Airlines
As potential labour disruption looms, WestJet begins parking 737 aircraft
In an update on negotiations with CUPE, the union representing its 4,400 flight attendants, WestJet is advising that as “negotiations have not resulted in an agreement and as a labour disruption approaches, WestJet must begin the difficult process of parking 737 aircraft.” The company said that: “This necessary step allows the airline to maintain operational control and protect the integrity of the broader network. Most importantly, this proactive measure minimizes the risk of stranding guests and aircraft.” Westjet’s update continued: “We remain active at the...
IATA reports air passenger demand drops in June
IATA is reporting that air passenger demand dropped by 1.7% in June of this year. Highlights of the global airline association’s new data show that: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was down 1.7% compared to June 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand declined by 0.6%. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), decreased 1.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 84.2% (-0.4 ppt compared to June 2025). International demand fell 0.9% compared to June 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand grew by 1.1%. Capacity was down 0.6%...
The clock is ticking as WestJet flight attendants issue strike notice, company responds with lockout notice
WestJet’s flight attendants, represented by CUPE 8125, have issued a 72-hour strike notice, with WestJet responding by issuing a 72-hour lockout notice. In announcing its strike notice, CUPE 8125 president, Alia Hussain said that: “We have been clear about what needs to change, and we have worked hard to reach a fair deal.” The WestJet Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Alexis von Hoensbroech said that for its part: “The decision to issue a lockout notice, in response to the actions taken by the union, was not one that was made lightly. We sincerely regret the inconvenience...
Lufthansa Group bidding for minority stake in TAP Air Portugal
The Lufthansa Group is looking to take a minority stake in TAP Air Portugal, submitting a bid to Parpública -- the Portuguese state-owned investment company. The acquisition of an initial minority stake is intended to establish a long-term partnership between the Lufthansa Group and TAP Air Portugal in order to secure TAP’s successful future as Portugal’s national airline on a sustainable basis. Commenting on the move, Carsten Spohr, CEO of the Lufthansa Group, said: “The Lufthansa Group stands for a long-standing, trusted, and strategic partnership with Portugal. For...
Porter continues to grow its E2 fleet with 75 confirmed orders
Porter Airlines continues to grow its fleet with the announcement that its parent company, Porter Aviation Holdings Inc. (PAHI) has secured financing with the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) for up to 19 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. BNDES’s commitment is fully backed by Export Credit Insurance from the Export Credit Guarantee Fund (FGE) of Brazil, managed by the Brazilian Agency for Guarantee Funds and Guarantees (ABGF). The aircraft are part of Porter’s existing firm order for 75 E2s, of which 54 have already been delivered. The commitment is being made available to Porter for...
IATA, CANSO, and ACI take off with joint runway safety initiative
IATA, along with the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) and Airports Council International (ACI) have launched a joint initiative to reduce the risk of runway incursions. A runway incursion is defined as an aircraft, vehicle or person being incorrectly present on a runway or within its protected area. Incursions are documented in IATA’s Annual Safety Reports, and several recent incursions have been fatal. Preventing incursions requires close coordination between airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, regulators and frontline personnel. The...
Porter continues to elevate economy with Dash 8 cabin refresh
Porter Airlines has embarked on a comprehensive cabin refresh across its De Havilland Dash 8-400 fleet as it continues to elevate the economy travel experience for its customers. All 29 aircraft are being upgraded with the latest generation of Expliseat's TiSeat 2V, the world's lightest aircraft seat in its category, alongside a series of cabin enhancements designed to improve passenger comfort and modernize the onboard environment. The first refreshed aircraft are already in service, with the full fleet expected to be completed this fall. The TiSeat 2V introduces a range of...
Federal government says it won’t support Ontario’s plans for Billy Bishop
The federal government says that it won’t support the Ontario government’s expansion plans for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Federal Minister of Transport, Steven MacKinnon made the announcement over the weekend following public consultations that began June 8 and wrapped up on July 24. Shortly after those consultations closed, Minister MacKinnon announced on X that: “At this stage, I can confirm that our focus lies exclusively on the approved safety enhancements, which are currently taking place, and are required to maintain safe operations at the airport. They are...