Swoop Takes Off for San Diego

Ultra-low cost airline brings new destination to Edmonton with launch of inaugural route

EDMONTON, AB, Oct. 31, 2021 /CNW/ -Today, Swoop celebrated its first flight from Edmonton International Airport (YEG) to San Diego International Airport (SAN). The ultra-low cost airline’s new service between Edmonton and San Diego will operate three times weekly during peak season on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with introductory fares available at $99† CAD all-in.

“We are thrilled to be bringing this new destination to the city of Edmonton and add San Diego to our growing list of non-stop destinations available for Edmontonians to explore,” said Bert van der Stege, Head of Commercial and Finance, Swoop. “Edmonton is an important part of both Swoop’s history and future and we remain as committed as ever to providing the region with always available low-fares and connectivity to beautiful destinations like San Diego.”

The addition of San Diego to Swoop’s network furthers the airline’s commitment and strategic focus on providing more choice and ultra-low fares to Edmontonians. As its western Canadian base city, Swoop continues to lead the way for ultra-low-cost service in Edmonton, with the airline expanding its capacity and flying from the city to include non-stop service from Edmonton International Airport to 11 destinations across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, with that number growing to 14 with service to Los Cabos, Cancun and Orlando (Sanford) set to begin in the coming weeks.

“It’s no trick, we’re thrilled to have a new treat for Edmonton sunseekers with the launch of non-stop service to San Diego from EIA. This popular family destination offers plenty to experience for all ages, along with sunny, warm weather year-round. Thank you Swoop for helping bring new destinations to our community.” – Myron Keehn, Vice-President, Air Service and Business Development

“Canada is the number one international visitor market to San Diego and this new nonstop flight from Edmonton will continue to strengthen both regions’ tourism economies,” said Kimberly Becker, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority President and CEO. “With Canada’s border open and the U.S. border opening to fully vaccinated travelers on November 8, we anticipate this route will be popular for even more Canadians wishing to enjoy our sunny shores and for San Diegans looking for a great winter escape in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. We welcome Swoop to San Diego International Airport and are thrilled to be the first and only California airport they currently fly to.” 

To celebrate this new route, Swoop’s Head of Commercial and Finance, Bert van der Stege was joined by Myron Keehn, Vice-President, Air Services and Business Development, Edmonton International Airport, Kimberly Becker, President and CEO, San Diego International Airport and Julie Coker, President and CEO, San Diego Tourism Authority for an inaugural ceremony upon arrival at San Diego International Airport. Travellers were also treated to inflight refreshments and giveaways.

To learn more about Swoop and for flights to San Diego please visit FlySwoop.com and for information on how Swoop is ensuring a safe and healthy travel experience visit FlySwoop.com/traveller-safety.

†Special introductory fares are limited quantity. Book by Nov 7, 2021 (11:59 p.m. ET) or while seats last, for travel until January 30, 2022 (blackouts over December 19-26 2021).

About Swoop

Swoop is on a mission to make travel more affordable and accessible for all Canadians. Established in 2018 as an independent subsidiary of the WestJet Group of Companies, Swoop is Canada’s ultra-not-expensive airline. Offering scheduled service to destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, Swoop’s unbundled fares put travellers in control of purchasing only the products and services they desire.

Swoop’s modern fleet of ten Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, equipped with in-seat power and Wi-Fi connectivity has safely carried more than 3 million travellers in three years of operation. FlySwoop.com allows travellers to quickly and easily book flights, manage bookings, check-in, view boarding passes, track flights and access Wi-Fi service in-flight.     

Canadian airlines adding flights, capacity in bid to recover COVID-19 losses

From Global News – link to source story and videos

By Ross Marowits, The Canadian Press | October 31, 2021

WATCH: Airlines struggle to keep up with passenger volumes – Sep 4, 2021

Airlines are adding flights and capacity in the hope that passengers are eager to jump back onto flights after more than 18 long months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve been going through the equivalent of about 11 years of historical growth over the past six months, so the growth has been really tremendous over a very, very short period of time,” says John Weatherill, chief commercial officer at WestJet.

After a near-grounding of flights, the Calgary-based airline expects to be at about 70 per cent its pre-COVID capacity by the end of December, fully restore its domestic business by next summer and see its international capacity fully return by the end of 2022.

Air Canada, with its larger network and increased service to international destinations and business travellers, is projecting that it will be back to where it was before the pandemic struck by 2023 or 2024.

“But those dates are very movable depending on how things develop over the next six months,” said Mark Galardo, senior vice-president of network planning and revenue management at Air Canada.

Future waves of COVID could upset these plans, although airlines expect a growing number of vaccinations will help to address any new health challenges.

“We’re feeling generally good that the worst is behind us,” he said in an interview.

Flair Airlines to add routes between Winnipeg and Regina, Saskatoon in 2022

Galardo said COVID has been an eye-opening experience that wiped out a decade of growth.

North American passenger demand was down 79 per cent in January 2021 compared with January 2019 with seat capacity off 60.5 per cent, according to the International Air Transport Association, the trade group representing airlines.

The situation has improved, but the number of scheduled domestic flights for the fourth quarter is still down 40 per cent and capacity is nearly 25 per cent lower than where it was before the pandemic, according to Cirium, the aviation data company.

The easing of travel restrictions and rising vaccination rates have allowed demand to improve but the aviation sector’s future “remains more uncertain than it has in decades,” says a report from Deloitte advocating reform in the Canadian aviation sector.

“The pandemic has completely upended the sector’s future,” the report said, noting it could take up to five years for air traffic in North America to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Garth Lund, chief commercial officer at Flair Airlines, says the recovery so far has been uneven. Low-cost airlines like Flair that are expanding their fleet will see a much faster recovery with these types of carriers increasing their market share globally from before the pandemic.

That’s because they mainly serve leisure travel which has seen pent-up demand. They’ve also parked fewer of their planes than legacy carriers, been able to secure newer planes and have used the pandemic to get better airport deals, recruit crews and catapult the growth of the business.

“The past 18 months or so, or even past six months was really a bit of a once in a lifetime opportunity for really catalyzing that growth,” Lund said.

WestJet, partners agree restart of travel and tourism essential for economic recovery

For the industry as a whole, vaccinations for both passengers and employees are key.

“I think that helps people’s confidence to travel,” added Charles Duncan, president of Swoop, WestJet’s low-cost carrier.

However, business travel _ which is Air Canada’s bread and butter and helps to offset lower leisure fares _ could face a longer road back to normalcy as many big companies have postponed reopening their offices.

Galardo said that until business recovers, it will be betting even more on the leisure market that has been more resilient and is partly supported by multicultural communities travelling to visit families and relatives around the globe.

Westjet’s Weatherill said uncertainty around travel restrictions and testing requirements are contributing to passenger reluctance to purchase tickets.

Testing is expensive, especially the PCR test required to re-enter Canada. As vaccinations become available to children as young as five, the industry wants to see testing, which it views as the “last major logistical and economic hurdle to recovery” end in 2022.

“It’s also unnecessary in our view, and it’s in a world where effectively everyone who’s travelling is double vaccinated,” Weatherill said.

The hope is that an updated U.S. air passenger policy allowing vaccinated travellers to rely on rapid tests instead of PCR tests or use self-testing kits will be adopted by Canada.

“We would hope that Canada eventually sees the light (and end the PCR requirement),” said Robert Kokonis, president of airline consulting firm AirTrav Inc.

“Once we do that, I see demand further improving in the forward booking season, both for winter and for summer.”

Consumer Matters: How to save on travel amid soaring flight prices

The impending reopening of the U.S. border for Canadian travellers on Nov. 8 will also help to boost passenger confidence because there’s been confusion with air travel being permitted while the land border has been closed, added Lund.

“Adding more consistency between the two will just help people to have that confidence to to fly south.”

Meanwhile, a 120 per cent increase in fuel costs over the past year to the highest level since 2014 presents a challenge for all airlines, which are loathe to impose fuel surcharges.

“We haven’t had a domestic fuel surcharge at WestJet since 2008,” Duncan said.

“We do not intend to bring back a fuel surcharge and will work diligently to manage this increasing expense while maintaining low fares for Canadians, as we have consistently done over the last 13 years.”

© 2021 The Canadian Press

Pacific Coast Airlines announces Summer 2022 Schedule

Thanks to MW

30 October 2021

Check Out our Summer 2022 Flight Schedule

Take advantage of additional flight options. Book your summer trip today.

Origin and Destination	Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Weekly Flights	Highlights
Vancouver – Victoria	4x	4x	4x	4x	4x	4x	1x	21	Improved minimum connection times between YYJ and other destinations
Vancouver – Powell River	4x	4x	4x	4x	4x	4x	2x	26
Vancouver – Bella Coola	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	7	New daily service
Vancouver – Trail	2x	2x	2x	2x	2x	2x	1x	13
Vancouver – Williams Lake	2x	1x	2x	1x	2x	1x	1x	10
Vancouver – Comox	2x	2x	2x	2x	2x	2x	0x	20	All non-stop flights (no more stops in YBL )
Vancouver – Campbell River	3x	3x	3x	3x	3x	3x	2x	12	All non-stop flights (no more stops in YQQ)
Vancouver – Port Hardy	1x	2x	1x	2x	1x	2x	1x	10	Evening flight Sunday to Friday will operate on Saab
Vancouver – Bella Bella	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	7	New daily service – all flights will operate on Saab
Vancouver – Tofino	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	7	Flights will operate on Saab, Sunday to Friday. New Saturday service.
Victoria – Kelowna	2x	2x	1x	2x	2x	2x	0x	11
Victoria – Prince George	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	0x	6
Vancouver – Cranbrook	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	0x	6
Vancouver – Masset	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	7	New daily service – all flights will operate on Saab
Vancouver – Penticton	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	7	New daily service
Vancouver – Kamloops	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	0x	6

Book With Greater Peace of Mind.

We’re offering unlimited ticket changes for customers who purchase flights by January 31, 2022. Travel worry-free. Learn more.

For ultimate peace of mind and the ability to cancel and receive a refund to the original form of payment, we recommend booking a refundable Encore Fare.

Harbour Air to receive $1.6 million for aircraft electrification project

From Vancouver Sun – link to source story

The funding supports Harbour Air’s conversion of existing aircraft to be fully electric-powered.

By: Tiffany Crawford, Vancouver Sun •  October 29, 2021

The first ceremonial seaplane flight between Vancouver and Seattle lands in Vancouver’s inner harbour carrying Navdeep Bains, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development; Alan Winter, Innovation Commissioner for B.C.; and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson on April 25. Photo by Gerry Kahrmann /PNG

The B.C. government announced Friday it would provide nearly $1.6 million to Harbour Air Seaplanes for its aircraft electrification project.

B.C. Energy Minister Bruce Ralston said Harbour Air is decarbonizing aviation and elevating the company to new altitudes as a clean-technology leader in B.C.’s transportation sector.

The funding, which is part of the government’s CleanBC initiative, supports Harbour Air’s conversion of an existing aircraft to be fully electric-powered and builds on its successful December 2019 flight of the world’s first all-electric commercial aircraft, according to the government.

Ralston said that flight marked the start of the third era in aviation: the electric age. He added that 21 full-time jobs will be created and sustained by the project.

Harbour Air has also purchased a fully electric, zero-emission passenger shuttle bus to pick up and drop off passengers between Harbour Air’s downtown Vancouver and Richmond locations, and the Vancouver International Airport.

In total, $8.18 million is being distributed to 18 projects from the second round of CleanBC Go Electric ARC program funding.

Air Canada Cargo’s API Solution goes live

From Air Cargo News – link to source story

29 / 10 / 2021

Air Canada Cargo customers can now connect directly with the carrier through its new Application Programming Interface (API) solution.

This API will, says the airline, streamline manual interactions such as quoting, booking, scheduling, and track and trace requests.

It will also improve connectivity and collaboration by connecting different systems and processes to offer an “enhanced” booking flow.

By being directly integrated with Air Canada Cargo, customers will be able to reduce the amount of time taken to complete a booking or AWB, resulting in improved efficiency.

Said Matthieu Casey, senior director, global sales and revenue optimization: “We are thrilled to implement this important technology for Air Canada Cargo and are excited about the role it will play in advancing the industry toward the digitization of processes, and indeed our business as a whole.

“This will be beneficial for Air Canada Cargo’s valued customers who will be able to take advantage of the many benefits this API will provide.”

A spokesperson for Air Canada Cargo said that the benefits of the API include:

Routing+Price: This service returns rates and routings based on a shipment search request. This API is used to drive efficiencies to the air cargo quoting process. By using Routing+Price, customers will have access to our available capacity and most up to date pricing in a click of a button.

Booking: This service processes a booking confirmation and changes based on a shipment booking or change request. This API is used to simplify the air cargo booking process. By using Booking, customers will be able to easily confirm or change their booking.

APIs that are in development (Coming 2022)

Schedule: This service returns the Air Canada Cargo Flight and Trucking Schedule. This API is used to improve how quickly its schedule can be made public to customers. By using Schedule, customers will no longer have to wait to receive our schedule as they will be able to retrieve it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Track and Trace Push: This service pushes customizable shipment notification milestones directly to the device of choice. This API is used to push shipments milestones as soon as they happen.

By using Track and Trace Push, customers will no longer have to check on the status of a shipment. By having these milestones delivered to the device of their choice, customers will enjoy greater visibility and be with your shipment every step of the way.

AWB Completion: This service allows users to make real-time changes to AWB’s up until goods acceptance.

This API is used to streamline AWB updates and simplify all of the work involved. By using AWB Completion, customers will be able to easily make updates to their AWB, allowing users to keep up with demands and shipment changes.

Canada’s new travel vaccine requirements in effect as of Saturday

From CityNews Vancouver – link to source story

FILE – A plane is silhouetted as it takes off from Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

By Hana Mae Nassar | Oct 29, 2021

Summary

• The new federal travel rules will apply to people 12 years and older
• Short transition period will be in place for those who are in the process of being vaccinated and want to travel
• As of Nov. 30, most travellers — domestic and international — will have to use a federal vaccine passport system

All passengers leaving from Canadian airports, as well as those travelling domestically via planes, trains, and cruises, will be required to show proof of full vaccination as of Saturday, Oct. 30.

The new federal travel rules will apply to people 12 years and older. The government says there will be a “short transition period” for those who are in the process of being vaccinated during which they will be able to travel if they can show a negative COVID-19 molecular test, taken no more than 72 hours from their departure.

The transition period will end on Nov. 30, at which time all travellers will have to show they’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, “with very limited exceptions to address specific situations such as emergency travel, and those medically unable to be vaccinated.”

The new rules will apply to air travel within Canada, as well as transborder or international flights leaving from Canadian airports; rail travel, including on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineering trains, and marine travel on what the government describes as “non-essential passenger vessels” — like cruise ships — that are 24 hours or longer.

In addition to specific and limited exceptions for emergencies and medical reasons, the new vaccine mandate will also provide allowances for travellers from “small, remote communities (some of which are not accessible by road)” in order to ensure these people are able to travel for medical, health, or social well-being reasons. The federal government plans to consult with Indigenous organizations, provinces, and territories to fine tune this process.

As of Nov. 30, travellers will be required to use a new pan-Canadian vaccine passport, which will be issued through provinces and territories. The new proof of vaccination system will show the traveller’s name, date of birth, and which vaccines they received, as well as when. Border agents and air operators will be able to scan a QR code to view this information.

Until the end of November, travellers will be able to use their provincial proof of immunization cards.

Vaccine mandates for workers

Starting Oct. 30, federally regulated employers in the air, rail, and marine transportation sectors will also be required to “establish” vaccine policies for their workers.

The government says Transport Canada will ensure vaccine mandates are in place for workplaces that fall under these categories.

The policies, as outlined on the government’s website must include requirements for worker “attestation/declaration of their vaccination status;” clear descriptions of the consequences of failing to abide by the mandate, and must meet the standards set out by the federal government.

Employers will be able to “phase-in” their policies. They will be required to ensure workers are fully vaccinated or unable to work, though it’s unclear what the timeline is. The federal government says it’s working with labour groups.

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra is expected to provide an update on travel requirements at noon ET.

Report details harrowing moments for passengers following northern Sask. plane crash

From CTV News – link to source story and video

Glimpse into crash chaos

Plane crash survivor recalls fall, aftermath

Cash to improve Fond-du-Lac airport

Teen dies after being injured in plane crash

TSB releases report into fatal plane crash

Josh Lynn, Digital News Editor CTV News Saskatoon | October 28, 2021

SASKATOON – 

A newly released report provides a glimpse into the terrifying moments experienced by passengers during a 2017 plane crash in northern Saskatchewan.

Twenty-five people were injured when an ATR 42-320 turboprop plane crashed shortly after taking off from the Fond du Lac airstrip on Dec. 13, 2017.

Nineteen-year-old Arson Fern Jr. later died in hospital from his injuries.

After a nearly four-year wait, the Transportation Safety Board released the results of its investigation into the crash on Thursday.

The TSB report outlines how a combination of lapses in safety procedures, poor weather and underlying issues facing many northern airports in Canada contributed to the crash.

While the plane, operated by West Wind Aviation initially climbed after takeoff, the aircraft began to roll due to ice build-up.

The pilot was unable to regain control and the plane crashed just 17 seconds after takeoff, according to the report. 

CHAOS AFTER CRASH

The plane’s rapid descent gave passengers little time to brace and damage to the plane at the moment of impact “compromised the restraint systems limiting the protection afforded to the aircraft occupants,” the report says.

In the chaotic moments following impact, due to their injuries, the people on board struggled to take “post-crash survival actions in a timely manner.”

Because of “unapproved repairs” the flight attendant seat “failed” on impact, making it difficult for her to initiate evacuation and survival procedures, the report says.

Everyone on the plane was injured in the crash and many passengers started calling for help using their cell phones.

A baby that wasn’t restrained “received flailing and crashing injuries” during the crash, according to the report.

Current TSB rules surrounding the use of child restraints had not yet come into effect at the time of the crash, the report says.

PASSENGERS TRAPPED

It took 20 minutes for the first 17 passengers to evacuate the downed plane. Getting those who remained out took “much longer,” the report says.

One passenger was trapped in the wreckage for three hours before being freed by rescuers.

In total, in addition to Fern’s death, nine passengers and one crew member were seriously injured. Thirteen passengers and two crew members came away with minor injuries, according to the report.

Three people were located in an area of the plane where damage was particularly severe.

Two of them experienced “serious life-changing injuries.”

Fern was the other passenger; he died 12 days later.  

While the TSB highlighted aspects inherent in the design of the ATR 42-320 that made it less “crashworthy,” the sprawling 240-page report is mainly focused on how the tragedy could have been avoided in the first place.

In April 2018, the TSB previously shared its preliminary findings, saying the aircraft was not de-iced before take-off and that ice had built up on the plane.

In their final report into the crash, TSB investigators lay out a series of questionable decisions going back to when the flight crew began their day in Saskatoon.

While the crew and dispatcher “were aware of the forecast ground icing” the decision was made to go ahead with the day’s planned route which included remote airports “that had insufficient de-icing facilities.”

The crew first flew from Saskatoon to Prince Albert “without difficulty.”

While approaching Fond du Lac on the second leg of the crew’s journey, the plane encountered in-flight icing and the crew activated the aircraft’s anti-icing and de-icing systems.

Due to the limitations of the two systems, some residual ice started to collect on the plane.

The ice didn’t noticeably change how the plane handled and the crew likely didn’t feel “the residual ice was severe enough to have a significant effect on aircraft performance.”

However, the flight data recorder showed the plane’s drag and lift performance was degraded by 28 per cent and 10 per cent respectively, the report says. 

‘DIMLY-LIT’ INSPECTION

The plane was on the ground in Fond du Lac for 48 minutes with more ice or frost forming on the plane’s “critical surfaces.”

Once the 22 passengers were on board, the first officer inspected the plane.

“Because the available inspection equipment was inadequate, the first officer’s ice inspection consisted only of walking around the aircraft and looking at the left wing from the top of the stairs at the left rear door, without the use of a flashlight on the dimly lit apron,” the report says.

The first officer who was “unaware of the full extent of the ice” told the captain there was some ice on the plane.

“The captain did not inspect the aircraft himself, nor did he attempt to have it de-iced; rather, he and the first officer continued with departure preparations,” the report says.

The TSB report says the crew was unconcerned because departures “with some amount of surface contamination” had become common practice due to the “inadequacy of de-icing” equipment at remote airports.

“The past success of these adaptations resulted in this unsafe practice becoming normalized and this normalization influenced the flight crew’s decision to depart,” the report says.

By the time the aircraft took to the air again en route to Stony Rapids, the ice on the plane had increased its drag by 58 per cent and its lift had decreased by 25 per cent.

It soon hit the ground near the runway. 

WIDESPREAD ISSUES

As part of its investigation, the TSB surveyed pilots work regularly fly in and out of remote airports across Canada.

“The responses received to several questions showed that operations at these remote airports were routinely affected by the unavailability and inadequacy of equipment to inspect, de-ice, or anti-ice aircraft,” the TSB report says.

Based on its findings, which were first shared in December 2018, the TSB recommended that the Department of Transport identify locations where there is inadequate de-icing and anti-icing equipment and “take urgent action” to make sure it is available.

During a virtual media availability, TSB Chair Kathy Fox said while responsibility primarily rests with operators, passengers shouldn’t be shy about advocating for their safety.

“There’s nothing that stops a passenger from asking the operator what, you know, what actions do they take, especially if there’s more than one operator operating out there,” Fox said.

“They can question, you know, the airport authority, they can see themselves. I’m sure we’ve all been on an airplane at some point where it’s snowing or there’s icing conditions and we’re told ‘well we have to go to the de-icing bay to de-ice the aircraft and so there are ways that passengers can find that out,” Fox said.

She also emphasized that while the TSB report identified specific safety issues related to the Fond du Lac crash, thousands of flights safely land and take off from Canada’s remote airports every year.

HISTORY OF ‘NON-COMPLIANCE’

The investigators also found Transport Canada’s “surveillance policies and procedures were inconsistently applied to the oversight” of West Wind, which began operating under the name Rise Air earlier this year.

“We believe the TSB’s final report is fair in its findings. We acknowledge the issues it identifies and accept responsibility for them.,” Rise Air CEO Derek Nice said in a statement

.”We are sorry for the harm caused to the passengers and crew on that flight, their relatives and loved ones, and their communities, and we’re determined that something like this can never happen again.”

 “As detailed in the findings of several TSB investigations, there have been a number of past examples where Transport Canada has been slow to either identify or to rectify unsafe conditions at an operator,” the report says.

As an airline that “had a history of system-level and systemic non-compliance issues, the agency should have been more consistent in its approach to West Wind, the report argues.

West Wind was temporarily grounded following the crash. It was allowed to resume operations in May 2018.

As part of its December 2018 recommendations, the TSB said the Department of Transportation and air operators take action to “likelihood of aircraft taking off with contaminated critical surfaces.” 

Swoop lands in Mazatlán

From Travelweek Group – link to source story

By: Travelweek Group | October 27, 2021

MAZATLAN — Swoop Airlines is flying high following its arrival in Mazatlán, Mexico.

After an 18-month pause due to the pandemic, the airline departed Edmonton on Oct. 23 and landed at Mazatlán’s International Airport to a water salute with 189 passengers onboard.

“Canadians are always welcome in Mazatlán and it’s the second home for thousands of them. The value of the destination and the wide array of activities and attractions are unmatched,” said Oscar Perez, Secretary of Tourism for the state.

Swoop’s Boeing 737-800 will continue to fly from Edmonton to the Mexican destination for the remainder of the year, doubling frequency at the start of 2022 until the end of the season in late April.

Throughout the pandemic, Mazatlán invested heavily in its tourist infrastructure and various improvements, including renovating its tourist zone and introducing new attractions like the Sea of Cortez Aquarium.

Air Canada is heading back to Martinique this weekend

From Travelweek Group – link to source story

Saint-Louis cathedral, Fort-de-France, Martinique

By: Travelweek Group | October 28, 2021

MONTREAL — This weekend will mark the highly anticipated return of Air Canada to the island of Martinique.

After several months of interruption of service due to the pandemic, the airline will resume weekly service to Martinique on Oct. 30 with a direct flight from Montreal. Service will be on a new generation, two-class B-737 aircraft with 169 seats.

Starting in December, Air Canada will ramp up service to five nonstop flights per week from Montreal to Fort-de-France.

Alexandre Lefèvre, Air Canada’s Senior Director, Network Planification, said that the airline is “delighted” to come back to the destination.

“This proves how much Martinique and the whole French West Indies are important for us at Air Canada, as we have established strong relationships in the region for over 45 years now,” he said. “As much as Martinique is a popular sun destination for Quebecers, Quebec is an appealing destination for Martinicans looking for leisure, high education and business opportunities.”

Bénédicte di Geronimo, Martinique Tourism Commissioner, added: “Thanks to the work of the Martinique Tourism Authority alongside Air Canada, Canada has become the second main market for the island. We are delighted to welcome back Air Canada, an important partner to Martinique’s sky.”

Martinique’s Entry Protocols

Visitors who have completed a vaccinal scheme must apply for a French vaccinal passport. They are not subject to any travel restrictions when arriving in Martinique.

Those who are unvacated or have an uncomplete vaccinal scheme must comply with the following requirements:

• Negative PCR test taken 72 hours or less, or a negative antigen test taken 48 hours or less, prior to boarding
• A compelling reason for their visit (personal, professional, family, sanitary and/or urgent matter)
• 7 days of self isolation upon arrival and mandatory COVID-19 test afterward

For more information on travel to Martinique go to https://ca.martinique.org/.

Air Canada Introduces Company-Wide Plan for the Safe Return of its Employees to the Workplace

MONTREAL, Oct. 29, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada said today that it has enacted a Return to the Workplace Plan to transition employees working remotely safely back into the workplace, beginning November 15. The plan, developed in compliance with Public Health Agency of Canada guidelines, uses a hybrid approach combining on-site and remote work options to give employees flexibility and confidence as they return to their pre-pandemic work routines.

“While frontline employees at Air Canada have attended work running the operation throughout the pandemic, for which I thank and commend them, since March 2020 a significant number have worked remotely pursuant to Federal Public Health directives. Now, with caseloads falling nationally, Air Canada’s mandatory workplace vaccination policy, and other company health measures, it is possible for people to begin a structured return to the office and safely resume a more normal work life. Our plan takes a balanced approach, meeting the needs of those eager to work again in-person with their colleagues and others who may prefer to continue, for personal or professional reasons, working remotely certain days of the week,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.

“For individuals, companies or any organization to achieve their full potential requires personal connections and interactions. This makes the return of Canadians to the workplace a necessary step in the recovery of our society and economy from the pandemic’s isolating effects. As a country, we can and must begin to resume our pre-pandemic routines, especially as our high vaccination rates, effective public health policies and the sacrifices made by all of us to beat COVID-19 have created the conditions to do so safely.”

Beginning November 15, those Air Canada employees who are presently working off-site will start a graduated return to the workplace, with options to continue working set days remotely. To ensure the health and safety of employees in the workplace:

• A mandatory vaccination policy requires all active employees to be fully vaccinated;
• All visitors and anyone entering company buildings are required to be fully vaccinated;
• Employees will be strongly encouraged to wear a face mask whenever outside of their personal workspaces or when interacting with others;
• Physical distancing is required where practical;
• Home screening programs continue to be offered and their use encouraged;
• Hand sanitizer and disinfection products will continue to be readily available.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline, and in 2019 was among the top 20 largest airlines in the world. It is Canada’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax. In 2020, Air Canada was named Global Traveler’s Best Airline in North America for the second straight year. In January 2021, Air Canada received APEX’s Diamond Status Certification for the Air Canada CleanCare+ biosafety program for managing COVID-19, the only airline in Canada to attain the highest APEX ranking. Air Canada has also committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.