Air Canada recorded positive operating income for the third quarter of 2022, their first “in the black” operating income statement since the start of the pandemic, and officials say the company is on a “robust foundation.” Canada’s largest airline released its third quarter statement today, with a good deal of positive numbers. “We generated $644 million in operating income with a strong operating margin of 12.1%,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada. “This was the first quarter since the pandemic began in which we delivered positive operating income. “In addition, we achieved significant improvements in Read more

Canadian residents returned from over 3.7 million trips abroad in August 2022, more than four times as many trips as were taken in August 2021. StatsCan says Canadian trips abroad were up 340.4% in August compared to last year. Still, the August 2022 figure was only 63.4% of the level in August 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. In the month of August 752,900 Canadian residents returned from visiting overseas, more than double from the same month in 2021 (341,700). During the same month, travel to U.S. increased six-fold over AUG 2021. StatsCan said the number of international arrivals to Canada Read more

Sunwing has announced increased capacity for the 2022-2023 winter season amid continued demand for travel to sun destinations, including the Dominican Republic. For the first time in over two years, Sunwing is returning to 12 more airports this winter and now offering flights to the sun from a total of 26 gateways from coast to coast. From major city centres to airport operations in regions including Atlantic Canada, the Prairies, Northern Ontario and Québec, Sunwing will continue to offer the most direct flights to sun destinations, with overall capacity well over double that of the previous winter season. In light Read more

Air Canada today announced a comprehensive range of new product improvements to elevate the customer experience. The changes will have something for everyone, including upgraded Economy dining, more in-flight entertainment and connectivity options, and enriched Premium offerings. Beginning in November, customers will see new and restored services in Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and in Premium cabins onboard, a new Economy Class dining service with a celebrity chef entree internationally plus fresh, new Bistro choices in North America, and in a first for a Canadian airline, complimentary, high-speed Wi-Fi when travelling Premium Rouge. Starting in 2023 (perhaps in time for Read more

Canada’s Competition Bureau has concluded that WestJet’s proposed acquisition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines is likely to result in a substantial lessening or prevention of competition in the sale of vacation packages to Canadians. The Bureau’s concerns are outlined in a report delivered to the Minister of Transport by the Commissioner of Competition. The report will inform Transport Canada’s public interest review of the proposed transaction as it relates to national transportation. Eliminating the rivalry between these integrated airlines and tour operators would likely result in increased prices, less choice and decreases in service for Canadians, the bureau said. Read more

Sunday, October 23, marked Porter’s 16th year of redefining the flying experience for all travellers. Since 2006, Porter has operated with a commitment to speed, convenience and service, including complimentary wine and beer served in glassware for every passenger. With its headquarters at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport in the heart of downtown Toronto, Porter’s regional network includes destinations in eastern Canada and the United States. In 2021, Porter announced plans to expand its award-winning service with a fleet of Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The planes will initially operate out of Toronto Pearson International Airport and introduce new destinations throughout North Read more