Airlines
Healthy demand in the air
IATA reports that full-year traffic results for 2013 showing a 5.2% increase in passenger demand compared to 2012. The 2013 performance aligns with the average annual growth rate of the past 30 years. Capacity rose 4.8% and load factor averaged 79.5% up 0.4 percentage points over 2012. Demand in international markets (5.4%) expanded at a slightly faster rate than domestic travel (4.9%). Strongest overall growth (domestic and international combined) was recorded by carriers in the Middle East (11.4%) followed by Asia-Pacific (7.1%), Latin America (6.3%) and Africa (5.2%). The...
WestJet reports record full-year net earnings
WestJet has announced its fourth quarter and year-end results for 2013, with record net earnings of $268.7 million, or $2.03 per diluted share, up from the net earnings of $242.4 million, or $1.78 per diluted share reported for the full-year 2012. For the fourth quarter, the airline reported diluted earnings per share of $0.52, up from $0.46 reported last year. This represents WestJet’s 35th consecutive quarter of profitability, and based on the trailing 12 months, the airline achieved a return on invested capital of 13.9%, compared with the 13.8% reported in the previous...
Icelandair rocks with Amadeus
Amadeus and Icelandair have signed a new agreement to develop a baggage reconciliation system, Amadeus Airport BRS, capable of offering real-time, automated loading, tracking and management of baggage. As launch partner, Icelandair will deploy this solution as of mid-2014 on all its worldwide flights handled from its hub at Keflavik International Airport. The new solution, which is fully integrated into the Amadeus Airport IT portfolio and the Altea DCS platform, will simplify existing baggage processes as all data required to manage baggage will be available via a user-friendly...
WestJet Hits The Jackpot in Vegas
If you listen closely, you can hear the champagne corks popping as Las Vegas and WestJet celebrate the fact that the Canadian carrier deliver 1 million passengers to McCarran International Airport in 2013 and will also be increasing its nonstop service into Las Vegas with 18 additional weekly flights starting this summer. Beginning in June, WestJet will boost its Vegas offerings in multiple cities to a total of 76 weekly, non-stop flights. John Weatherill, WestJet's director, network and schedule planning, observed: "In 2013, WestJet became the first foreign airline to carry over 1...
LOT Has Something For Agents
LOT Polish Airlines is offering special travel agent fares from now through March 31, 2014 on its Dreamliner flights from Toronto to Warsaw at just $349 round-trip. One (1) companion can travel with the agent for $499 round-trip. These fares include all taxes /surcharges and are valid for confirmed space departures on YYZWAW LO46 from now through March 31, 2014 based on availability. Fare may vary slightly due to tax exchange rate at time of ticketing. This special offer provides eligible travel agents the opportunity to experience the Dreamliner, fly the only non stop service...
Malaysia Suspending KL-LAX Route
Malaysia Airlines will be suspending its flights into Los Angeles following a route rationalization exercise to stem losses. The route rationalization exercise takes effect on April 30, 2014. Malaysia Airlines Group CEO, Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said: "Whilst Malaysia Airlines has a long history in Los Angeles, this route is no longer economically viable. The factors contributing to this negative situation today include overcapacity and competition resulting in lower yields, high cost of operating the B777 aircraft, and pressure from continued increases in fuel costs. These are adding further...
Air Transat puts Europe on sale
Air Transat has launched a Europe summer sale and is inviting travellers to start booking in order to take advantage of deals on flights to 29 cities in Europe. All deals can be viewed on http://www.airtransat.ca...
Copa adds Montreal to network
Copa Airlines, a member of Star Alliance, will begin nonstop service four times a week from Montreal to Panama on June 3. Montreal will be Copas second destination in Canada and number 67 out of 69 total destinations Copa will serve by the end of July. The airline will operate a Boeing 737-700 Next Generation aircraft with 12 business class seats and 112 economy seats on the flights to Panama. Copa flight 423 will depart Montreal on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 9:33 a.m., arriving at Copa’s Hub of the Americas at Tocumen International Airport in Panama at 2:22 p.m....