Airlines
IATA Resolution 787 Gets Tentative Approval
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has welcomed the decision by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to tentatively approve Resolution 787. That resolution is the foundation document for the New Distribution Capability (NDC), a travel industry-supported program launched by IATA for the development and market adoption of a new, XML-based data transmission standard. "This is excellent news for air travellers, airlines, intermediaries and for competition," said Tony Tyler, IATA Director General and CEO in commenting on DOT's tentative approval. In that...
A New Era for Air Canada
With the arrival of its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner this week, Air Canada kicked off a new brand campaign designed to usher in a new era for the carrier. In 2009, Air Canada declared its ambition to become a true global carrier, competing against the world’s best airlines. Five years later, officials say several key elements of that strategy are now in place, including: !!! The introduction of a new Premium Economy service for international travel, creating a new and affordable option for comfort on long haul flights; !!! Achievement of the prestigious 4 star rating from Skytrax...
Air Canada Welcomes Its First Dreamliner
Air Canada completed its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight on May 18, with the arrival of AC7008 at Toronto's Pearson airport carrying 100 of the airline's employees on its maiden voyage. Air Canada is the first Canadian airline to fly the new aircraft which, with its long-range and unsurpassed fuel efficiency, will play a starring role in the airline's international expansion strategy. AC has orders for 37 Boeing 787 aircraft. Calin Rovinescu, president and CEO of Air Canada, said, "This is an exciting day for all of us at Air Canada as we bring home our first Dreamliner. With the...
Gedeon Leaving Air Canada
Zeina Gedeon, vice-president sales Canada and product distribution has confirmed that she is leaving Air Canada at the end of May. Gedeon, who told Press Today that she hasn't had a vacation since 2008, said she's planning to take the month of June off to decompress and to consider the employment offers that have come her way since the news that she had resigned her post at Air Canada two months ago, became public. Prior to her role as vice-president, sales Canada and product distribution, Gedeon was president & CEO of Air Canada Vacations. At Air Canada, Gedeon held such...
Cathay Partners with Michelin-Starred Tosca
Cathay Pacific Airways has teamed up with Tosca, the fine-dining Italian restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, to launch a new inflight menu promotion. Through July 31, the promotional menu will be served to passengers in First Class and Business Class onboard selected long-haul and regional Cathay Pacific flights departing from Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific General Manager Inflight Services James Ginns (pictured) said, “We are committed to providing the best inflight experience to our passengers and the food we serve on our aircraft is an integral part of that experience. Being...
KLM Launches Kenya Safari Contest
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is offering its Facebook Canada page followers the chance to win two tickets to Nairobi paired with a safari when they play the online game “Kenyan Safari with KLM” by May 20. Together with the Magical Kenya Tourism Board and G Adventures, KLM will be offering the winners the opportunity to fly to Kenya in economy class and experience a nine-day safari. Entrants must go to the KLM Canada Facebook page, click “Like” and fill out the contest entry form (one entry per person). The draw will be held May 22. The winners will have until April 30, 2015 to...
WestJet Encore Says Bienvenue to Quebec City
WestJet has announced the launch of new, non-stop twice-daily service between Toronto and Quebec City, Quebec, effective March 15, 2015. Using WestJet Encore’s fleet of Canadian-made Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, the new service will replace WestJet’s current daily service on board its Boeing Next-Generations 737s. “One of WestJet Encore’s raison d’être is to allow us to make service improvements to the communities we serve by increasing frequencies, and this is a prime example of that strategy,” said Chris Avery, WestJet vice-president, Network Planning, Alliances...
New WestJet App Available
WestJet has launched WestJet for iPhone with Passbook support, now available for free download from the App Store. WestJet guests can now manage all of their travel logistics from the convenience of their iPhone. “The WestJet iPhone app is another step forward in continuously improving overall guest experience,” said Marshall Wilmot, WestJet vice-president, Product and Distribution. “We know guests have been asking for an iOS option for some time. The WestJet iPhone app, the result of a strong collaboration between users and development experts, delivers functionality and...