Web News • 31 May 2022
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Month: May 2022
COVID travel restrictions to remain after opposition motion shot down in House
Web News • 31 May 2022
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FLYHT’s AFIRS Edge A320 Platform to Launch on Coral Jet
The AFIRS Edge is an aircraft interface device (“AID”), pushing aircraft data to EFB applications, providing airlines with Wireless Quick Access (WQAR) capabilities, all while serving as a gateway on the aircraft for critical real-time information and onboard data storage. With powerful onboard analytics capabilities, the Edge leverages innovative technology to allow complex analytics to be developed and deployed more efficiently than conventional updates. The Edge also serves as a data port for the Actionable Intelligence services such as fuel management, aircraft health monitoring and real-time engine data reporting. These tools will help airlines recover from the pandemic while monitoring and reducing fuel burn and thereby greenhouse gas emissions.
FLYHT’s development of the Edge as well as its suite of Actionable Intelligence tools was developed with repayable funding support from PrairiesCan through its Western Innovation Initiative.
Kent Jacobs, President of FLYHT stated, “We are very excited to have a launch customer for the Edge product line and plan to complete the STC process for the A319/320/321 and the B737NG this year. Our AFIRS Edge is a light weight, powerful avionics product that provides airlines with a wireless QAR (Quick Access Recorder), AID functions, and ACMS capabilities that will help airlines improve their operational efficiency. Completing these two STCs this year will allow us to meet the demand we are seeing in the marketplace. We see this as a significant step forward in the rollout of this product.”
Wes Gardner, Director of Flight Operations of Coral Jet said, “FLYHT products have always been ahead of their time, and we see the Edge product line solving most of our data and pilot communication needs. We look forward to the new products being developed for the Edge to help us run an efficient and environmentally friendly airline.”
This contract is valued at approximately $100,000 USD over the five-year contract term, with potential for increase as Coral Jet’s fleet grows.
About FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd.
FLYHT provides airlines with Actionable Intelligence to transform operational insight into immediate, quantifiable action, and delivers industry leading solutions to improve aviation safety, efficiency, and profitability. This unique capability is driven by a suite of patented aircraft certified hardware products. These include AFIRS™, an aircraft satcom/interface device, which enables cockpit voice communications, real-time aircraft state analysis, and the transmission of aircraft data while inflight. The AFIRS Edge is a state-of-the-art 5G Wireless Quick Access Recorder (WQAR), Aircraft Interface Device (AID), and Aircraft Condition and Monitoring System (ACMS). The Edge can be interfaced with FLYHT’s TAMDAR probe or the FLYHT-WVSS-II relative humidity sensor to deliver airborne weather and humidity data in real-time.
CrossConsense, FLYHT’s wholly owned subsidiary, offers highly skilled services to the commercial aviation industry and provides preventative maintenance solutions. These include Aircraft Fleet View, a native application that gives a real-time view of airline fleet status; AviationDW, a managed data warehouse for enhanced business intelligence; and ACSIS, a visualization and predictive maintenance alerting tool.
FLYHT is headquartered in Calgary, Canada, and is an AS9100 Quality registered company. CrossConsense, located in Frankfurt, Germany, is an ISO9001 certified operation. For more information, visit www.flyht.com.
Canadian airline WestJet is strongest airline brand in the world with AAA- brand rating
Airline brands across the world are returning to growth after the widespread disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report from leading brand valuation consultancy, Brand Finance. The airlines industry suffered big losses in brand value during the pandemic as governments enforced travel restrictions to reduce the rapid spread of COVID-19. While many airline brands are growing again, they have not yet returned to pre-pandemic values.
Every year, leading brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance puts 5,000 of the biggest brands to the test, and publishes around 100 reports, ranking brands across all sectors and countries. The world’s top 50 most valuable and strongest brands in the airline industry are included in the annual Brand Finance Airlines 50 2022 ranking.
Canadian airline WestJet is the strongest airline brand in the world with AAA- brand rating
In addition to calculating brand value, Brand Finance also determines the relative strength of brands through a balanced scorecard of metrics evaluating marketing investment, stakeholder equity, and business performance. Compliant with ISO 20671, Brand Finance’s assessment of stakeholder equity incorporates original market research data from over 100,000 respondents in more than 35 countries and across nearly 30 sectors.
WestJet (brand value up 22% to US$0.6 billion) is the strongest airline brand in the world with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) of 84 out of 100 and a corresponding AAA- brand rating. The Canadian airline has strengthened its brand identity across Canada with the addition of 24 new routes across the nation, leading to Canadian customers feeling an increased affinity with the brand. The brand is steadily recovering from the impact of COVID-19 and is now operating over 500 departures per day for the first time since the pandemic nadir.
Swoop continues U.S. expansion with new non-stop service to Chicago from Toronto
The ultra-not-expensive airline launches new service to the Windy city through Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport
TORONTO, May 30, 2022 /CNW/ – Today, Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, launched its inaugural flight to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Swoop flight WO746 took off from Toronto this morning at 6:30 a.m. ET and arrived in Chicago at 7:20 a.m. local time.
“As Canada’s ultra-not-expensive airline, we are thrilled to continue our network expansion across North America this summer, connecting Toronto and Chicago with affordable fares,” said Bert van der Stege, Head of Commercial and Finance, Swoop. “Today’s celebration reinforces our commitment to Canadian travellers, unlocking opportunities to explore highly-sought destinations at ultra-affordable prices.”
The leading ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) will continue its expansion, connecting southwestern Ontario with top-tier American cities later this summer with new non-stop service between Toronto and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
“Canadians are excited to travel again this summer, and after two years of restrictions, we’ve seen record demand for getaways across the border,” continued van der Stege, “This expansion reinforces the incredible growth trajectory we’re experiencing, as ultra-low fares continue to unlock new opportunities for Canadians to explore America’s largest cities.”
“On behalf of Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is excited to welcome Swoop Airlines to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD),” said Jamie L Rhee, CDA Commissioner. “This new international service between O’Hare and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) will further connect Canada and the ‘Windy City’ – named Best Big City in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler for the fifth year in a row.”
“This new opportunity and direct service from Canada is such welcoming news and ideal timing as we head into the summer season,” said Lynn Osmond, President & CEO of Choose Chicago. “We look forward to welcoming more visitors from our largest international market for arrivals to Chicago aboard Swoop.”
With introductory fares from Toronto to Chicago and New York starting at just $99 CAD†, Swoop is showing Canadians just how affordable experiencing top tourist destinations across the US can be this summer.
| Route | Start Date | Peak Weekly Frequency | One-way total price (CAD/USD) | Base Fare (CAD/USD) | Taxes & Fees (CAD/USD) |
| Toronto to Chicago | May 30, 2022 | 2x weekly | $99 CAD | $4.92 CAD | $91.12 CAD |
| Chicago to Toronto | May 30, 2022 | 2x weekly | $59 USD | $37.44 USD | $17.63 USD |
| Toronto to New York | June 20, 2022 | 4x weekly | $99 CAD | $4.92 CAD | $91.12 CAD |
| New York to Toronto | June 20, 2022 | 4x weekly | $59 USD | $37.44 USD | $17.63 USD |
Book By : June 2, 2022 | Travel Period : September 1, 2022 – October 15, 2022 | Seasonal start and end dates apply and are indicated in the booking flow. | Fares are valid until June 2, 2022 (11:59 p.m. MT) or while seats last. | Prices displayed above are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is made and accepted.
To learn more about Swoop and for flight schedules and bookings, please visit FlySwoop.com. For information on how Swoop is ensuring a safe and healthy travel experience visit FlySwoop.com/traveller-safety.
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 fleet of ten Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft will grow to 16 with the addition of six Boeing MAX-8 in 2022. At FlySwoop.com travellers can quickly and easily book flights, manage bookings, check-in, view boarding passes, track flights and access Wi-Fi service in-flight.
Mississauga Political and Business Leaders Kick Off Tourism Week; Encourage Federal Government to Help Address Wait Times at Pearson Airport
MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 30, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Mississauga’s political and business leaders, including Mayor Bonnie Crombie, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Tourism Mississauga and the Mississauga Board of Trade, have come together to celebrate Tourism Week and ask the federal government to urgently address issues causing delays for travellers at Canadian airports.
In celebrating Tourism Week, local leaders are recognizing Mississagua and Toronto Pearson as the gateway to Canada, connecting people from all corners of the world. Toronto Pearson’s direct global connectivity enables the national economy, driving local tourism, immigration, investment, jobs and trade.
That is why current passenger delays at federal government checkpoints in-terminal for domestic and international travellers are particularly challenging right now. From staffing shortages to onerous pandemic policies, the federal government must act quickly to address issues plaguing airports.
While local leaders thank the federal government for recently annoucing important steps in the right direction, including increasing the number of Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) screening officers, additional resources will take weeks before beginning to alleviate pressures on the system. That said, the following short-term fixes can be instituted immediately and make a significant difference for international arriving travellers:
a) The removal of mandatory random testing at the airport
b) The removal of duplicate health checks and questions
With businesses just now emerging from the crisis caused by the pandemic over the last two years, long wait times and delays at Canada’s airports are the first impression for many international travellers, and run counter to the view that Canada is a world class destination and place for investment. The current experience at Canada’s airports is a significant obstacle to business and leisure travel recovery.
International passengers arriving at Toronto Pearson have been forced to wait up to three hours, often on board the aircraft, during peak periods before proceeding to customs. Last week, 6,000 travellers waited longer than 60 minutes on airplanes after arrival and before entering the Customs Hall. As the summer travel season approaches, without immediate action, these wait times will only get worse. Almost half of all international arriving passengers, or 112,000 people, experienced some form of delay last week, impacting 12,000 more travellers than the week prior. While improving in the past week with the addition of more government agency staff, for passengers departing on a flight, wait times to clear security have also been staggering, and during peak departure times last week we continued to see longer than 60 minute waits.
That’s why political and business leaders gathered today to call on the federal government to remove legacy and duplicate public health requirements and continue to address CATSA and CBSA staffing shortages that are contributing to unacceptable delays at Canada’s airports. Our economy, our international reputation as a top destination for tourism, investment, international conferences and events, depend on immediate and sustained federal government action at Canada’s airports.
To celebrate Tourism Week, the Terminal One Tower will be lit green to celebrate the airport’s role in connecting people from all corners of the globe, acting as a gateway to Canada and the regional economy.
Quotes
“The last two years have been incredibly difficult for the travel and tourism industry. As travel ramps-up and our airport returns to pre-pandemic volumes, the federal government must continue to act quickly and help solve the issues plaguing air travellers. The summer season is upon us and we need urgent action now. Removing random testing and duplicative health screening questions from airports are steps that can be taken immediately to smooth travel, encourage more passengers to travel to and through Canada and rally the national economy,” said Doug Allingham, Chair of the Board of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority.
“Home to over 86,000 businesses, Mississauga tourism can no longer afford to be weighed down by unnecessary, obsolete pandemic policies that lag far behind our international counterparts. Left unaddressed in the immediate term, the frustration travellers are experiencing will have detrimental and long-lasting impacts on Mississauga’s tourism industry and Canada’s reputation internationally,” said Trevor McPherson, CEO and President of the Mississauga Board of Trade.
“Canada’s economic success and the success of our business community, depend on Pearson’s success. After years of challenges for our local travel economy and the loss of 94,000 jobs in Mississauga’s tourism-related industries during the pandemic, our businesses and visitors rely on a smooth and efficient airport process to access what our region has to offer. The federal government needs to act now to alleviate the pressures on our airport,” said Victoria Clarke, CEO of Tourism Mississauga.
SOURCE Unlock the Summer
Aeroplan members can now earn points for online LCBO purchases
MONTREAL, May 30, 2022 – Aeroplan, Canada’s leading travel loyalty program, and the LCBO, one of the world’s largest buyers and retailers of beverage alcohol, are pleased to announce that Aeroplan members can now earn Aeroplan points for eligible purchases made on LCBO.com and the LCBO app, in addition to eligible purchases made in store.
“We’re excited for our members in Ontario to experience the new LCBO.com and earn Aeroplan points while doing so,” said Scott O’Leary, Vice President, Loyalty and Product at Air Canada. “It’s one more way we’re bringing our members closer to their next reward.”
To collect Aeroplan points on LCBO purchases made online, members simply enter their Aeroplan number at the checkout or—for added convenience— add it to their online LCBO customer profile, which will allow them to earn on every LCBO online purchase.
“Our customers can now take advantage of earning Aeroplan points across our in-store and digital channels, which provide the seamless experience that our customers expect. This is one of the many enhanced benefits of our new website, which makes it even easier to find the perfect choice heading into summer,” says Vanda Provato, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer, LCBO.
In celebration of earning Aeroplan points for online or in-app purchases, customers who join Aeroplan between May 26 – June 8, 2022, and make a purchase on LCBO.com or in the LCBO app during this period, will earn a one-time offer of 250 bonus points.* Also, all Aeroplan members who spend $50.00 (CAD) or more when shopping on LCBO.com or in the LCBO app between May 26 – June 8, 2022, will earn double the points on that purchase.*
Aeroplan members earn one Aeroplan point for every $4 spent at LCBO, in addition to bonus points for promotional products. Aeroplan points can be redeemed for travel to thousands of destinations around the globe, hotels, car rentals, merchandise, and gift cards, including LCBO Gift Cards.
The LCBO and Aeroplan loyalty partnership launched in late 2021.
If you are not yet an Aeroplan member, joining is easy at aircanada.com/join.
*For more information about the new LCBO online launch offers, please visit lcbo.com.
As Ottawa moves to fix Canada’s airport chaos, what it means for travellers, and will it help?
Web News • May 2022
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Levaero Aviation Wins Business Excellence Award
May 31, 2022 – THUNDER BAY, ON
Levaero Aviation been awarded the Business Excellence Award for Large Businesses by the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce. This recognition is a tribute to the company’s exemplary customer service, diverse workplace offering varied career opportunities, as well as its ongoing involvement in the community.
“It was my honour and privilege to have accepted the Business Excellence Award on behalf of everyone at Levaero,” said Robert Arnone, President and CEO of Levaero Aviation. “Being recognized by the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and our business community is especially meaningful and heartfelt as it coincides with the celebration of our 25-year company anniversary, by the city where it all began, so to speak. We are humbled to receive this award, and it will always hold a place of honour within our company.”
The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce announced its 28th Annual Business of Excellence Awards at a gala hosted by the Chamber on May 26, 2022. 76 nominations were received, and the award winners were selected by an independent panel of Chamber Member judges. The Award honours businesses that have advanced in economic and/or financial growth through sales and earnings, have exceptional customer service, are a leader in employment creation, diversity and inclusion, seek to continuously improve employee relations, are involved in community affairs and demonstrate a commitment to quality in operations.
“Receiving this award reaffirms that the hard work put in by the entire Levaero team is effective, and continually builds a strong, more resilient company that we are extremely proud of. We have aimed for excellence for our first 25 years, and we will continue to build on that foundation for the next years to come,” said Steve Davey, Executive Vice President of Levaero Aviation.
ABOUT LEVAERO AVIATION
Levaero Aviation deliver a compliment of turnkey and mission-specific solutions to the aviation marketplace and is the exclusive Authorized Pilatus Aircraft Sales & Service Centre in Canada. Levaero is an accredited dealer member of the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA), the global standard of aircraft brokerages.
Headquartered in Thunder Bay, Ontario, with a National Sales office in Toronto, Ontario and a base in Collingwood, Ontario, Levaero provides its customers with leading aircraft brokerage expertise, and extensive MRO capabilities.
Toronto Pearson holds mock emergency exercise
Exercise is part of Pearson’s continuous efforts to enhance safety and security at Canada’s largest airport
TORONTO, May 28, 2022 /CNW/ – Today, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) held its first in-person security exercise since the pandemic began.
The exercise involved approximately 300 members of the airport community, partners and volunteers playing the role of protestors, blocking an access road and testing the response to a security breach. Other participants included Peel Regional Police and Transport Canada.
“Safety is our number one priority at Toronto Pearson and we always want to make sure our skills are sharp in order to respond to emergency situations that may arise in the airport environment,” said Craig Bradbrook, Chief Operating Officer for the GTAA. “I’m very happy with the way our employees and partners responded to this exercise, working together to maintain safety and security. We also learned many valuable lessons that can be used as we strive for continuous improvement in our emergency response with the safety and security of everyone at the airport top of mind.”
The GTAA typically runs one full scale and one tabletop exercise per year to test protocols, procedures, communications and planning for emergency and/or security related incidents. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Transport Canada provided an exemption and full scale emergency exercises were not held in 2020 or 2021.
About the Greater Toronto Airports Authority
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority is the operator of Toronto – Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Canada’s largest airport and a vital connector of people, businesses and goods. Toronto Pearson has been named “Best Large Airport in North America serving more than 40 million passengers” for five years in a row by Airports Council International (ACI), the global trade representative of the world’s airports. In recognition of its Healthy Airport program, ACI has also awarded Toronto Pearson the “Best hygiene measures in North America” award for two years running, and Toronto Pearson was the first Canadian airport to receive ACI’s global health accreditation for its response to COVID-19.
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