Inflation worries are causing Canadians to cut back on travel, but Gen Z remains eager to get out there and explore. An Ipsos Reid poll conducted in mid-March for Global News found that 62% of Canadians say they’re scaling back their vacation plans this year. Sixty one per cent of respondents blamed “inflation and the economy” for their travel trimming. A full 24% of those surveyed said they can’t afford a summer vacation, and only 13% said they’ll spend more this year. “Canadians are going to be looking for cheaper alternatives,” said Ipsos VP Sean Simpson. One person interviewed said Read more
WestJet
Flair Airlines say four of its planes are “not operational” after “extreme and unusual” actions by a U.S.-based lessor to seize the aircrafts amid a commercial dispute. Global News says it received an emailed statement on March 11 from a spokesperson for Flair Airlines who said a “commercial dispute” with a New York-based hedge fund and lessor had affected four of its planes. “Flair Airlines is aware of extreme and unusual actions taken by a New York-based hedge fund and lessor of certain Flair Airlines aircraft,” the spokesperson said. “The airline is aggrieved by this unprecedented action.” The CBC quoted an airline Read more
Toronto Pearson says things were running smoothly early this afternoon, but that worse weather is on the way. Pearson officials said they’re “providing an operational update on the measures being taken to support air travel in anticipation of more severe weather later today.” The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) appreciates that this is an important time of year, and many people are planning to travel. All efforts are being made by airport staff to support travellers and our airline partners. Airlines continue to adjust their schedules and travellers are encouraged to contact their airline before coming to the airport. The Read more
The Canadian government today announced an expanded agreement between Canada and India that will allow designated airlines to operate an unlimited number of flights between the two countries. The previous agreement limited each country to 35 flights per week. This significant move will allow airlines of Canada and India to better respond to the needs of the Canada-India air transport market. The new rights under the expanded agreement are available for use by airlines immediately. “The expanded air transport agreement between Canada and India is a positive development for air transport relations between our countries,” said Canadian Transport Minister Omar Read more
Canadian airlines are making major plans for the future. WestJet today announced the purchase of up to 64 Boeing MAX aircraft, while Sunwing unveiled its winter flight schedule and Flair Airlines Following the positive news that the Canadian government will lift all border and travel measures effective October 1, 2022, and amid a strong surge in customer demand for winter travel, Sunwing is has announced its initial winter flight schedules for four large airports from coast to coast. The tour operator’s winter schedule announcement for Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver airports comes on the heels of customer capacity returning to Read more
