Airlines
Air Canada Poised To Transform Travel Distribution
When Air Canada unveiled details of its New Distribution Capabilities (NDC) program in Toronto on April 18, it set itself on a course to transform travel distribution with a program that features new benefits, expanded content and additional support for travel agencies and travel buyers. It is a program that it has designed to provide a competitive alternative to legacy distribution, giving agents access to Air Canada inventory, fares, ancillary services, ticketing, and digital products. For buyers and travellers, NDC technology means their preferred agencies can now offer a broader...
Turkish Airlines Sets A Course To The Future
As it prepares for the next decade, Turkish Airlines has released details of its strategic plan for the next 10 years. Founded in 1933 with a modest fleet of five aircrafts, Turkish Airlines has secured its place on the global stage, with accelerating growth year after year. Over the last two decades, Türkiye’s flagship carrier has achieved extraordinary growth in capacity, passenger numbers and profitability, and has outperformed the industry average to become one of the most important players in global aviation today. As Turkish Airlines makes significant contributions to the...
WestJet Group Responds To ALPA Strike Authorization Vote
The WestJet Group issued a statement following the Airline Pilots Association’s (ALPA) announcement of the results of the strike authorization vote by WestJet pilots. Diederik Pen, WestJet Group Chief Operating Officer, said: “A strike authorization vote is a common step by unions in context of the overall labour negotiation process and does not mean a strike will occur.” In the statement, Pen continued: “We remain unwaveringly committed to achieving an agreement that is competitive within Canada's airline industry and ensures we have a long-term sustainable future so...
Aeroplan, Parkland Team Up To Launch New Loyalty Partnership
Air Canada's Aeroplan and Parkland Corporation have announced a new loyalty partnership that will launch in the fall of 2023. Parkland Corporation’s brands include Chevron, Ultramar, Pioneer, Fas Gas, ON the RUN and Marché Express Mark Nasr, President of Aeroplan, said: “We are thrilled to come together with the Parkland family of brands to offer Aeroplan members a new way to earn and redeem points in their everyday lives.” Nasr continued: “Our members have long been asking for a fuel partner, and Parkland's extensive reach across Canada, their best-in-class retail...
Avianca Earns Praise For Punctuality
After consolidating its position as the sixth most punctual airline in the world in 2022, Avianca was recognized as the third most punctual airline globally, according to the February 2023 Ranking published by Cirium. In the midst of a challenging environment for aviation, not only in Colombia but also in Latin America and the world, the company recorded a punctuality indicator (On Time Performance - OTP-) of 87.89%, which demonstrates its operational discipline, and is the result of the different efficiency initiatives implemented and the work of the teams behind the departure and...
Porter Matching Competitor Loyalty On VIPorter
Porter Airlines is extending a special offer to all frequent WestJet travellers that provides immediate access to its VIPorter loyalty program Avid Traveller membership. VIPorter Avid Travellers receive perks including faster points accumulation, dedicated airport services, complimentary seat assignments, PorterClassic Stretch seats with more legroom, checked baggage travel flexibility and confirmed PorterReserve upgrade certificates. The Avid Traveller level granted will be based on the current WestJet rewards level. Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial...
Something In The Air
In a letter to Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and to the Minister of Transport, Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, has expressed disappointment at the lack of positive measures to strengthen and enhance Canada’s air transport system and global competitiveness in the Canada’s 2023 federal budget. Walsh writes: “IATA was hopeful that the Federal Budget would include measures to support the recommendations from the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. Unfortunately, that was not the case.” Walsh did...
Industry Bids A Fond Farewell To Lucie Guillemette
The atmosphere was definitely celebratory as 200 of Air Canada’s top travel trade partners gathered at Toronto’s Four Seasons Hotel to bid a fond farewell to Lucie Guillemette and get to know some of the newer members of the airline’s executive team. Guillemette admitted that while the prospects of retirement were exciting, it was also a moment that was bittersweet as she said she’ll miss the industry, her colleagues and her travel trade partners. And she thanked those partners for opening their doors to her, adding that she appreciated their feedback, both good and...