Airlines
ON EXHIBIT: It’s all new at WTM 2012
There will be a lot of new faces when the 2012 World Travel Market gets underway in London (Nov. 5 to Nov. 8, 2012) next week. WTM officials report that the show, now in its 33rd year of operation, will welcome 157 new exhibitors. The list of new exhibitors includes tourist boards, technology companies, hotel chains, attractions and tour operators who will all be hosting their own stands for the first time at the show's ExCeL - London venue. Europe leads the way in new exhibitors with a massive 41 exhibitors making their debut as Main Stand Holders. They include tourism boards and offices...
DISPUTE SETTLED: American, Sabre make up
Sabre and American Airlines have settled their disputes and have renewed their current distribution agreement for multiple years. American has also agreed to negotiate with Sabre for additional technology services in the future. As part of the settlement, American will receive a monetary payment from Sabre. American will continue pursuing its direct connect initiative. Additional information will be announced at a later date. Terms of the settlement and distribution agreements require review and approval by the court presiding over AMR Corporation's restructuring procedures. Go to...
NEW HOME: WestJet Encore picks Calgary
WestJet has announced that Calgary will be home to WestJet Encore's headquarters. According to officials, the decision was made after a thorough review of various airports and a variety of factors. With consideration to the operational needs of WestJet Encore during its initial launch phase and as it grows to full maturity, Calgary was determined to be the best fit for the airline and its people. WestJet and the Calgary Airport Authority will conduct a joint study to determine the exact location of an anticipated 40,000-square-foot maintenance facility and office space. Its specific location...
SAA resumes US flights
South African Airways (SAA) has resumed its operations out of the US, with its flights operating normally from both New York (JFK) and Washington (IAD). The carrier obtained approval from airport authorities in New York to recommence its service today (Oct. 31) from JFK to Johannesburg and will follow its usual schedule. Tlali Tlali, SAA's group corporate affairs executive, noted that "onward connecting flights beyond JFK are still not fully restored to normal operations. In addition, passengers are advised that ground transportation and underground rail systems in New York are not yet...
Win with Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is the only five-star airline providing daily flights from Montreal to Doha. From Doha, passengers can connect seamlessly to destinations across the Middle East, India, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia. Win two roundtrip tickets anywhere within Qatar Airways' network of more than 100 destinations worldwide. Simply submit your roundtrip ticket sales on Qatar Airways originating in Montreal between Oct. 15 and Nov. 30 at http://promo.baxter.net/contest/Qatar.asp . The contest closes Nov. 30 and is open to Canadian travel agents who are authorized Qatar Airways...
ASTA welcomes ACACP’s transparency position
ASTA has welcomed the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Advisory Committee on Aviation Consumer Protection's (ACACP) recently-issued report to the Secretary of Transportation, but pledges to continue its efforts to ensure that an upcoming DOT rulemaking provides consumers and travel agents full access to airline ancillary fees and services. Nina Meyer, president and chief executive officer of ASTA, commented: "ASTA has long advocated on behalf of its members for transparency and transactability in airline ancillary fees, including testimony before this committee, and as such is pleased...
WestJet launches new sun services
WestJet has launched non-stop seasonal service to three new sun destinations, and will add a fourth in mid-November. Yesterday (Oct. 28), WestJet inaugurated twice-weekly service between Toronto Pearson and Antigua and Barbuda's V.C. Bird International Airport, as well as weekly service to Curaçao. Today, WestJet commences twice-weekly non-stop seasonal service to Liberia, Costa Rica, and on Nov. 16 will add daily non-stop seasonal service between Toronto Pearson and Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. WestJet Vacations offers vacation packages to Antigua and Barbuda, as well as to Costa...
Lufthansa to operate hourly domestic shuttle flights
This winter Lufthansa is introducing hourly flights on three of its domestic German routes: from Frankfurt to Hamburg, Munich and Berlin. For example, on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., flights from Hamburg to Frankfurt will depart every hour on the hour. In the mornings and evenings, some twice-hourly services will also be operated. Departure times for flights to and from Berlin, however, will always be at 45 minutes past the hour. Customer response to Lufthansa's expanded flight schedule from Berlin has been very positive, and a further three new tourist destinations will be added this...