Airlines
Smiles Year-Round
In this week's issue of Canadian Travel Press, executive editor, Bob Mowat reports that the Canadian travel trade is going to be hearing a lot more about Ireland in 2014 and beyond as the destination finds itself with a wealth of air access and a host of opportunities that will allow it to take its tourism activities in the Canadian market to the next level. A host of new air services -- both year-round and seasonal -- are coming on stream in 2014, including the arrival of Aer Lingus after an absence of 35 years. The Irish carrier launched year-round service between Toronto and Dublin...
Punta Cana Airport to Get New Terminal
In preparation for increased demand, the Punta Cana Group has announced that a new terminal is being added at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) with capacity to receive the largest passenger airliner in the world, the double-deck Airbus A380. The new terminal at PUJ will have seven doors and will have capacity to receive up to 26 airplanes simultaneously. It will be air-conditioned and offer indoor deplaning. Punta Cana International Airport is the ninth largest in travel volume in Latin America. In 2013, it moved five million passengers, including 2.5 million non-residents....
It’s All About Relationships
Etihad Airways welcomed a group of Canada’s top travel agents, tour operators and airline officials to a special “Thank You” event in Toronto on April 16. Hosted by Sportsnet’s Evanka Osmak -- not a surprising choice, considering Etihad has taken a sponsorship role in a number of major sports, most recently announcing a sponsorship partnership with Major League Soccer -- the evening affair at Toronto’s Four Season’s hotel was all about the importance of relationships. In fact, Etihad’s general manager here in Canada, James Harrison told the gathering that in the eight...
High Marks for WestJet, WestJet Vacations
WestJet reports that WestJet Airlines and WestJet Vacations received the highest equity scores among airline and vacation package supplier brands included in the 2013 Harris Poll Canada EquiTrend Study. This is the third consecutive year WestJet has received top marks and the second for WestJet Vacations in its category, introduced in 2012. “Results like this are achieved by the tremendous efforts of our nearly 10,000 WestJetters and we are grateful for the smile and caring attitude they bring to work every day,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet executive vice-president, Sales,...
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...