Airlines
Air Canada, IAMAW reach tentative agreement
Air Canada has reached a tentative collective agreement with its largest union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), representing the airline's approximately 8,600 mechanics, baggage handlers and cargo agents. The agreement is subject to ratification by the union membership. Details of the agreement will not be released pending ratification, and approval by the Air Canada board of...
One team, 4 brands, One roof
The "key to our success," observed Fabien Pelous, vice-president for Air France-KLM Canada and the general manager sales Canada for the Delta-KLM-Air France-Alitalia joint venture, will be "providing more flight options and frequencies to our customers" and that can "only be offered through pulling [our] forces together." Pelous made this observation as he welcomed a group of 65 travel agents, tour operators, tourist board officials, and carrier staffers at the official opening of the carriers' new joint offices in Toronto. Explaining how the airline industry business model has changed in...
WestJet rewards new ‘guests’
With the launch of new WestJet Rewards offerings and a national campaign, WestJet is inviting new guests to give the airline a try, while generating a little friendly competition among its competitors. "Today, we are here to tell travellers that it is not business as usual at WestJet,"said Bob Cummings, WestJet's executive vice-president, sales, marketing and guest experience. "It's not business as usual for an airline to be owned by more than 80% of its eligible employees. It's not business as usual to call your customers guests, or reward your guests with real dollars they can actually use...
Star Alliance wants you to ‘Picture Your Upgrade’
Star Alliance has launched a "Picture Your Upgrade"photo contest, running through April 4. To participate, a special app has been designed for the iPhone, Android and Blackberry smart-phone platforms which can be downloaded by visiting http://www.staralliance.com . Using the app, participants will be asked to submit photos of objects which they find during their travels and which symbolize the Alliance's Gold customer benefits. Each week a different task related to Gold benefits will be made available to all those who have downloaded the app and will also be posted on the Star Alliance...
Etihad reports profitable 2011
Etihad Airways has reported a full year EBIT of US$137 million, on revenues up 36% to US$4.1 billion (2010: US$2.98 billion). The results included earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and rentals (EBITDAR) of US$648 million, with a net profit of US$14 million. The record result exceeded the airline's 2011 target, which was to break even. "This is an historic day for Etihad Airways and an amazing achievement for an airline just eight years old,"said James Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways. "Five years ago we said we would be profitable by 2011....
Air Canada by the numbers
Air Canada has reported operating income of $179 million for 2011, compared to operating income (before a net reduction of $46 million to a provision for cargo investigations) of $232 million in 2010 -- a decrease of $53 million. Adjusted net loss per diluted share was $0.72 in 2011 compared to an adjusted net loss per diluted share of $0.58 in 2010. During the fourth quarter of 2011, Air Canada recorded an operating loss of $98 million compared to operating income (before the net reduction to the provision for cargo investigations) of $15 million in the fourth quarter of 2010, a decrease of...
Porter introduces ‘one price’ advertising
Porter Airlines is advertising the total cost of a flight as a single, simple number with all taxes, surcharges and mandatory fees included. According to officials, no required cost will be added to prices displayed in advertising or the airline's web site. "Unlike other carriers, Porter will show one price for the customer without highlighting fees and taxes separately,"said Porter president Robert Deluce. "We've been able to change what passengers expect from an airline by introducing standard premium amenities and affordable flights. Now, we're extending this experience to the booking...
Aeromexico upgrades Cancun lounge
Aeromexico has announced that it has resumed all services in the Premier Lounge at Cancun International Airport, which underwent remodeling to provide new and better services for all Premier passengers. Premier Gold and Platinum Club Premier passengers at Cancun International can now enjoy a variety of new services, including: Check-in and documentation for passengers travelling without luggage and in transit; Guidance, information and support from airline staff; Coffee, snacks, and courtesy bar; Free local calls; Business Centre; and Wireless Internet. Currently, Aeromexico has 12 Premier...