Airline News & Updates | Canada's Airline Industry

By TravelPress Staff

February 7, 2013

JAL to close Montreal sales office

Japan Airlines will end its long sales presence in Montreal Feb. 28. After 45 years in Quebec, JAL will restructure its operations and Quebec clients will be served by staff in Toronto and American Airlines sales reps. "I am aiming to visit as many of you as possible in the next few weeks to thank you for your business and to invite you to continue doing business with JAL, which remains, without doubt, one of the best airlines in the...

By Bob Mowat

February 5, 2013

Etihad sees 2012 profit take off

Etihad Airways has reported a net profit of US$42 million in 2012 -- that's up 200% on 2011 (US$14 million) -- in a year which saw strong improvements in revenues, passengers numbers and cost control. The carrier's revenue increased 17% to US$4.8 billion (US$4.1 billion), on passenger numbers up 23% to 10.3 million (8.4 million). And the carrier's numbers were boosted significantly by its equity partnerships and codeshares, which delivered more than US$600 million in total revenue. Commenting on the 2012 results, Etihad's president and CEO, James Hogan said: "This has been a game-changing...

By Bob Mowat

February 5, 2013

Air France puts a HOP in its flights

Air France has announced that the name of its new regional airline will be HOP! The new airline is the result of the synergy between the Air France group's three regional airlines - Brit Air, Regional and Airlinair - and its goal is to become the reference airline on inter-regional routes in France and Europe with a competitive offer, quickly adaptable to market changes and competition, for business or leisure travel. Beginning March 31, 2013, HOP! will operate 530 daily flights to 136 destinations in France and Europe. Go to http://corporate.airfrance.com for...

By TravelPress Staff

February 4, 2013

Air Canada introduces Q400 service in Western Canada

With today's (Feb. 1) departures of Air Canada Express flights AC8371 from Calgary to Fort McMurray, AC8430 from Calgary to Regina and AC8586 from Calgary to Saskatoon, Air Canada introduced new Q400 service in Western Canada. Concurrent with rolling out Bombardier Q400 Next Generation aircraft in these markets, Air Canada announced it is boosting capacity on key regional routes this spring and summer in response to demand. "Today, we are delighted to introduce the newest, ultra-quiet regional aircraft for customers in Alberta and Saskatchewan,"said Marcel Forget, Air Canada's vice-president,...

By Bob Mowat

February 4, 2013

Farelogix, WestJet sign tech deal

Farelogix has signed a multi-year technology agreement with WestJet Airlines. Under the new deal, WestJet will use Farelogix technologies to provide innovative new booking solution options for the travel agency community. WestJet's director, distribution strategy, d'Arcy Monaghan said: "With this agreement, we are excited to offer an enhanced shopping and merchandising experience choice to our travel agent community. In using Farelogix as a technology provider for WestJet, we are building a strong foundation to offer innovative new products in the coming years." Farelogix president and CEO,...

By TravelPress Staff

February 1, 2013

Air Canada rouge begins recruitment drive

Air Canada rouge recruitment starts today (Jan. 31) for its first 150 flight attendants. The airline's first in-flight recruitment campaign is targeted to people who will be based in Toronto and the GTA and ideally "have customer service/hospitality experience, excellent language skills and a passion for travel."According to officials, the inaugural team of flight attendants will have the unique opportunity to help shape Air Canada rouge from the ground up as planning continues and service to Europe and the Caribbean starts on July 1. "Our in-flight crews will be the heart of Air Canada...

By TravelPress Staff

January 31, 2013

Icelandair to offer year-round Toronto service

Icelandair will resume flights from Toronto starting March 8 with four flights a week, increasing to daily service through the spring of 2014. Due to an improved Canada-Iceland Air Service Agreement, Icelandair will also begin year-round service from Toronto in 2014. Toronto will become Icelandair's fifth year-round North American gateway and give Canadian travellers an alternative when travelling to more than 20 destinations in Europe. As part of its 2013 winter schedule, Icelandair will also be increasing the global network with daily flights to Paris and Amsterdam....

By TravelPress Staff

January 29, 2013

Porter, Singapore Airlines begin new interline agreement

Singapore Airlines and Porter Airlines have finalized an interline agreement that provides another travel option between Asia and Canada. The routing links Porter's main base at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport with Singapore Changi Airport via a connection at Newark Liberty International Airport. The agreement is effective immediately, with tickets between the two airlines now available for purchase through Singapore Airlines by calling 1-800-663-3046. The agreement allows travellers to check baggage through to their final destination. "This is Porter's third interline agreement as we...

By TravelPress Staff

January 29, 2013

Record month caps off record year for Dubai International

Following its busiest month and year on record, Dubai International has taken over as the world's third ranked airport for international passenger numbers, vaulting ahead of Hong Kong International Airport in the global rankings. According to the annual traffic report issued by Dubai Airports, passenger traffic surged 13.2% to 57,684,550 in 2012, up from 50,977,960 passengers recorded during 2011. The 2012 passenger traffic also exceeded Dubai Airports' forecast at the start of the year of 56.5 million by more than a million passengers. The year-end numbers were bolstered by a record...

By TravelPress Staff

January 28, 2013

Copa on the move in 2013

Panama's Copa Airlines has announced its growth plan for the first half of 2013, which includes the start of nonstop service to Boston, an increase in flight frequencies to three destinations, and expansion of its fleet. "Copa continues its sustained growth in 2013, strengthening our leadership position in Latin America through our Hub of the Americas - the most successful and efficient hub for flights to, from and within Latin America,"said Pedro Heilbron, CEO, Copa Airlines. "These efforts will increase the appeal of our product, allowing us to offer our passengers more flight options and...