Airlines
Lufthansa Introduces Early Seat Reservation for an Extra Charge
Early seat reservation for Lufthansa passengers booked in selected booking classes (designated W, S, T, L, K) will incur a 25 euro per seat charge on long-haul flights in the future. The optional service will be introduced April 28. This change, according to officals, brings the additional advance seat reservation service fees in line with those incurred on domestic and European routes, which have been offered at a price of 10 euro since November 2013. As in the past, all guests may choose their preferred seat at no extra charge when checking in, up to 23 hours before...
Etihad Posts Strong First Quarter
Etihad Airways has reported its strongest ever passenger and cargo volumes for a first quarter, together with US$1.4 billion in total revenues during the three-month period, marking a year-on-year increase of 27%. A total of 3.2 million passengers travelled with Etihad during the first quarter of 2014, over 14% higher than the 2.8 million passengers from the same period last year. The growth rate is more than double a recent estimate from the International Air Transport Association that passenger demand will increase 5.8% this year on a global basis. James Hogan, president and chief...
CTA Introduces New Interline Baggage Rules
The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has made changes to rules pertaining to interline baggage involving multiple carriers on flights to and from Canada. The agency has ruled that on single ticket purchases involving multiple carries on or after Oct. 1, carriers should apply a single set of baggage rules to the entire itinerary and disclose the applicable rules on the itinerary receipt or e-ticket. According to officials, the Agency’s new approach, as set out in its Interline Baggage Rules for Canada, is consistent with US requirements, fostering a harmonized North American...
Amadeus Signs New Agreement With United
Amadeus has signed a new multi-year agreement with United Airlines for worldwide distribution services. Under the agreement, Amadeus subscribers around the world are guaranteed continued access via the Amadeus System to United’s full range of content. The agreement also provides for access and booking of the carrier’s ancillary offerings such as Economy Plus extra-legroom premium seating. Availability of United’s Economy Plus seating for Amadeus travel agencies in North America is scheduled for mid-year with global implementation planning...
AC Completes US$400 Million Unsecured Financing
Air Canada reports that it has completed its previously announced private offering of US$400 million of 7.75% senior unsecured notes due 2021. Air Canada received net proceeds of approximately $432 million from the sale of the notes and will use these proceeds for general corporate purposes. “The successful completion of our unsecured note offering is another significant transformational event for Air Canada as we enter a new phase of capital investment in our fleet and product,” said Air Canada president Calin Rovinescu (pictured). “I was especially pleased with the...
Aer Lingus Makes Canadian Debut
Aer Lingus made its long-awaited debut in Canada Monday with the arrival of its inaugural flight to Toronto. After a quick turnaround, flight EI128 took off for Dublin with a full complement of passengers, who had enjoyed Irish music, dancing and munchies in the lead-up to departure. Tourism Ireland, Aer Lingus and Pearson airport execs celebrated the arrival of “The Shamrock” and the start of year-round service between the cities with speeches and ceremonial ribbon- and cake-cutting. The event also marked the first flight of new Boeing 757 aircraft in the Aer Lingus...
WestJet Off to Penticton, Kamloops
WestJet has added Penticton, BC, as its newest destination. Non-stop service between Penticton and Calgary takes off Oct. 26 on board WestJet Encore’s Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft. Special introductory fares are available now on westjet.com. In other news, WestJet has announced the launch of daily, non-stop WestJet Encore service between Edmonton and Kamloops, starting Feb. 15,...
First Air, Canadian North Consider Merger
Makivik Corporation and NorTerra Inc., respectively the shareholders of First Air and Canadian North, have agreed to hold discussions leading to the merger of their operations. The potential merger is intended to create a single airline entity that builds on the strengths and identities of the two companies. According to officials, a merger would improve the sustainability of these critical Inuit birthright enterprises and would also create better air services and new economic development opportunities across the north. Flight operations and services will remain independent and...