Airlines
Sabre, SAA Sign Multi-Year Deal
South African Airways has signed a new multi-year agreement that will see it make all of its airfares and inventory available in the Sabre global distribution system. The deal gives Sabre travel agencies and corporations globally access to SAA's full range of fares, schedules and availability including published fares sold through the airline’s own web site and reservations offices. Greg Webb, president, Sabre Travel Network, said: “We have a long and successful partnership with South African Airways to market and sell their products and services, and to support their expansion...
Need For Investment
During a stop in Toronto, IATA's director general and CEO, Tony Tyler said that: “Aviation is a natural driver of growth -- linking markets and connecting business. Demand for connectivity is rising. To meet that demand and enable aviation to deliver its economic and social benefits, investment is needed to alleviate bottlenecks in the air and on the ground. In today’s economic climate it is a potent tool to stimulate much-needed growth.” Tyler's comments come following IATA's call for a partnership approach guided by clearly defined success factors to build the global...
WestJet Rewards Launches New Tiers
WestJet is celebrating the launch of WestJet Rewards tiers. WestJet Rewards members now enjoy higher WestJet dollar earn rates and milestone awards with Teal, Silver or Gold tiers. According to officials, tiers also offer easy-to-use flight benefits like a free checked bag, lounge and advance seat selection vouchers in Silver. Gold members enjoy another free checked bag, advance boarding, priority security screening and other valued amenities. WestJet Rewards is also launching two limited-time offers for members to achieve Gold flight benefits. The Fast Track offer awards Gold...
WestJet, Flight Attendants Reach Agreement
WestJet has reached a tentative agreement with WestJet's Flight Attendant Association Board (FAAB). The proposed agreement is available to WestJet flight attendants for review beginning Oct. 31 and voting begins Nov. 10. “Our goal throughout the process was to offer a tremendously fair and balanced agreement for everyone involved,” said Anthony Pascale, FAAB chair. “From the beginning, our focus has been on the interests of our people, and on building a sustainable process that allows us to move forward together. I firmly believe this focus has resulted in an industry-leading...
Call For Transparency
WestJet is calling for “transparent and all-inclusive vacation pricing” in Canada, reports managing editor, Michael Baginski in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. Noting that the Canadian Transportation Agency now requires “all-in-advertising” for airlines – that is, prices that include taxes and fees -- WestJet says the rules should apply to tour operators too, including OTAs. At the heart of the issue is lack of consistency in pricing that “varies by tour operator” and disadvantages wholesalers that do apply all-in pricing to their...
WestJet Adds More Phoenix, South Okanagan
WestJet has launched new daily non-stop service between Toronto and Phoenix, Arizona. “Already a popular destination from Western Canada, we are delighted to offer even more non-stop service to the Valley of the Sun,” said Chris Avery, WestJet vice-president, Network Planning, Alliances and Corporate Development. “With hundreds of golf courses, countless world-class conference and convention facilities, and of course the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Arizona is a must for Canadians looking to escape the winter cold.” WestJet has also launched...
Air France, KLM Release Winter Schedules
Air France and KLM have unveiled their schedule for flights to and from Canada for the winter season, which will run from Oct. 26 to March 28, 2015. Air France will offer continue to offer two daily flights between Montreal and Paris, and one flight a day out of Toronto. Air France’s Boeing 747-400s are configured with two seat classes: Economy and Business. The Airbus A340-300s are similarly configured, but also feature the airline's intermediate Premium Economy class. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will fly once daily from Montreal and Toronto, six times weekly out of Calgary and...
Eight Years Flies By for Porter
Porter Airlines is celebrating eight years of service. From its home base at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Porter serves a total of 20 destinations in Canada and the US with a network currently stretching from Thunder Bay, Ont., and Chicago in the west, to St. John’s, NL, in the east, and as far south as Myrtle Beach, SC. Features such as airport lounge access for all passengers, complimentary wine and beer onboard, and stylish employee uniforms have helped create an enjoyable travel experience recognized around the world. “It’s rewarding being able to provide our...