Airline News & Updates | Canada's Airline Industry

By Bob Mowat

February 11, 2013

Air Canada making it new

Air Canada is introducing a new International Premium Economy cabin for its passengers looking for more comfort and service on its international flights and it's all part of the carrier's continuing modernization of its wide-body fleet that sees the addition of five new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Complementing its Economy and Executive First options on international flights, AC's new Premium Economy cabin will offer customers a wide range of benefits including a dedicated cabin featuring larger seats that are wider, providing more recline, with seven more inches of legroom than Economy and...

By Bob Mowat

February 11, 2013

Win with CX

Cathay Pacific Airways is offering travel agents in Canada a chance to win two Premium Economy Class tickets to Hong Kong. To celebrate the launch of its new Premium Economy Class, now 100% onboard all flights between Canada and Hong Kong, travel agents can enter the draw each time they sell a qualifying one-way or return Cathay Pacific Premium Economy Class ticket from Canada to Asia. The offer applies to tickets sold during the period Feb 1 to April 30, 2013 for travel between Feb. 1 and June 30, 2013, inclusive. Some restrictions apply. To enter, travel agents must be a registered...

By Bob Mowat

February 11, 2013

All-inclusive advice

WestJet is advising all travel agents that as of Feb. 5, 2013 the advertised airfares displayed on WestJet's Agent WEBLink -- http://westjet.com/agent -- will be inclusive of all taxes, fees and surcharges. The change has been made to comply with the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) requirement that all air carriers are to provide fare quotes which include all taxes and fees to any Canadian consumer. The airfares displayed on the flight search function, deals and service fee information pages on WestJet's Agent WEBLink will now be updated to show all-in prices. Agents should also note...

By TravelPress Staff

February 11, 2013

Air Namibia delivers word on commissions

As per industry practice, Air Namibia is informing the trade industry of the revision of agent commission by various countries effective April 1. This commission is related to published fares, corporate deals and nego fares. Almost all BSP participating countries - including Canada -- will move to 0% commission on that...

By Bob Mowat

February 11, 2013

Turkish takes off to Colombo

Turkish Airlines has launched operations between Istanbul and Colombo, Sri Lanka. The carrier added its 219th destination and its 98th country with the introduction of service to Sri Lanka's capital city. Turkish Airlines will operate flights to Colombo 5 days per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays in both directions, linking Colombo to its Istanbul...

By Bob Mowat

February 7, 2013

AC by the numbers

Air Canada has reported full year and fourth quarter earnings -- before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and impairment, and aircraft rent ("EBITDAR") -- of $1.451 billion (or $1.327 billion before the impact of benefit plan amendments) compared to EBITDAR of $1.242 billion in 2011. Including the favourable impact of benefit plan amendments, EBITDAR of $1.451 billion increased $209 million year-over-year (or $85 million before the impact of benefit plan amendments). On a GAAP basis, in 2012, net income was $131 million or $0.45 per diluted share compared to a net loss of $249...

By Bob Mowat

February 7, 2013

Positive momentum for WestJet

WestJet has reported fourth quarter net earnings of $60.9 million, or $0.46 per share and full-year net earnings of $242.4 million, or $1.78 per share; up significantly from the net earnings of $148.7 million, or $1.06 per share, reported for 2011. The financial results mark WestJet's 31st consecutive quarter of profitability. Based on the trailing twelve months, the airline achieved a return on invested capital of 13.7%, up from the 12.7% reported last quarter. The carrier's president and CEO, Gregg Saretsky said: "We are very pleased with the positive momentum generated in 2012 that...

By Bob Mowat

February 7, 2013

United earns leadership award

United Airlines has earned the 2013 Business Leadership Award from Equality Illinois, the state's oldest and largest organization advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. The award is given annually to a business that demonstrates vision and leadership in the effort to achieve full equality for LGBT individuals in Illinois. "United is a global company, and the richness of our different backgrounds, cultures, experiences and ideas brings enormous value to us," said Jeff Smisek, chairman, president and CEO of United. "We value inclusion and diversity in our...

By Bob Mowat

February 7, 2013

Etihad adds daily Brisbane-Singapore lift

Etihad Airways launched a new schedule of daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Brisbane via Singapore of Feb. 1, 2013 and to mark the occasion, the carrier operated "Blue Moon Rising," its Airbus A330-200 painted in Manchester City Football Club colours. James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Airways, said the new daily service would add an extra 1,048 seats a week to the Abu Dhabi-Singapore-Brisbane route. Said Hogan: "The additional capacity puts Etihad Airways in a stronger than ever position in the Singapore and Australian markets. It enables us to compete on a more level playing field...

By Bob Mowat

February 7, 2013

Air Canada flies high in the west

Air Canada has just introduced new Bombardier Q400 services in western Canada, with the start-up of AC Express flights from Calgary to Fort McMurray, Calgary to Regina and Calgary to Saskatoon. Concurrent with the launch of the Next Generation Q400s in these markets, Air Canada announced it is boosting capacity on key regional routes this spring and summer in response to demand. "This spring, Air Canada will strategically increase capacity by either scheduling larger aircraft or adding flights to meet strong demand in western Canada and we will continue to roll out the Q400 aircraft on...