VANCOUVER — WestJet has lost an appeal of a court decision that refused to throw out a proposed class-action lawsuit accusing the airline of fostering a culture that tolerates harassment of female employees.
Former WestJet flight attendant Mandalena Lewis stands for a photograph in Vancouver, B.C., on Tuesday March 8, 2016. DARRYL DYCK / THE CANADIAN PRESS
Former flight attendant Mandalena Lewis is suing over alleged gender-based discrimination, accusing her former employer of breaking its promise to provide a harassment-free workplace for women.
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge dismissed WestJet’s application to strike the legal action in 2017, rejecting the company’s argument that the dispute belongs before a human rights tribunal and workers’ compensation board.
The airline took its argument to the B.C. Court of Appeal and a three-judge panel ruled against it on Thursday, saying in a written decision that nothing in the relevant statutes removes the jurisdiction of the courts in this case.
None of the allegations have been proven in court and neither WestJet nor Lewis immediately responded to requests for comment on the decision.
The lawsuit proposes to represent all of WestJet’s past and current female flight attendants whose employment included a so-called anti-harassment promise, but the case has yet to be approved as a class-action.
TORONTO, Feb. 21, 2019 /CNW/ – Porter Airlines released its 2019 schedule for Stephenville, N.L., with 48 round-trip flights operating between Halifax, beginning May 4, 2019, through January 8, 2020, with schedules varying by season.
“We are ready to begin our sixth year of service in Stephenville,” said Robert Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines. “It is an important route for locals and an opportunity for visitors to access a unique area of the province.”
Porter Airlines released its 2019 schedule for Stephenville, N.L., with 48 round-trip flights operating between Halifax, beginning May 4, 2019, through January 8, 2020, with schedules varying by season. (CNW Group/Porter Airlines)
“We are pleased Porter Airlines recognizes the importance of the Stephenville Airport as a critical transportation hub for Western Newfoundland,” said Joe Sheen, Chair of the Board of Directors.
Travellers can discover the beauty of Newfoundland’s west coast, enjoying the distinct local culture and many amazing outdoor activities, when flying Porter to Stephenville.
Flights also connect with Ottawa and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on the same aircraft. Other destinations in the Porter network are accessible from these points.
“This service will support increased visitation, business travel, and investment, enhancing the economic well-being of the region,” said Brenda Martin, CEO and Airport Manager.
Christmas season flights were introduced for the first time in 2017, after four years of popular summer service. The 2019 schedule is planned as follows:
Spring 2019
7 round-trip flights (Saturdays; May 4 – June 15)
Summer 2019
23 round-trip flights (Wednesdays and Saturdays; June 19 – September 4)
Fall 2019
11 round-trip flights (Saturdays; September 7 – November 16)
Holidays 2019
7 round-trip flights (Wednesdays and Saturdays; December 18 – January 8)
Flights are currently available for booking on Porter’s website and through travel agents. Complete schedule information is available at www.flyporter.com.
About Porter
Porter Airlines has revolutionized short-haul flying with a warm and effortless approach to hospitality, restoring glamour and refinement to air travel. Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®.
The airline currently offers flights to Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton, Halifax, St. John’s, Stephenville, N.L., Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Timmins, Windsor, New York (Newark), Chicago(Midway), Boston and Washington (Dulles), and has seasonal flights to Mt. Tremblant, Que., Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Orlando-Melbourne, Fla.
Vacation packages are available from Porter Escapes at www.porterescapes.com, or call (855) 372-1100 for more information.
Convenient connections at Calgary hub throughout Alberta and BC
MONTREAL, Feb. 21, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada today announced it will launch new daily, seasonal flights between Calgary and London, Ontario beginning June 24, 2019 until mid-October. Flights will be operated onboard Air Canada Rouge Airbus A319 aircraft with a choice of two cabins, wi-fi options and in-flight entertainment streamed to personal devices.
Air Canada to Launch Seasonal Flights Between Calgary and London, Ontario (CNW Group/Air Canada)
“We are pleased to expand Air Canada’s domestic network linking London, Ontario to our Calgary hub with daily seasonal flights this summer. We have strategically added these non-stop services between the considerable southern Ontario market and Alberta to offer both convenient point-to-point travel, as well as easy connections at our Calgary hub to and from destinations throughout Alberta and BC including Vancouver Island,” said Mark Galardo, Vice President, Network Planning at Air Canada. “In London, the addition of Calgary flights complements our flights to Montreal and Toronto, giving customers in the greater southwestern Ontario region unparalleled options of connecting over three convenient hubs when travelling to their final destinations this summer.”
“This is wonderful news for travellers throughout southwestern Ontario,” says Mike Seabrook, CEO of London International Airport. “Air Canada continues to demonstrate their commitment to our region and have been steadily increasing the number of destinations that they serve from London. With our “Easy and Comfortable” approach to travel at London International, passengers are going to love this new service.”
“This new flight offers Albertans a direct link to western Ontario and will make for a shorter journey to western Canadafor passengers from the east,” said Michael Hayward, Vice President, Marketing and Guest Experience, The Calgary Airport Authority. “We’d like to thank and congratulate Air Canada on this new flight.”
Flight #
Depart
Local Time
Arrive
Local Time
AC1697
London, ON (YXU)
07:00
Calgary (YYC)
09:08
AC1698
Calgary (YYC)
16:10
London, ON (YXU)
21:58
Flights are now available for purchase along with special promotional fares at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App, through Air Canada’s Contact Centres, and through travel agents.
All Air Canada flights provide for Aeroplan accumulation and redemption and for eligible customers, priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounge access at main airports, priority boarding and other benefits.
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 21, 2019 /CNW/ – Cargojet Inc. (“Cargojet” or the “Corporation”) (TSX: CJT) (TSX: CJT.A) announced today financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2018.
For the Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2018:
Total Revenues were $132.6 million, an increase of $14.4 million or 12.2% versus the previous year
Gross Margin was $37.1 million, a decrease of $0.3 million or 0.8% versus the previous year
Adjusted EBITDA was $40.2million, an increase of $2.9 million or 7.8% versus the previous year
Adjusted EBITDAR was $42.3million, an increase of $2.2 million or 5.5% versus the previous year
For the Year Ended December 31, 2018:
Total Revenues were $454.9 million, an increase of $72.0 million or 18.8% versus the previous year
Gross Margin was $112.3million, an increase of $6.0 million or 5.6% versus the previous year
Adjusted EBITDA was $128.0million, an increase of $18.5 million or 16.9% versus the previous year
Adjusted EBITDAR was $137.9million, an increase of $15.0 million or 12.2% versus the previous year
“Cargojet continued to produce strong revenue and EBITDA growth in 2018,” said Ajay Virmani, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are very pleased with our financial and operating results as we prudently manage our capacity to meet air cargo demand particularly related to e-commerce growth in Canada as well as our expanding ACMI and ad-hoc charter business. The continued year over year results are a direct reflection of the Cargojet team’s efforts and dedication in continuing to provide a first class service to our customers,” he added.
Cargojet is Canada’s leading provider of time sensitive overnight air cargo services and carries over 1,300,000 pounds of cargo each business night. Cargojet operates its network across North America each business night, utilizing a fleet of all-cargo aircraft. For more information, please visit: www.cargojet.com.
Non-GAAP Measures
“Adjusted EBITDA” and “Adjusted EBITDAR” are non-GAAP measures used by the Corporation to provide additional information on its financial and operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR are not recognized measures for financial statement presentation under Canadian GAAP and it does not have standardized meanings and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other public companies.
Adjusted EBITDA is used by the Corporation to assess earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, gain or loss on disposal of capital assets, unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses, gain or loss on forward foreign exchange contracts, gain or loss on cash settled share based payment arrangement, loss on extinguishment of debt, employee pension, aircraft heavy maintenance expenditures, heavy maintenance deposits and non-cash pension expenses as these costs can vary significantly among airlines due to differences in the way airlines finance their aircraft and other assets. Adjusted EBITDAR is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA excluding aircraft rents. The Corporation believes that these alternative measures provide a more consistent basis to compare the performance of the Corporation between the periods. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR provide additional information to users of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) to enhance their understanding of the Company’s financial performance.
Reconciliation of non-GAAP EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR to GAAP income is provided on page 15 of the MD&A for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018.
Notice on Forward Looking Statements:
Certain statements contained herein constitute “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements look into the future and provide an opinion as to the effect of certain events and trends on the business. Forward-looking statements may include words such as “plans,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “should,” “estimates,” “expects,” “believes,” “indicates,” “targeting,” “suggests” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and entail various risks and uncertainties. Reference should be made to the issuer’s most recent Annual Information Form filed with the Canadian securities regulators, and it’s most recent Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto and related Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), for a summary of major risks. Actual results may materially differ from expectations, if known and unknown risks or uncertainties affect our business, or if our estimates or assumptions prove inaccurate. The issuer assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or any other reason, other than as required by applicable securities laws. In the event the issuer does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that the issuer will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement.
HALIFAX, Feb. 21, 2019 /CNW/ – Chorus Aviation Inc. (‘Chorus’) (TSX: CHR) announced today an agreement by Chorus Aviation Capital to acquire a portfolio of six aircraft with leases attached. The portfolio consists of two ATR72-600s on lease to Azul of Brazil, and four Q400s on lease to two other existing customers of Chorus Aviation Capital. With these acquisitions, Chorus’ suite of leased regional aircraft (inclusive of nine transactions pending completion) has reached 40 aircraft, comprising 28 turboprops and 12 regional jets valued at approximately US $850 million.
“We are delighted to secure this portfolio acquisition, which will add six more attractive turboprop aircraft to our global fleet and further our relationships with our customers,” commented Steven Ridolfi, President, Chorus Aviation Capital. “With the establishment of our new US $300 million credit facility and the capital we have on hand, I’m confident the momentum achieved in our growth strategy will continue to build.”
The acquisitions of the aircraft on lease to Azul have been completed. The acquisitions of the aircraft on lease to the two other lessees remain to be completed subject to satisfaction of customary conditions precedent to closing.
Provided by HEC Montréal – Centre sur la productivité et la prospérité/CNW
MONTRÉAL, Feb. 21, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ – The Trudeau government has been considering privatizing the eight largest airports in the national network since a report was tabled on the future of transportation in Canada, but the idea has not received unanimous approval. While it is certainly attractive in terms of public finances, the prospect has been strongly criticized by different stakeholders, from airlines worried about seeing user fees increase to certain airport authorities who see no benefits for the country. The Centre for Productivity and Prosperity – Walter J. Somers Foundation, wishing to shed more light on this question, has now released a study on the potential impact of this change for Canada. The Centre unhesitatingly concludes that privatizing Canadian airports would not lead to any significant productivity gains.
A broadening trend According to Jacques Roy, a Professor at HEC Montréal and the author of the study, privatizing airports is an increasingly popular phenomenon, making it easier to understand the issues and assess the benefits and drawbacks in terms of efficiency and productivity. “In 2016, 41% of European airports were owned entirely or in part by private interests, as opposed to just 22% in 2010,” the expert explains.
By analyzing the impact of different governance models at airports around the world, he found that privatization does not guarantee more efficient and effective management. “Based on data from the Air Transport Research Society, which compares the performance of 206 airports and 24 airport groups, we can see that public-sector airports have productivity indicators comparable with those of airports owned entirely or in part by private interests,” he notes. “Looking at these results, it’s hard to claim that private-sector governance would help boost productivity, especially since it is often the best-performing airports that get privatized.”
Canadian performance In fact, some results seem to show that Canada has made the right choices. “Its largest airports have invested close to $20 billion over the past 20 years to improve their infrastructure, under relatively advantageous credit conditions. It’s not clear that private, for-profit airports would have done better – in fact, the opposite is possible,” Roy maintains.
“Airports are strategic infrastructures for a country the size of Canada, and I feel that it would be preferable for the federal government to remain the owner,” the author concludes. “This consideration should not justify the status quo, however. In the short term, it would be a good idea to review regulatory and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that Canadian airports remain functional and competitive, with respect for the interests of users and communities. In my opinion, Australia has an interesting model, as its largest airports are overseen by an organization that monitors prices and service levels.”
About the Centre for Productivity and Prosperity – Walter J. Somers Foundation The Centre for Productivity and Prosperity – Walter J. Somers Foundation has a twofold mission. First of all, it is devoted to research on productivity and prosperity, mainly in Quebec. The Centre then shares its research findings through knowledge transfer and educational activities.
About the Walter J. Somers Foundation The Somers family established the Walter J. Somers Foundation in tribute to the founder of Walter Surface Technologies. Through different donations, the Foundation pursues the family heritage of commitment to the community and contributes to the prosperity of Quebec society, firstly by helping to improve its productivity but also by supporting excellence in youth education.
VANCOUVER, Feb. 21, 2019 /CNW/ – Today, Destination Canada – Canada’s national marketing organization, announced a second consecutive record-breaking year with 21.13 million travellers to Canada in 2018. Tourism generates 745,300 jobs in communities across Canada and contributes an estimated $102.5 billion to the economy. Destination Canada supports this thriving sector through innovative, data-driven marketing in key international markets with industry partners.
2018: Canada’s Best Year Ever infographic (CNW Group/Destination Canada)
“The results released today once again demonstrate that tourism is a key part of the Canadian economy,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie. “Canada’s tourism sector creates good jobs and supports middle-class families in every region of the country. Our government is determined to help this sector reach its full potential. That’s why we’re developing a new tourism strategy. We want Canada to take its rightful place among the world’s top destinations.”
“These strong results reflect the passion and dedication of the thousands of Canadians who work in our tourism sector,” said Ben Cowan-Dewar, Chairperson of Destination Canada’s Board of Directors. “Destination Canada has aligned industry partners across the country when marketing Canada internationally to give Canada a competitive edge and consistent voice to position Canada as top of mind for travellers from all over the world.”
Overnight arrivals to Canada from countries other than the United States reached an all-time high of 6.7 million in 2018, representing 32% of the total arrivals. Overseas tourists typically stay in Canada longer and spend more, benefiting tourism businesses in communities across Canada, and the economy.
This record-breaking year is due to a number of contributing factors, including Destination Canada’s marketing efforts. In recent years the Government of Canada has implemented visa changes for priority markets by introducing the eTA and opening additional visa application centres in China, ECanada’s third largest source market. New flight routes and increased service to Canadian airports have flight capacity soaring by 6% over 2017 to the highest level ever and representing an additional 2 million seats on flights to Canada. It’s now easier than ever before for tourists to explore Canada.
Key highlights
2018 was the best year for Canadian tourism on record, with arrivals reaching 21.13 million, breaking the 21 million mark for the first time ever.
China, France, and Mexico surpassed the 700K, 600K, and 400K marks, respectively, for annual visitors to Canadafor the first time in 2018.
A record breaking performance in December brought 2018 US arrivals to 14.44 million, the highest level recorded since 2004.
New annual arrivals records set in the following key international markets:
China – 737,379 arrivals, an increase of 6% over 2017 (first time exceeding 700,000)
France – 604,166 arrivals, an increase of 5% over 2017(first time exceeding 600,000)
Mexico – 404,402 arrivals, an increase of 5% over 2017 (first time exceeding 400,000)
India – 287,416 arrivals, an increase of 15% over 2017
New monthly arrivals records set for December in the following key international markets:
United States – 944,886 arrivals, an increase of 2% over December 2017
China – 41,497 arrivals, an increase of 6% over December 2017
France – 41,014 arrivals, an increase of 2% over December 2017
Mexico – 40,996 arrivals, an increase of 6% over December 2017
Australia – 37,485 arrivals, an increase of 4% over December 2017
India – 17,855 arrivals, an increase of 5% over December 2017.
Some Canadians who planned to use Flair airlines to head south this spring have been left scrambling after the ultra-low-cost carrier cancelled several routes.
Flair is suspending seasonal service earlier than expected to some U.S. destinations beginning Thursday, Feb. 28, a spokesperson confirmed Wednesday.
Flair is ending flights to three places: Miami and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (near Tampa Bay) in Florida, and Palm Springs, California.
Flair said it will continue to fly from Winnipeg to Orlando unchanged, as well as between Las Vegas and Phoenix-Mesa in Arizona and Edmonton and Winnipeg, but with reduced frequency.
“We are in the process of contacting all affected passengers and providing them with full refunds or, for those who have already started their journey, alternative travel arrangements on other airlines,” spokesperson Iris Dias said.
The Edmonton-based airline said it entered an agreement with a third party airline to provide services to some US destinations, “to allow our people the time to train and prepare for the addition of our new aircraft type, the Boeing 737-800NG.”
Flair said that agreement was challenged by several external factors and disappointing passenger booking numbers did not deliver the results they had expected.
Analyst Marvin Ryder, a marketing professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont., said these are growing pains that come with ultra-low-cost carriers — adding, as a young company, Flair is still testing to see what works and what does not.
“Expect the unexpected. Expect to suddenly hear they’re going to add routes; the next day they’re going to cut routes or they’re going to reduce the amount of service or changing the plane because they’re still experimenting.
“I just can’t state that enough: we are very much in the experimental mode.”
Another video – click here: One industry expert says to expect these ups and downs when booking with ultra low-cost carriers. Kendra Slugoski reports.
Ryder said he expects to see more of Flair testing routes and cancelling ones that don’t live up to expectation, adding the company can’t afford to keep running unprofitable flights just for the sake of keeping customers happy.
“In particular with Flair, it doesn’t have deep pockets. Swoop who’s the competitor, has WestJet — and well, WestJet’s got some pockets. They can run this trial a little longer. For Flair, if they’re not getting the pickup they need, they really got to cut their losses.”
Nikki Escaravage is learning just how much risk comes with taking advantage of a good deal. She and her two daughters were booked on a round-trip from Edmonton to Palm Springs, and left on Tuesday.
“It was a pretty good deal. I had known a few friends who had flown Flair air before and they had raved about it, so I thought I would take a chance and see if it worked for us.”
She arrived in southern California, only to be contacted by a friend who said the return flight to Edmonton next week had been cancelled. Escaravage said there was no notification on Flair’s website, and when she called was told the airline was re-structuring most of its flights to the U.S.
Escaravage said her flight was refunded but the airline didn’t offer to help with finding a new way home, so she booked with WestJet instead. She wishes Flair had done a better job of communicating.
“I’ve given you my money, I’m trying to have a nice time with my family and my flights are cancelled. You knew about it and didn’t tell me.”
“You should let your customers know.”
Ryder says the early days, or years, of a new ultra-low-cost carrier are like the “wild, wild west.”
“I always caution everyone who wants to book with a low-cost carrier: This is not the same as Air Canada, this is not the same as WestJet where you have a 50- or 60-year history of performance.”
He said many Canadians are willing to take the risk of sudden changes, if it means getting a great deal.
“We Canadians are just kind of learning what ultra-low-cost carriers are all about and here’s the good news — early indications are we like them and we are giving them our business,” Ryder said.
Flair said its Canadian flight network will be unaffected by the changes to its trans-border services.
The news comes one week after Flair unveiled a big re-branding, which includes green-and-black paint jobs on their planes and a new logo – with a lowercase “f” – as well as new crew uniforms and a new website.
The airline said the re-brand would “set the course for the airline’s next stages of growth.”
Flair said since it announced it was moving its headquarters to Edmonton last summer, it has increased its workforce by some 20 per cent to over 300 people, relocated to four floors of the office tower at Edmonton International Airport, introduced new international routes and welcomed the first Boeing 737-800 aircraft into its fleet.
It said four more are planned to arrive by the end of 2019.
News provided by CTV Newswith a hint from P.H – Thanks
Jon Hendricks reports on what routes Flair Air nixed between Winnipeg and the U.S. and the impact on travellers.
CTVNews.ca Staff, with a report form CTV Winnipeg’s Jon Hendricks Published Wednesday, February 20, 2019 8:25PM EST Last Updated Wednesday, February 20, 2019 8:32PM EST
Canadian travelers looking to head to south over Spring Break may be in trouble if they booked through Flair Airlines.
Several travellers have told CTV Winnipeg that they have received emails from the airline this week telling them that their flights have been cancelled.
“Flair can confirm that we are suspending seasonal service to some US destinations beginning February 28th,” a spokesperson said in a statement to CTV Winnipeg.
“We are in the process of contacting all affected passengers and providing them with full refunds or, for those who have already started their journey, alternative travel arrangements on other airlines.”
Flair has only suspended service between Winnipeg and Miami, and St. Petersburg-Clearwater. Scheduled flights to Orlando, Las Vegas, and Phoenix-Mesa remain unchanged.
Travel Consultant Iris Jamieson recommends that anyone affected by the cancellations should rebook with another airline as soon as possible to keep their travel plans from being disrupted.
“Christmas and Spring break are two of the most heavy traffic periods during the year,” Jamieson said.
Flair says their Canadian flight network will not be affected by the changes.
February 19, 2019 Montréal Business Aircraft, Press Release
Dedicated Challenger 300 aircraft boosts mobile response capability in Europe and supplements shipping from Frankfurt parts distribution hub
Additional mobile response aircraft continues worldwide Customer Experience growth to further enhance product support and services
Challenger 300 mobile response aircraft will provide thorough coverage and skilled OEM support throughout Europe and the Middle East
Newly entered-into-service Global 7500 business jet operators to benefit from increased mobile response capability
Bombardier today announced the latest addition to its expanding service and support network – a dedicated Mobile Response Team (MRT) aircraft, based in Frankfurt, Germany. The Challenger 300 aircraft marked its entry-into-service by successfully completing its first mission, providing a European customer with efficient unscheduled maintenance support.
The strategically located Challenger 300 aircraft will deftly supplement the shipping of parts from Bombardier’s main European parts distribution hub at Frankfurt International Airport. Its 3,065-NM (5,646-km) range and impressive Mach 0.83 top speed capability will enhance the MRT’s reach and response times to a fleet size of more than 700 aircraft in Europe and the Middle East.
“With this investment, we are adding expertise and increasing accessibility to OEM support for our European operators and paving the way for the industry’s largest and longest-range business jet – our flagship Global 7500 aircraft – which is now in service,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Vice-President and General Manager, Customer Experience, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “The addition of a dedicated Challenger 300 aircraft will augment the worldwide efforts of our MRT, already ranked as one of the most comprehensive onsite, mobile and aircraft-on-ground resolution services in the industry.”
Bombardier Customer Support in Europe: There are a total of seven Bombardier line maintenance stations in Europe located in Luton, UK, Linz, Austria, Paris, Nice and Cannes in France, and Milan and Olbia in Italy. They complement the tip-to-tail heavy maintenance services provided by Bombardier’s newest wholly-owned service centre at London Biggin Hill Airport in the UK and jointly owned Lufthansa Bombardier Aviation Services in Berlin. Bombardier operators also have access to 12 Authorized Service Facilities in the region.
Bombardier Worldwide Mobile Response Services: In recent months, Bombardier has expanded its customer response capability significantly. Five new Mobile Response Team trucks have been deployed, bringing the current worldwide total to 30. The Challenger 300 aircraft in Frankfurt joins a dedicated Learjet45 aircraft in Chicago, along with two maintenance control centres (MCCs) in Linz, Austria and Wichita, Kansas. The new MCCs work in conjunction with Bombardier’s Customer Response Centre, which operates 24/7 to streamline customer requests and optimize maintenance support.
