Air Canada announced its newest Air Canada Café, in collaboration with Aspire, Swissport’s premium lounge brand. Beginning June 1, eligible Air Canada customers departing from Toronto’sdowntown airport will have dedicated access to the only airline lounge at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) to enjoy elevated comfort and convenience before they fly.
(CNW Group/Air Canada)
The new Aspire | Air Canada Café marks the 27thlounge in Air Canada’s lounge network and the sixth Canadian location for Aspire. It’s a 133-seat modern respite at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s domestic departures terminal. Quiet workspaces, a private meeting room and premium food and drinks to stay or go are among the complimentary amenities in the café-style executive lounge.
The Aspire | Air Canada Café is available to Air Canada customers who are Aeroplan 50K, 75K, or Aeroplan Super Elite Status members, Star Alliance Gold members, and Aeroplan premium co-brand cardholders, as well as travellers connecting to an Air Canada business class ticket. Features include:
Premium Food and Beverage Offerings
Self-serve hot and cold buffet curated by local chefs with fresh baked breads and pastries
Hot and cold grab-n’-go selections
Central bar with complimentary beverages and premium for-purchase beverages
Amenities and Space
4,271-square-foot (367-square-metre) premium space for work or relaxation
Meeting room to book for collaborative or quiet co-working
Additional workspace for taking calls
Wireless chargers at almost every seat
Super-fast and reliable Wi-Fi
TVs broadcasting news and sports
Air Canada offers convenient and comprehensive service for customers travelling between Toronto and Montreal with up to eight daily departures to Montreal (YUL) from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), and up to 17 additional departures from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
Air Canada Airbus A320-214 C-FZQS (msn 2145) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 949759.
Air Canada has announced it will begin nonstop, year-round service between Toronto and Yellowknife in December. The new, three-times weekly service will provide convenient connections between eastern Canada and the capital of the Northwest Territories. Customers will also be able to seamlessly connect onward from Yellowknife on Air Canada’s interline partner, Canadian North.
(CNW Group/Air Canada)
Service between Toronto and Yellowknife will begin December 1, 2023, operated using Canadian-made Airbus A220 aircraft. It will be configured with 137 seats in a Business and Economy cabin, with onboard Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment systems featuring hundreds of hours of content and live TV at every seat. Customers will be able to earn and redeem Aeroplan points and eligible customers will enjoy premium services where available, including priority boarding and baggage handling, and Maple Leaf Lounge access in Toronto.
Flight
Departs
Arrives
Days of the Week
AC1169
Toronto 21:00
Yellowknife 23:54
Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
AC1168
Yellowknife 00:50
Toronto 7:20
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
The new service will complement Air Canada’s existing twice daily service between Yellowknife and Vancouver and daily service between Yellowknife and Edmonton. Customers connecting for travel beyond Yellowknife can take advantage of Air Canada’s bilateral interline agreement with Canadian North, which allows travel on a single, through-checked ticket that includes baggage transfer. Destinations available via Canadian North include Cambridge Bay, Fort Simpson, Hay River, Gjoa Haven, Taoloyoak and Inuvik.
Top Copyright Photo: Air Canada Airbus A320-214 C-FZQS (msn 2145) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 949759.
Porter Airlines is launching its summer schedule at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), with additional flexibility when travelling between YYZ and Ottawa (YOW), Montreal (YUL), Halifax (YHZ), Vancouver (YVR), Edmonton (YEG) and Calgary (YYC).
(CNW Group/Porter Airlines Inc.)
The new schedule comes into effect on June 1, adding more desirable flight times that are well-distributed throughout the day. Certain routes will see a further increase in flights by August. A greater number of coast-to-coast connecting flight options via Porter’s YYZ hub are also created with this new schedule.
Porter operates the 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 on all Toronto Pearson routes, featuring an all-economy, two-by-two configuration. Porter is the only airline with no middle seats on every flight.
Air Transat Airbus A330-243 C-GUBT (msn 732) LGW (Richard Vandervord). Image: 960465.
Air Transat has unveiled the details of its 2023-2024 winter flight program for Quebec travellers, slated to begin on November 1, 2023. The airline continues to develop its operations, and will offer, at the peak of the season, more than 180 direct flights per week from Montreal and Quebec City to over 30 destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, the United States and Europe.
At the peak of the season, Air Transat’s overall program will include over 300 direct flights per week departing from eight Canadian cities. In addition to Montreal and Quebec City, it will also offer flights from Toronto, Ottawa, London, Hamilton, Halifax and Moncton.
Sun destinations: more accessible than ever
Compared to last year, over 30 additional flights will be scheduled from Montreal and Quebec City, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to meet travellers’ needs while offering even greater travel day flexibility.
In particular, the company is strengthening its position as the primary Canadian airline serving the Dominican Republic. At the peak of the season, two additional direct flights will be offered each week between Montreal and Punta Cana, while one additional direct flight will be offered between Quebec City and Punta Cana and between Quebec City and Puerto Plata.
Air Transat is also significantly enhancing its Cuba offer with two additional flights departing from Montreal to Cayo Coco, three to Holguín, two to Varadero and one to Santa Clara.
The company continues to develop its Mexican market, with one additional flight departing from Montreal and one from Quebec City to Cancún, as well as two additional flights from Montreal to Puerto Vallarta.
Air Transat is also setting its sights on high-growth markets such as Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Saint Martin. Each week, one additional direct flight will be departing from Montreal to Cartagena, Liberia, Philipsburg, San José and San Salvador.
Destination
From Montreal
From Quebec City
ACAPULCO – Mexico
1
CANCÚN – Mexico
14
5
CARTAGENA – Colombia
3
CAYO COCO – Cuba
5
2
FORT-DE-FRANCE – Martinique
3
LIBERIA – Costa Rica
4
HAVANA – Cuba
2
HOLGUÍN – Cuba
6
1
MONTEGO BAY – Jamaica
4
PHILIPSBURG – St. Maarten
3
POINTE-À-PITRE – Guadeloupe
3
PORT-AU-PRINCE – Haiti
1
PUERTO PLATA – Dominican Republic
6
2
PUERTO VALLARTA – Mexico
7
2
PUNTA CANA – Dominican Republic
14
6
RIO HATO – Panama
2
SAMANA – Dominican Republic
5
1
SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica
4
SAN JUAN – Puerto Rico
1
SAN SALVADOR – El Salvador
2
SANTA CLARA – Cuba
3
2
VARADERO – Cuba
6
2
Number of weekly flights at the peak of the season
Direct flights to Europe year-round
Departing from Montreal, Air Transat will be offering direct flights to seven European destinations. In accordance with the strategy announced earlier this year, the airline is reducing the seasonal nature of its operations in Europe by offering year-round service to Marseille and Lyon and by extending its flights to Nantes until mid-January.
Departing from Quebec City, the number of flights to Paris will rise to two per week.
Destination
From Montreal
From Quebec City
LISBON – Portugal
2
LONDON – UK
3
LYON – France
3
MALAGA – Spain
3
MARSEILLE – France
2
NANTES – France (until January 13, 2024)
2
PARIS – France
7
2
Number of weekly flights at the peak of the season
Air Transat has also unveiled the details of its 2023-2024 winter flight program for Ontario travellers, slated to begin on November 1, 2023. The airline continues to develop its operations and will offer, at the peak of the season, more than 110 direct flights per week from Toronto, Ottawa, London and Hamilton to over 20 destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America and Europe.
At the peak of the season, Air Transat’s overall program will include over 300 direct flights per week departing from eight Canadian cities. In addition to Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton and London, it will also offer flights from Montreal, Quebec City, Moncton and Halifax.
Sun destinations: more accessible than ever
Compared to last year, over 20 additional flights will be scheduled departing from Ontario, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to meet travellers’ needs while offering even greater travel day flexibility.
In particular, the company is strengthening its position as the primary Canadian airline serving the Dominican Republic. At the peak of the season, four additional direct flights will be offered each week between Toronto and Punta Cana, while one additional direct flight will be offered between Toronto and Puerto Plata, as well as Toronto and Samana. One additional direct flight will connect Ottawa and London with Punta Cana.
Air Transat is also significantly enhancing its Cuba offer with two additional flights departing from Toronto to Cayo Coco and one additional flight to Holguín, Varadero and Santa Clara.
The company continues to develop its Mexican market, with four additional flights departing from Toronto to Cancún and two to Puerto Vallarta. One additional flight will depart from Ottawa and London to Cancún.
Destination
From Toronto
From Ottawa
From London
From Hamilton
CANCÚN – Mexico
14
3
2
1
CARTAGENA – Colombia
1
CAYO COCO – Cuba
5
1
1
LIBERIA – Costa Rica
4
LA ROMANA – Dominican Republic
1
HOLGUÍN – Cuba
5
MONTEGO BAY – Jamaica
7
PHILIPSBURG – St. Maarten
1
PUERTO PLATA – Dominican Republic
5
1
1
PUERTO VALLARTA – Mexico
4
PUNTA CANA – Dominican Republic
14
3
2
1
RIO HATO – Panama
2
SAMANA – Dominican Republic
3
SAN JOSE – Costa Rica
3
SAN JUAN – Puerto Rico
1
SANTA CLARA – Cuba
3
1
VARADERO – Cuba
5
1
Number of weekly flights at the peak of the season
Direct flights to Europe year-round
Departing from Toronto, Air Transat will be serving six European destinations, for a total of 20 direct flights to Europeeach week. The airline is boosting the frequency of its weekly service to Faro to two direct flights.
Destination
FromToronto
FARO – Portugal
2
GLASGOW – UK
1
LISBON – Portugal
2
LONDON – UK
7
MANCHESTER – UK
2
PORTO – Portugal
2
Number of weekly flights at the peak of the season
Top Copyright Photo: Air Transat Airbus A330-243 C-GUBT (msn 732) LGW (Richard Vandervord). Image: 960465.
WestJet and Unifor, the certified union representing WestJet airport employees at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), reached a tentative agreement on the first collective bargaining agreement between the organizations. Both parties now await the ratification vote to be put forward to membership.
“WestJet is pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that recognizes the important contributions of our valued airport employees at YYZ,” said Diederik Pen, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. “Our airport employees play an integral role in supporting our operations and this settlement reflects WestJet’s commitment to supporting them as they continue to provide the friendly, reliable service our guests know and expect of the WestJet Group.”
Following the recently expanded air services agreement between the UAE and Canada, Etihad Airways has announced it will increase flights to Toronto.
On May 30, 2023, Etihad Airways will introduce an additional weekly flight between Abu Dhabi and Toronto, on top of its current six-per-week flight schedule, to offer travellers a daily connection.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Etihad will this year mark 18 years since it began serving Toronto in October 2005. The carrier has an interline agreement with WestJet and a codeshare with Air Canada which allow guests to benefit from seamless connectivity in Toronto to more than 15 destinations.
Following the breakthrough expanded air transport agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Canada, Emirates is stepping up its frequency with two additional flights per week between Dubai and Toronto. From April 20, 2023, daily flights will operate on the busy route to serve huge demand for passenger services.
The move comes as bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and Canada have enhanced significantly, with both countries set to reap vast economic benefits across a multitude of sectors and supply chains.
Photo: Emirates
Emirates operates the flagship A380 aircraft on the Dubai-Toronto route, allowing 491 passengers across Economy Class, Business Class and First Class on each flight. With the two additional flights per week, Emirates will offer close to 2,000 additional seats to serve the busy route, representing a 40% increase in capacity between its hub city of Dubai and the Canadian point. The Dubai-Toronto route is highly popular amongst customers from India, UAE, Bangladesh, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka while the same countries represent top destinations for travellers from Toronto.
Top Copyright Photo: Emirates Airline Airbus A380-861 A6-EOE (msn 169) ZRH (Andi Hiltl). Image: 960337.
Neos on April 6 launched a new weekly route from Amritsar’s Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport to Toronto (Pearson) in Canada on April 6, 2023 via its Milan (Malpensa) hub.
Neos was born in June 2001 and, once it obtained the Air Carrier Certificate on March 7, 2002 from the National Civil Aviation Body (ENAC), its first Boeing 737-800 I-NEOS “City of Milan” took off from Milan Malpensa the following day to Senegal (Dakar and Cap Skirring).
Ceremony at Toronto (Pearson)
Regular flights started in October of the same year as the only Italian air carrier being authorized to fly the route Italy-Cape Verde, followed by routes to the Canary Islands in August 2003 and to numerous important holiday destinations in the Mediterranean in the summer of 2004.
Long haul flights finally started in December 2004 and are currently performed by six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
Connect Airlines is planning to expand from Toronto (Billy Bishop Airport) (YTZ) to Greenville/Spartanburg (GSP) – Newark (EWR) – Charlotte (CLT) – Raleigh/Durham (RDU) – Milwaukee (MKE) and Nashville (BNA).
Connect Airlines currently flies from Bishop to both Chicago (O’Hare) and Philadelphia.
Connect Airlines is the brand for Waltzing Matilda Aviation LLC’s (WMA) proposed scheduled 121 operation (flag, domestic scheduled, domestic unscheduled).
Lynx Air (Canada) Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-GJSL (msn 43312) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 957311.
Lynx Air has announced the addition of two new routes from Hamilton to Vancouver and from Toronto to Kelowna.
Canada’s leading ultra-affordable airline will offer seasonal summer services between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Kelowna International Airport (YLW) starting April 13, 2023, and between Hamilton’s John C. Munroe International Airport (YHM) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) starting April 16,2023. Both services will operate as “through flights” via Calgary International Airport (YYC), providing a seamless service with a single boarding pass and the ability to check bags through to the final destination.
mage: Lynx Air
Lynx Air has recently announced the addition of Montreal and Fredericton to its network of destinations. This brings the total number of destinations on Lynx’s network to 16. By Summer 2023 Lynx will offer over 240 flights per week across North America, which equates to over 45,000 seats.
Top Copyright Photo: Lynx Air (Canada) Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-GJSL (msn 43312) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 957311.
Air Canada on February 28 issued the following statement in response to reports about the Greater Toronto Airport Authority imposing limits on carrier operations at Toronto-Pearson airport.
orontoiYYZ
Air Canada was first advised of the GTAA’s plans in August 2022, and so it designed its 2023 winter schedule with these limitations taken into account and anticipates no significant changes to its schedule for the March Break travel period. It subsequently received information about GTAA’s plans for summer 2023 and similarly designed this coming summer’s schedule to meet those parameters.
It is Air Canada’s policy to work with its industry partners to meet the requirements of airports and other third parties to drive operational improvements and support the smooth running of Canada’s air transport system. This includes, as in this case, adapting its schedule as required to ensure operational stability, and is a normal process.
Porter Airlines is launching its first flights between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Edmonton International Airport (YEG). Edmonton is the first destination in Alberta to be added to the airline’s network.
Flights are operated with Porter’s new Embraer E195-E2 jets. A 132-seat, two-by-two configuration gives every passenger more space thanks to no middle seat.
Service on the Toronto Pearson-Edmonton route begins with one daily, non-stop return flight, increasing to three daily flights by May 1.
Porter Airlines is celebrating its first flights with the new Embraer E195-E2 between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). For the first time in its 16-year history, Porter is bringing its distinguished approach to service to Western Canada, while also debuting a remarkable new concept for economy air travel.
Hospitality and generous service are staples of Porter’s distinct offering. This signature service features complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, along with a selection of premium snacks on every flight. The introduction of longer routes to Porter’s network, starting with Toronto Pearson-Vancouver, now also include enhancements of these perks. Fresh, healthy meals, pre-mixed cocktails and additional snack options are included on the menu. These additional features are available as an all-inclusive fare with PorterReserve or may be purchased a la carte with PorterClassic fares. PorterReserve also includes dedicated airport check-in, early boarding, enhanced legroom, two checked bags and the ability to change flights without a fee.
Fresh, healthy meals, pre-mixed cocktails and additional snack options are included on the menu. (CNW Group/Porter Airlines Inc.)
Sustainability is at the heart of the new menu design, with a priority on reducing and eventually eliminating single-use plastics onboard, providing biodegradable cups and cutlery, and eco-friendly packaging. Catering partners also feature high-quality Canadian brands.
The E195-E2 is another important part of the overall product, with its 132-seat, all-economy, two-by-two configuration. This ensures that every passenger enjoys more personal space, thanks to Porter being the only airline with no middle seats on every flight. Up to 100 E195-E2s are on order, including 50 firm deliveries scheduled to arrive over the next two years.
Embraer E195-E2 (Porter Airlines)
The introduction of the E195-E2 also brings all passengers free, fast WiFi, with full access to web surfing or streaming favourite entertainment platforms.
Service on the Toronto Pearson-Vancouver route begins with one daily, non-stop return flight, increasing to three daily roundtrip flights by March 22.
Additional flights at Pearson begin this month connecting with Edmonton (Feb. 14), Calgary (Feb. 22) and Halifax (Feb. 23). More destinations will be announced throughout the year. The E195-E2 can reach every key market in North America, including the west coast, to Mexico and the Caribbean.
Lynx Air (Lynx) launched its inaugural flight to the United States on January 27, departing from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and arriving at the new Terminal C at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Lynx Air CEO, Merren McArthur is joined by Greater Toronto Airports Authority VP of Stakeholder Relations and Communications, Karen Mazurkewich for an official ribbon cutting celebration at Toronto Pearson Airport.
Photo Credit Peyton Stikeleather (CNW Group/Lynx Air)
The airline will operate four nonstop flights per week between Toronto and Orlando, flying brand-new Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft.
Lynx’s US network will continue to expand over the next few weeks, with the planned launch of services out of Calgaryto Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. In total, Lynx will be operating over 5,000 seats to and from the US, giving Canadians an affordable option to visit some of the most popular sun destinations south of the border.
Lynx’s US schedule:
Flight No.
Effective Date
Frequency
DepartureStation
ArrivalStation
Y9 605
27-JAN-23
MON-WED-FRI-SUN
YYZ
MCO
Y9 705
27-JAN-23
MON-WED-FRI-SUN
MCO
YYZ
Y9 617
07-FEB-23
TUE-THU-SAT
YYC
PHX
Y9 712
07-FEB-23
TUE-THU-SAT
PHX
YYC
Y9 615
16-FEB-23
TUE-THU-SAT
YYC
LAX
Y9 702
16-FEB-23
TUE-THU-SAT
LAX
YYC
Y9 601
24-FEB-23
MON-WED-FRI-SUN
YYC
LAS
Y9 702
24-FEB-23
MON-WED-FRI-SUN
LAS
YYC
Top Copyright Photo: Lynx Air (Canada) Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-GJSL (msn 43312) YVR (Brian Worthington). Image: 959990.
