Airlines
Global passenger demand continues to rise
IATA is reporting that global passenger demand continued to rise in July 2024. The industry association’s latest data indicates that: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 8.0% compared to July 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 7.4% year-on-year. The July load factor was 86.0% (+0.5ppt compared to July 2023). There was no significant negative demand impact from the CrowdStrike IT outage on 19 July. International demand rose 10.1% compared to July 2023. Capacity was up 10.5% year-on-year and the load factor...
PLAY set to connect Hamilton and Faro via Iceland in 2025
PLAY has announcedthat it will launch Hamilton to Faro, Portugal flights, via Iceland, in April 2025. The carrier, which operates service between Iceland and Europe, will inaugurate the Hamilton-Faro flights on April 12, 2025, and feature two weekly flights (Saturday and Wednesday) until Oct. 29, 2025. Tickets for the new route are now on sale. Einar Örn Ólafsson, CEO, PLAY, said: "Canadians can now experience the warmth and beauty of Portugal's stunning southern coast, with its captivating beaches, rich history, and lively culture, with our affordable flights to...
Canadian air carrier revenues continue to climb: StatsCan reports
Operating revenue for the 24 largest Canadian air carriers totalled $8.3 billion in the first quarter of 2024, up 8.1% compared with the same quarter of 2023. At $7.2 billion, passenger revenue remained the main revenue source for airlines in the first quarter of 2024, while air cargo generated $522.3 million in revenue. In the first quarter, Canadian carriers transported 22.0 million passengers on scheduled and charter services. Operating revenue continues to climb During the first quarter, operating revenue for the 24 largest Canadian air carriers (Levels I and...
Air Canada Comments on end of Federal Conciliation in talks with ALPA
Air Canada has issued an update in its ongoing contract negotiations with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). In a statement, Air Canada says that its intention remains to reach a negotiated settlement with its pilots, one that recognizes their professionalism and contributions to the airline. During the talks, the company says that there has been significant progress and the three-week cooling off period gives the parties more than sufficient time to address any outstanding issues. Air Canada is fully committed to bargaining meaningfully throughout the period. However,...
WestJet commits to enhanced retailing strategy with Amadeus
WestJet is renewing and expanding its distribution agreement with Amadeus. This agreement continues to ensure that all fare options and merchandising capabilities are easily accessible for travel advisors worldwide. In addition, WestJet is committed to making its future NDC-based offering available to travel advisors on the Amadeus Travel Platform, where it will join the 27 other airlines already selling NDC-sourced content through the Amadeus Travel API. NDC content from WestJet will be fully integrated into travel advisors’ booking environments. For travel advisors, this means that...
Sabre signs long-term deal with Delta Air Lines
Sabre Corporation has finalized a multi-year renewal of its distribution agreement with Delta Air Lines. The long-term deal enables Sabre-connected travel agents to access both traditional EDIFACT and New Distribution Capability (NDC) content, enhancing their ability to provide comprehensive travel offers to their customers. Earlier this year, Delta announced details of its selling and servicing transformation, which includes NDC. Sabre and the airline will collaborate on the integration of NDC content into Sabre’s travel marketplace to support this strategy. The renewed...
UPDATED: Air Canada pilots vote overwhelmingly to give union leaders a strike mandate
Air Canada pilots have voted overwhelmingly to give their union leaders a strike mandate. Represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), 98 per cent of Air Canada pilots voted in favour of authorizing their union leaders to call a strike if necessary, in order to achieve a new contractual agreement with Air Canada. In a statement following the vote, ALPA said that Air Canada pilots are working under pay rates and quality-of-life provisions negotiated in 2014. Negotiations for a new agreement began in June 2023. Talks entered private mediation in January 2024 and...
Air France invites TIFF attendees to experience sophisticated lounge
Through nine years of partnership, Air France and Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) have embarked on a remarkable cinematic journey together. This year, as Air France celebrates 90 years of elegance, they are inspiring Canadians to experience the ultimate lounge experience. The Air France x TIFF Founder's Lounge will host festival goers in a sophisticated lounge, allowing them to enter a cinema related contest to win a pair of Air France’s new Business Class tickets departing from Toronto to Europe. Located on the second floor of the TIFF Bell Lightbox, this elegant...