Airlines
TIAC backs Senate report on air travel
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) was quick to lend its support to the recommendations in the Future of Canadian Air Travel: Toll Booth or Spark Plug report that has just been tabled by the Senate Standing Committee on Transport and Communications. TIAC president and CEO, David Goldstein observed: "The recommendations in this report provide smart policy fixes that would allow our travel and tourism sector to thrive, providing economic growth and creating jobs across the country. We fully support the committee's overarching recommendation for a cohesive national air strategy,...
Dump airport rents, senate report recommends
A newly released Senate committee report makes it abundantly clear that Canada needs a single, cohesive national air travel strategy, including an updated National Airports System, to chart a new course toward increased air travel in Canada. The Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications' report is entitled "The Future of Canadian Air Travel: Toll Booth or Spark Plug?" and it has been two years in the making. And after hearing from a broad cross-section of the industry, committee chair, senator Dennis Dawson said the report is recommending that the federal government "stop...
WestJet launches LaGuardia flights
WestJet has launched its new non-stop service seven times daily on weekdays between Toronto and New York City's LaGuardia Airport. The airline will add an eighth daily weekday flight beginning July 12. Through a partnership with Delta Air Lines, WestJet passengers will be able to connect from WestJet's Canadian network to Delta Air Lines' 62 destinations beyond LaGuardia. John MacLeod, WestJet's vice-President, network management and alliances, said: "Service to Canada's largest international market, with a convenient schedule, is a key part of WestJet's strategy to welcome more business...
Delta invests in Grupo Aeromexico
Grupo Aeromexico reports that it has received $65,000,000, from Delta Air Lines Inc. as part of Delta's investment in Mexico's flagship airline's capital stock; thus strengthening its financial position, confirming its expansion project and creating the leading airline alliance in the Mexico-U.S. market. The Mexican Federal Competition Commission (CFC) authorized the operation that allowed Delta Air Lines to underwrite and purchase 30,182,855 shares of stock equivalent to 4.17% of Grupo Aeromexico's capital stock, paying the $31 Mexican pesos per share Grupo Aeromexico offered in its IPO. The...
Shareholders approve AC plan
Shareholders have voted to approve proposed amendments to Air Canada's shareholder rights plan during the company's annual and special meeting held on June 4, 2012. The proposed amendments were previously announced on May 4 and are described in the management proxy circular sent to Air Canada's shareholders prior to the meeting. Subject to certain exceptions identified in the Rights Plan, the Rights Plan, as currently amended, would be triggered in the event of an offer to acquire 20% or more of the outstanding Class A variable voting shares and Class B voting shares of Air Canada calculated...
Etihad adds Brazil service
Etihad Airways has announced plans to launch service to Brazil -- the airline's first destination in South America. James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Airways, said that: "Brazil is a logical next step for us and will mark the sixth continent we serve and our coming of age as a truly global airline." Daily flights to Sao Paulo, Brazil will begin in June, 2013. The service will be the first direct air link between Abu Dhabi and any South American country and will mean Etihad Airways serves all of the BRIC high growth nations. "Business and tourism flows between the United Arab Emirates...
Delta selling premium seats through Travelport
Delta Air Lines and Travelport have reached a deal that will see Delta's premium economy product, Economy Comfort, sold through Travelport's global distribution system. The new agreement will create Economy Comfort booking access later this year for travel agents who use Galileo, Worldspan or Apollo. Wayne Aaron, vice president -- marketing programs and distribution strategy at Delta, explained that "Customers today can purchase Economy Comfort directly with Delta at delta.com, through a reservations agent or at the airport via a kiosk or ticket agent. Partnering with Travelport broadens the...
CTA launches new resource
The Canadian Transportation Agency has launched its new Carriage of Mobility Aids Resource Tool for air, rail and inter-provincial ferry carriers to assist travellers, travel agents and transportation service providers in the planning of and preparation for travel involving mobility aids. Over the last decade, there has been a marked increase in the frequency of use and in the size of some types of mobility aids. Carriage of mobility aids is an essential part of any mobility aid user's travel, and requires extra planning and preparation. The CTA's Resource Tool combines new information to...