Airlines
WestJet first airline in Canada to fly Aero Design Lab’s drag reduction modification kit
DALLAS, March 21, 2023 /CNW/ — Aero Design Labs (ADL) today announced the first revenue flight in Canada with its proprietary drag reduction kit installed, with a WestJet 737-700 aircraft operating from Calgary to Toronto on March 20, 2023. As part of the testing and certification process, WestJet was the first airline in the world to install and operate with an ADL drag reduction kit on its aircraft. This milestone follows the Transport Canada issuance of a Supplemental Type Certificate for ADL’s drag reduction kit for installation on the Boeing 737-700 aircraft in December 2022.
“We are delighted to see our drag reduction kits flying with WestJet in Canada,” said Chris Jones, Aero Design Labs’ Chief Commercial Officer. “All of us at Aero Design Labs are grateful to WestJet and their teams who were pivotal in the testing and ultimate certification of our drag reduction kit. Together, we look forward to validating the reduced fuel burn and increased CO2 avoidance our kits provide.”
Through the use of proprietary computational fluid dynamics analysis, ADL’s drag reduction kits reduce the amount of drag on the aircraft which results in a reduced fuel burn and lowered CO2 emissions.
“We’re excited by the demonstrated success and environmental benefits our relationship with Aero Design Labs brings,” said WestJet’s Chief Operating Officer, Diederik Pen. “As innovation partners, we understand there’s still work to be done and as WestJet furthers our commitment to reducing CO2 emissions, we look forward to continuing our work with Aero Design Labs to validate data to determine further fleet implementation plans.”
“This WestJet flight marks the second airline to operate with our drag reduction kit in place in as many weeks,” continued Chris Jones. “We will gather more data from these flights and continue to build on the momentum of airlines installing our kits and a further understanding of the reduced fuel burn and CO2 emissions our customers are achieving.”
About Aero Design Labs L.L.C.
Founded in 2015, Aero Design Labs (ADL) leads the way in the research, development and installation of drag reduction systems for airline fleets globally. ADL modifications to airlines’ existing fleets can result in fuel savings and the potential for billions of pounds CO2 to be prevented from entering the atmosphere.
Aviation expert breaks down approved WestJet-Sunwing deal: What’s next?
Air Canada Registers With the Office québécois de la langue française
MONTREAL, March 20, 2023 /CNW/ – Air Canada announces its voluntary registration with the Office québécois de la langue française pursuant to the Charter of the French language, following several months of discussions with the Office.
As Canada’s largest air carrier, Air Canada is proud of its commitment to the French language in Quebec and across its global network. The additional step the airline is taking today reflects its aim to contribute to the protection, promotion and reach of the French language, while complying with the Official Languages Act that applies to the carrier.
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. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OCTQX in the US.
WestJet Cargo receives approval on behalf of Transport Canada certifying its 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters
Approval signals bright future for WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group as dedicated freighters prepare for takeoff with first departure set for April 22, 2023
CALGARY, AB, March 20, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet Cargo today announced that it has received Transport Canada’s approval and official certification of its four 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF). Following certification, WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group will expeditiously implement three freighters into service, as dedicated aircraft that will fulfill the large-scale needs of businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers across North America. The fourth of WestJet Cargo’s dedicated freighters is expected to join the accompanying fleet later this year, following the completion of its conversion.
“Today is a long-awaited milestone for WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group, that will now enable us to disrupt the air cargo industry in Canada by providing our customers with more choice, competitive prices and the exemplary customer service synonymous with the WestJet brand, but unique to the air cargo industry,” said Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Cargo. “We thank Transport Canada for its dedication to certifying these aircraft, which will serve to better support Canada’s national transportation supply chain through increased competition and capacity within Canada’s air cargo market.”
Seamlessly integrating into WestJet Cargo’s existing operations and operated by WestJet’s highly skilled 737 pilots, the dedicated freighters will initially focus service within North America, serving Calgary, Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Miami. Leveraging its quick to load and fly narrow body aircraft, the 737-800 equipped with CFM56-7B engines will enable WestJet Cargo to offer greater fuel efficiency, flexibility and frequency for its customers, beginning April 22, 2023.
WestJet Cargo’s dedicated freighter routes will further connect to the bellies of WestJet’s fleet, serving to accommodate the diverse needs of cargo customers in leveraging the airline’s expansive network.
“Today’s announcement was made possible by our incredibly talented team of cargo experts and the GTA Group, our valued partner, who have worked diligently towards this achievement that brings WestJet Cargo one step closer to fulfilling our mission to bring competitive cost advantages and reliable on-time performance to Canada’s underserved cargo landscape,” continued de Bruijn.
“Today is an exciting day for the GTA Group as we celebrate this highly anticipated moment that will bring our partnership with WestJet Cargo to new heights,” said Mario (Mauro) D’Urso, Chairman of the GTA Group of Companies. “Through the capacity of these four dedicated freighters, we are now in an excellent position to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Canadian cargo market.”
WestJet Cargo freighter bookings will be made available on April 1, 2023. To learn more about how WestJet Cargo’s team, network and flight plans can fulfill a diverse array of shipping needs, visit WestJet Cargo.
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: westjetcargo.com.
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.
Flair Airlines Statement Regarding Recent Events
EDMONTON, Alberta, March 15, 2023. Since our launch in 2017, Flair Airlines has championed a relentless mission to bring affordable airfare to all Canadians. We believe air travel should be accessible to the entirety of the Canadian population, yet it remains unserved by Big Air. Since our inception, we have faced significant resistance in challenging the status quo of an industry weighted by monopolistic practice. We accept that resistance will continue, as will our response.
Airborne Capital’s unlawful and immeasurably destructive actions were taken on the first weekend of many of our customers’ school breaks. This is profiteering on the backs of Canadians and was entirely unexpected and unwarranted. As a result, on March 14th 2023, Flair Airlines filed a lawsuit against Airborne Capital with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
Airborne Capital’s actions have caused enormous disruption to the customers Flair serves. We have implemented every recovery measure possible to help our customers. We have deployed a dedicated team who have taken steps to ensure affected passengers can conclude their journeys with minimal disruption, rebooking hundreds of travellers on flights with Flair Airlines, or another airline, at no additional cost. Additionally, customers can rebook their own travel and receive a reimbursement within seven days. We want to firmly reiterate that Flair Airlines will continue to fly its schedule. We have brought four additional planes into service. All customers can book future travel with us with confidence.
Our customers will remain our number one priority. Through our lower airfares, and our impact on airfares across the board, Flair has saved Canadians over $252M in 2022, offering a nearly 60% reduction to the market average of the same routes prior to the pandemic. We take great pride in employing more than 1,000 people across the country, with a tangible economic impact to the communities we serve and the more than 35 destinations where we fly. We continue to offer one of the lowest cost structures of any airline in Canada, meaning a significant proportion of the national population that could not afford air travel previously, now can. With more than 80% of Canadians deeming lower-cost flights for the nation as an important contributor to the national interest, our founding mission remains resolute: we proudly serve as Canada’s leading low-fare airline and are firmly supported by our investment partners in this endeavour.
We are here to stay, and we will keep flying.
About Flair Airlines
Flair Airlines is Canada’s leading low-fare airline and its greenest airline, on a mission to provide affordable air travel that connects them to the people and experiences they love. With an expanding fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, Flair is growing to serve over 35 cities across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. For more information, please visit www.flyflair.com.
WestJet revitalizes commitment to Kelowna with CEO visit to region
March 17, 2023 – News Release
WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer Alexis von Hoensbroech today joined Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas and Airport Director Sam Samaddar to meet with valued partners and leaders across Kelowna’s business, travel and tourism sectors. Those gathered discussed the importance of WestJet’s investments in the region and the airline’s renewed focus on Kelowna as the airline’s ambitious growth strategy takes flight. “WestJet is a highly valued partner at Kelowna International Airport and for our entire City,” said Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas. ”I am excited to see this relationship continue to grow through additional air service to support development of our local community”
This summer, through the resumption of service to popular domestic destinations and enhanced frequencies on existing routes, WestJet’s total seat capacity to Kelowna International Airport will increase by 28 per cent compared to 2022 and further strengthen the region’s visitor and business economies. Through today’s visit to the region, WestJet remains committed to continuing to work alongside key partners to further build upon its 27-year legacy of serving the community. “WestJet has been part of the Kelowna community for 27 years,” said Samaddar. “WestJet’s commitment to Kelowna has allowed us to grow exponentially to become the 10th busiest Airport in the country.”
“WestJet is incredibly proud of our longstanding history of investment in Kelowna which has spanned across our 27-years of serving Canadians,” said von Hoensbroech. “Ensuring that we take the time to connect with our airport and community partners is a vital aspect of our new strategy as we work to collectively ensure that Kelowna continues to benefit from affordable air travel and enhanced connectivity to popular destinations across WestJet’s growing network.”
Details WestJet’s Summer Schedule from Kelowna:
Kelowna – Calgary 8x daily Daily Kelowna – Edmonton 35x weekly Daily Kelowna – Regina 2x weekly Sunday, Thursday Kelowna – Saskatoon 2x weekly Monday, Friday Kelowna – Vancouver 7x daily Daily Kelowna – Victoria 1x daily Daily Kelowna – Winnipeg 3x weekly Monday, Wednesday, Friday
WestJet CEO visits YLW, commits to continued partnership between airline and airport
Canada Jetlines Outlines Potential Qatar Airways Collaboration
TORONTO, ON, March 16, 2023 – Canada Jetlines Operations Ltd. (NEO: CJET) (“Canada Jetlines”) is pleased to announce that it is in discussions with Qatar Airways Group Q.C.S.C. (“Qatar Airways”) to explore a potential collaboration between the two airlines. Subject to all regulatory approvals, the parties are discussing the possibility of including non-stop flights between Toronto-Pearson and Doha, the home of Qatar Airways. This would offer Canadian travellers access to Qatar Airways’ unparalleled network via Doha to destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Indian Subcontinent and across Asia.
“We are pleased to discuss potential opportunities with Qatar Airways, an international airline known for its world-class service and consistently recognised by the industry and consumers as the best airline in the world,” said Eddy Doyle, President & CEO of Canada Jetlines. “Qatar is not only a growing and exciting destination, it is also home to the world’s best airport, Hamad International Airport, which provides seamless connectivity to Qatar Airways’ superior global network.”
Qatar Airways was recently named ‘Airline of the Year’ for an unprecedented seventh time at the 2022 World Airline Awards, presented by international aviation ratings organization Skytrax. It was also named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’.
Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide via its hub in Doha, Hamad International Airport, which was named “Best Airport in the World” for the second year in a row at the 2022 Skytrax World Airport Awards.
Air Canada Named One of the 50 Most Engaged Workplaces for Sixth Consecutive Year
Achievers recognizes firms that celebrate, support and engage employees
MONTREAL, March 16, 2023 /CNW/ – Air Canada has been recognized as one of Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces® for 2023. It is the sixth consecutive year Air Canada has won the award, given for innovative engagement and recognition practices that elevate the employee experience.
“At its heart, Air Canada is a customer service business, and we rely on our highly motivated and dedicated employees to deliver on that promise each and every day. We put a premium on all our people throughout our company because each of them is essential and they are the best at what they do. We are always devising new ways to support them so that they can continue to succeed, and it is gratifying that Achievers recognizes these efforts,” said Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs at Air Canada.
The Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces® is one of several awards Air Canada has already won this year for its workplace engagement and employee practices. The carrier has also been named:
- One of “Montreal’s Top Employers” for 2023 by Mediacorp Canada for the 10th consecutive year.
- One of Canada’s Best Employers 2023 by Forbes for the eighth consecutive year.
- Winner of the 2023 HRD Innovative HR Teams Award for Forward-Thinking HR Programs.
In selecting its winners, Achievers assembled a panel of 11 esteemed judges comprised of employee engagement academics, industry analysts, thought leaders, journalists, and influencers to evaluate the applicants. Winners were selected based on Achievers’ Eight Elements of Employee Engagement®: Accountability & Performance, Belonging, Equity & Inclusion, Culture Alignment, Manager Empowerment, Professional & Personal Growth, Purpose & Leadership, Recognition & Rewards, and Wellbeing.
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. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OCTQX in the US.
About Achievers
Achievers’ employee voice and recognition solutions bring your organization’s values and strategy to life by activating employee participation and accelerating a culture of performance. Achievers leverages the science behind behavior change, so your people and your organization can experience sustainable, data-driven business results. Visit us at www.achievers.com.
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