Airline news travel agents can use
A roundup of the latest airline news curated for travel advisors.
Air Transat bookings soar to near pre-pandemic levels
Transat A.T., the parent company of Air Transat, has a sunny outlook for the fourth quarter of 2022.
“We are on track for a winter season that promises to match pre-pandemic levels,” stated Annick Guérard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat. “The pace of sales is currently very comparable to 2019.”
In the sun destinations program for winter 2023, the Corporation’s main program for the period, Transat’s capacity is the same as that deployed in 2019 and 75% higher compared with 2022. To date, and overall, the load factors are comparable to 2019 levels while prices are higher.
The Corporation took delivery of two A321LRs during the third quarter and is expecting five more aircraft of this type in 2023 and 2024. Transat also recently finalized its first order since 2018, for four A321XLRs, including three firm orders for delivery in 2025-2026 and an option for 2027. These aircraft have an even longer range than the A321LR and will eventually allow the Corporation to complete its fleet and serve more faraway destinations with an aircraft that has the same advantages as the LR, namely cost per passenger and reduced carbon footprint.
“Our current cash position, combined with new financing obtained during the quarter, gives us the required flexibility for the future. We also continued to implement our strategic plan during the quarter, particularly with respect to the fleet, with the receipt of two new A321LRs and the order of four A321XLRs. These new aircraft will bring us all the advantages of the LR, including cost and environmental benefits, with an even longer range,” added Guérard.
It will be easy for clients to get to Fort Myers, Florida, this fall and winter with non-stop service on Air Canada and WestJet from several Canadian gateways: Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa.
Air Canada will operate non-stop daily service seven days a week with four flights per day from Toronto (YYZ) to Fort Myers (RSW) starting from Oct. 30 to April 15, 2023. Montreal seasonal service resumes with Air Canada offering two non-stop flights (Sat/Sun) until Nov.24, then gradually increases to five flights per week (Mon/Wed/Thurs/Sat/Sun) until April 15, 2023.
WestJet will also offer non-stop daily service seven days a week with two flights per day from Toronto (YYZ) to Fort Myers (RSW) starting from Oct. 24 to April 29, 2023. Additionally, WestJet will operate two weekly non-stop seasonal flights from Ottawa (YOW) to Fort Myers (RSW) starting Oct. 31 until April 29, 2023.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines gears up for the return of non-stop service
Air Canada is set to recommence weekly non-stop service from Toronto Pearson International to St. Vincent starting Nov. 4, with twice weekly service taking off Dec. 20, on the Boeing 737 MAX 8.
“Canada is a very important market for our destination and the new service will contribute to the overall growth of Canadian Visitation,” said Glen Beache, CEO for the St. Vincent and The Grenadines Tourism Authority.
WestJet launches gender and body inclusive uniforms
WestJet has launched new uniforms, The Lakes and Rocky Mountain collections, which are genderless and designed to fit every body. Redesigned name tags also feature a newly created space for pronouns, to promote greater inclusivity.
Along with the new uniforms, WestJet recently updated its tattoo policy to ensure frontline staff have the freedom to showcase visible tattoos and celebrate individuality, while wearing their uniform and representing the airline.
“Our WestJetters spend a lot of time in their uniform, so it was integral for us to create a product to the highest safety standard that reflects the diverse team members who show up every day to deliver care to our guests,” said Leah McDonald, WestJet, Director, Training and Uniforms. “This journey began four years ago and throughout the process, inclusivity has led our design and development. These uniforms were created for all bodies, allowing each of our frontline team members to proudly wear something that reflects their individual style, identity and authentic self.”
