A look at where Canada’s Jetlines is heading with CEO Eddy Doyle
Mitchell McClung
One of the first things that Canada Jetlines’ CEO, Eddy Doyle will tell you is that: “We know how hard travel agents work and they should be rewarded for their contributions.” In conversation with Mitchell McClung, Doyle talks about where things are at right now for the carrier and the course that it’s charting going forward.
Maybe you can start by giving me an update on Canada Jetlines and where it is at in terms of launching new services. How many points is it servicing now?
Canada Jetlines scheduled service since September 22, 2022 has included Calgary, Vancouver, Las Vegas, and Cancun, Mexico – we are looking forward to adding additional markets to our network.
How significant is the launch of service to Las Vegas? Is this Canada Jetlines first US destination?
Las Vegas is arguably the entertainment capital of the world with what appears to be an insatiable demand for Canadian tourists. Our flights have started off very strong and we are very fortunate to have strong partnerships in place that include Tour Operators, Travel Agents, hotels, the LVCVA, the Airport Authority and tourism assets.
I’m wondering how the travel trade – travel advisors – are responding to Canada Jetlines are you happy with the support you’ve been getting from the travel trade so far? What’s the airline’s plan for the travel trade going forward?
The Travel Trade is looking for partners that actually value their contributions to the success of an airline. We are very pleased to have taken a very pro-trade approach to launching Jetlines.
We see that they are under-appreciated, and in fact undervalued in many cases. We know how hard travel agents work and they should be rewarded for their contributions. They earn attractive commissions on flights and ancillaries.
We are now available on both Amadeus and Sabre for Agents to book with us over a platform they are used to. We also have API capability and can direct connect with those Agencies who want to take advantage of NDC capability.
I know the company has talked about launching a vacation operation. I’m wondering where things are at for Canada Jetlines Vacations. Can you share any details on where you’re at with that? Will it be launched soon?
Jetlines Vacations is well under way and will leverage SoftVoyage to distribute our inventory to sub-agents.
We are working with hotels, resorts, car rental companies, and attractions in the destinations we serve and those we don’t.
The reception for Jetlines Vacations has been very positive.
We are TICO registered and are eager to work with all our stakeholders and partners to provide great vacation options for our customers.
Last question – what’s next for Canada Jetlines? What should the travel trade be watching for?
Jetlines will continue to work with all stakeholders in Canada which include airports, tourism boards, hotels, car rental partners, tourism attractions and all levels of government.
We will continue to add more A320s to our fleet.
We want travel agents to try our product and we recently sent out an offer for them to fly with us and bring a guest at a very attractive price of $400 return.
The entire team at Jetlines is focused on creating remarkable travel experiences for anyone that flies with us.
