Air Canada and Air Transat received approval from the Canadian government this week to close on their merger, though not without some additional conditions covering slots, loyalty, lounges, and Quebec employment guarantees.
Air Canada
Aeroplan adds Virgin Australia as earn/burn partner
Members of the Air Canada Aeroplan loyalty program have a new option to expand their travels into Australia. The carrier announced that Virgin Australia will be a partner for both earning and redemption of frequent flyer points as of 19 January 2021.
Air Canada adds WiFi payment via Aeroplan points
Air Canada passengers have a new option to buy in-flight WiFi service. The carrier now offers the ability to pay with Aeroplan points on board.
Aeroplan to add US credit card, Chase Ultimate Rewards
The new Air Canada Aeroplan program has some great sweet spots, but for non-Canadian members the earning options weren’t great. A new partnership with Chase announced today changes all that. Eventually.
Canada plans aviation bailout, so long as passengers get refunds
Canada is on the cusp of pushing serious funds into its aviation industry, a move necessary to keep the planes moving as COVID-19 continues to suppress demand in the country. But Minister of Transport Marc Garneau added a caveat to the plan, one that could make passengers even happier than the airlines: Refunds must be issued for canceled flights.
A slimmed down Rouge returns to service
A slimmed down fleet and route network are in play for Air Canada’s Rouge arm as it returns to operations this week.
Air Canada launches all-premium Jetz flights for winter leisure travel
Air Canada is extending its all-premium Jetz service to multiple sun and sand destinations this winter, building on the success of the company’s business travel focus for the planes earlier this year. The dedicated sub-fleet of A319 aircraft will carry passengers to eight warm weather markets from a trio of Canadian gateways.
Clearing the air
On Monday STS Aero Mod announced a big push to fit the Thales inflight wifi connectivity system on aircraft over the next 12 months. It now appears, unfortunately, that some of the details shared by the company and analyzed for PaxEx Premium readers were not accurate. Hopefully the update below helps to clarify some of that information.
Thales Wi-Fi installations begin at STS Mod Center in Florida
The next generation of Thales in-flight wifi service installations are underway. The work is being handled by STS Mod Center, a division of STS Aviation Group, at its facility in Melbourne, Florida. STS indicated plans to fit more than 100 aircraft in the coming year for an unnamed customer. Figuring out who it is was not too difficult, though.
A peek into the new Aeroplan program from Air Canada
Air Canada finally unveiled details of its new Aeroplan program, following two years of planning. And, if nothing else, the loyalty program reflects on its creators. That appears to be a good thing for consumers, at least given the initial information released today.