Airlines
WestJet Soars With Intercontinental Expansion Across Canada
Propelled by its growing 737 MAX fleet, WestJet is expanding its European summer 2024 network, reintroducing service connecting Eastern Canada and Europe and introducing new service from Calgary to Reykjavik (Keflavik). And as it continues to strengthen its presence in Western Canada, WestJet is also enhancing its 787 Dreamliner hub, increasing frequencies for international routes and adding daily exclusive service to Japan. John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, said that the airline’s latest announcement “underscores our...
Air Canada Boosting Capacity To Asia
Air Canada is ‘strategically boosting its Asia-Pacific network capacity beginning mid-December through to the end of next summer 2024. Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning, at Air Canada, said that: “Air Canada's Asia services continue to reflect strong demand and we are boosting capacity to this geographic area as we deploy our international diversification strategy. This winter we are pleased to offer up to 57 flights per week between Canada and Asia, and up to 64 flights per week next summer.” Galardo continued: “Air Canada will...
Canada Jetlines Launches Jetlines Vacations
Canada Jetlines Operations Ltd. is expanding its operations by introducing Jetlines Vacations. The company said that this new venture “solidifies its commitment to growing a strong, integrated partnership with travel agents, providing greater options for their clients and higher commission rates.” Canadian travellers will benefit from the expansion of international vacation experiences with direct service from Toronto to destinations like Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Cancun, Mexico, with Orlando, Florida soon to join the growing list of options. Eddy Doyle, Chief Executive...
European Air Fares Rising Slower Than Inflation
New data from IATA indicates that travellers in Europe are benefiting from airfares that are undercutting inflation, as the market continues its post-COVID recovery. The latest traffic figures show that European carriers sit just 3.6% down on the 2019 peak. Europeans are travelling despite the inflationary environment: In June, average air fares in Europe were around 16% higher than pre-pandemic. However, that is lagging the average consumer prices index for the EU, which in June stood at 20% over pre-pandemic. Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, said that: “European air...
Iceland Experiencing Increased Seismic Activity On Reykjanes Peninsula
Iceland’s National Police Commissioner raised the Civil Protection Service Level from Alert to Emergency on Nov. 10 in response to increasing seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula. This is the highest level of Civil Protection Service Levels, indicating an event which has already begun and could lead, or already has led to, harm to people, communities, properties or the environment. At this stage, immediate measures have been taken to ensure security, save lives and prevent casualties, damage and or loss. Iceland’s well-known Blue Lagoon geothermal pool has closed for a...
Porter Touches Down In Fort Myers
Porter Airlines is launching its daily, roundtrip service between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, making it the latest addition to the airline’s North American expansion plan. Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines, said: “Canadians love Florida and they deserve to enjoy their travels the moment they get on the plane. With Porter, every passenger receives the same level of hospitality and elevated service -- travellers will notice the difference when they...
Air Canada Takes Action To Improve Experience For Customers With Disabilities
Air Canada has announced a series of measures to reduce barriers and make travel simpler, more comfortable and consistently reliable for customers with disabilities. The actions being taken will accelerate Air Canada's Accessibility Plan 2023-26, a three-year strategy released in June, and are intended to reduce or eliminate major sources of dissatisfaction and trip disruption for customers with disabilities. Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada, said: “Air Canada recognizes the challenges customers with disabilities encounter when they fly...
Azores Airlines Ramps Up Frequency In 2024
Azores Airlines will be offering up to 11 weekly flights to the Azores in 2024. In addition to 5x/week, year-round service between Toronto and Ponta Delgada, Azores Airlines will operate up to 2 weekly flights from Toronto to Terceira. Flights will depart Toronto on Wednesdays, returning on Thursdays from April 3 to May 30, and Oct. 2 to Oct. 24, and twice weekly Thursday & Sundays between June 2 and Sept. 29. From Montreal, travellers will have the choice of 4 non-stop flights to Ponta Delgada, operating Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday between June 1 and Sept....