Airlines
WestJet Encore pilots reject tentative deal
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) – the union that represents WestJet Encore pilots – has announced that its membership did not ratify the tentative agreement that was reached on April 8, 2024. The results of the ratification do not impact operations, WestJet said. In a statement, Diederik Pen, president of WestJet Airlines and Group chief operating officer, said: “We are disappointed to learn that our WestJet Encore pilots have rejected an agreement that is distinctly competitive within Canada's airline industry and solutioned their unique concerns.” Pen...
ITA Airways debuts in Canada with non-stop from Toronto to Rome
ITA Airways has made its debut in the Canadian market with the launch of its new nonstop connection between Toronto and Rome. The inaugural flight took off on May 10 from Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport at 4:40 pm. To celebrate the launch of the new intercontinental route, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the departure gate of Terminal 1 in Toronto Airport in the presence of Emiliana Limosani, Chief Commercial Officer ITA Airways and CEO of Volare, Luca Zelioli, Consul General of Italy, Ivana Jelinic, CEO of the Italian National Tourist Board ENIT, Gianluca Caramanna,...
Porter suspends Porter Escapes brand, plans new approach to packages
Porter Airlines is suspending the Porter Escapes brand. As a result, the company said that: “No new packages are being sold through this channel, but all trips currently booked for future travel will be honoured.” In a statement, Porter said that it is “refocusing vacation packages on sun destinations that Canadians traditionally visit in locations such as Mexico and the Caribbean.” It noted that those vacation packages “will become available at a later date in conjunction with Porter flights, although no specific timeline is confirmed.” The company also said that...
WestJet & IAM reach tentative bargaining agreement
On the evening of May 8, WestJet and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the certified union representing WestJet load controllers, reached a tentative agreement on the first collective bargaining agreement between the organizations. Both parties now await the ratification vote to be put forward to membership. "WestJet is pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that recognizes the important contributions of our load controllers," said Diederik Pen, president of WestJet Airlines and group chief operating officer. "They play an integral role...
Porter is running its largest-ever Toronto schedule this summer
Porter Airlines is scheduled to offer travellers its most substantial summer schedule to date, featuring up to 176 daily flights to 27 destinations across North America taking off from Toronto. These flights will offer more passengers an elevated economy experience to more destinations than ever before. By August, Porter will be the third-largest carrier flying from Toronto Pearson International Airport, with up to 74 daily flights to 16 destinations across Canada and the United States. Every flight from Toronto-Pearson is flown by the brand new, 132-seat Embraer E195-E2. Available...
Discover the World & Saudia enter strategic partnership
Discover the World has entered a strategic partnership with Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia. Discover the World brings to the table an impressive track record in business development with many leading industry brands making them a logical partner to elevate Saudia’s iconic brand, exciting new product and guest experience and unique destination network. "It's a privilege for us to join forces with Saudia and embark on this transformative journey together," said Aiden Walsh, head of airline development at Discover the World. "We are committed to implementing a...
Air Canada Vacations welcomes year-round service to Tulum
Air Canada Vacations launched its new year-round service to Tulum, Mexico on May 3. To mark the occasion, passengers gathered for a special gate party complete with inaugural festivities that included tasty treats followed by ribbon cutting ceremonies held at both Montreal Trudeau International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport. Erminia Gallina, director of sales at Air Canada Vacations, and Bradley Sutherland, senior manager, business development at Air Canada, took the opportunity to address the gathering at the Toronto airport. Meanwhile, Marco Gagnon, general...
WestJet Group & AMFA reach tentative bargaining agreement
The WestJet Group and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) —the certified union representing WestJet aircraft maintenance engineers– have reached a tentative agreement on the first collective bargaining agreement between the organizations. Both parties now await the ratification vote to be put forward to membership. “The WestJet Group is pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that is industry-leading within Canada and recognizes the important contributions of our valued aircraft maintenance engineers, making them the highest paid in Canada, while...