Airlines
CONNECTED: AC lightens the load
In a move designed to make it an even more attractive option for travellers connecting to the US, Air Canada has introduced a simplified baggage handling process at its Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport hub. The new system sends checked baggage to connecting flights so connecting customers no longer have to retrieve their checked bags for US customs inspection. "Air Canada's Toronto Pearson hub is already recognized as a North American gateway and this simplified baggage process makes it even more attractive. It strengthens Toronto's position as a preferred routing by making...
TALK TO US: CTA looks at baggage rules
The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has launched a consultation to seek the views of the public and industry on the best approach to the application of baggage rules for transportation to, from and within Canada involving multiple air carriers. Baggage rules address matters such as the number of bags a passenger may check, the weight and size of baggage, how many pieces of baggage a passenger may bring with them on the airplane and excess baggage charges. Carriers can have different policies in this respect, raising the issue of which carrier's policy applies in travel arrangements...
Trained to sell
Transat Holidays reports that 3,612 travel agents attended its Transat Academies which were held in 35 cities across Canada. The retailers received thorough training on Transat Holidays and Air Transat's Europe program. Along with thanking the retailers for participating in the academies, Denise Heffron, vice-president, national sales & commercial, Transat Tours Canada, observed: "It is essential to offer travel agents ongoing training and provide them with the tools and support they need in their work. As Transat Holidays' Europe program becomes more and more extensive, these training...
United launches Windows Phone 8 mobile app
United Airlines has introduced a new application for Windows Phone 8 users that puts their important travel information at their fingertips. With the app, United customers can book reservations -- including reward travel -- check in for flights, access mobile boarding passes, monitor flight status details and view their MileagePlus frequent flyer accounts. Additional features of the new United app include support for Windows Phone Live Tiles for flight status updates directly on the Start screen, United social media networking information, access to United timetables, Flight View, which shows...
A small step in the right direction: IATA
IATA reports a modest improvement in its outlook for the 2013 financial performance of the global airline industry primarily based on stronger revenues. The airline industry association said that it now expects airlines to produce a combined net post-tax profit margin of 1.6% (up from the previously forecast 1.3%) with a net post-tax profit of $10.6 billion (up from the previously projected $8.4 billion). Tony Tyler, IATA's director general and CEO, said: "Industry profits are taking a small step in the right direction. Against a backdrop of improved optimism for global economic prospects...
Profitable year for world’s first equity alliance
Etihad Airways heralded a successful first year of its equity alliance strategy, after a financial reporting season, which saw each of the five airlines within the alliance - airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia, Aer Lingus and Etihad Airways - announce profitable performance. The airlines' individual and collective results were boosted by a number of measures, including growing codeshare traffic between their networks, successful joint sales and marketing efforts, and a range of increasing business and cost synergies. James Hogan, Etihad Airways' president and chief executive officer,...
Cathay kicks off ‘Noodles of Asia’ campaign
Cathay Pacific Airways has kicked off its first-ever "Noodles of Asia"campaign in celebration of National Noodle Month. The airline and distinguished guest judges, Mijune Pak, creator of Follow me Foodie, one of Canada's most recognized food and travel blogs, chef-restaurateurs Martin Yan of "Yan Can Cook"television fame and San Francisco's new M.Y. China restaurant located in the Westfield Centre, Level 4, as part of the Restaurant Collection, and Sang Yoon, chef and proprietor of Father's Office gastropubs and Lukshon Restaurant in Culver City, CA, are on a mission to find the best noodle...
BTC-led group raises merger concerns
In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Transportation Department Secretary Ray LaHood, the Business Travel Coalition (BTC) has outlined industry concerns over the growing concentration in the U.S. airline industry in light of the proposed merger between American Airlines and US Airways. The letter was signed by scores of corporate travel buyers, travel management companies and travel associations from twenty-four U.S. states and five countries. The BTC also provided the regulators an antitrust and industry analysis prepared by BTC and The American Antitrust Institute as well as...