Get ready for higher airline prices in Canada. Airline and travel industry experts say WestJet’s decision to wind down Sunwing Airlines over the next two years will mean more inflation for consumers. “It’s going to mean higher prices and worse service,” Gabor Lukacs, president of Air Passenger Rights, a Halifax-based advocacy organization, told the Globe and Mail. While WestJet’s decision to wind down Sunwing Airlines operations will almost certainly lead to higher prices, McGill University aviation expert John Gradek told that the Globe that that’s just one of several issues that Ottawa needs to address in the airline industry. “The Read more
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Competition in Canadian skies is about to decrease by a very large amount. Just days after WestJet officials revealed they were merging Swoop Airlines into mainline operations, it now appears they’re going to fold Sunwing Airlines. Canadian Press reports WestJet is planning to wind down Sunwing Airlines, “integrating the low-cost carrier into its mainline business within two years as part of a plan to streamline operations.” In an internal memo obtained by The Canadian Press, Sunwing Airlines president Len Corrado said the change will open up markets for the 18-year-old company as well as its workers. “WestJet will eventually move Read more
Air Canada officials say they’re very optimistic about the future, and they say more expansion news is on the way. Speaking at a Toronto event to honour outgoing Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Lucie Guillemette, who has announced her retirement, senior executives said the Montreal-based company has emerged strongly from the pandemic and is eager to rise even higher. “We are emerging from the pandemic better equipped than ever,” said Guillemette. “We feel we are back in full force.” Guillemette joked she’ll probably still check on Air Canada advance sales over coffee every morning, even when she’s retired. Read more
WestJet has issued a comprehensive update on the progress it is making against its new strategic direction, which was introduced in June 2022 and is focused on building a strong, resilient low-cost airline that has a clear runway for growth. WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer Alexis von Hoensbroech provided the update as part of a State of the Airline address to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “We are now seeing the benefits of our new strategy coming to life across Canada; it is ambitious, laser-focused on our strengths and brings back more of what Canadians love about WestJet,” said von Read more
Porter Aviation Holdings Inc. is entering a partnership with Montréal Saint-Hubert Airport (YHU) to develop a new terminal capable of serving more than four million passengers annually. Construction will commence in mid-2023, with a scheduled completion by late 2024, providing a second airport for Porter Airlines to serve the Montréal market. Porter will continue expanding its existing operations at Montréal’s Trudeau Airport (YUL), while also introducing a Canada-wide network at the convenient YHU airport. More than 10 potential YHU routes have been initially identified, spanning from Vancouver in the west to St. John’s, N.L., in the east. The airline also Read more
