Airlines
Star shines with enhanced Asia Airpass
Star Alliance has launched an enhanced Asia Airpass for travel across the Asian continent, which in addition to the 15 countries and territories already offered, now includes Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Its scope has further been extended to include all Star Alliance destinations in Japan and additional flights to India. Airpasses can be purchased in conjunction with any international return ticket for travel into the area on a Star Alliance member airline. The announcement comes as Air Canada is making it easier than ever to fly to Asia. Air Canada has announced it is...
CX celebrates with deals
Cathay Pacific is kicking off the "Year of the Snake"with special savings and a companion fare offer for flight departures from Toronto, Montreal or Ottawa to select cities in Asia. Special round-trip Premium Economy Class companion fares are on sale through Feb. 28 for travel by June 15. To take advantage of these special companion fares, both passengers must travel together on same flight itinerary. All fights operate via Hong Kong. More information and flight bookings can be made online at http://www.cathaypacific.com/ca . Additionally, through April 30, passengers who register and fly...
More ways to book Porter Escapes
Porter Escapes vacation packages are now available for travel agents to book through Sirev and Sabre Vacations distribution channels, as well as with a dedicated call centre team. Agents need to register at http://www.porterescapes.com to book through a GDS or by phone. A commission of 8% is payable for sales by registered agents. Agents cannot make web site bookings, which are ineligible for commission. Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Escapes, commented: "The initial response to Porter Escapes has been tremendous. Additional agency booking channels provide everyone with more...
Virgin Atlantic makeovers brighten YVR
Makeover masters from Virgin Atlantic Airways recently rolled into Vancouver, treating travel agents and the general public to their skills as the airline prepares for its second season of operations from YVR. On day one, they worked from the interiors of Virgin red Mini Coopers, executing swift hair/facial remakes on surprised passersby in trendy Gastown. The second day was devoted to dropping in on travel agents in agencies around town. Their mission was not only to promote the restart of the airline's seasonal flight services, which kick off on May 14, four times per week, until the end of...
New gateway from Farelogix
Farelogix has launched its new Airline Commerce Gateway -- a comprehensive airline distribution technology platform that enables airlines to easily, efficiently, and dynamically deliver content, including custom-tailored product offers, to travellers across multiple distribution outlets and customer touchpoints. Powered by the next generation of Farelogix's distribution technology, the Gateway's robust, airline-controlled commerce environment combines five essential components: XML Host Connectivity (Direct Connect), an independent pricing engine (Virtual Fare Store), a highly versatile...
Air China ramps up frequencies
Air China is the latest of the Asian carriers that serve Vancouver to roll out an increase in services. Last week, Air China announced it will increase the number of scheduled flights operating between Vancouver and Beijing from seven flights per week to 11. Air China is ChinaÆs national airline and official flag carrier. The new flights (CA998) are scheduled to start on May 17, and are in addition to the once-daily flights already on the Air China sked. Flight CA 998 will depart Vancouver on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays at 10:00 a.m., arriving at Beijing Capital Airport at...
China Airlines has refitted B747-400 on YVR route
Travellers to Asia can now give consideration to the newly retrofitted B747-400 aircraft operated by China Airlines between Taipei and Vancouver when deciding which carrier to book. The aircraft, assigned to the route for the rest of the winter season, showcases new cabin designs in both the economy and first class sections. More ergonomic seats have been introduced in both cabins, with business class passengers on deck to enjoy a 160-degree recline capability, electric lumbar supports, LED reading lamps, lots of storage, AC and USB ports, and a 15.4-inch screen as part of a "sky...
BTC has concerns with AA-US Airways merger
The Business Travel Coalition (BTC) has responded with concern regarding the news of board approvals of an US$11 billion proposal from American Airlines' parent AMR Corporation and US Airways Group Inc. to merge their third and fifth largest US airlines respectively. The transaction would create the world's largest carrier by passenger traffic and would require various approvals from the U.S. Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Transportation (DOT) as well the EC's DG COMP. If governmental analyses don't force a regulatory tarmac delay, then decisions could be expected in some four to six...