Airlines
Prepare for take off
In this week's digital edition of Travel Courier, staff writer Ian Stalker reports that the Sunwing Travel Group says it doesn't expect any rush by this country's tour operators to send people south from US airports following its announcement that Sunwing Airlines and Sunwing Vacations will have offer service from Buffalo, NY, to both Punta Cana and Cancun this winter. The tour operator announced recently that it will have service from Buffalo to Cancun from Jan. 17 to May 9, and to Punta Cana from Feb. 14 to May 9. The development comes following years of complaints from airlines...
AA Fares Gone From Orbitz
American Airlines' fares are no longer on consumer sites powered by Orbitz. AA's fares were withdrawn yesterday and the airline indicated that US Airways' fares will come off Orbitz's consumer web sites on Sept. 1, 2014. The carrier noted that corporate clients that use Orbitz for Business to book travel are not affected by this change. Scott Kirby, president – American Airlines, said: "We have worked tirelessly with Orbitz to reach a deal with the economics that allow us to keep costs low and compete with low-cost carriers. While our fares are no longer on Orbitz, there are a...
AC Issues Sustainability Report
Air Canada has released the 2013 edition of Citizens of the World, the airline's third corporate sustainability report. The document evaluates Air Canada's performance during 2013 in four key areas of sustainability: safety, the environment, the well-being of employees, and the company's community involvement. “Communities are important to Air Canada because they are home to our customers and employees and connecting people and communities is the essence of our business. For this reason, Air Canada ensures economic, environmental and social sustainability considerations are part...
Pack & Go Deals
KLM is offering economy class tickets from $849 as part of its “Pack & Go” promotion. The offer is applicable to departures from Montréal, Toronto, Ottawa and, for a $ 150 supplement, Calgary and Vancouver. The promotion is in effect until Sept. 11 for travel with departures between Oct. 16 to Dec. 14 and between Dec. 25, 2014 to May 6, 2015. The “Pack & Go “ promotion also includes a free stopover in Amsterdam either on the outbound or the return segment of the trip. The fares as advertised include all surcharges and taxes. Go to http://www.klm.ca for...
Agents Flying High With Air Canada
It looks like travel agents are being taken along for Air Canada’s record-setting revenue and profit ride since sales and distribution was one of only two major cost areas – along with fuel - that rose in the second quarter, report Montreal editor, Mike Dunbar in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. And the record-setting is continuing, with CEO Calin Rovinescu announcing that the carrier delivered its best Q2 financial performance in the company’s history, turning in a net profit of $139 million – up 21% from last year – on revenues of $2.965 billion – up...
There’s An App For That
United Airlines is offering customers Uber transportation services via its mobile app, further enabling travellers to use the United app for services throughout their entire travel experience. Customers with iOS and Android mobile devices may access Uber ground transportation information in the United app's menu or in the “My Reservations” card with a current reservation. The app will display Uber information, including types of available vehicles, estimated wait times and prices. After customers select a ride, the United app will automatically transfer them to the Uber app or the...
Porter Enhances Weekend Service
Porter Airlines is adding weekend flights to seven current routes. Increased service to and from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport begins Sept. 20 for the fall travel season. Schedule enhancements: Boston: Additional Saturday and Sunday return flights; Chicago: Supplementary Saturday return flight; Ottawa: Two more Saturday return flights, beginning Sept. 6; Thunder Bay: Additional Saturday and Sunday return flights; Windsor: One extra Saturday return flight; Timmins: Added Saturday and Sunday return flights; New York (Newark): Two additional Saturday return flights, plus one extra...
WestJet launches new TA resource site
WestJet has launched a new resource web site for travel agents. The newly developed site features easy access to travel agent communications and JetMails, current information on seat sales, promo codes, travel agent contests and any other WestJet related news to help travel agents better serve their clients. “WestJet and WestJet Vacations are fully committed to supporting travel agents,” said Lyell Farquharson, WestJet vice-president, Sales. “Our intent is to be open and fair, while continuing to adapt many of the suggestions travel agents have provided us with over the years....