Airlines
WestJet Adds Atlantic Lift
WestJet has launched new daily non-stop flights from Halifax Stanfield International Airport to Deer Lake and Gander, Newfoundland, and Sydney, Nova Scotia, on board WestJet Encore's fleet of Canadian-made Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft. The airline will also inaugurate new daily non-stop service between Moncton, New Brunswick, and Ottawa. Chris Avery, WestJet vice-president, network planning, alliances and corporate development, said: “These new flights represent our continuing commitment to expand WestJet service to smaller-sized cities from coast to coast, offering Canadians...
Airline Moves Jeopardize Consumer Interests
In a statement issued following the US Department of Justice's (DOJ) confirmation that it was opening an investigation into alleged anti-competitive actions by airlines, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) said that it applauds DOJ's announcement and its “interest in protecting air travel consumers.” The association said that “consumers – whether they are leisure or business travellers – benefit greatly from the ability to search, compare and book travel via the advanced technology solutions created and deployed by Travel Tech's diverse membership. Global...
New Concept From SWISS
SWISS's new fare options for European air travel are now available. The options form part of a new fare concept for all the airline's services within Europe that offers customer greater choice and flexibility. The new concept features three Economy Class options alongside the Business Class fare, so travellers can choose the fare that meets their specific needs and pay only for the services they actually require. All four fares include the flight, one piece of carry-on baggage, an inflight snack and drinks, a firm seat assignment when checking in within 23 hours of departure and...
Europe Airpost Returns to Halifax
For the second year, Europe Airpost will offer service from Halifax to Paris and, new for 2015 the route will include a stop in Dublin, Ireland. The Paris route was launched last summer. “It’s a pleasure to welcome Europe Airpost back to Halifax and Nova Scotia,” says Joyce Carter, HIAA president and CEO. “This new air service to Dublin and return service to Paris connects our region with two very popular European destinations and complements our 2015 summer schedule of flights.” The weekly service began yesterday (July 9) and runs until Sept. 11. Flights are aboard...
WestJet Reassures Trade, Passengers
In the past week, WestJet has experienced five mischief security bomb threats, each quickly proven to be a hoax. WestJet understands and appreciates trade concerns and issued the following statement to address these situations, stressing that agents can continue to book the airline with confidence. “First, from a flight safety perspective. WestJet cannot, for obvious reasons discuss the security protocols in place, however, over the course of the last week they have received these threats that made them initiate their safety protocols and in three of the instances, divert their...
Air Canada Sets Radar On Brisbane
Air Canada will launch new non-stop flights from Vancouver to Brisbane, Australia, initially operating three times weekly using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners beginning June 17, 2016, with the intention to increase to daily service, subject to obtaining the necessary government approvals. “Air Canada continues to strategically expand its international network with the addition of our second Australian destination - Brisbane, capital of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. The new route increases our presence in the Asia-Pacific market at a time when trade and travel in...
WestJet Teams Up With Two Top Golf Tournaments
WestJet has announced a three-year partnership as the official airline of the RBC Canadian Open and the Canadian Pacific Women's Open with a golf-themed fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). This year's RBC Canadian Open is set to take place at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., July 20-26, and the 2015 Canadian Pacific Women's Open takes place at The Vancouver Golf Club in Coquitlam, BC, Aug. 17-23. “As an airline that earned its stripes on the leisure side of the business, and golf being a top Canadian leisure pursuit, sponsoring the RBC Canadian Open and...
Strong Traffic Growth Continues in May: IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports global passenger traffic results for May show strong demand growth compared to May 2014 for both domestic and international traffic. Total revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) rose 6.9%, which was an improvement on the April year-over-year increase of 5.7%. May capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) increased by 6.5%, and load factor rose 0.3 percentage points to 79.3%. “May results confirm that demand for connectivity remains robust, but there are possible storm clouds forming on the horizon. The financial crisis in...