Airlines
WestJet is getting another Boeing 737 MAX 8
The WestJet Group is acquiring a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from aviation leasing company, AerDragon. The aircraft is expected to integrate into the WestJet Group's fleet and operations in 2024. The aircraft received from AerDragon will add to the growing list of new-to-WestJet aircraft, joining the Group's fleet this year. "In partnership with AerDragon, we are adding to our Boeing 737 MAX family and building momentum towards supporting our capacity growth plans for 2024," said Mike Scott, WestJet Group, executive vice-president and chief financial officer. "Every aircraft added to...
Air Transat & Porter Airlines launch first phase of joint venture
Air Transat and Porter Airlines are launching the first phase of their transformative joint venture. Travellers can now use each partner's distribution channels to book direct and connecting flights with either Air Transat or Porter, therefore significantly increasing their access to a wide and expanding range of destinations around the world. In practical terms, this means that Air Transat now offers an extensive range of destinations operated by Porter across Canada—from St. Johns to Victoria—and select U.S. cities including Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los...
Flair marks first flight to Guadalajara from YVR
The vacation potential of an attractive colonial city in central Mexico is now being tested, with the recent launch of non-stop flights to Guadalajara from Vancouver on ultra low-cost carrier, Flair Airlines. The inaugural flight lifted off from YVR on May 31, taking just over five hours to reach Guadalajara. The city is located about five hours by road inland from the Pacific Coast resort city of Puerto Vallarta. Guadalajara (GDL) is the capital of the state of Jalisco. “When we announced the route, we were positively overwhelmed at the great responses from Canadians and Mexicans...
Air Canada offering free snacks and $5 cocktails this summer
Starting today, Air Canada is introducing premium complimentary snacks, featuring homegrown Canadian favourites, to all customers on all flights. The airline is also expanding its complimentary beer and wine offering to customers on flights within Canada and the U.S., alongside a selection of $5 spirits, through the end of this year. "We're thrilled to continue elevating the Economy travel experience in North America, and we're proud to spotlight Canadian brands with this thoughtfully curated lineup of complimentary snacks and beverages, in time for your summer travels,"...
KM Malta Airlines & Turkish Airlines sign codeshare agreement
KM Malta Airlines and Turkish Airlines have signed a code-sharing agreement to operate joint flights, effective as of June 15 2024. The codeshare agreement will provide passengers of both flag carrier airlines more flexible travel options on direct flights between Istanbul and Malta. Within the scope of the cooperation, KM Malta Airlines will place their marketing flight numbers on Turkish Airlines flights between Istanbul – Malta and vice versa. “We are very pleased to count Turkish Airlines among our codeshare partners. Istanbul is a major hub connected with Malta twice every...
WestJet Group ramps up winter 2024-2025 Edmonton schedule
WestJet has released highlights of its Edmonton winter 2024/2025 flight schedule, outlining significant growth and commitment to the region, including record level domestic investments. Boosting its overall capacity by more than 20% compared to winter 2023, WestJet will operate the city's largest-ever network to and from Edmonton. This winter, Edmonton will have access to 16 nonstop WestJet destinations in Canada, nine transborder, including Hawaii, and five options to Mexico. John Weatherill, WestJet Group executive vice-president and chief commercial officer, said:...
Outlook improves for airline profitability in 2024
IATA has released strengthened profitability projections for airlines in 2024 compared with its June and December 2023 forecasts. Despite this, it notes that an aggregate return above the cost of capital, however, continues to elude the global airline industry. Highlights of IATA’s outlook include: Net profits are expected to reach $30.5 billion in 2024 (3.1 per cent net profit margin) That will be an improvement on 2023 net profits which are estimated to be $27.4 billion (3.0% net profit margin). It is also an improvement on the $25.7 billion (2.7% net profit margin)...
WestJet Group updates policy on mobility devices in latest report
The WestJet Group released its first annual accessibility plan progress report, one year following the launch of its inaugural accessibility plan. To further reduce barriers and enhance travel accessibility for persons with disabilities, the report outlines three new service enhancements for guests travelling with wheelchairs or similar mobility aids. "Across the WestJet Group, we remain wholly committed to delivering the services all our guests require, while proactively addressing accessibility issues across the travel journey," said Angela Avery, WestJet Group, executive...