Airlines

Icelandair to offer year-round Toronto service

Icelandair will resume flights from Toronto starting March 8 with four flights a week, increasing to daily service through the spring of 2014. Due to an improved Canada-Iceland Air Service Agreement, Icelandair will also begin year-round service from Toronto in 2014. Toronto will become Icelandair's fifth year-round North American gateway and give Canadian travellers an alternative when travelling to more than 20 destinations in Europe. As part of its 2013 winter schedule, Icelandair will also be increasing the global network with daily flights to Paris and Amsterdam....

Porter, Singapore Airlines begin new interline agreement

Singapore Airlines and Porter Airlines have finalized an interline agreement that provides another travel option between Asia and Canada. The routing links Porter's main base at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport with Singapore Changi Airport via a connection at Newark Liberty International Airport. The agreement is effective immediately, with tickets between the two airlines now available for purchase through Singapore Airlines by calling 1-800-663-3046. The agreement allows travellers to check baggage through to their final destination. "This is Porter's third interline agreement as we...

Record month caps off record year for Dubai International

Following its busiest month and year on record, Dubai International has taken over as the world's third ranked airport for international passenger numbers, vaulting ahead of Hong Kong International Airport in the global rankings. According to the annual traffic report issued by Dubai Airports, passenger traffic surged 13.2% to 57,684,550 in 2012, up from 50,977,960 passengers recorded during 2011. The 2012 passenger traffic also exceeded Dubai Airports' forecast at the start of the year of 56.5 million by more than a million passengers. The year-end numbers were bolstered by a record...

Copa on the move in 2013

Panama's Copa Airlines has announced its growth plan for the first half of 2013, which includes the start of nonstop service to Boston, an increase in flight frequencies to three destinations, and expansion of its fleet. "Copa continues its sustained growth in 2013, strengthening our leadership position in Latin America through our Hub of the Americas - the most successful and efficient hub for flights to, from and within Latin America,"said Pedro Heilbron, CEO, Copa Airlines. "These efforts will increase the appeal of our product, allowing us to offer our passengers more flight options and...

Air Canada gets Four-Star ranking

Air Canada has become the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax. The much-coveted rating is considered an airline industry benchmark and is based on detailed, independently conducted quality analysis by Skytrax across more than 800 different areas of airport and onboard product and service delivery. "I am very pleased that Air Canada has become the only international network carrier to have achieved this significant industry benchmark,"said Calin Rovinescu, president and chief executive officer....

Etihad shows profit for second year running

Etihad Airways was profitable again in 2012. The airline's president and chief executive, James Hogan, made the announcement during his keynote address at the Global Airfinance Conference in Dublin. The 2012 result follows Etihad Airways' maiden profit in 2011 of US$14 million. During his speech to more than 1,000 delegates in the Irish capital, Hogan added that more details of the airline's financial results would be released next month. The 15th Annual Global Airfinance Conference includes delegates from the world's largest airlines, leasing companies, commercial banks, export credit...

Emirates takes Dubai’s Expo bid to the skies

Emirates is putting the full force of its A380 fleet behind Dubai's bid to land the 2020 World Expo. The airline is attaching giant stickers to its A380 fleet, promoting the UAE's bid to hold the event in Dubai in seven years time. The first aircraft to be dressed with the words "Expo 2020, Dubai UAE, Candidate City"was EK 306, which left for Beijing in the early hours of Jan. 17. In the coming weeks, the airline's entire A380 fleet - currently standing at 31 - will carry the Expo 2020 message. World Expo, staged every five years and last held in Shanghai, attracts millions of visitors. This...

Porter Escapes gets Hip

Porter Escapes is offering "Very Hip Escapes"packages for Canada's The Tragically Hip. Packages are limited and include roundtrip airfare for two from any Porter destination to Toronto for a Valentine's Day concert on Feb. 14. Clients also receive accommodations at a Porter Escapes hotel partner, Tragically Hip photo and a Steam Whistle brewery tour. Prices start at $406 p.p. for a two-night stay, and vary based on departure city and flight chosen. Porter Escapes packages are built around Porter Airlines destinations, combining flights and hotel accommodations with unique experiences....

Flex, a new name for AC’s Tango Plus

Air Canada has announced that Flex is the new name for its Tango Plus fare category. "Whether you're flying for business or leisure, our fares are designed to offer you the flexibility and value to suit all your travel needs,"says Air Canada. Flex highlights the flexibility and economy value of this fare option, which includes same-day changes for a small fee, advance seat selection, Aeroplan and Altitude Qualifying Miles, as well as the ability use e-upgrades and more. The airline will continue to use other existing names such as Tango, its cheapest fare class, and Latitude and Executive for...