Airlines
TRANSFORMATION BY THE NUMBERS
Air Canada is reporting an adjusted net loss of $143 million or $0.52 per diluted share compared to an adjusted net loss of $162 million or $0.58 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2012. On a GAAP basis, Air Canada's net loss was $260 million or $0.95 per diluted share compared to a net loss of $274 million or $0.99 per diluted share in the same quarter in 2012. First quarter EBITDAR amounted to $145 million compared to EBITDAR of $174 million in the first quarter of 2012. AC notes that this is "consistent with the news release issued on April 22, 2013 disclosing preliminary results...
THE TIES THAT BIND
Strategic partners Etihad Airways and Air France have introduced a number of new codeshare destinations in Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe for summer 2013. The expansion of codeshare services follows last October's strategic agreement between the respective national carriers to foster closer commercial ties, build an expanded global network, and deliver unrivalled travel options for customers. Now placing its EY flight code on Air France flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Oslo and Stockholm, Etihad expects to build on the existing joint codeshare routes from Paris-CDG to...
GOING TO THE BEACH
WestJet has launched new twice-weekly non-stop service (through Oct. 24) between Toronto and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. "Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular destinations for Canadian vacationers, with more than 90 km of picturesque beaches, world-class golf and warm southern hospitality,"said Chris Avery (pictured), WestJet vice-president, Network Planning, Alliances and Corporate Development. "The baggage capacity of our 737 aircraft is ideal for those travelling with golf clubs and our first checked bag free is popular with leisure travellers. Guests are also able to find a variety...
NEW LIFT TO THE SUN
As a result of State of Guerrero Governor Angel Aguirre Rivero's efforts to increase air connectivity to the Sun Triangle destinations, Secretary of Tourism, Javier Aluni, has announced the commencement of two new flights to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo from Montreal and Toronto via Sunwing Airlines. "We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Sunwing Airlines and introduce additional flights service from Toronto and Montreal, both which are important gateways and markets for our destinations,"said Aguirre Rivero, governor of the State of Guerrero. "These new flights provide access for travellers...
STAYING STRONG
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports global passenger traffic results for March showing strong demand growth led by emerging markets with all regions showing gains. Total traffic rose 5.9% compared to March 2012. Part of the rise may be attributable to traffic related to the Easter holiday, which occurred in March this year versus April 2012. But the seasonally adjusted trend continues to show strong growth, with demand expanding at an 8% annualized rate in the six months since October 2012. Capacity rose 3.5% compared to the year-ago period, pushing up load factor 1.8...
MAKING THE CONNECTION
Travelport and Porter Airlines have penned a new, multi-year full content deal that provides all Travelport-connected travel agents with access to the carrier's full published fares and inventory -- including access to Porter's lowest web fares. As a result of the new agreement, all of Porter's published fares and inventory will be available to all users of the Travelport GDS platforms, including Apollo, Galileo-connected and Worldspan-connected travel agencies, corporate customers and Travelport online agencies. Porter Airlines is also available through Travelport Agencia, the travel agency...
CX CELEBRATES 30
Today (May 1) is a special day for Cathay Pacific as the airline marks 30 years of non-stop service between Vancouver and Hong Kong. Thirty years ago, with the launch of two non-stop flights weekly, Vancouver became the airline's first destination in Canada (and North America). Flying a Boeing 747-200, Cathay Pacific pioneered a new trend in commercial aviation being the first airline to fly the route non-stop. Since that time, Cathay has increased its Vancouver to Hong Kong flights from two a week to two a day, including the addition of a dedicated Cargo freighter service. The Vancouver/Hong...
ON THE MAP
Etihad Airways has launched an innovative online mapping tool developed in co-operation with LinkedIn, making it easier to message new contacts, arrange meetings and be more productive while travelling. The "Etihad Mapped-Out"tool is available at http://www.etihadmappedout.com and offers professionals on LinkedIn the ability to search their connections by geographical location and see them displayed on a map, making it easier for business travellers to connect with their global network of contacts as they travel. LinkedIn members can enter search parameters based on geographical area, which...