Airlines
US bill blocks EU ETS, ASTA applauds
ASTA is applauding the US House of Representatives' unanimous passage of a bill (S. 1956) that prevents the European Union (EU) from imposing pollution control taxes on the US aviation industry. The bill, which the Senate had also passed unanimously in September, now heads to President Obama's desk. Nina Meyer, ASTA's president and interim CEO, said: "Air travel is the cornerstone of the US travel and tourism industry, and 'selling air' remains a significant contributor to the bottom lines of travel agents across the country. ASTA has long been concerned about proposals that would increase...
AC welcomes EU emissions trading moratorium
Air Canada has welcomed the European Commission's announcement on Monday that it intends to suspend the inclusion of flights to and from non-European Union destinations in its emissions trading scheme. "We are pleased with the Commission's recommendation to suspend the inclusion of international aviation in the EU's trading scheme in order to give ICAO the opportunity to fulfill its mandate and address aviation emissions through a global approach,"said Air Canada president Calin Rovinescu. "Air Canada is fully committed to improving its emissions footprint. We have increased our fuel...
Transat marks the 25th anniversary of its inaugural flight
Air Transat is marked the 25th anniversary of its inaugural flight yesterday. It was back on Nov. 14, 1987, that an Air Transat Lockheed L-1011 with 360 passengers aboard took off from Montreal for Acapulco. "We have come an impressive distance in 25 years and I am extremely proud of the work and dedication of every one of our employees, which has enabled Air Transat to reach the peak of its industry and be recognized as an airline with exceptional standards of quality,"said Allen B. Graham, president of Transat Canada and president and chief executive officer of Air Transat. "I also want to...
United introduces turn-down service
United Airlines has launched a new turn-down service for customers seated in United Global First, offering travellers an added touch of luxury and a better sleeping experience on long-haul flights. Customers may enjoy a new sleeping cushion with a 250-thread-count outer cover in addition to the standard plush duvet, soft pillows and Philosophy-brand amenity kit. Upon request, crew members will position the cushion, duvet and pillows within the flat-bed suite for customers. The service is available for United Global First customers on all long-haul international flights. United is investing...
LOT introduces two-day Dreamliner sale
In celebration of the delivery of its first Dreamliner, LOT Polish Airlines has announced a two- day sale dubbed "Crazy Days"on Nov. 14 and 15 in conjunction with the inauguration of the aircraft on flights from Toronto, Chicago, and New York. Crazy Days fares are valid for purchase on LOT's Dreamliner flights, which depart next year beginning Jan. 16 from Chicago, Feb. 1 from Toronto and Feb. 3 from New York City. All travel must be completed by May 31. A minimum Saturday night stay is required. Sample prices include Toronto-Warsaw from $769 (including taxes and fees). These special "Crazy...
Win round trip tickets with Qatar Airways
Don't miss you chance to win two roundtrip tickets anywhere Qatar Airways flies. Qatar Airways is the only five-star airline providing daily flights from Montreal to Doha. From Doha, passengers can connect seamlessly to a network of more than 100 destinations across the Middle East, India, Pakistan, Southeast Asia, and worldwide. For your chance to win, just submit your roundtrip ticket sales on Qatar Airways, originating in Montreal, from Oct. 15 through Nov. 30 to http://promo.baxter.net/contest/Qatar.asp . The contest closes Nov. 30. Open to Canadian travel agents who are authorized Qatar...
EU stops the clock on ETS
IATA is welcoming the news that the European Commissioner for Climate Action is suspending the inclusion of international aviation in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). Tony Tyler, director general and CEO of IATA, said: "Commissioner Connie Hedegaard's announcement that she has 'stopped the clock' on the imposition of the EU ETS on flights to and from non-EU countries represents a significant step in the right direction and creates an opportunity for the international community." Tyler continued: "The commission's pragmatic decision clearly recognizes the progress that has...
A new star to fly over Hollywood
Lufthansa has taken delivery of its fourth Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental. Before the new "Queen of the Skies"with the registration D-ABYF enters scheduled service, final adjustments will be made to the aircraft at its home base in Frankfurt. Beginning Dec. 10, the new "jumbo"will fly daily from Frankfurt to Los Angeles. On this route to California the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental will be configured to seat 388 passengers: eight in First Class, 80 in Business Class and 298 in Economy Class. On board the aircraft, passengers will have a chance to enjoy the features of Lufthansa's new Business...