Airlines
AC Adds Capacity in Response to WestJet Strike Vote
In response to a strike vote mandate given by WestJet's pilots, Air Canada has added capacity on key transcontinental routes by up-gauging aircraft on certain flights from its primary global hub in Toronto to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax, from Vancouver to Calgary, Edmonton, and from Calgary to Montreal. Air Canada officials say travellers who may be concerned about the uncertainty resulting from WestJet's strike vote mandate can book Air Canada with...
Turkish Airlines Bridging Continents and Cultures
Turkish Airlines is reminding agents that it offers a free service to international travellers who fly through Istanbul with a six- to 24-hour layover. Since its launch in 2009, touristanbul has helped almost a quarter of a million passengers savour the city. With its customary Turkish hospitality, Turkish Airlines takes pride in curating a different experience for its passengers by going beyond expectations. The national flag carrier offers the complementary touristanbul service including transfers, access to historical sights as well as a sampling of Turkey’s famed cuisine....
Passenger Demand Accelerates in March
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports global passenger traffic results for March show that demand (measured in revenue passenger kilometres, or RPKs) rose 9.5%, compared to the same month a year ago, the fastest pace in 12 months. Capacity (available seat kilometres, or ASKs) grew 6.4% and load factor climbed 2.3 percentage points to 82.4%, which set a record for the month, following on the record set in February. All regions except for the Middle East posted record load factors. “Demand for air travel remains strong, supported by the comparatively healthy...
New Punta Cana VIP Lounge Invites You For A Dip
Punta Cana International Airport has opened a new VIP lounge, highlighted by an infinity pool overlooking the airstrip. The airport continues to expand to provide domestic and international travellers innovative facilities. The sustained growth of Punta Cana International Airport over the past five years has gone from the construction of a second airstrip, to the latest construction of a new terminal building. In addition to the infinity pool and terrace overlooking the airport’s runway, the new lounge has dedicated hospitality rooms with showers and changing areas. All amenities...
Emirates Uncorks the ‘Vintage Collection’
Emirates has launched the Emirates Vintage Collection – a selection of fine wines from its cellar in Burgundy which have been stored for up to 15 years. The four wines to be included this year are the Château Cheval Blanc 2004, Château Haut Brion 2004, Château Mouton Rothschild 2001 and Château Margaux 1998. Due to limited availability, these exclusive wines will be served in First Class on select routes for a limited period. Since 2006, Emirates has been buying wines for long term storage, many of which were purchased “en Primeur” or when they were still in barrel. The...
WestJet Unveils Its Dreamliner ‘Spirit of Canada’
WestJet has unveiled its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner livery, logo and cabin interior -- including the airline's first-ever business class cabin. The reveal is part of WestJet's lead-up to the arrival of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in early 2019. “The introduction of Boeing's 787-9 Dreamliner, a state-of-the-art aircraft, is the dawn of a new era for WestJet and the next step in our transformation to a global network airline,” said WestJet president Ed Sims. “The updated livery is modern and dynamic while the interior is world-class, distinctly Canadian and uniquely WestJet....
Lufthansa Launches A350-900 From YVR
German airline Lufthansa has launched services on a flagship Airbus A350-900 aircraft between Vancouver and Munich. The route has been operating for about five years on the wings of an A330 aircraft. The switch in equipment to the larger, more modern Airbus signals a continued commitment to the summertime route by the German carrier. May 1 marked the first day of Lufthansa A350-900 services between YVR and MUC. Flight LH476 departs from Munich at 3:35 p.m. and arrives in Vancouver at 4:45 p.m. local time. The return flight, LH477, departs from Vancouver at 6:25 p.m. and arrives in...
Transat Sets A Course To The Future
“These are exciting times for Transat,” was how Jean-Marc Eustache, the company's president and CEO opened his presentation to shareholders in March of this year. Exciting times indeed as the company embarks on its new 5-year plan -- “Building Sustainable Profitability” – and sets a course towards creating the Transat of tomorrow, reports executive editor, Bob Mowat in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. Guiding the company along the way will be its new chief operating officer, Annick Guérard, who in a conversation with Canadian Travel Press explained...