Airlines
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,...
Air Canada rouge begins recruitment drive
Air Canada rouge recruitment starts today (Jan. 31) for its first 150 flight attendants. The airline's first in-flight recruitment campaign is targeted to people who will be based in Toronto and the GTA and ideally "have customer service/hospitality experience, excellent language skills and a passion for travel."According to officials, the inaugural team of flight attendants will have the unique opportunity to help shape Air Canada rouge from the ground up as planning continues and service to Europe and the Caribbean starts on July 1. "Our in-flight crews will be the heart of Air Canada...
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...