Upstart Canada Jetlines is still trying to figure out what it wants to be when it grows up. After a few false starts on domestic routes the airline now flies mostly transborder leisure routes from its Toronto hub. In something of a surprise move it now also says Doha is on its radar, in cooperation with Qatar Airways.
Toronto
WestJet, Transat push codeshare to US markets, with a catch
WestJet and Transat applied to the US Department of Transportation for permission to codeshare on flights between the US and Canada. The move is part of the carriers’ planned transatlantic codeshare pact announced last month.
Porter Air reduces seat pitch as it resumes operations
When passengers return to Porter Air next month they’ll notice a change on board. And a few more people, too. After an 18-month hiatus the carrier is slated to resume flying in mid-September and during the down time it replaced its seats on board. It also added an additional row.
Porter to join the jet era, add Embraer E195-E2 fleet
Not only will Porter Airlines back bring its core services at Toronto’s downtown Billy Bishop Airport starting in September, but it will also add jet service from other hubs, dramatically increasing its presence in Canada and the USA beginning in 2022.
Connect Airlines to launch as Porter clone
Can the US-Canada transborder aviation market handle another competitor? And can Porter Air handle a copy-cat operation at its home base of Billy Bishop Airport in downtown Toronto? Connect Airlines plans to find out later this year.
Delta, WestJet receive DOT approval for joint venture
Delta and WestJet scored a big win late on Friday as the US DOT issued a tentative approval for their proposed transborder joint venture. But the approval comes with a catch, requiring a shift of capacity at New York’s LaGuardia airport.
Air Canada revamps services as Maple Leaf Lounges reopen
The buffet is out while masks are in. Air Canada begins the reopening its Maple Leaf Lounges this week with a new set of rules and services for passengers.
July’s magic: The Weekly Wrap–3 July 2020
As the calendar rolled over to July the global aviation community saw significant wins. Borders reopened, airlines resumed or increased flight levels. And, perhaps most exciting, lounges are reopening, too. Get details on that and lots more in this edition of The Weekly Wrap
A Hong Kong Surprise: PaxEx Update (16 August 2019)
A surprise twist in the Hong Kong protests as Cathay CEO Rupert Hogg resigns. Plus RFID for bags, VR for passengers and new aircraft types launching service soon. A busy week with plenty to uncover in this edition of PaxEx Update!
Air Canada announces new A220 routes, unveils interior
Air Canada’s first A220 is working through the Airbus FAL in Mirabel as it nears delivery. The carrier released details on the interior design this week, as well as two new routes the type will launch next Spring.