Airlines
Spencer Sorensen leaving WestJet
WestJet has announced that Spencer Sorensen, Manager of Agency Sales, has made the decision to pursue a new career opportunity outside of WestJet. Sorensen’s last day with WestJet is March 8, 2024. Amanda Ierfino, Director, Sales, said: “In his six years with us, Spencer was a supportive and dedicated leader who contributed significantly to many transformational initiatives. He will be greatly missed by all of us at WestJet.” Sorensen said: “I have been very fortunate to work alongside fantastic colleagues and travel trade partners during my time at WestJet and want to thank...
WestJet, Air Canada slice fares after Lynx Air announces shut down
Lynx Air, an ultra low-cost Canadian airline that launched in April 2022, has made the difficult decision to cease operations. "Tremendous effort was put into the launch, growth and expansion of Lynx Air over the past two years, offering a low-cost, seamless travel experience for Canadians," the airline shared in a post on Feb. 22 via X. "The compounding financial pressures associated with inflation, fuel costs, exchange rates, cost of capital, regulatory costs, and competitive tension in the Canadian market have ultimately proven too steep a mountain for our organization to...
Porter launching round-trip flights from Toronto to Quebec City
Porter Airlines is launching daily, round-trip service between Toronto-Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) starting May 17. Initially planned as a seasonal addition to Porter’s schedule, the new route is set to run until Oct. 26. This service complements existing Porter flights between Québec City and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, giving passengers more options when travelling between the two destinations and many connecting options across Canada. Connections to Western Canada Through Toronto Pearson, this route connects...
Charles McKee departing Canada Jetlines
Charles McKee is leaving his role as head of commercial for Canada Jetlines as of March 1. McKee joined the airline in late June 2023, following the departure of Duncan Bureau. Responding to questions from Press Today about his departure, McKee explained: “Eddy [Doyle] contracted with my advisory firm, Markey Int'l last summer to help with the executive transition in the commercial area with Duncan's (Bureau) departure. So, I've been a consultant advising on the airlines' commercial activities and leading the commercial team since June.” McKee continued: “The contract is up...
KLM increases summer Europe schedule
KLM will serve 155 destinations this summer; 92 in Europe and 63 intercontinental. The airline will increase available seat capacity by around seven per cent, compared to the summer of 2023, almost matching pre-Covid levels. The summer schedule starts on March 31, 2024 and runs through Oct. 26, 2024. KLM will increase flight frequency to various intercontinental destinations. The airline has plans to operate more flights to Jakarta in combination with Kuala Lumpur, and to Denpasar in combination with Singapore. Increased frequency to Toronto & Montreal KLM has resumed direct...
American Airlines now charging bag fees for Canadians
For the first time since 2018, American Airlines is adjusting bag fees for first and second checked bags for travel booked on or after Feb. 20. The new bag fees for domestic flights including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are $35 for first checked bags purchased online or $40 for first checked bags purchased at the airport. The second checked bag fee is $45 purchased online or at the airport. New bag fees for Canada The new bag fees for Canada and short-haul international flights are $35 for first checked bags and $45 for second checked bags purchased online...
Air Canada reports record operating revenues for 2023
Air Canada has reported its fourth quarter and full year 2023 financial results. According to Michael Rousseau, president and CEO of Air Canada, the airline "produced very strong results for the fourth quarter and full year 2023, delivering on its key financial goals and strategic priorities. For the full year, we had record operating revenues of $21.8 billion, up 32 per cent from 2022 as demand for air travel remained strong." Rousseau further added that Air Canada posted an annual operating income of $2.3 billion; a $2.5 billion improvement from the previous year. The company's...
Porter launches service from Toronto to Saskatoon
Porter Airlines is introducing its unique all-economy service to Saskatchewan for the first time. Flights between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Saskatoon International Airport (YXE) are a significant step in the airline’s commitment to expanding its transcontinental network. The daily service begins on May 16, 2024, with the new 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. Porter is the only airline on this route offering a two-by-two configuration with no middle seats. Passengers can also enjoy Porter's famous hospitality, featuring free, fast WiFi, premium snacks, and...