Airlines

United launches Windows Phone 8 mobile app

United Airlines has introduced a new application for Windows Phone 8 users that puts their important travel information at their fingertips. With the app, United customers can book reservations -- including reward travel -- check in for flights, access mobile boarding passes, monitor flight status details and view their MileagePlus frequent flyer accounts. Additional features of the new United app include support for Windows Phone Live Tiles for flight status updates directly on the Start screen, United social media networking information, access to United timetables, Flight View, which shows...

A small step in the right direction: IATA

IATA reports a modest improvement in its outlook for the 2013 financial performance of the global airline industry primarily based on stronger revenues. The airline industry association said that it now expects airlines to produce a combined net post-tax profit margin of 1.6% (up from the previously forecast 1.3%) with a net post-tax profit of $10.6 billion (up from the previously projected $8.4 billion). Tony Tyler, IATA's director general and CEO, said: "Industry profits are taking a small step in the right direction. Against a backdrop of improved optimism for global economic prospects...

Profitable year for world’s first equity alliance

Etihad Airways heralded a successful first year of its equity alliance strategy, after a financial reporting season, which saw each of the five airlines within the alliance - airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia, Aer Lingus and Etihad Airways - announce profitable performance. The airlines' individual and collective results were boosted by a number of measures, including growing codeshare traffic between their networks, successful joint sales and marketing efforts, and a range of increasing business and cost synergies. James Hogan, Etihad Airways' president and chief executive officer,...

Cathay kicks off ‘Noodles of Asia’ campaign

Cathay Pacific Airways has kicked off its first-ever "Noodles of Asia"campaign in celebration of National Noodle Month. The airline and distinguished guest judges, Mijune Pak, creator of Follow me Foodie, one of Canada's most recognized food and travel blogs, chef-restaurateurs Martin Yan of "Yan Can Cook"television fame and San Francisco's new M.Y. China restaurant located in the Westfield Centre, Level 4, as part of the Restaurant Collection, and Sang Yoon, chef and proprietor of Father's Office gastropubs and Lukshon Restaurant in Culver City, CA, are on a mission to find the best noodle...

IATA moves ahead with NDC

IATA has made it official, filing an application with the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) for approval of Passenger Services Conference Resolution 787, which is the foundation standard for the New Distribution Capability (NDC). (NDC is an IATA-led collaborative industry initiative to define an Extensible Markup Language (XML) messaging standard that will enable retailing opportunities through the indirect channel (Global Distribution System (GDS) and travel agents). Resolution 787 was adopted by the Passenger Services Conference in October 2012.) In making its filing, IATA...

A taste of Iceland

Now that it has resumed non-stop service from Toronto, Icelandair is celebrating its new year-round gateway. In cooperation with Iceland Naturally, it will be giving Toronto A Taste of Iceland starting March 21. A Taste of Iceland will showcase Icelandic music, cuisine and culture at select venues throughout the city through March 24. Plus, Icelandair representatives will be hitting the streets of Toronto and surrounding areas to give away trips to Iceland. One trip for two will be given away each day on Thursday, March 21, Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23. "Like" Icelandair on...

WestJet disappointed by AC pension fund ruling

WestJet has responded to the federal government's decision to extend Air Canada's pension funding arrangement. "While we recognize this has been a difficult decision for the government, we are disappointed with this announcement,"said WestJet president Gregg Saretsky. "We are supportive of a strong and competitive aviation industry in Canada. To that end, we trust this marks the end of special treatment for Air Canada as such treatment at the expense of other industry players has become too common. We look forward to working with the government to create a level playing field and an...