Airlines
Quite A Celebration
It was quite a celebration in Toronto last night (June 11) as Air Canada hosted a VIP group of its top travel trade partners to toast two of its own – Duncan Bureau, who is taking on the role of president, Air Canada Rouge and John MacLeod, as the new vice-president – global sales and alliances for Air Canada. The airline's executive vice-president and chief commercial officer, Lucie Guillemette and its senior vice-president, revenue optimization, Craig Landry welcomed the crowd of about 100 at Air Canada's offices in downtown Toronto. Describing Bureau as an incredible...
St. Kitts Welcomes Expanded AC Service
For the first time in the island's history, Air Canada will serve St. Kitts for a full six months during the 2018-2019 peak season. The non-stop Saturday flights from Toronto will operate from Nov. 3 through April 27, 2019. From Nov. 3 through Dec. 10, Air Canada will operate a 136-seat Airbus A319-100 Rouge aircraft with 124 economy class and 12 business class seats for the non-stop Saturday flights. From Dec. 15 through April 27, 2019, the carrier will operate a 200-seat Airbus A321-200 Rouge aircraft with 184 economy class and 16 business class seats. “Air Canada's decision...
WestJet Takes Agent Advisors Out To The Ballgame
WestJet welcomed members of its Travel Agent Advisory Board (TAAB) June 5-6 in Toronto for two days of planning and discussion. The two-day conference was attended by 40 TAAB members representing 35 travel agencies across Canada. Both corporate and leisure agents were invited to share their feedback and had the opportunity to engage with WestJet employees face-to-face. In addition to the sessions, WestJet, in partnership with AMResorts, hosted the TAAB for a night out at the ball game, watching the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees. The agenda for the meeting included...
Branded Fares Available Through TravelBrands
TravelBrands is advising agents that branded fares are now available through TravelBrands Flights, by Intair. Agents now have the ability to choose from different types of fares based on their clients’ needs. Agents can begin booking branded fares on the Access platform. “Airlines are branding their fares more and more,” says Diane Lattavo, vice-president, air and operations, TravelBrands. “By adding in branded fare options, we are helping travellers and agents alike get the best fare options based on the way they travel and their budget. We believe this addition will serve...
Air Canada Inaugurates YVR Dreamliner Routes
Air Canada launched two new international Boeing 787 Dreamliner routes to Europe last week with its June 7 inaugural flight from Vancouver (YVR) to Zurich, followed by service the next day from YVR to Paris. This marks five non-stop European routes from Air Canada's YVR hub. “The strategic addition of these seasonal international flights further strengthens our YVR hub which combined with our extensive North American network, provides excellent options for travellers from BC and the North American west coast to Europe, and as well as for European visitors and beyond to western...
Sunwing Introduces YVR-Costa Rica Service
Heading off on a winter escape just got a bit easier for Vancouverites, with the news that Sunwing will be offering a weekly non-stop direct flight service from Vancouver to Liberia in Costa Rica this winter. Flights depart on Sundays between Dec. 23 and March 31, 2019. Service is anticipated to be operated on the airline’s new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Andrew Dawson, president of Tour Operations for Sunwing, commented on the news, “We’re very pleased to be introducing Costa Rica for the coming winter. As well as being renowned for its eco tours and adventures, this popular...
Sunwing Takes It To The Next Level
Taking delivery of a new plane is always memorable, but add to this the ability to fly further and offer a better passenger experience and you'll understand why Sunwing executives are so excited to have two new Boeing 737 MAX 8's in their fleet, reports assistant editor, Greg Coates in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. The MAX 8 is both fuel efficient and passenger-friendly. Sunwing took delivery of its first MAX 8 on May 25 from Boeing in Seattle, and the second a week later. The airline took the opportunity on its first delivery to host a group of travel industry...
Air Canada Connects
Air Canada has begun offering next-generation, satellite connectivity on its wide-body international fleet with the introduction of Air Canada Wi-Fi provided by Gogo. Starting with flights operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, officials say the new service will be the fastest available on any Canadian airline and makes Air Canada the first Canadian carrier to offer customers the ability to stream TV and movies in-flight through the Internet. “Air Canada Wi-Fi will make travelling more enjoyable whether you're connecting with family and friends, watching a favourite movie or TV...