Airlines
CONFIDENCE RISING: Passenger growth accelerates
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic results for February show that demand growth is accelerating on the back of stronger business confidence, particularly in emerging regions. Passenger demand rose 3.7% compared to February 2012. The 3.7% growth masks improvements in recent months. October 2012 appears to have been a turning point for air travel markets. Since October, passenger demand has been growing at an annualized rate of 9%. This is almost double the growth trend over the first 9 months of 2012. "February's performance was good news....
CATHAY PACIFIC: Bringing YVR-NYC closer together
Grand Central Station, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty are now within easy reach from Vancouver thanks to new and more affordable airfares from Cathay Pacific. Economy Class airfares starting from $589, including taxes and fees, are on sale through May 31. These lower airfares are available for travel from April 15-30 and From Oct. 1 to Dec. 31. For those wishing extra pampering, Cathay's new Premium Economy Class starts at $1,219, including taxes and fees, and are available for travel through Dec. 31....
DEAL REACHED: AA and Orbitz settle dispute
American Airlines and Orbitz Worldwide, LLC have reached an agreement to resolve all litigation between them. The settlement requires review and approval by the court presiding over AMR Corporation's restructuring. At this time, neither company will have further comment. For more, go to either http://www.aa.com or visit http://www.orbitz.com...
NO FOOLING: BTC applauds DOT decision
The Business Travel Coalition (BTC) is applauding the US Department of Transportation's (DOT) decision to extend from April 1, 2013 to May 1, 2013, the public comment period on the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) application before DOT for approval of its Resolution 787. (The DOT docket number is OST-2013-0048). BTC chairman, Kevin Mitchell commented: "We welcome that additional time has been provided to the travel industry, its major customers and individual consumers to comment on this public-policy deliberation of immense strategic importance." Mitchell continued: "This...
CONNECTED: AC lightens the load
In a move designed to make it an even more attractive option for travellers connecting to the US, Air Canada has introduced a simplified baggage handling process at its Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport hub. The new system sends checked baggage to connecting flights so connecting customers no longer have to retrieve their checked bags for US customs inspection. "Air Canada's Toronto Pearson hub is already recognized as a North American gateway and this simplified baggage process makes it even more attractive. It strengthens Toronto's position as a preferred routing by making...
TALK TO US: CTA looks at baggage rules
The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has launched a consultation to seek the views of the public and industry on the best approach to the application of baggage rules for transportation to, from and within Canada involving multiple air carriers. Baggage rules address matters such as the number of bags a passenger may check, the weight and size of baggage, how many pieces of baggage a passenger may bring with them on the airplane and excess baggage charges. Carriers can have different policies in this respect, raising the issue of which carrier's policy applies in travel arrangements...
Trained to sell
Transat Holidays reports that 3,612 travel agents attended its Transat Academies which were held in 35 cities across Canada. The retailers received thorough training on Transat Holidays and Air Transat's Europe program. Along with thanking the retailers for participating in the academies, Denise Heffron, vice-president, national sales & commercial, Transat Tours Canada, observed: "It is essential to offer travel agents ongoing training and provide them with the tools and support they need in their work. As Transat Holidays' Europe program becomes more and more extensive, these training...
United launches Windows Phone 8 mobile app
United Airlines has introduced a new application for Windows Phone 8 users that puts their important travel information at their fingertips. With the app, United customers can book reservations -- including reward travel -- check in for flights, access mobile boarding passes, monitor flight status details and view their MileagePlus frequent flyer accounts. Additional features of the new United app include support for Windows Phone Live Tiles for flight status updates directly on the Start screen, United social media networking information, access to United timetables, Flight View, which shows...