Sunwing reminds customers why it’s better in the Bahamas with winter flights returning to Freeport, Grand Bahama

Canadians can enjoy unforgettable getaways with Sunwing at Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach starting this December

TORONTO, Aug. 29, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — This winter, Sunwing customers can return to the dream vacation destination of Freeport, Grand Bahama, the second largest city in the Bahamas, starting December 17, 2022 with weekly direct flights from Toronto and Montréal on board Sunwing Airlines. Experiences of a lifetime await sun-seekers in this Bahamian paradise with beautiful weather, pristine beaches, underwater adventures, charming all inclusive stays and a variety of cultural and historical sites.

Situated off the coast of Florida in the northwest region of the Bahamas, Freeport offers travellers of all ages a tropical playground with comfortable temperatures year-round where they can discover the depths of this idyllic destination on land and at sea.

A true paradise for nature lovers, Freeport is home to a world of wonders beneath the sea’s surface with vibrant coral reef in the shape of a painter’s palette at Picasso’s Gallery, a famous dive spot for visitors, and sunken shipwrecks waiting to be uncovered. Vacationers yearning for more daring adventures can swim alongside friendly Caribbean reef sharks at Shark Alley for a magical geological experience or explore one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems at Lucayan National Park.

Vacationers can’t miss a visit to Garden of the Groves exploring winding trails, cascading waterfalls, sparkling fountains and a picturesque chapel, spotting many indigenous migratory birds and butterflies along the way.

Those with a penchant for sun and sand can lay down their towel at Freeport’s pristine beaches including Gold Rock Beach, Taino Beach and Fortune Beach, a secluded oasis on the southwestern edge of Grand Bahama. There, Sunwing customers can explore the local culture and cuisine by taking in some live entertainment at Count Basie Square or head to Port Lucaya Marketplace, a waterfront hub great for shopping handmade souvenirs and dining.

When travelling to Freeport with Sunwing, customers can expect a charming all inclusive vacation experience at Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach, located on a stunning beachfront and offering a host of amenities to keep guests of all ages entertained throughout their stay. Guests can lay by the freshwater pool or on the stretch of sand, take advantage of action-packed activities like trapeze, paintball, snorkelling and beach volleyball, work up a sweat with the resort’s Vivafit offerings or tee off at The Reef Course ($) nearby in Grand Lucayan. With four restaurants and two bars, guests can dine buffet-style and enjoy à la carte restaurants serving a variety of culinary options.

With weekly direct flights starting December 17, 2022 from Toronto and Montréal, Sunwing customers can book Freeport, Grand Bahama today for all inclusive stays at Viva Wyndham Beach Resort this winter.

About Sunwing

The largest integrated travel company in North America, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from airports across Canada to popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations as well as cruise packages and seasonal domestic flight service. Sunwing customers benefit from the assistance of the company’s own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. The company supports the communities where it operates through the Sunwing Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on the support and development of youth and humanitarian aid.

Canada and Saskatchewan invest in northern airport infrastructure

PINEHOUSE LAKE, SK, Aug. 31, 2022 /CNW/ – Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and Jim Lemaigre, MLA for Athabasca, on behalf of the Honourable Jeremy Cockrill, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Highways, announced $2.9 million in joint funding for upgrades to six northern airports.

The airports in La Loche, Île-à-la-Crosse, Sandy Bay, Cumberland House, and Pinehouse Lake will benefit from $1.25 million in combined federal and provincial funding to install All Weather Observation Systems (AWOS). The AWOS provides accurate, uninterrupted, real-time information and reports on airport weather conditions.

In addition, the airports in La Loche, Île-à-la-Crosse, and Pinehouse Lake and Patuanak will see upgrades to airfield lighting that will improve safety and reliability. The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are each investing $825,000 in these projects for a combined $1.65 million investment.

The Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan are each investing $1.45 million dollars in these projects.

Quotes

“The projects announced today are vital to ensuring safe, secure and efficient travel for visitors and residents of Northern Saskatchewan. These investments, made possible through collaboration with the Government of Saskatchewan, will foster community growth for years to come.”

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

“Saskatchewan’s northern airports connect communities to vital public services like air ambulance, law enforcement and fire suppression. These investments will ensure northern airports can provide safe, timely and reliable service.”

Jim Lemaigre, Saskatchewan MLA for Athabasca, on behalf of The Honourable Jeremy Cockrill, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Highways 

“People across northern Saskatchewan rely on community airports to connect them to friends, family, and medical services. These improvements will help to keep those connections strong.”

Mike Natomagan, Mayor of the Northern Village of Pinehouse, SK

Quick Facts

  • The Government of Canada’s investment comes from the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
  • Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
  • Including today’s announcement, 262 infrastructure projects under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan have been announced in Saskatchewan with a total federal contribution of more than $448.9 million and a total provincial contribution of over $298.7 million.
  • Infrastructure Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every day—ranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, and environmental threats to our water and land.

Associated links

Federal infrastructure investments in Saskatchewan
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-sk-eng.html

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html

Swoop heats up winter travel planning with new non-stop flights to Cuba

The ultra-not-expensive airline grows Caribbean offering with ultra-not-expensive service from Toronto to Varadero

CALGARY, AB, Aug. 31, 2022 /CNW/ – Today, Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, expanded its winter schedule with new routes, more frequencies and new service to Cuba. Swoop will begin its seasonal, non-stop service between Toronto (YYZ) and Varadero (VRA) on January 11, 2023, and fares are starting as low as $189 one-way.

“We’re thrilled to be announcing an expansion in the Caribbean, adding Varadero to our growing list of vacation destinations,” said Tia McGrath, Leader, Distribution and Sales. “Cuba tops the list for Ontarians seeking an affordable beach getaway and we’re proud to reaffirm our commitment to the region with more ultra-convenient and ultra-low fares.”

As part of its expanding winter schedule, Swoop will restart service to some popular sun and fun routes. Swoop is bringing sun flying back to London, ON (YXU) beginning December 3 with non-stop service to Cancun (CUN) starting on December 3 and to Orlando (Sanford) on December 4. In addition, the ULCC will restart service to Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) from both Toronto (YYZ) and Hamilton (YHM) on December 8 and December 9, respectively.

“We know that choice and value are important to Canadians planning vacations,” continued McGrath, “We have several options available for our ultra-not-expensive flights to be packaged with all-inclusive resorts or vacation properties.”

Through Swoop Getaways, travellers can pair ultra-not-expensive Swoop flights with thousands of hotel, resort and vacation properties, unlocking hotel discounts. Those looking for a pre-packaged vacation can add a Swoop flight to a WestJet Vacation when they book through online travel agencies. Swoop has also partnered with The Special Travel Corporation, whose knowledgeable travel agents can book custom packages with ultra-low-fare Swoop flights.

“We are thrilled to welcome Swoop flights to Cuba, we are excited with this new partnership which means more capacity to Cuba from Canada. In this price sensitive market, Swoop’s ultra-low cost structure will make easier to Canadians this winter to enjoy beautiful Cuba” – Lessner Gomes, Director of the Cuba Tourist Board

 “The London International Airport and Swoop saw strong growth through 2019 and the first quarter of 2020 prior to the pandemic restrictions,” said Scott McFadzean, President and CEO of London International Airport. “It is amazing to have Swoop back offering these incredible destinations at low rates from your local easy and comfortable airport.”

Swoop has increased the frequency of flying on many existing routes, with daily flights from Toronto to Cancun and Las Vegas and near-daily flights to Montego Bay and Punta Cana. Full details of Swoop’s expanded winter schedule can be found below, with ultra-not-expensive flights to sun getaways starting at $89 one-way total pride (CAD).

RoutePeak Weekly
Frequency
One-way total
price (CAD)
Base Fare
(CAD)
Taxes &
Fees (CAD)
Toronto to Varadero3x weekly$189.00$73.04$115.96
Toronto to Ft. Lauderdale6x weekly$109.00$13.05$95.95
Toronto to St. Pete-Clearwater2x weekly$119.00$23.97$95.03
Toronto to Orlando6x weekly$119.00$23.97$95.03
Toronto to Las Vegas7x weekly$99.00$4.92$94.08
Toronto to Cancun10x weekly$259.00$156.62$102.38
Toronto to Kingston5x weekly$189.00$71.68$117.32
Toronto to Montego Bay6x weekly$189.00$71.68$117.32
Toronto to Punta Cana5x weekly$179.00$65.03$113.97
Toronto to Puerto Vallarta2x weekly$299.00$196.62$102.38
Toronto to Los Cabos2x weekly$239.00$136.62$102.38
Hamilton to Ft. Lauderdale2x weekly$109.00$18.43$90.57
Hamilton to Las Vegas4x weekly$119.00$29.35$89.65
Hamilton to St. Pete-Clearwater3x weekly$139.00$48.40$90.60
Hamilton to Orlando4x weekly$99.00$10.30$88.70
Hamilton to Cancun3x weekly$239.00$142.27$96.73
Hamilton to Puerto Vallarta1x weekly$199.00$90.68$108.32
London to Orlando2x weekly$89.00$18.75$70.25
London to Cancun2x weekly$129.00$53.69$75.31
Edmonton to Mesa2x weekly$219.00$115.33$103.67
Edmonton to Las Vegas6x weekly$99.00$2.21$96.79
Edmonton to Mazatlán1x weekly$299.00$230.52$68.48
Edmonton to Puerto Vallarta2x weekly$259.00$153.77$105.23
Edmonton to Los Cabos2x weekly$219.00$115.53$103.47
Winnipeg to Mesa2x weekly$159.00$128.65$30.35
Winnipeg to Orlando2x weekly$149.00$46.83$102.17
Winnipeg to Puerto Vallarta2x weekly$449.00$340.62$108.38
Abbotsford to Mazatlán1x weekly$179.00$73.77$105.23
Abbotsford to Los Cabos2x weekly$269.00$200.52$68.48
Abbotsford to Puerto Vallarta3x weekly$299.00$230.52$68.48

To learn more about Swoop and for flight schedules and bookings, please visit FlySwoop.com.

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, comprised of ten Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft and three Boeing MAX-8 aircraft will grow to 16 with the addition of three more Boeing MAX-8 in 2022. At FlySwoop.com [c212.net] travellers can quickly and easily book flights, manage bookings, check-in, view boarding passes, and track flights.

Air Canada Highlights ESG Achievements and Advancements with its Citizens of the World Corporate Sustainability Report

2021 report details progress on environmental, community and employee initiatives

MONTREAL, Aug. 31, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada has released the 2021 edition of Citizens of the World, describing how the carrier has advanced a range of sustainability programs despite the impact of COVID-19 on the global airline industry. The document, Air Canada’s annual corporate sustainability report, details the airline’s progress in such areas as safety, wellness, the environment, and employee and community engagement.

Air Canada Highlights ESG Achievements and Advancements with its Citizens of the World Corporate Sustainability Report (CNW Group/Air Canada)

“Although COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on airlines globally, I am proud that Air Canada has kept moving forward on its ESG initiatives and remains focused on its long-term sustainability goals. This has included keeping our customers and employees safe, reducing our environmental footprint, and contributing to the well-being of the communities we serve, notably through the Air Canada Foundation,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada. “We know that the effects of the pandemic are transitory, but to address sustainability risks and opportunities and help create a more sustainable aviation industry requires a long-term commitment and strategy. Citizens of the World is one way we are demonstrating our determination by reporting on our progress.”

Citizens of the World, Air Canada’s 2021 Corporate Sustainability Report, is available at www.aircanada.com. It details how the airline integrates environmental and social factors into its daily operations through three sustainability pillars: Our Business, Our People and Our Planet. To ensure transparency, integrity and accountability, an independent third party was retained for a limited assurance engagement on select performance indicators.  Highlights of this year’s report include:

  • In 2021, Air Canada released its new Climate Action Plan, which includes ambitious milestones to achieve its long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. 
     
  • Air Canada launched the Leave Less Travel Program, offering corporate customers the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint related to business travel.
     
  • The recall of over 10,000 employees and the hiring of new recruits to Air Canada’s operations groups in 2021, and the associated training programs to support the employees’ return, growth and development in their role, including in safety matters.
     
  • To underscore its commitment to customer and employee safety, it operated through the year under a comprehensive program, Air Canada CleanCare+, to apply industry-leading biosafety measures at each stage of the journey.
     
  • In 2021, the Air Canada Foundation raised more than $1 million and dispersed close to $600,000 to support close to 160 charities.
     
  • Air Canada celebrated the 15-year anniversary of the Aeroplan member donation program. In 2021, close to 65 million points were donated by Aeroplan and its Members through the Aeroplan Member Donation Program. 

Air Canada closely monitors developments in ESG reporting. In 2022, Air Canada also issued its first report aligned with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), also available at www.aircanada.com.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2022. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 51 airports in Canada, 51 in the United States and 86 internationally. It is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax, which in 2021 gave Air Canada awards for the Best Airline Staff in North America, Best Airline Staff in Canada, Best Business Class Lounge in North America, and an excellence award for managing COVID-19. Through its leading travel loyalty Aeroplan program, Air Canada offers the ability to earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger flights and cargo-only flights with its fleet of Boeing 767-300 freighters. Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. 

Southern Ontario airports to receive over $2.8 million from Government of Canada to maintain regional connectivity

FedDev Ontario supports four regional airports in Kingston, Cornwall, Huronia and Arnprior

August 30, 2022 – Kingston, Ontario

Southern Ontario is a strategically-located and globally recognized region that offers many advantages for local businesses, including state-of-the-art infrastructure, a diverse workforce and a strong regional air transportation network. Regional airports play an important role in the movement of people and goods across the country, serve industries and drive significant economic benefits across communities.

Today, at the Kingston Airport, Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, announced, a non-repayable contribution of over $2.8 million, through the Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI), for four southern Ontario airports: Kingston Airport, Cornwall Regional AirportHuronia Airport and Arnprior Airport. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

The City of Kingston, operator of Kingston Airport, is receiving a $1.3-million non-repayable investment to support increased safety measures and strategic planning to adapt the airport to a post-COVID environment. This investment will enable Kingston Airport to bring back more than 18,000 passengers between Kingston and Toronto.

Cornwall Regional Airport is receiving over $1.1 million through a non-repayable investment to help adapt existing facilities including funding for a new terminal design, electrical upgrades, runway lighting and security camera installations.

Huronia Airport is receiving a $310,000 non-repayable investment towards the continued operation of the airport’s GPS landing process and replacement of runway lighting.

Arnprior Airport is receiving a $47,500 non-repayable investment to sustain critical regional air operations and services by adding a video security system to provide 24/7 surveillance as well as an automated fuelling system. 

Quotes

“It is important that we support our regional airports, airlines and transportation ecosystems across southern Ontario for the thousands of workers employed in this sector and for the many businesses and communities that depend on them. By investing in these four airports, we are strengthening our regional connectivity networks to build a stronger, more resilient economy.”
– The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Critical to Kingston’s diverse economic success is the Kingston Airport, which fosters economic growth and regional connectivity. Today’s investment will benefit the connectivity of Kingston’s air transportation hub, as well as three other rural airports across southern Ontario that will be able to boost local economies and adapt to a post-pandemic world.”
– Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands 

“Air travel as a sector was hit hard by the pandemic and our regional airport was no exception. This federal funding provided much needed support to ensure we could make it through this difficult period and positioned us to be able to hit the ground running now that air travel is beginning to recover.”
– His Worship, Bryan Paterson, Mayor of the City of Kingston

“I am pleased, on behalf of the Cornwall Regional Airport Commission, to recognize the support of the Government of Canada for the valuable Regional Air Transportation Initiative funding through FedDev Ontario. This contribution will assist with ongoing investment to ensure future growth at the Cornwall Regional Airport.”
– His Worship, Lyle Warden, Mayor of the Township of South Glengarry and Vice Chair of the Cornwall Regional Airport Commission

“Financial support from this initiative will support the continued operation of our GPS Instrument Approaches and will fund runway lighting which has reached end-of-life. We would like to thank FedDev Ontario for this immense support to accomplish these critical projects.”
– Roy Ellis, Chair, Huronia Airport Commission 

“The RATI funds we are receiving will contribute to maintenance and upgrades, ensuring regional air traffic has 24/7 unrestricted access to fuel and essential airport services. The Arnprior Airport serves one of the fastest growing areas in Eastern Ontario and the RATI investment provides a boost to the critical infrastructure required to support and sustain regional air traffic.”
–  Johnny Constantinesco, Chair, Arnprior Airport Commission 

Quick facts

  • Kingston Airport, located close to Kingston’s historic downtown, was renovated in 2019 to expand the terminal and increase its number of passengers. 
  • Cornwall Regional Airport, located in the Township of South Glengarry, supports regional air travel across the Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry region. It also services Cornwall Aviation, a flight training facility for pilots from Canada and around the world. 
  • Huronia Airport, located at the gateway to Georgian Bay and the 30,000 Islands, offers a 3,996-foot runway, flight school, aircraft manufacturer, aircraft broker and hangar rentals.
  • Arnprior Airport offers facilities for both land and sea planes, a first-class parachute training and development facility (Parachute Ottawa, Mobility Labs Inc.), as well as pilot training and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers services at Chapman Aviation Services.
  • Canada’s regional development agencies are delivering the $206-million national Regional Air Transportation Initiative, with FedDev Ontario delivering $24.2 million in southern Ontario. The RATI complements the measures in Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan and measures implemented by Transport Canada.
  • Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has directly invested more than $2 billion in over 2,800 projects that are expected to generate strong results, such as supporting over 170,000 jobs in the region. 

Associated links

KF Centre for Excellence gets ready to take flight

August 30, 2022

KF hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony at the state of the art 60,000 sq. ft. aviation exhibition and conference centre in advance of the Centre’s public opening tomorrow, August 31st.

August 30, 2022 – KELOWNA – KF Aerospace was thrilled to host the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the KF Centre for Excellence today, Tuesday, August 30th.

Designed to reflect the fuselage and wings of an aircraft, the KF Centre for Excellence is a legacy project of KF Aerospace Founder and Chairman, Barry Lapointe. The state-of-the-art, 60,000 sq. ft. mass timber building includes two dedicated hangars featuring a rare aircraft collection, while the building’s fuselage houses an interactive exhibition that tells the story of aviation in the Okanagan Valley.  The building also features an airfield viewing gallery and conference facilities for businesses and events in the region.

“This building will truly be a landmark in the Okanagan Valley for decades to come,” said KF Centre for Excellence Executive Director, Paula Quinn.

“It was built with the entire community in mind, to be a place where those from all generations, cultures and backgrounds can gather. It promises to be a must-see for tourists and locals alike, as well as a major asset to the local business community.”

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, invited guests heard brief speeches from the centre’s Executive Director, Paula Quinn, Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran, Airport Director Sam Samaddar and KF Aerospace Founder and Chairman, Barry Lapointe.

The centre is located at 5800 Lapointe Drive, and will open its doors to the general public on Wednesday, August 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A minimum donation of $10 per family or $5 per person is required.

About the KF Centre for Excellence 

The Okanagan Valley has an incredible history of achievement in Canadian aerospace. To celebrate this heritage, the KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence will debut a state-of-the-art aviation museum and conference facility, right next to Kelowna International Airport. Designed to reflect the fuselage and wings of an aircraft, the 60,000 sq. ft. attraction will invite you to discover, connect and inspire. Two dedicated hangars guide you through an historical exhibit of vintage aircraft and memorabilia, connecting to an airfield viewing gallery.

Aircraft on display will include the de Havilland Mosquito bomber, and the much-anticipated, newly-restored Hawker Tempest MKII, among many others.

Welcoming visitors, residents, schools and businesses, the Centre will promote the advancement of aviation, in Kelowna and beyond.

The centre will also be a major asset to the local business community, with an available boardroom and large conference facility.

Mission: 

The KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence is a non-profit organization established to promote the aviation industry locally and nationally. Our mission is:

• to celebrate the people and history of our aviation community

• to promote career development through education and training support, and

• to advocate on behalf of the Canadian aerospace community

Canadian North Update on Fuel Shortage and Inclement Weather Impacting High Arctic Services

30 August 2022 – Canadian North Twitter & Facebook

The fuel shortage and inclement weather conditions affecting High Arctic airports have caused significant disruptions to our operations, though our team has been working with the fuel available to us to move as many passengers and as much freight as possible. While recognizing the challenges this is causing our customers, we are doing everything to keep our operations moving safely.

As the situation continues to change, we are beginning to increase the number of passengers we are able to transport onboard. With current weather disruptions affecting the High Arctic, we have planned as many flights as we can and incorporated fuel stops that allow us to maximize payload. We continue to assess the demand for additional flight and our Operations Control Centre will look for possibilities to add flights to Pond Inlet, Arctic Bay and Resolute Bay.

Though we are continuing to move as much freight as possible, should unsafe weather conditions continue to affect cargo operations we will plan backup destinations for freight in the meantime. As the ability to regain fuel is integral to both cargo and passengers operations, we continue to keep in contact with Petroleum Products Division of the Government of Nunavut.

As a result of these impacts on our service, our Customer Contact Centre has been experiencing higher than average call volume. We encourage you o book or manage your bookings online using our website. https://canadiannorth.com. Otherwise, for inquiries that are not urgent which cannot be managed on our website and do not include booking over the phone, you may send us an email at contact@canadiannorth.com with your requests.

More in the tweet below…

We would like to thank our passengers and customers for your patience and understanding during this situation while we work to return to regular operations.

Canadian North