through Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, may be delayed or cancelled tomorrow (Aug. 28) due to a tropical storm, Erika. Air Canada has revised its ticketing policy for customers booked on affected flights to facilitate changes to bookings. Customers wishing to make alternate travel arrangements can do so without penalty, space permitting, using the airline's online rebooking tool. Travellers are also advised to check their flight status prior to leaving for the...
SkyGreece Temporarily Ceasing Operations
SkyGreece says that “it must temporarily cease all operations,” however, it adds that it “expects to resume operations soon.” The announcement was posted on the carrier's web site – http://www.skygreece.com – today and explained that after it launched its scheduled international service in May, the airline “suffered financial setbacks as a result of the Greek economic crisis.” SkyGreece said in the statement that, “In spite of the resulting immediate and dramatic reduction in ticket sales, the company's founders have worked tirelessly to maintain scheduled service....
Etihad Teams Up With Ten Group
Travellers flying in Etihad Airways' The Residence onboard the airline's Airbus A380 fleet will soon have the services of a specially trained butler. To meet the unique needs of these travellers, Etihad has teamed up with global concierge service provider Ten Group. Ten Group will provide a specially trained Etihad Lifestyle Concierge team who will work closely with the airline’s London Savoy-trained Residence by Etihad Butlers. Utilizing intelligent systems, global support and supplier relationships, the Etihad Lifestyle Concierge team will deliver a highly personalized and...
WestJet Welcomes Arrival of Its First Wide-Body Aircraft
WestJet has ushered in a new era in its 19-year history with today's arrival of the first of four Boeing 767-300 extended range aircraft in Calgary. The aircraft allows the airline to begin serving Europe and other regions of the world from Canada on a non-stop basis. Inaugural wide-body flights will begin early next month. Featuring a new teal and blue maple leaf-themed logo that will eventually appear on all WestJet aircraft, the airline's 767s seat 262 guests and have a range of approximately 11 hours. The aircraft will include a Plus cabin with 24 premium seats in a two-by-two...
Waiting For The Plane
SkyGreece Airlines' problems continue. The carrier announced more flight cancellations this week, including yesterday's (Aug. 26) Athens-Zagreb-Toronto flight and today's (Aug. 27) Toronto-Budapest-Thessaloniki and Thessaloniki-Budapest-Toronto flights. Last week, the carrier delayed all of its flights for 24 hours. A recorded message on the airline's reservation line stated that the cancellations are due to “operational reasons” and that “further information would follow.” Passengers caught by the canceled services are none too happy about the situation and have taken...
WestJet Welcomes Mark Porter as EVP, People and Culture
WestJet has announced the appointment of Mark Porter to the position of executive vice-president, People and Culture, effective Oct. 26. Porter joins WestJet from Shaw Communications where he was the senior vice-president, Human Resources, for almost 10 years. Prior to this, he was with Molson Canada where he held several senior human resources positions, including chief people officer. Porter also brings aviation experience to WestJet having worked with Bombardier Aerospace in a variety of engineering and human resource roles for more than 15...
Air France, KLM Specials
As part of its “Oh lala! Deals” promotion from Toronto, Air France is offering Economy class tickets from $749. The promotion runs until Sept. 10 and applies to trips with departures between Oct. 16 and Dec. 10 and between Dec. 25 and May 6, 2016. Fares include a free stopover in Paris either on the outbound or the return segment of the trip. The fares, as advertised, include all taxes. (http://www.airfrance.ca) As part of its “Dream Deals” promotion, KLM is offering Economy class tickets starting at $849 out of Montreal and Toronto, and $999 for departures from...
Etihad Launches New ‘Fare Choices’
Etihad Airways will implement a new fare structure on Sept. 14, a program designed to provide travellers with more choice and clarity when booking flights. A total of eight new “Fare Choices” will be introduced, allowing travellers to tailor their bookings to their individual needs. According to officials, the Fare Choices are transparent and differ in baggage allowance, flexibility and included benefits that otherwise need to be purchased separately. Additionally, an adapted baggage policy will provide guests with a more standardized baggage allowance structure across the Etihad...