Airlines
WestJet sets new single-day record
WestJet flew 52,992 guests Sunday, setting a new single-day record for the airline. The previous record, set on Dec. 22, 2011, saw 52,397 guests fly across the airline's network. The new single-day record follows a busy week for travel, which saw students at many Canadian post-secondary institutions head out for mid-term break. In provinces with a Family Day holiday, families took the week off to enjoy a warm-weather vacation. On average, WestJet flies approximately 40,000 guests on 425 flights per day....
Lufthansa back at ITB
After a three-year hiatus, Lufthansa will once again be present with its own booth at the ITB international tourism fair in Berlin, March 7-11. At its newly designed area in Hall 25, the airline will display its current business and leisure travel offerings, as well as new ground and in-flight products, to trade guests and the general public. Lufthansa's latest seat offerings will also be on exhibit, including the new Business Class seat, which will be unveiled to the public for the very first time. "Our participation in the world's largest tourism fair not only reflects our strong commitment...
Cathay takes delivery of new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft
Cathay Pacific Airways has taken delivery of a new Boeing 777-300ER that is the first aircraft to feature its Premium Economy Class product and new long-haul Economy Class seats. The aircraft - the airline's 25th 777-300ER - arrived at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (Feb. 26). At the same, the airline also received its fifth Boeing 747-8F from the manufacturer. As well as introducing a totally new seat and entertainment system, Cathay has designed the entire customer experience to be more special for its new Premium Economy Class passengers. The experience features a quieter, more...
BAR Canada applauds BC initiative
The Board of Airlines Representatives in Canada (BAR Canada) applauded the BC government's move to eliminate its jet fuel tax. The tax, scheduled to be retired on April 1, added a two-cent levy per litre of jet fuel on international flights. The absence of the tax will make BC airports, particularly Vancouver, more competitive with airports in Alberta, Washington State, Alaska and California, which have no such tax. "The elimination of the fuel tax will make carriers more competitive in the marketplace by decreasing costs up to $16 million annually. It lays the groundwork for increased air...
WestJet offers leap year special
In celebration of its 16th birthday this month, WestJet is offering guests born on Feb. 29 of any year the chance to fly to any of WestJet's Canadian destinations for just $16 one way, plus applicable taxes and fees, on Feb. 29. WestJet shares its birthday with Leap Day babies, having launched on Feb. 29, 1996, with three aircraft, 220 employees and five destinations -- all in Western Canada. Sixteen years later, the airline has grown to 98 aircraft, 8,600 WestJetters and 76 destinations throughout Canada, the US, Mexico and the Caribbean. To take advantage of this birthday offer, those born...
Five facets of EIA Terminal get improvements
Now underway is the Expansion 2012 project at Edmonton International Airport (EIA), which is five separate projects in total. These include an expanded terminal building, a new Central Tower, expanded aircraft parking space, a new power substation and an upgraded central utilities plant. The new EIA terminal is designed to make check-in simpler, security faster, departure lounges more comfortable, and the overall experience for passengers more relaxing and memorable. The Central Hall retail area and U.S. Departures lounge are now open. Canadian Border Service Agency, the...
BC delivers on commitment to eliminate jet fuel tax
British Columbia has delivered on a promise to eliminate the aviation fuel tax for international flights, effective April 1, a move welcomed by TIAC, the NACC, Air Canada and WestJet. According to officials, the initiative will reduce costs for airlines, create jobs and give travellers more choice while supporting the "Canada Starts Here - The BC Jobs Plan"goal of expanding markets. Each new daily international flight creates between 150 and 200 new jobs at Vancouver International Airport. About 400 additional indirect jobs are created in the community at business such as hotels, restaurants,...
Etihad adds Washington to North American lineup
Etihad Airways has announced the launch of non-stop daily flights to Washington, D.C., the airline's fourth destination in North America, from March 31, subject to regulatory approvals. The Washington region is home to America's second largest market flying to the Middle East, after New York. Etihad's new service will link D.C. with Abu Dhabi, a vibrant and growing hub for business, culture and tourism. The direct flights will be operated by a three-class A340-500 aircraft. Each flight will offer 12 Diamond First class, 28 Pearl Business class and 200 Coral Economy seats, for a total 3,360...