Airlines

UP, UP & AWAY: Record loads for WestJet

WestJet released its October 2012 traffic results, posting a record load factor of 81.2%. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 5.9% year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 0.9% over the same period. WestJet flew 113,000 more guests this October compared to October of last year. "We are very pleased with the October results which easily outpaced the previous October load factor record of 78.1% set in 2007," said WestJet president and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "Forward bookings remain healthy and momentum continues at WestJet as this marks the...

CHANGE EXPECTED: Porter posts October results

Porter Airlines reported a 59.4% load factor for October, a decrease from last year of 8.3 points. Figures for the month show 125 million Available Seat Miles (ASMs) and 74.2 million Revenue Passenger Miles (RPMs). ASMs grew 5.5% from 118.5 million and RPMs decreased 7.5% from 80.2 million la st year. Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines, said: "We are currently focusing on maintaining higher yields, so the change in load factor is expected with this approach. I also want to acknowledge all of our team members for their outstanding effort given the effects of Hurricane Sandy in...

SLOWER GROWTH: IATA reports results

IATA reports that global traffic results for September showed a continued slowdown in the rate of traffic growth. Demand for passenger traffic was 4.1% above the level of September 2011. For air cargo, demand growth was even weaker at 0.6%. The growth trend in air travel started to flatten in the second quarter, with no growth in the passenger market between April and August. The year-on-year comparisons are now also starting to show slower rates of growth. In September, passenger travel increased 4.1% on a year ago, down on the 5.3% year-on-year growth rate in August and well below the 6%...

PAYMENT ONLINE: AC, Interac connect

Acxsys Corporation and Air Canada teamed up to allow travellers to now purchase tickets and services online for AC using Interac Online. Interac Online allows consumers to shop easily and securely for products and services over the Internet, using funds withdrawn directly from their bank accounts. Canadians who have access to Interac Online through their financial institution can pay using Interac Online when they visit Air Canada's website -- http://www.aircanada.com . Interac Online is currently available as a payment option on http://www.aircanada.com to customers of BMO Bank of Montreal,...

VIDEO REPORT: An unexpected journey with ANZ

Credit where credit is due. Air New Zealand keeps finding ways to make some of the basic elements of air travel a little more interesting. Consider its new onboard safety video, "An Unexpected Briefing," that features hobbits, dwarves and wizards. If you're wondering where that came from, it's been inspired by the upcoming release of the new movie fantasy adventure, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The movie is produced by New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), and is the first in a trilogy of films from director and Kiwi Sir Peter Jackson. The video has been created in...

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...