Airlines
AC Ready to Implement Expanded Use of PEDs
Air Canada welcomes the announcement by the Feds permitting the expanded use of Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) by travellers aboard aircraft during all phases of flight. Air Canada, Air Canada rouge and its Air Canada Express regional partners are finalizing measures to safely implement the new procedures so customers can enjoy greater use of their PEDs in non-transmitting mode while on the airlines' flights. “Air Canada welcomes today's announcement expanding the use of PEDs on aircraft because it will enhance the travel experience. Our customers have been telling us they...
New B777-300ER Aircraft Kick Off EVA Expansion
A continent-wide expansion of services by EVA Air in North America got underway this week with the unveiling of two new B777-300ER aircraft at the Boeing factory in Everett, Washington. EVA Air took delivery of the two new aircraft with a ceremonial ownership signing ceremony, followed by a ribbon cutting in front of one of the B777s at the massive factory, attended by Boeing officials and EVA’s president and chairman. Both aircraft then took off from the factory within hours for their new home base in Taipei, Taiwan, with a crowd of Taiwanese journalists onboard. The new aircraft...
LOT Launches ‘Crazy Europe’ Sale
LOT Polish Airlines has launched a “Crazy Europe” economy class fare sale from Toronto, Chicago and New York to a number of cities in Poland, as well as Eastern Europe. The sale is valid through June 4 for travel beginning Sept. 14 through Dec. 12 and Jan. 5 through March 31, 2015. The transatlantic round-trip economy airfare, for example, from Toronto to Prague is $768 or to Budapest is $777. These prices include all fees, taxes and surcharges. Tickets must be booked and ticketed within 24 hours of reservations. These fares are non-refundable, require a minimum Saturday night...
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...