Airlines
WestJet Group ramps up winter 2024-2025 Edmonton schedule
WestJet has released highlights of its Edmonton winter 2024/2025 flight schedule, outlining significant growth and commitment to the region, including record level domestic investments. Boosting its overall capacity by more than 20% compared to winter 2023, WestJet will operate the city's largest-ever network to and from Edmonton. This winter, Edmonton will have access to 16 nonstop WestJet destinations in Canada, nine transborder, including Hawaii, and five options to Mexico. John Weatherill, WestJet Group executive vice-president and chief commercial officer, said:...
Outlook improves for airline profitability in 2024
IATA has released strengthened profitability projections for airlines in 2024 compared with its June and December 2023 forecasts. Despite this, it notes that an aggregate return above the cost of capital, however, continues to elude the global airline industry. Highlights of IATA’s outlook include: Net profits are expected to reach $30.5 billion in 2024 (3.1 per cent net profit margin) That will be an improvement on 2023 net profits which are estimated to be $27.4 billion (3.0% net profit margin). It is also an improvement on the $25.7 billion (2.7% net profit margin)...
WestJet Group updates policy on mobility devices in latest report
The WestJet Group released its first annual accessibility plan progress report, one year following the launch of its inaugural accessibility plan. To further reduce barriers and enhance travel accessibility for persons with disabilities, the report outlines three new service enhancements for guests travelling with wheelchairs or similar mobility aids. "Across the WestJet Group, we remain wholly committed to delivering the services all our guests require, while proactively addressing accessibility issues across the travel journey," said Angela Avery, WestJet Group, executive...
KM Malta Airlines creates new app for easy travel
KM Malta Airlines has launched a new mobile app, designed to enhance the travel experience of its valued customers. The KM Malta Airlines mobile app offers a seamless and user-friendly interface, allowing travellers to manage their travel plans directly from their smartphones. Through this app customers may search and book flights and manage their active bookings. This app was developed in collaboration between KM Malta Airlines and Branchspace, a digital technology company for airlines with headquarters in London. Key features include check-in, secure payments, and easy booking...
Air Canada expands service to India for winter 2024/2025
Air Canada has announced the strategic expansion of its international network to India, adding 40 per cent more seat capacity beginning late October for the winter 2024-25 season. Highlights of the carrier's new services include the only non-stop flights from Canada to India's financial capital, Mumbai, improved service from Western Canada to Delhi with the introduction of new seasonal daily flights over London Heathrow and daily flights from Montreal to Delhi. In total, Air Canada will operate 25 weekly flights to India, the most comprehensive offering of any carrier between Canada...
Eddy Doyle retiring from CEO role at Canada Jetlines
Canada Jetlines Operations Ltd. has announced that Eddy Doyle, the company’s current CEO, will retire as of June 30, 2024 after serving in the role since 2021. The Board of Directors has initiated a CEO recruitment search to identify an experienced leader to succeed Doyle and guide the airline on a path of continued growth. During the search period, Brigitte Goersch, the current Chair of the Board, will also assume the role as chief executive officer. “After leading the company through licensing, start-up and growth of its aircraft fleet, Eddy has notified the board of his...
IATA reports 28% drop in blocked funds, but challenges persist
IATA is reporting a 28% decrease in the amount of airline funds blocked from repatriation by governments. As of the end of April, the total blocked funds stood at approximately $1.8 billion, a reduction of $708 million (28%) since December 2023. That said, IATA is reiterating its call for governments to remove all barriers to airlines repatriating their revenues from ticket sales and other activities in accordance with international agreements and treaty obligations. Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general, said that: “The reduction in blocked funds is a positive development. The...
SAF production projections triple: IATA
According to a recent IATA survey, there is “significant” public support for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), with 86% of travellers agreeing that governments should provide incentives for airlines to use SAF. In addition, the vast majority of air passengers agree (86%) that leading oil corporations should prioritize the production of SAF. And in its most recent projections, IATA indicates that the production of SAFs will triple in 2024 to 1.9 billion litres (1.5 million tonnes) – and that would account for 0.53% of aviation’s fuel need in 2024. To accelerate SAF use, there...