Government of Canada and Canadian North agree on new terms and conditions of airline merger

OTTAWA, ON, April 21, 2023 /CNW/ – From travelling to appointments to helping deliver essential necessities such as food, medicine and other goods, strong, financially stable northern air transportation providers are vital to support vibrant and sustainable communities in the North.

In 2019, the Government of Canada approved the merger of First Air and Canadian North, subject to several terms and conditions meant to protect the public interest. Since then, the air transportation landscape has changed dramatically due to the sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has had a lasting impact on Canadian North’s ability to comply with the existing conditions, while also providing service to northern communities. During the pandemic, Canadian North was exempted from its scheduling obligations, and received $138 million in direct funding from the Government of Canada.

The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, today announced that the Government of Canada and Canadian North have agreed on new terms and conditions that will allow Canadian North to remain financially viable and sustainable, while continuing to provide required levels of service to rural and remote communities in Northern Canada.

The Government of Canada and Canadian North have agreed on a profit cap, which will allow them to adjust fares and routes to remain viable without cutting off communities or placing a significant financial burden on northern travellers.

Examples of the new terms and conditions include:

• Ensuring that all communities it currently serves continue to receive at least one scheduled flight a week. Further, should the passenger load factors exceed 85 percent on average on any given route for a period of six consecutive months, Canadian North will be expected to adjust its capacity/schedules to be reflective of the increased demand.
• Limiting average annual regional fare increases for both passenger and cargo transportation to 25 percent within a calendar year.
• Limiting yearly net profit margins to no more than 10 percent on its scheduled passenger and cargo network (excluding the Edmonton-Yellowknife and Montreal-Kuujjuaq routes), while also allowing the airline to recoup past losses over a 3-year period.
• Providing information for quarterly auditing by an independent monitor.

The new agreement also includes regular oversight for the Minister to ensure that the public interest is maintained.

Quote

“Canadian North provides an important service to the North, and is the only true full network air carrier in much of the region. These new terms and conditions will ensure northern and remote communities have the access to the air services they need, while at the same time ensuring Canadian North remains a viable service provider.”

The Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport

Quick Facts

• Canadian North is a 100% Inuit-owned airline.
• Canadian North services 25 communities within the Northwest Territories, Nunavik and Nunavut, as well as Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton and Calgary.
• All Canadian North aircraft are gravel and ice strip equipped for landing in remote locations.

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.

Special Air Canada and Dreams Take Flight Departs Halifax with Kids from across Maritimes

• First Dreams Take Flight trip departing Halifax since 2019
• Second flight of 2023 taking off from across Canada
• Every year, Air Canada and Dreams Take Flight take children facing different challenges on the trip-of-a-lifetime.

MONTREAL, April 26, 2023 /CNW/ – This morning, the first Air Canada and Dreams Take Flight from Atlantic Canada since 2019 took off from Halifax International Airport with 144 children to Orlando to experience the trip-of-a-lifetime. Thanks to the numerous Air Canada employee volunteers, support of the Air Canada Foundation and the work by the Dreams Take Flight organization, eight flights operate annually, providing over 1000 children each year with an unforgettable day at a theme park in Florida or California.

The flight from Halifax left in the early hours of the morning and transported 144 kids to Orlando, accompanied by a crew of current and retired Air Canada employee volunteers focused on creating the most magical experience possible. By generously donating their time, pilots, flight attendants, maintenance engineers, and numerous other employees on the ground and behind the scenes offer children facing mental, physical, or social adversity the chance to take a break from their everyday to make memories and see new possibilities.

“Dreams Take Flight Halifax takes children from all of the Atlantic provinces, which is something that makes our chapter very unique”, said Allison Sinnott, President of Dreams Take Flight Halifax. “It’s difficult to describe what this trip means for them and what it’s like to witness their joy as they make unforgettable memories with new friends. None of this would be possible without our national and local sponsors, so we cannot thank them enough.”

“Partnering with Dreams Take Flight has been a wonderful way for Air Canada, our employees, and the Air Canada Foundation to come together and make the dreams of children facing adversity come true,” said Valerie Durand, Spokesperson for the Air Canada Foundation. “A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers and supporters who worked so hard to bring together this group of deserving children from across the Atlantic provinces to make magical memories that will last a lifetime.”

Six more flights from across Canada will depart from Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Ottawa throughout 2023.

Dreams Take Flight is a non-profit primarily made up of current and retired Air Canada employees who volunteer to make these flights a reality. Over the past 30 years, Air Canada, as exclusive carrier and now through the Air Canada Foundation, has flown more than forty thousand children on Dreams Take Flight trips.

Visit dreamstakeflight.ca to donate or volunteer.

About Dreams Take Flight

Dreams Take Flight is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing the trip of a lifetime to children who may be physically, mentally or socially challenged. With the aid of Air Canada, the Air Canada Foundation and other national and local organizations and businesses, money is raised to fund the program in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Halifax. Funds not required for its primary purpose can be gifted by Dreams Take Flight to other registered charities that benefit physically, mentally or socially challenged children and are within the policies adopted by Dreams Take Flight Canada. The first Dreams Take Flight station was founded in Toronto in 1989. Since then, the organization has taken over 40,000 special children to Florida and California.

About the Air Canada Foundation

The Air Canada Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on the health and well-being of children and youth, was launched in 2012. It offers both financial and in-kind support to Canadian-registered charities. Core programs include the Hospital Transportation Program, which redistributes Aeroplan points to 15 pediatric hospitals across Canada, enabling sick children to access the medical care they need away from home. The Air Canada Foundation, in collaboration with the airline, also engages directly in fundraising activities, such as the Every Bit Counts program, which encourages customers to donate loose change of all denominations on board flights or through collection containers available in Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. The Foundation also offers continued support to major health-related causes that benefit Canadians and is an active participant in international humanitarian relief activity as the need arises. For more information about the Air Canada Foundation, please read the 2020-21 impact report or the Air Canada’s 2021 Corporate Sustainability report available at www.aircanada.com/citizensoftheworld.

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. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can 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 and freighter aircraft.  Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.

WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s celebration tour concludes with third inauguration of dedicated freighter in Vancouver

VANCOUVER, BC, April 25, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group today celebrated the third inauguration of its 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters in Vancouver alongside integral partners and key stakeholders. The event was commemorated by a ribbon cutting, signifying the launch of WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s dedicated freighter service in one of the carriers five hubs, that will fulfill the large-scale needs of businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers across North America. WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s Vancouver celebration is the last of three inaugural events, that took place across Canada.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating this long-awaited milestone in Vancouver, a core hub for WestJet Cargo that will connect our freighter service to the Pacific coast,” said Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Cargo. “Our Vancouver hub is essential to connecting WestJet Cargo to Asia’s robust trade lines to Canada, enabling us to seamlessly execute the distribution of incoming valuable cargo products to their final destinations across Canada.”

“Today is an exciting day for the GTA Group as we celebrate and welcome this highly anticipated moment in Vancouver. This joint venture with WestJet Cargo will without a doubt, strengthen our position to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Canadian cargo market,” said Mario (Mauro) D’Urso, Chairman of The GTA Group of Companies.” The capacity of these four dedicated freighters will bring customers new competitive options by providing more air freight capacity to cargo customers who depend on reliable and on-time performance. We are thrilled to see these freighters take flight as we strive to provide exceptional service to all of our customers and their business needs.”

From left: Shaena Furlong, President and CEO, Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests and Minister responsible for the Consular Corps, Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Cargo, Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer, the WestJet Group, Mario (Mauro) D’Urso, Chairman of The GTA Group of Companies and Andy Margolis, Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer, Vancouver Airport Authority (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s dedicated freighters will begin operating between its designated hubs in Calgary, Halifax, Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto and Vancouver. Integrating into the WestJet Group’s existing network, WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s dedicated freighters will work in tandem with the cargo carrying bellies of WestJet’s fleet, creating global connectivity and opening trade lanes between Canada and the Caribbean, Europe, Japan and the United States.

“Our incredibly talented team at WestJet Cargo is eager to disrupt Canada’s air cargo market, by bringing competitive cost advantages, increased choice, reliable on-time performance and exemplary customer service, to Canada’s underserved air cargo market. Today’s celebration signifies a green light to do just that, as we strive to meet the needs of Canada’s expanding cargo market,” continued de Bruijn.

In addition to the broad range of commodities already carried by WestJet Cargo such as perishables, ecommerce and live animals, the dedicated freighters have enabled a broad expansion of the carrier’s service offerings, including the capacity to carry oversized items and unitized ecommerce containers.

“It is an honour to celebrate this accomplishment amongst key partners and stakeholders, each of whom played an integral role in making today happen. The take-off of our dedicated freighters is a significant moment for Canada and the communities we serve, as we strengthen our ability to expand upon the essential products we carry across and beyond the country,” continued de Bruijn.

Additional quotes

“BC’s economic strength is the skilled workers and inspiring companies connecting the province to expanding prosperity.  I’m excited to see the new opportunities that will be unlocked by WestJest Cargo and what it will mean for people and businesses across the province,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests and Minister responsible for the Consular Corps. “Getting B.C. made and grown goods to market continues to be foundational to our success and the quality of life in our province. This service will contribute to the success of delivering B.C. quality made products to the world.”

“YVR is proud to welcome WestJet to our airport’s cargo community, celebrating this important milestone as one of our valued long-term partners,” said Andy Margolis, Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer, Vancouver Airport Authority. “We have a shared duty to meet the growing needs of our community and the economy that supports it. This new freighter service from WestJet will facilitate the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of goods as well as enhance the connection of cargo to and from our region.”

“Air cargo is a truly essential link in Canada’s supply chain. Here in Richmond, over 500 freight, logistics and cargo companies are directly involved in helping Canadian products reach the global market and bringing needed products to Canada. This link is critical for everyone from our British Columbian fishers, and farmers, to our engineers in advanced manufacturing. Today’s inaugural flight of WestJet Cargo’s dedicated freighters will further strengthen our supply chain, and help ensure WestJet’s safe, reliable air shipping is there for the customers and businesses who need it,” said Shaena Furlong, President and CEO, Richmond Chamber of Commerce.

About WestJet Cargo
A dedicated division of the WestJet Group of Companies, WestJet Cargo provides air cargo services to businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers. Providing safe, reliable air-shipping for customers and businesses, WestJet Cargo utilizes the expansive network of WestJet’s wide and narrow-bodied aircraft and its newly introduced fleet of four dedicated Boeing 737-800 Converted Freighters (BCF) to meet the diverse needs of its cargo customers. For more information on WestJet Cargo please visit: https://www.westjetcargo.com/en-ca

About WestJet 

In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries. 

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com

Canada Jetlines Signs Contract with Canadian CFL team Ottawa Redblacks

TORONTO, ON, APRIL 24, 2023 – Canada Jetlines Operations Ltd. (NEO: CJET) (“Canada Jetlines” or the “Company”) announces that it has signed a contract to provide aircraft and crew to the Ottawa REDBLACKS for select regular season games. The contract will see Canada Jetlines fly the team to away games for the next three seasons starting in 2023 and continuing to 2025. 

“We are proud to have been selected for this contract with the Ottawa REDBLACKS, an iconic Canadian professional sports franchise with a rich history. The entire team at Canada Jetlines understands and thrives on teamwork and we are looking forward to being a part of the REDBLACKS organization ensuring we fly them to their games with a world class service. Canada Jetlines has seen continuous growth in demand for its Charter and ACMI (Aircraft Crew Maintenance and Insurance) business which complements our schedule service to leisure destinations,” said Canada Jetlines’ Chief Executive Officer and President, Eddy Doyle. 

“We’re excited to partner with Canada Jetlines and look forward to flying with them for the next three years,” said a REDBLACKS President Adrian Sciarra. “Reliable travel is integral for our players and staff and this new agreement will ensure that continues in 2023 and beyond.”

Canada Jetlines has completed approximately 100 charter and ACMI flights already since the beginning of 2023 and expects to perform several additional charter flights in the coming months.

Harbour Air’s ePlane flying to Downtown Vancouver for Earth Day

Harbour Air showcasing the future of sustainable flight

April 21, 2023, VANCOUVER, B.C.— Harbour Air’s ePlane will be making its first appearance in Downtown
Vancouver for Earth Day. This marks a significant milestone in the testing and approval process for the
certification of electric flying in Canada.

Credit: Harbour Air Seaplanes

The all-electric, Canadian-built de Havilland Beaver departed from the Harbour Air terminal on the Fraser
River, adjacent to YVR, and landed at their Downtown Vancouver terminal.

“We are thrilled to be making our first appearance in Downtown Vancouver on Earth Day” said Bert van der
Stege, CEO of Harbour Air. “On this Earth Day 2023, we acknowledge the immense effort required to make a
meaningful difference in our environmental impact. Our commitment to sustainability has inspired us to
invest significantly in reducing our carbon footprint. As we celebrate this year’s theme of “Invest In Our
Planet,” we are excited to continue our work towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.”
Harbour Air began its ePlane project in 2019 and has since been the global leader in electrifying and testing
zero-emission aircraft. The e-plane has successfully completed 25 hours of flight time among 72 flights.
Tomorrow marks the beginning of Harbour Air’s exciting Spring ePlane Tour, showcasing the future of
sustainable flight throughout British Columbia. The tour kicks off with an appearance in downtown
Vancouver on April 22, followed by stops on Salt Spring Island for Electrify Salt Spring on May 5th and 6th,
and Victoria Harbour on May 7th and 8th (subject to suitable weather conditions).

About Harbour Air Seaplanes

Harbour Air is North America’s largest seaplane airline — and the first airline globally to be fully carbon-neutral. The company’s international seaplane service, which originally began as a service for the forestry industry in B.C., is now a quintessential west coast experience. With a fleet of more than 40 aircraft, Harbour Air offers up to 300 daily flights to 12 destinations across B.C. and to Seattle, US. For more information, visit harbourair.com.

WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group celebration tour continues with second inauguration of dedicated freighter in Halifax

HALIFAX, NS, April 21, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group today celebrated the inauguration of the second of three 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters in Halifax alongside integral partners and key stakeholders. The event was commemorated by a ribbon cutting, signifying the launch of WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s dedicated freighter service in one of the carriers six hubs, that will fulfill the large-scale needs of businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers across North America. WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s Halifax celebration is the second of three inaugural events, taking place across Canada.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating this long-awaited milestone in Halifax, a core hub for WestJet Cargo that will connect our freighter service to Atlantic trade lines,” said Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Cargo. “Our Halifax hub unlocks unlimited potential to facilitate the distribution of a diverse variety of cargo products, including fresh seafood across Canada and enables WestJet Cargo to meet the large demand for freighter service across the east coast.”

“Today is an exciting day for the GTA Group as we celebrate and welcome this highly anticipated moment in Halifax. This joint venture with WestJet Cargo will without a doubt, strengthen our position to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Canadian cargo market,” said Mario (Mauro) D’Urso, Chairman of The GTA Group of Companies.” The capacity of these four dedicated freighters will bring customers new competitive options by providing more air freight capacity to cargo customers who depend on reliable and on-time performance. We are thrilled to see these freighters take flight as we strive to provide exceptional service to all of our customers and their business needs.”

WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s dedicated freighters will begin operating between its designated hubs in Calgary, Halifax, Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto and Vancouver. Integrating into the WestJet Group’s existing network, WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s dedicated freighters will work in tandem with the cargo carrying bellies of WestJet’s fleet, creating global connectivity and opening trade lanes between Canada and the Caribbean, Europe, Japan and the United States.

“Our incredibly talented team at WestJet Cargo is eager to disrupt Canada’s air cargo market, by bringing competitive cost advantages, increased choice, reliable on-time performance and exemplary customer service, to Canada’s underserved air cargo market. Today’s celebration signifies a green light to do just that, as we strive to meet the needs of Canada’s expanding cargo market,” continued de Bruijn.

In addition to the broad range of commodities already carried by WestJet Cargo such as perishables, ecommerce and live animals, the dedicated freighters have enabled a broad expansion of the carrier’s service offerings, including the capacity to carry oversized items and unitized ecommerce containers.

“It is an honour to celebrate this accomplishment amongst key partners and stakeholders, each of whom played an integral role in making today happen. The take-off of our dedicated freighters is a significant moment for Canada and the communities we serve, as we strengthen our ability to expand upon the essential products we carry across and beyond the country,” continued de Bruijn.

Additional quotes

“The addition of this cargo freighter service by WestJet opens one more avenue for our businesses to reach new customers. That means more opportunities to showcase our quality products, new investment to continue to drive the innovation we need to grow our economy and secure our future, and jobs in communities across Nova Scotia,” Honourable Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Economic Development

“We’re thrilled to welcome WestJet Cargo to Halifax Stanfield, strengthening our position as Atlantic Canada’s air cargo hub,” said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority. “Air cargo export activities provide significant economic value to Nova Scotia and the entire Atlantic Region, and the introduction of WestJet Cargo’s services in our market will provide more options for shipping popular Nova Scotia products, including live lobsters, to destinations across Canada and around the world.”  

About WestJet Cargo
A dedicated division of the WestJet Group of Companies, WestJet Cargo provides air cargo services to businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers. Providing safe, reliable air-shipping for customers and businesses, WestJet Cargo utilizes the expansive network of WestJet’s wide and narrow-bodied aircraft and its newly introduced fleet of four dedicated Boeing 737-800 Converted Freighters (BCF) to meet the diverse needs of its cargo customers. For more information on WestJet Cargo please visit: https://www.westjetcargo.com/en-ca

About WestJet 
In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries. 

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com. 

Travel Port-connected Travel Agents in Canada will be able to shop, book and service content from Canada Jetlines

TORONTO, ON, April 21, 2023 – Canada Jetlines Operations Ltd. (NEO: CJET) (“Canada Jetlines”), has confirmed that Travel Agents in Canada will soon be able to view and book Canada Jetlines inventory via the Travelport Distribution System.

Travelport, a global technology company that powers bookings for hundreds of thousands of travel suppliers worldwide, and Canada Jetlines, have executed a long-term agreement to bring New Distribution Capability (NDC) content and travel retailing technology solutions to the airline.

Joining the Travelport global marketplace will enable Canada Jetlines to enhance its geographic reach and target new leisure traveler segments, while providing travel agents with increased options to create optimal travel experiences for their clients.

“Canada Jetlines’ business plan from day one believed that having our content on as many shelves as possible, at the right time, and at the right price, while offering our travel trade partners competitive earning opportunities, would contribute to our growth plans.  We are looking forward to providing rich content through the Travelport+ platform, placing Jetlines inventory and services in the hands of travel agents around the world,” said Canada Jetlines Chief Commercial Officer, Duncan Bureau. 

“As the only travel retailing platform built for agents, our partnership with Canada Jetlines will further expand our content portfolio on Travelport+ so that our customers can offer more choice and the best options for their customers. Our Travelport+ platform will greatly support Canada Jetlines to help them expand their reach to more retailers,” said Craig Banks, Head of Commercial, Air Partners – Americas.  

The implementation of the Travelport Distribution System is expected to be completed and ready for use during the current quarter.

Canada Jetlines has announced new markets to Las Vegas, USA and Cancun, Mexico which began operations in February and March 2023 respectively. Canada Jetlines’ flights can be booked via Jetlines.com or contact your favorite Travel Agency. Canada Jetlines will operate its growing network with a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft. 

Air Canada Marks Earth Day with Purchase of 9.5 Million Litres of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

• SAF is a core pillar of airline’s Climate Action Plan
• 9.5 million litres of SAF will generate GHG reductions equaling approximately 23,500 tonnes of CO2e calculated with a full life cycle assessment
• Equivalent of GHG emissions absorbed by 28,000 acres of forest in one year

MONTREAL, April 21, 2023 /CNW/ – Air Canada marks Earth Day by announcing the purchase of 9.5 million litres of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The airline continues advancing initiatives in its Climate Action Plan by strengthening its partnership with SAF producer, Neste, to power flights with Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel^TM from San Francisco International Airport. The 9.5 million litres of SAF will generate GHG reductions of approximately 23,500 tonnes of CO₂e calculated based on a full lifecycle assessment. The 23,500 tonnes of CO₂e are equivalent to the annual GHG emissions absorbed by 28,000 acres of forest as per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency equivalencies calculator.

“At Air Canada, we have adopted a multifaceted approach to addressing climate change and sustainability. Environmental and social factors are incorporated into our strategic decisions, as are our fleet purchases and daily operations through our support of low-carbon alternatives. SAF comprises one of our core pillars in pursuing our net-zero emission targets. We have been purchasing Neste’s SAF since February 2022. Today’s announced purchase represents a five-fold increase in our SAF procurement year over year and is an important step towards our target of one per cent fuel to be SAF by 2025, supporting our journey towards our 2050 net zero decarbonization goals,” said Michael Rousseau, President and CEO at Air Canada.

“Decarbonising aviation is more important than ever and Neste is committed to helping the aviation industry move towards a more sustainable future. We are proud to support Air Canada in working towards their ambitious goal of net-zero emissions from all its global operations by 2050 by supplying Neste’s SAF which helps enable airlines to reduce their emissions. We look forward to continuing to work together as we increase our annual SAF production capability to 1.5 million tons per annum by the end of 2023,” said Michael Sargeant, Vice President Americas from the Renewable Aviation business unit at Neste.

Through Air Canada’s Leave Less Travel Program, corporate customers and cargo freight forwarders can purchase SAF, carbon offsets or a combination of both to offset or reduce GHG emissions related to business travel or cargo shipments, mitigating their carbon footprint. This program is one of the many comprehensive initiatives being implemented as part of Air Canada’s Climate Action Plan.

Powering aircraft with SAF directly reduces GHG at the source. Sustainable aviation fuel provides an alternative to conventional, fossil-based jet fuel. It is widely recognized as a key lever towards achieving aviation’s GHG emission reduction goals. Using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ could reduce GHG emissions by up to 80%* over the fuel’s life cycle, compared to conventional jet fuel.

The current global SAF supply remains extremely limited, costly, and insufficient to support worldwide demand. Air Canada looks forward to working with the Government of Canada to advance the availability and generate a meaningful supply of Canada-produced SAF for commercial aviation which would also support Canada’s position on climate change, the country’s environment goals, as well as the Canadian aviation industry which is an important economic contributor. Air Canada has championed several initiatives in this area, including:

• A founding member of the Canadian Council for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (C-SAF), a not-for-profit organization launched in 2022 seeking to bring together key industry stakeholders and government to accelerate the commercial production and use of Canadian made SAF.
  
• A founding member of, and the first Canadian carrier to join, the Aviation Climate Taskforce (ACT), formed to tackle the challenge of rising CO₂ emissions from commercial aviation. Comprised of ten global airlines and the Boston Consulting Group, the ACT was established to accelerate research and advance innovation related to emerging decarbonization technologies, including through the development of sustainable aviation fuels.
  
• A signatory of the Clean Skies for Tomorrow Coalition. The coalition’s mission is to accelerate the deployment and use of SAF technologies to reach 10% of global jet aviation fuel supply by 2030.
  
• In 2017, supporting the Civil Aviation Alternate Fuel Contrail and Emissions Research project (CAAFCER), led by Canada’s leading research institute, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), to test the environmental benefits of biofuel use on contrail formation. Air Canada flew a series of five biofuel flights, enabling the NRC to measure the impact of biofuel blends on contrail formation by aircraft.
  
• In 2016, joining as lead airline for Canada’s Biojet Supply Chain Initiative (CBSCI) to identify and help solve supply logistic barriers that arise when aviation biofuels are introduced at major Canadian and international airports—to benefit airlines and other stakeholders of biofuel supply chains.
  
• Since 2012, Air Canada has purchased 2,399,435 litres of SAF.

Air Canada continues to work towards its ambitious goal of net-zero emissions from all its global operations by 2050, with absolute midterm GHG net reduction targets by 2030 for both its air and ground operations compared to its 2019 baseline.

The airline currently reports its annual GHG emissions, targets and climate strategy through the CDP and in 2022 issued its first Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures aligned report, available here.  Additional information about Air Canada’s Environmental Social Governance activities is discussed in the airline’s Corporate Sustainability Report, Citizens of the World.

For more information about Air Canada’s environmental and sustainability programs, please visit Leave Less.    

*Calculated with established life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, such as CORSIA methodology.

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. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can 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 and freighter aircraft.  Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.

WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group celebrate inauguration of dedicated freighter in Toronto

TORONTO, April 20, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group today celebrated the inauguration of the first of three 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters in Toronto alongside integral business partners and key stakeholders. The event was commemorated by a ribbon cutting at WestJet’s Toronto hangar, signifying the launch of WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s dedicated freighter service that will fulfill the large-scale needs of businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers across North America. WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s Toronto celebration is the first of three inaugural events, taking place across Canada, with events in Halifax and Vancouver, to follow, respectively.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating this long-awaited milestone in Toronto, a core hub for WestJet Cargo and home of the GTA Group,” said Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Cargo. “As Canada’s largest global hub, Toronto is a vital destination for our dedicated freighter operation that will enable WestJet Cargo to plug into a vast network of cargo entering the country and allow us to seamlessly execute the distribution of this cargo to its final destination across Canada.”

“Today is an exciting day for the GTA Group as we celebrate and welcome this highly anticipated moment in Toronto. This joint venture with WestJet Cargo will without a doubt, strengthen our position to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Canadian cargo market,” said Mario (Mauro) D’Urso, Chairman of The GTA Group of Companies.” The capacity of the four dedicated freighters, will bring customers new competitive options by providing more air freight capacity to cargo customers who depend on reliable and on-time performance. We are thrilled to see these freighters take flight as we strive to provide exceptional service to all of our customers and their business needs.”

WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s dedicated freighters will now begin operating between its designated hubs in Halifax, Calgary, Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto and Vancouver. Integrating into the WestJet Group’s existing network, WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s dedicated freighters will work in tandem with the cargo carrying bellies of WestJet’s fleet, creating global connectivity and opening trade lanes between Canada and the Caribbean, Europe, Japan and the United States.

“Our incredibly talented team at WestJet Cargo is eager to disrupt Canada’s underserved air cargo market, by bringing competitive cost advantages, increased choice, reliable on-time performance and exemplary customer service. Today’s celebration signifies a green light to do just that, as we strive to meet the needs of Canada’s expanding cargo market,” continued de Bruijn.

In addition to the broad range of commodities already carried by WestJet Cargo such as perishables, ecommerce and live animals, the dedicated freighters have enabled a broad expansion of the carrier’s service offerings, including the capacity to carry oversized items and unitized ecommerce containers.

“It is an honour to celebrate this accomplishment amongst our key partners and stakeholders, each of whom played an important role in making today happen. The take-off of our dedicated freighters is a significant moment for Canada and the communities we serve, as we strengthen our ability to expand upon the essential products we carry across and beyond the country,” concluded de Bruijn.

Additional quotes

“As a proud Canadian leader in the industry, WestJet has always been on the cutting edge of transportation innovation,” said Caroline Mulroney, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation. “The new Cargo Freighters will help suppliers get their resources, businesses get their goods, and stimulate our economy by improving our efficiency to produce right here in Ontario.”

“We are pleased to welcome WestJet to our cargo services at Toronto Pearson. Fast and efficient transportation of goods is crucial to businesses today, and we’re proud of Pearson Airport’s important role in driving our economy forward,” said Janik Reigate, Director, Strategic Customer Relationships, GTAA. “We are excited to work with WestJet to meet the needs of businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers across North America who require prompt and reliable delivery of their cargo.”

“WestJet is as important a player as the City of Mississauga is in the transportation and shipping industry. Today, we celebrate the success of WestJet at the same time that Mississauga and the region surrounding Toronto Pearson have many successes to applaud. We, at the Mississauga Board of Trade, are happy to be a facilitator in connecting important players in business no matter the industry,” Trevor McPherson, President and CEO, Mississauga Board of Trade.

About WestJet Cargo

A dedicated division of the WestJet Group of Companies, WestJet Cargo provides air cargo services to businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers. Providing safe, reliable air-shipping for customers and businesses, WestJet Cargo utilizes the expansive network of WestJet’s wide and narrow-bodied aircraft and its newly introduced fleet of four dedicated Boeing 737-800 Converted Freighters (BCF) to meet the diverse needs of its cargo customers. For more information on WestJet Cargo please visit: https://www.westjetcargo.com/en-ca

About WestJet

In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries. 

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com. 

Air Canada to Launch New Benefits, Expanded Content and Additional Support as part of its New Distribution Capabilities (NDC) Program for Agencies and Travel Buyers

• Modernized product distribution strategy utilizes IATA NDC industry standards to offer Air Canada’s complete content at the best possible prices
• Travel agencies will have their choice of flexible options to access Air Canada’s NDC program, including through Global Distribution Systems (GDS)
• Air Canada taking steps to ensure continuity and a smooth transition for its global agency partners and collective customers

Montreal, April 19, 2023 – Air Canada today announced its New Distribution Capabilities (NDC) program, which will feature new benefits, expanded content and additional trade support for agencies and travel buyers. The program will provide a competitive alternative to legacy distribution, giving agents access to Air Canada inventory, fares, ancillary services, ticketing, and digital products. For buyers and travellers, NDC technology means their preferred agencies can now offer a broader range of Air Canada travel options and services at the best possible prices, improving competitiveness and the customer experience.

“From local independent agencies to large corporate travel management companies, our travel trade partners were, are, and will always be crucial to Air Canada’s commercial success. As we continue to introduce new products and revenue management capabilities, it’s incumbent on us to provide the travel trade with better technology so that they are well prepared for the future,” said Mark Nasr, Senior Vice President, Products, Marketing & eCommerce at Air Canada. “The transition to modern distribution enables delivery of the full range of content and fares that Air Canada provides, as well as access to the many upcoming products and services that will improve travel.”

Air Canada conducted extensive third-party research to hear first-hand what agencies and customers want from airlines, and its program design addresses key requirements, including on inventory, revenue, functional capabilities, and transition costs. In addition to making available the most comprehensive Air Canada content, the airline’s improved NDC program offers an efficient shopping experience for retail fare products and the elimination of select debit memos. Continuous pricing, as well as the addition of Flight Pass, is planned for 2023. Upgraded service and support levels include dedicated business and IT teams​, 24/7 monitoring​ and near real-time system status. Additional servicing automation options and order change notifications​ are also slated for this year.  

“We recognize the time and effort required by agency partners to transition to new technology and we are committed to supporting them. Their feedback to-date has served to shape our implementation plans. For example, our focus on introducing new content on NDC rather than removing existing content from GDS EDIFACT channels is a direct result of agency partner inputs. We will continue to actively listen to feedback, and we’ll use it to shape our policies and roadmap of future products and features enabled by NDC,” said Lisa M. Pierce, Vice President, Global Sales & Air Canada Vacations at Air Canada.

Air Canada will offer four flexible options for NDC access, each designed to suit different agency business models – ranging from API integration and a free web-based tool, to a growing catalogue of certified technology providers and a GDS-based solution.

As part of Air Canada’s modernization efforts, a Distribution Cost Recovery (DCR) will be introduced to address the high expense of legacy models. This DCR will be applicable to all tickets issued globally via GDS EDIFACT channels effective June 14, 2023. The DCR does not apply to bookings made via any of Air Canada’s NDC connection options including NDC-sourced content in a GDS solution, as well as through Air Canada’s other direct booking channels such as aircanada.com, aircanada.com/agents, Air Canada for Business, and the Air Canada mobile app, or group bookings.

Additional content immediately available on NDC technology includes domestic Basic fares, with best available seat inventory and discounted ancillary pricing becoming available on June 14, 2023. An NDC coupon incentive will also be introduced beginning June 14, 2023, to support agency transition and will apply to eligible NDC bookings made directly with an Air Canada NDC API connection or via select NDC certified technology partners.

Air Canada is committed to providing information, support, and transparent communications including an NDC hub at aircanada.com/ndc with up-to-date program information. Training opportunities, interactive webinars and regular email communication will also be available.

Many of Air Canada’s key agency partners have already begun implementing NDC connectivity, including Priceline, Flight Centre, Fareportal, Flighthub, Hopper, Maritime Travel, Skylink Voyages and Travix. These and other early partners have the opportunity to drive requirements and new functionality as the program develops. 

Air Canada will add NDC features and offerings as new products and services become available. For more information, travel agencies can go to aircanada.com/ndc.

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. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can 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 and freighter aircraft.  Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.