Airlines
Avianca Earns Praise For Punctuality
After consolidating its position as the sixth most punctual airline in the world in 2022, Avianca was recognized as the third most punctual airline globally, according to the February 2023 Ranking published by Cirium. In the midst of a challenging environment for aviation, not only in Colombia but also in Latin America and the world, the company recorded a punctuality indicator (On Time Performance - OTP-) of 87.89%, which demonstrates its operational discipline, and is the result of the different efficiency initiatives implemented and the work of the teams behind the departure and...
Aeroplan, Parkland Team Up To Launch New Loyalty Partnership
Air Canada's Aeroplan and Parkland Corporation have announced a new loyalty partnership that will launch in the fall of 2023. Parkland Corporation’s brands include Chevron, Ultramar, Pioneer, Fas Gas, ON the RUN and Marché Express Mark Nasr, President of Aeroplan, said: “We are thrilled to come together with the Parkland family of brands to offer Aeroplan members a new way to earn and redeem points in their everyday lives.” Nasr continued: “Our members have long been asking for a fuel partner, and Parkland's extensive reach across Canada, their best-in-class retail...
Porter Matching Competitor Loyalty On VIPorter
Porter Airlines is extending a special offer to all frequent WestJet travellers that provides immediate access to its VIPorter loyalty program Avid Traveller membership. VIPorter Avid Travellers receive perks including faster points accumulation, dedicated airport services, complimentary seat assignments, PorterClassic Stretch seats with more legroom, checked baggage travel flexibility and confirmed PorterReserve upgrade certificates. The Avid Traveller level granted will be based on the current WestJet rewards level. Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial...
Something In The Air
In a letter to Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and to the Minister of Transport, Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, has expressed disappointment at the lack of positive measures to strengthen and enhance Canada’s air transport system and global competitiveness in the Canada’s 2023 federal budget. Walsh writes: “IATA was hopeful that the Federal Budget would include measures to support the recommendations from the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. Unfortunately, that was not the case.” Walsh did...
Industry Bids A Fond Farewell To Lucie Guillemette
The atmosphere was definitely celebratory as 200 of Air Canada’s top travel trade partners gathered at Toronto’s Four Seasons Hotel to bid a fond farewell to Lucie Guillemette and get to know some of the newer members of the airline’s executive team. Guillemette admitted that while the prospects of retirement were exciting, it was also a moment that was bittersweet as she said she’ll miss the industry, her colleagues and her travel trade partners. And she thanked those partners for opening their doors to her, adding that she appreciated their feedback, both good and...
A Natural Advantage
The newly appointed executive VP of revenue and network planning at Air Canada extolled the airline’s goal of making Vancouver the premier trans-Pacific airline hub on the North American west coast, during a special event in Vancouver this week. As part of his remarks to some of the top retail agency account holders in the area, Mark Galardo said that Air Canada would continue to build on YVR’s natural advantage as the closest geographic point to Asia from North America. He noted that Air Canada has continued to post top returns, including its most profitable decade in Air...
A Clear Runway For Growth
In an address to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce this week, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer Alexis von Hoensbroech provided a comprehensive update on the progress it is making against its new strategic direction, which was introduced in June 2022 and is focused on building a strong, resilient low-cost airline that has a clear runway for growth. “We are now seeing the benefits of our new strategy coming to life across Canada; it is ambitious, laser-focused on our strengths and brings back more of what Canadians love about WestJet,” von Hoensbroech observed, continuing:...
Air Transat Now Serving Marseille Year Round
For the second time this year, Air Transat is expanding its operations in the French market, most notably on two exclusive direct routes departing from Montreal. Following the annualization of its service to Lyon announced earlier this winter, the airline is also adding Marseille and the region of Provence to its roster of year-round destinations. In addition, the non-stop service to Nantes will also be extended. Flights that initially ended in the fall will now be operated until Jan. 24, 2024, in order to offer travellers more flexibility when travelling to western France. Michèle...