Airlines
Air travel demand bounces back in 2023
IATA reports that the recovery in air travel continued in December 2023 and total 2023 traffic edged even closer to matching pre-pandemic demand. Highlights of the results include: Total traffic in 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 36.9% compared to 2022. Globally, full year 2023 traffic was at 94.1% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels. December 2023 total traffic rose 25.3% compared to December 2022 and reached 97.5% of the December 2019 level. Fourth quarter traffic was at 98.2% of 2019, reflecting the strong recovery towards the end of the year. ...
Voyzant celebrates Chinese New Year with its partners
Voyzant feted many of its industry partners at a Chinese New Year celebration Thursday night, a tribute that came shortly after the end of a year that saw company air sale earnings top the $1 billion mark, a figure the company says underscores the strong bonds between it and its partners. Voyzant held its Chinese New Year Gala in Markham, Ont. an event that drew travel agents and some 30 airline representatives. "I know you guys have choices but you made the choice to stay loyal to Voyzant. We are grateful for that," Voyzant CEO Chippy Jegathesan told the...
Air Transat flight attendants reject tentative deal again
CUPE’s Air Transat Component has announced that its 2,100 flight attendant members have rejected the tentative agreement reached on Jan. 7. At the end of a five-session general assembly process followed by a 10-day voting period, 81.9% of them voted no, with 88.7% participating in the vote. Remuneration for hours worked on the ground before takeoff and after landing as well as the question of onboard staffing were the main sticking points. The voting process also included a question on whether to renew the strike mandate which had expired on Jan. 23. The members voted 94.6% in...
Jetlines Vacations taking Canadians to new vacation experiences
Canada Jetlines has launched Jetlines Vacations – allowing Canadians to book their vacation packages directly with the carrier’s tour operation. And company officials are convinced that by offering Canadian travellers a different kind of vacation experience, Jetlines Vacations is on a flight path to success. Charles McKee, chief commercial officer (CCO) for Canada Jetlines, explained that since November 2023, Canada Jetlines has given Canadian travel agents the ability to book its products through Softvoyage’s Sirev and other platforms. In fact, McKee made it clear that...
KM Malta & Lufthansa announce codeshare agreement
KM Malta Airlines and Lufthansa Group have signed a bi-lateral codeshare agreement connecting the networks and flights of the participating partner airlines. The Lufthansa Group consists of Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Swiss. This will apply for flights departing from Mar. 31, 2024. About the agreement This codeshare agreement will enable customers of the respective airlines to book a single ticket across multiple flights involving KM, LH, LX, OS and SN. Through this agreement, KM Malta Airlines and Lufthansa Group customers can now enjoy a smoother travel...
Air Canada introduces new measures for customers with disabilities
Air Canada has become the first airline in North America to adopt the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to better serve customers with non-visible disabilities. In announcing the measure, the carrier also confirmed the first appointments to its new Customer Accessibility Advisory Committee, which will guide the carrier as it accelerates its three-year accessibility plan. Tom Stevens, Vice President, Customer Experience and Operations Strategy, at Air Canada, said: “Air Canada is the first airline in North America to adopt the Sunflower program, which will enable us to...
PLAY offering free 10-day stopovers in Iceland
PLAY, a low-cost airline operating flights between Iceland and Europe, is now offering stopovers in Iceland for no additional cost, enabling travellers to visit two countries in one trip. The stopovers take advantage of the airline’s hub-and-spoke model, with all flights connecting through Iceland. PLAY’s stopovers will enable passengers to stay up to 10 days in Iceland to experience the island’s incredible natural wonders including waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, glaciers and Northern lights. “PLAY has taken advantage of Iceland’s location near Europe to bring...
Travelport, Iberia Airlines deliver NDC content to agents
Travelport and Iberia Líneas Aéreas de España have announced the launch of Iberia’s NDC content and servicing capabilities on the Travelport+ platform. Agents using Travelport+ will be able to view and compare NDC fares and ancillaries from Iberia all in one place, making it easier to identify and book the best options for their clients. Celia Muñoz Espín, Commercial Strategy and Distribution Director at Iberia, explained: “The addition of Travelport to our NDC program is a milestone in the travel industry’s transformation. With this alliance, we provide a wider range of...