Air Canada’s operating revenue for the first quarter of this year was 90% higher than a year ago and about 10% higher than the first quarter of 2019. Canada’s largest airline today reported its first quarter 2023 financial results, and it’s clear that the travel rebound is a powerful one, indeed. Air Canada said its operating revenue for the quarter was $4.887 billion, nearly double last year and even higher than 2019, before the pandemic hit. The Montreal-based airline reported an operating loss of $17 million, improved from an operating loss of $550 million in the first quarter of Read more
travel news
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
Air Canada and American Express have announced their newest welcome bonuses and accelerated earn rates on their suite of American Express Aeroplan Cards. Whether for a get-away to Los Angeles, sun-bathing in the tropics of Hawai’i (hey, I’m there today), or tasting sushi in Tokyo, this limited time points offer will enable Canadians to get away sooner and do so in style. Here are the details: Premium Card Get up to 115,000 Aeroplan points with the American Express®* Aeroplan® Reserve Card. Earn up to 45,000 Aeroplan points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Cardmembership. Plus, Read more
The WestJet Group today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines. WestJet said the transaction, originally announced in March 2022, combines the two Canadian aviation and leisure travel success stories, “and will bring greater choice, competitive airfares and increased direct access to sun destinations to Canadian travellers. “In addition, it positions Sunwing to continue its growth across Canada and permits the newly merged company to protect jobs.” Initially, the airlines will continue independent operations, maintaining a sharp focus on providing an exceptional guest experience and ensuring safe operations. As the two entities transition Read more
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the airport… Canadians managed to get through a winter marred by travel snafus, including winter storms, overcrowded airports and cancelled flights. But now comes a potential spring double whammy. Some 155,000 federal works are on strike today (April 20). Talks are back on between the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Trudeau government, but for now Canada Revenue Agency workers are not at their desks, and Canadian passport offices are closed. The CBC reports that passport applications and renewals “are on hold and limited to those in humanitarian Read more
