Airlines

WestJet launches LaGuardia flights

WestJet has launched its new non-stop service seven times daily on weekdays between Toronto and New York City's LaGuardia Airport. The airline will add an eighth daily weekday flight beginning July 12. Through a partnership with Delta Air Lines, WestJet passengers will be able to connect from WestJet's Canadian network to Delta Air Lines' 62 destinations beyond LaGuardia. John MacLeod, WestJet's vice-President, network management and alliances, said: "Service to Canada's largest international market, with a convenient schedule, is a key part of WestJet's strategy to welcome more business...

Delta invests in Grupo Aeromexico

Grupo Aeromexico reports that it has received $65,000,000, from Delta Air Lines Inc. as part of Delta's investment in Mexico's flagship airline's capital stock; thus strengthening its financial position, confirming its expansion project and creating the leading airline alliance in the Mexico-U.S. market. The Mexican Federal Competition Commission (CFC) authorized the operation that allowed Delta Air Lines to underwrite and purchase 30,182,855 shares of stock equivalent to 4.17% of Grupo Aeromexico's capital stock, paying the $31 Mexican pesos per share Grupo Aeromexico offered in its IPO. The...

Shareholders approve AC plan

Shareholders have voted to approve proposed amendments to Air Canada's shareholder rights plan during the company's annual and special meeting held on June 4, 2012. The proposed amendments were previously announced on May 4 and are described in the management proxy circular sent to Air Canada's shareholders prior to the meeting. Subject to certain exceptions identified in the Rights Plan, the Rights Plan, as currently amended, would be triggered in the event of an offer to acquire 20% or more of the outstanding Class A variable voting shares and Class B voting shares of Air Canada calculated...

Etihad adds Brazil service

Etihad Airways has announced plans to launch service to Brazil -- the airline's first destination in South America. James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Airways, said that: "Brazil is a logical next step for us and will mark the sixth continent we serve and our coming of age as a truly global airline." Daily flights to Sao Paulo, Brazil will begin in June, 2013. The service will be the first direct air link between Abu Dhabi and any South American country and will mean Etihad Airways serves all of the BRIC high growth nations. "Business and tourism flows between the United Arab Emirates...

Delta selling premium seats through Travelport

Delta Air Lines and Travelport have reached a deal that will see Delta's premium economy product, Economy Comfort, sold through Travelport's global distribution system. The new agreement will create Economy Comfort booking access later this year for travel agents who use Galileo, Worldspan or Apollo. Wayne Aaron, vice president -- marketing programs and distribution strategy at Delta, explained that "Customers today can purchase Economy Comfort directly with Delta at delta.com, through a reservations agent or at the airport via a kiosk or ticket agent. Partnering with Travelport broadens the...