Airlines
WestJet Says Thanks To Agents
With a potential labour action now resolved, WestJet is offering travel agents 4% commission on all domestic Econo fares to thank its partners for their support. Commission can now be earned on all Econo fares for new air-only bookings made between June 1 and June 30 for travel within Canada from June 1 to July 31. WestJet's vice-president, sales and distribution, Lyell Farquharson said, “We know the potential labour action caused frustration for you and your travellers, and we want to extend a sincere thank you to all our travel trade partners for your patience.” And he...
Cathay’s 35th YVR Birthday Benefits A Charity
Charitable organizations in BC have until June 30 to apply for a special gift from Cathay Pacific (CX) valued at $35,000. The airline is marking 35 years of flying non-stop between Vancouver and Hong Kong and has launched the contest to support a worthy BC charity while celebrating the anniversary. Charities are invited to apply by sharing a “compelling and creative” reason as to how and why it would benefit from winning. It’s up to each organization to decide on how to produce their submissions. Thirty-five years ago, on May 1 1983, Vancouver became the first destination...
To The Azores And Beyond
Azores Airlines hopes to do with the Azores – Portugal's nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic Ocean - the same as Icelandair has done with Iceland. With a hub in Ponta Delgada, Gavin Eccles, chief commercial officer, Azores Airlines plans to position a stopover in the archipelago as a way for travellers to experience two unique destinations for the price of one. “A Canadian can be in Europe in five hours,” he told a Toronto gathering last night (May 30) presented by Azores Airlines and the Portugal National Tourist Office. “We are offering clients the ability to...
SAA Savings
South African Airways (SAA) has introduced “Sizzling Summer Savings” featuring special summer fares for travel from New York (JFK) to Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban, South Africa. Fares start from US$1,099 roundtrip (restrictions apply) and are available for purchase through June 6 for travel from June 1 to Aug. 10. “It’s always a good time to visit South Africa, but SAA’s Sizzling Summer Savings has made it even better with affordable fares from the Big Apple to the Big Five,” said Todd Neuman, executive vice-president, North America for South African Airways....
WestJet Strike Averted
WestJet and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) have agreed to a settlement process through the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, thus averting a potential strike. The parties have agreed to mediation, and if required, final and binding arbitration. According to WestJet officials, travellers can now book WestJet with...
Air Transat Serving Up A New Experience
Air Transat is welcoming the summer vacation season with the introduction of enhancements to the inflight experience it offers its customers. The airline has unveiled the 2018 Chef's Menu by Daniel Vézina and improved its meal offer in Economy Class on transatlantic flights for the upcoming summer season. Among other things, the airline has introduced an all-new Canadian wine in the Club Class menu and offered its passengers the newest issue of Atmosphere magazine on board. Air Transat's president and general manager, Jean-François Lemay observed that: “At Air Transat, going...
Hola Sun Offers Cubana Update
Due to operational reasons, Cubana de Aviacion has advised Hola Sun that they have cancelled their previously scheduled flights for the month of June. The operator noted that it is re-protecting all of its confirmed, existing passengers who are scheduled to depart in June aboard other airlines. Said the operator: "We are in the process of finalizing the new flight itineraries and will notify the passengers as soon as possible with the changes. Moving forward, Hola Sun Holidays is in the process of negotiating with other airlines to add more air seats for the summer flying...
Air Canada Is Flying High
Air Canada is flying high these days, as it continues to expand its global network. Top executives from the carrier were in Toronto last night (May 24) to celebrate with their travel agency partners, the launch of four new routes to destinations in Argentina, Croatia, Portugal and Romania. The new, non-stop routes include Toronto-Buenos Aires; Toronto-Zagreb; Toronto-Porto; and Toronto-Bucharest. About 160 top travel trade types also had the chance to meet Air Canada's new vice-president, global sales and alliances, John MacLeod. Addressing the gathering, MacLeod praised...