Airlines
WTAAA raises concerns about AA’s loyalty points plan
The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) has voiced its concerns over American Airlines’ new policy to limit AAdvantage miles accrual to bookings made directly with American Airlines or a select group of ‘preferred’ travel agencies. The alliance says American’s policy “unfairly punishes travellers who use travel agencies, along with fragmenting distribution, reducing transparency and potentially increasing costs. It is calling on American to reconsider the policy and “maintain an open distribution system.” And WTAAA is also asking the airline to...
Porter inaugurates first Western Canada route between Montréal & Vancouver
Today (April 11), Porter Airlines inaugurated service between Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The route marks Porter’s first Western Canada destination from Montréal. “Our presence in Montréal is continuing to grow directly through new Porter service and with our strategic airline partnerships," said Kevin Jackson,m president, Porter Airlines. "Our first western route from Montréal will take Porter’s elevated economy service to even more passengers across Canada and the globe.” About the new route The new route begins with one daily roundtrip flight operated with...
Four Seasons Private Jet now available for private bookings
Four Seasons has announced that its Four Seasons Private Jet Experience is available for private bookings, for a limited time only. "We are delighted to offer this extraordinary opportunity to charter the Four Seasons Private Jet for the first time, in response to the many inquiries we have received from families and groups of friends interested in custom itineraries and travelling for celebratory events," said Marc Speichert, executive vice-president and chief commercial officer, Four Seasons. "With the added bonus of Four Seasons genuine care and service in the sky and on the ground,...
Air Canada resumes seasonal Vancouver-Bangkok service
In partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Air Canada has resumed its seasonal Vancouver to Bangkok service, effective Oct. 27, 2024. Due to the increased popularity and success of this flight since its implementation in 2022, Air Canada has moved up the start date which previously commenced at the beginning of December. From Oct. 27, 2024 through the end of November 2024, Air Canada will operate three weekly flights on this route, providing travellers with increased accessibility to the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand. Further connectivity coming this...
AA’s loyalty points policy undermines agents, ACTA says
ACTA says that American Airlines' policy on loyalty points “undermines the critical role of travel agencies and advisors in the industry value chain,” while its policy on New Distribution Capability usage thresholds are ‘not feasible.’ In February 2024, American Airlines announced that effective May 1, 2024, only direct bookings with American Airlines and selected partner airlines, along with a specific list of 'preferred travel agencies' would qualify for earning traveller loyalty points. While ACTA responded at that time, it has now issued a further statement in which ACTA...
Gate Gourmet workers at Pearson vote in favour of strike action
Workers who handle the cooking, packing and delivering of meals, snacks, beverages and other supplies to aircraft for in-flight services at Toronto Pearson Airport have voted 98.8 per cent in favour of strike action. The 800 workers at Gate Gourment are members of Teamsters Local Union 647 and could take strike action as early as Tues., April 16, a move that could mean no food and beverages on many flights out of YYZ. “We are in a cost-of-living crisis, but Gate Gourmet is ignoring their employees' families' basic needs and won’t agree to pay workers a living wage," said Martin...
WestJet adds non-stop Fredericton-Calgary flights
WestJet will operate new non-stop, twice weekly seasonal service between Fredericton and Calgary beginning June 20, 2024. “The addition of service between Fredericton and Calgary is a testament to our ongoing commitment to deliver on our promise to expand our service in Atlantic Canada through critical east-to-west connectivity, which has been met with strong community support," said Andrew Gibbons, vice-president of external affairs, WestJet. Gibbons continued: “The route we are celebrating today will not only foster enhanced business and leisure ties but further strengthen the...
Qantas re-leaunches Learning Hub with monthly prizes for agents
Australia’s national carrier, Qantas, has re-launched the Qantas Learning Hub, an online platform designed to support travel agents booking and servicing customers in Canada. To celebrate the re-launch, Qantas is offering Canada-based agents the opportunity to win monthly prizes between April and August ranging from gift cards to experiences in the carrier’s North American gateway cities. Agents who register for the Qantas Learning Hub and complete two monthly learning modules will be entered in a draw to win one of three different monthly prizes. Winners will be announced...