Airlines
United earns leadership award
United Airlines has earned the 2013 Business Leadership Award from Equality Illinois, the state's oldest and largest organization advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. The award is given annually to a business that demonstrates vision and leadership in the effort to achieve full equality for LGBT individuals in Illinois. "United is a global company, and the richness of our different backgrounds, cultures, experiences and ideas brings enormous value to us," said Jeff Smisek, chairman, president and CEO of United. "We value inclusion and diversity in our...
Etihad adds daily Brisbane-Singapore lift
Etihad Airways launched a new schedule of daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Brisbane via Singapore of Feb. 1, 2013 and to mark the occasion, the carrier operated "Blue Moon Rising," its Airbus A330-200 painted in Manchester City Football Club colours. James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Airways, said the new daily service would add an extra 1,048 seats a week to the Abu Dhabi-Singapore-Brisbane route. Said Hogan: "The additional capacity puts Etihad Airways in a stronger than ever position in the Singapore and Australian markets. It enables us to compete on a more level playing field...
Air Canada flies high in the west
Air Canada has just introduced new Bombardier Q400 services in western Canada, with the start-up of AC Express flights from Calgary to Fort McMurray, Calgary to Regina and Calgary to Saskatoon. Concurrent with the launch of the Next Generation Q400s in these markets, Air Canada announced it is boosting capacity on key regional routes this spring and summer in response to demand. "This spring, Air Canada will strategically increase capacity by either scheduling larger aircraft or adding flights to meet strong demand in western Canada and we will continue to roll out the Q400 aircraft on...
JAL to close Montreal sales office
Japan Airlines will end its long sales presence in Montreal Feb. 28. After 45 years in Quebec, JAL will restructure its operations and Quebec clients will be served by staff in Toronto and American Airlines sales reps. "I am aiming to visit as many of you as possible in the next few weeks to thank you for your business and to invite you to continue doing business with JAL, which remains, without doubt, one of the best airlines in the...
Etihad sees 2012 profit take off
Etihad Airways has reported a net profit of US$42 million in 2012 -- that's up 200% on 2011 (US$14 million) -- in a year which saw strong improvements in revenues, passengers numbers and cost control. The carrier's revenue increased 17% to US$4.8 billion (US$4.1 billion), on passenger numbers up 23% to 10.3 million (8.4 million). And the carrier's numbers were boosted significantly by its equity partnerships and codeshares, which delivered more than US$600 million in total revenue. Commenting on the 2012 results, Etihad's president and CEO, James Hogan said: "This has been a game-changing...
Air France puts a HOP in its flights
Air France has announced that the name of its new regional airline will be HOP! The new airline is the result of the synergy between the Air France group's three regional airlines - Brit Air, Regional and Airlinair - and its goal is to become the reference airline on inter-regional routes in France and Europe with a competitive offer, quickly adaptable to market changes and competition, for business or leisure travel. Beginning March 31, 2013, HOP! will operate 530 daily flights to 136 destinations in France and Europe. Go to http://corporate.airfrance.com for...
Air Canada introduces Q400 service in Western Canada
With today's (Feb. 1) departures of Air Canada Express flights AC8371 from Calgary to Fort McMurray, AC8430 from Calgary to Regina and AC8586 from Calgary to Saskatoon, Air Canada introduced new Q400 service in Western Canada. Concurrent with rolling out Bombardier Q400 Next Generation aircraft in these markets, Air Canada announced it is boosting capacity on key regional routes this spring and summer in response to demand. "Today, we are delighted to introduce the newest, ultra-quiet regional aircraft for customers in Alberta and Saskatchewan,"said Marcel Forget, Air Canada's vice-president,...
Farelogix, WestJet sign tech deal
Farelogix has signed a multi-year technology agreement with WestJet Airlines. Under the new deal, WestJet will use Farelogix technologies to provide innovative new booking solution options for the travel agency community. WestJet's director, distribution strategy, d'Arcy Monaghan said: "With this agreement, we are excited to offer an enhanced shopping and merchandising experience choice to our travel agent community. In using Farelogix as a technology provider for WestJet, we are building a strong foundation to offer innovative new products in the coming years." Farelogix president and CEO,...