Airlines
Azores Airlines to launch new flights from North America in June
Azores Airlines will launch a set of new direct flights starting in June, which include direct flights from North America to Porto and Funchal, from the Azores (Ponta Delgada) to the Algarve (Faro), and from the Azores (Ponta Delgada) to Italy (Milan). The brand-new operation kicks off on June 1st, with direct flights between Toronto and Funchal, followed by flights between New York and Porto, and between Ponta Delgada and Faro. On June 4, direct flights from Porto to Boston and from Boston to Funchal begin. The following day, the airline launches flights between Ponta Delgada and...
American Airlines reverses decision to withhold loyalty points
American Airlines has rescinded its scheduled policy to stop issuing loyalty points on travel agent bookings. The move follows significant advocacy efforts by ACTA, the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), and the World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA). According to ACTA, the proposed policy change would have had an extremely detrimental impact on the retail travel community, limiting traveller loyalty points accrual to bookings made by “preferred” agencies and direct bookings only. “ACTA expresses its sincere gratitude to all members who actively...
2024 TAP Portugal awards honour top performers in Lisbon
TAP Air Portugal rolled out the red carpet for the suppliers and travel agents who soared above the rest in promoting both the airline and the beauty of Portugal. The stunning Quinta da Pimenteira in Lisbon was the backdrop for the annual TAP Awards, where the best sales partners of 2023 were recognized. The evening was a star-studded affair, presided over by TAP’s chairman and CEO, Luís Rodrigues. Industry representatives from Portugal, Brazil, the U.S., Canada and Europe gathered to celebrate the top-performing partners. Adding a dash of celebrity glamour, actor and TAP...
Competition Bureau launching study of airline competition in Canada
Canada’s Competition Bureau is preparing to launch a market study of competition in domestic air passenger services in Canada and, in the process, it will be consulting with Canadians. In announcing the study, the Competition Bureau indicated that recent events have raised questions about the state of competition in the industry, which include: The domestic air travel market is concentrated with only two major airlines Domestic airfare in Canada appears to be relatively high Canadians have filed more complaints about air travel services in recent years New airlines...
Boeing emphasizes commitment to safety in third annual report
Boeing recently released its third annual report about the company’s progress to strengthen product safety, with a focus on improving its safety culture and working across industry to reduce safety risk. The report summarizes continued work on long-term initiatives with customers and across industry and changes the company is making that address recommendations by the Congressionally authorized and FAA-initiated expert panel. “We are entrusted with the safety of all those who fly on, use, operate and maintain our products. Our actions are focused on making further improvements...
WestJet’s year-round Calgary-Tokyo service starts in October
Westjet has announced the introduction of year-round flights from Calgary (YYC) to Tokyo (NRT). Set to start on Oct. 27, 2024, the new schedule will include three weekly direct flights. Thanks to a codeshare agreement with Japan Airlines, travellers with WestJet will also gain exclusive access to seven additional destinations beyond Tokyo. This expanded connectivity marks a major milestone for the Japan National Tourist Office (JNTO) as they commit to enhancing Canadian accessibility to Japan. “I am so pleased that Westjet has made the decision to expand their service to Japan....
Bermudair launches direct flight between Halifax & Bermuda
BermudAir has launched direct service between Halifax and Bermuda, with non-stop air service between the destinations year-round, beginning with its inaugural flight on May 25. With a flight time of just two and a half hours, service to Bermuda from Halifax Stanfield International Airport will take place once a week, every Saturday. This reinstates direct flights to the island after a hiatus of over ten years. “We’re delighted to launch this service for Bermuda and Halifax,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “This route opens up convenient access to Bermuda, a...
WestJet is adding an ultra-low fare for no carry-on bags
WestJet has announced plans to introduce a new, cheaper fare category, available to those who forego a checked bag. Under its current structure, WestJet offers six fare options: EconoFlex, PremiumFlex and BusinessFlex allow you to change your flight for no fee (any difference in fare will apply). Econo, Premium and Business let you change your flight for an additional fee (any difference in fare will apply). Basic fare, WestJet's cheapest fare option, is intended for travellers who require the bare minimum for travel comfort. Additional benefits like seat selection, cancellation...