Airline News & Updates | Canada's Airline Industry

By TravelPress Staff

March 4, 2025

Hamilton International starts construction; welcomes new Porter service

The John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (Hamilton International) will be transformed this summer as the airport prepares for takeoff into a new era of hassle-free and convenient travel curb to gate, alongside the introduction of Porter Airlines’ renowned elevated economy service. Hamilton International has unveiled its 2025 summer program, featuring more destinations and more choice with the introduction of flights from Porter Airlines, the Airport’s new strategic airline partner. Porter Airlines’ flights are available for booking now, with direct daily service starting in...

By TravelPress Staff

March 3, 2025

Air India implements Sabre’s network planning software

Air India will officially be using Schedule Manager and Slot Manager from Sabre's Network Planning & Optimization suite to streamline flight schedules and optimize slot utilization to create plans that maximize revenue and passenger demand. "A smart network planning strategy is vital for any airline no matter where they are in the world. But it's especially critical in India right now where record plane orders, new carriers, new airports, and huge infrastructure investments are changing the shape of the aviation landscape," said Rakesh Narayanan, Vice President, Regional...

By TravelPress Staff

March 3, 2025

BermudAir partners with Hahnair

Hahnair has welcomed BermudAir, Bermuda’s national air carrier, to its leading partner portfolio. A globally recognized distribution provider, Hahnair will expand the distribution reach of BermudAir to 100,000 travel consultants in 190 markets worldwide. Effective immediately, BermudAir flights are available for booking under Hahnair Systems` H1 code in Amadeus and Travelport+ Global Distribution Systems and can be issued on the HR-169 ticket plate. A global distribution reach With this collaboration, BermudAir achieves global distribution reach, making it easier for travel trade...

By Christine Roberti

February 28, 2025

Air passenger demand soars 10% in January, IATA says

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for January 2025 global passenger demand with the following highlights. Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 10 per cent compared to January 2024. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 7.1% year-on-year. The January load factor was 82.1% (+2.2 ppt compared to January 2024), an all-time high for January. International demand rose 12.4% compared to January 2024. Capacity was up 8.7% year-on-year, and the load factor was 82.6% (+2.7 ppt compared to January...

By TravelPress Staff

February 28, 2025

KLM’s intercontinental network expands this summer

KLM's intercontinental network expands this summer with San Diego (United States), Georgetown (Guyana) and Hyderabad (India). The airline will continue to fly to Portland (United States) after this destination was added in the winter season of 2024. It also welcomes three new Boeing 787-10 aircrafts for intercontinental routes during the summer. KLM flies more frequently to a number of intercontinental destinations during this summer schedule. For example, KLM offers the combined flight to Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) daily from June, compared to five times a week in the...

By TravelPress Staff

February 27, 2025

WestJet rolls out new rewards program

WestJet has announced the most significant improvement to WestJet Rewards in the program's 15-year history, making it easier than ever for members to earn, redeem and achieve status. The changes, coming April 30, 2025, will make the Rewards experience more valuable and flexible, while maintaining the program's simplicity. "We are improving WestJet Rewards to bring more value to all Canadians, whether that's our frequent flyers, credit card holders or the casual traveler," said Steve McClelland, Vice-President of Loyalty, WestJet. "That's why we've introduced changes to our program...

By TravelPress Staff

February 27, 2025

Etihad’s A380 aircraft to service Abu Dhabi–Toronto route this summer

Etihad Airways' A380 will serve the Abu Dhabi – Toronto route in time for Summer 2025. The famous double-decker will start flying between Zayed Abu Dhabi International (AUH) and Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) on 24 June 2025, perfectly timed for the busy summer travel period and key corporate market. It means the world’s only three-room suite in the sky, serving up the legendary flying experience, is on the way to the land of the maple leaf. “We’re delighted to start flying our remarkable A380 to Canada, and we know our guests love the onboard experience. Whether...

By TravelPress Staff

February 26, 2025

Air Transat’s flash sale to Europe starts today

Air Transat invites travellers to take advantage of its Flash Sale to discover Europe at low prices. With flights starting at $625 from Ontario and $689 from Quebec, there has never been a better time to explore iconic cities such as London, Paris and Porto. Whether travel enthusiasts want to stroll through historic streets, savour local cuisine, or immerse themselves in the cultural richness of the Old Continent, this offer allows them to travel without compromising on comfort or budget. In addition to reduced fares, this promo includes all the benefits of the Air...

By TravelPress Staff

February 25, 2025

Emirates offering free hotel stays for Dubai-bound travellers

Emirates has announced a special new offer for travellers planning to visit Dubai. Starting now through Feb. 26, 2025 travellers who purchase an Emirates return ticket in First Class or Business Class to or stopping over in Dubai, will be able to enjoy a complimentary one-night stay at JW Marriott Marquis. Customers travelling in Premium Economy Class or Economy Class can enjoy a complimentary one-night stay at Holiday Inn Festival City. This exciting offer is valid for all return tickets to or stopping over in Dubai for more than 24 hours, for travel dates between Feb. 22, 2025 and...

By TravelPress Staff

February 21, 2025

Sunwing is protecting agent commissions on Feb. 17-Feb. 21 cancelled flights

Sunwing Vacations has announced that it will be protecting travel advisor commissions on all Sunwing Airlines cancelled flights that were scheduled to depart between Feb. 17 and Feb. 21. The move comes in light of a string of travel disruptions this week, from significant weather incidents to the temporary closure of Toronto Pearson International Airport on Feb. 17, 2025 due to a runway incident. As a result, this severely limited Sunwing Airlines’ ability to reposition aircraft and crew to other airports to help alleviate the backlog in flights, and adversely limited the ability to...