With a potential WestJet pilots’ strike or company lockout less than 48 hours away, WestJet’s CEO says a “massive” gap remains between the union and airline negotiators. Negotiations are continuing around the clock between WestJet and the Air Line Pilots Association as the clock ticks down toward a strike deadline of 3 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, May 19. CTV News reports the standoff “leaves thousands of passengers with travel plans for the May long weekend and beyond hanging in limbo — and has already affected bookings.” “The gap is still massive,” CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said of the negotiations, Read more
Asia
Hong Kong airport officials are giving away 500,000 sponsored flights to visit the city, and Canadians are eligible. “Hong Kong is ready to welcome global visitors with its recent ‘Hello Hong Kong’ promotional campaign, launched in February. This initiative represents the city’s enthusiastic outreach to international tourists.” To entice travellers, Airport Authority Hong Kong is offering 500,000 sponsored air tickets across various markets via four major home-based carriers: Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong Express, Hong Kong Airlines and Greater Bay Airlines. In the Canadian market, these tickets are distributed through Cathay Pacific. Although the base fare is waived, Canadian passengers Read more
Flight bookings are taking off in Canada and around the world. A study from the Mastercard Economics Institute found that flight bookings around the world show an impressive 33% year-over-year growth. It also found that leisure flight bookings in Canada were up 45.1% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year. New insights from Mastercard reveal that consumers are prioritizing leisure travel and pioneering new corridors around the world. Released today, Travel Industry Trends 2023 delivers key insights about the global state of travel, punctuated by shifting economic landscapes, persistent consumer demands, and a reopening of mainland Read more
World tourism and travel is almost back to pre-pandemic levels, and 2024 should see travel numbers surpassing 2019 levels. The World Travel & Tourism Council’s Economic Impact Research shows the Travel & Tourism sector has reached more than 95% of its 2019 peak. In 2023, the sector is forecast to reach $9.5 trillion (USD) in spending, just five per cent below 2019 pre-pandemic levels, when travel was at its highest. Thirty four countries around the world have already exceeded 2019 levels. In 2021 the global sector grew 24.7% year-on-year, and last year it grew a further 22% to reach a GDP Read more
Canadians have a great new way to reach one of the world’s most fascinating countries. WestJet today celebrated the departure of flight WS80 from YYC Calgary International Airport to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport. The airline’s first-ever service to Asia marks an important milestone for WestJet as the airline reaffirms its Western Canadian growth strategy and commitment to strengthening Alberta’s vibrant visitor economy. “We are thrilled to see our new service to Tokyo, Japan take flight as we welcome our newest destination to our 787 intercontinental hub at YYC,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “Not only Read more
