Latest news with #Q400
Cision Canada
19-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Wander West, Edmontonians: WestJet adds two domestic routes from Edmonton International Airport Français
Airline also increases capacity to Vancouver Island and Northwest Territories EDMONTON, AB, May 19, 2025 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced the return of non-stop service between Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and Kamloops, B.C. as well as the introduction of all-new service to Prince George, B.C. Beginning the first week of July, WestJet Encore will operate the routes twice per week throughout the peak summer travel season onboard the De Havilland Dash 8-400 (Q400) aircraft. "Restoring service to Kamloops and introducing service to Prince George is a direct reflection of Canadians' interest in exploring their own backyard this summer," said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. "With more flights and more seats in key Western Canadian markets, we're giving Canadians better access to the destinations they rely on for business, leisure and visiting loved ones." In addition to the new seasonal routes, WestJet has increased capacity on two key domestic routes from Edmonton. This summer, WestJet will offer service to Nanaimo, B.C. on the Boeing 737, more than doubling seat capacity. The airline is also offering service between Yellowknife and Edmonton on the Boeing 737 twice per week. Historically, both routes only operated on the Q400. Additional quotes "YEG welcomes more flights to more places, celebrating WestJet's dedication to regional connectivity and additional options for Canadians to explore our beautiful country," said James Jackson, Vice President, Air Service & Business Development, Edmonton International Airport (YEG). "Non-stop flights between Edmonton and Kamloops and Prince George offers travellers from British Columbia convenient access to world-class experiences and attractions in the Edmonton region, and connectivity to YEG's vast network of global destinations. Likewise, people from Edmonton and surrounding communities can seamlessly reach more of British Columbia's breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture without the lengthy road trip." "We're thrilled to welcome this new route connecting Prince George to Edmonton, expanding travel options for our community and strengthening our region's accessibility," said Sabrina Angus, Interim President and CEO of the Prince George Airport Authority. "This service not only opens the door for more business and leisure travel but also reinforces our commitment to connecting Northern BC to key hubs across Canada." "As a gateway to the City of Kamloops and the Thompson Nicola region, Kamloops Airport is very pleased to welcome back WestJet's service to Edmonton," said Jim Moroz, Managing Director, Kamloops Airport. "Edmonton has long been a popular destination for our community, and the service comes just in time for travelers on both ends of the route to reconnect with family and friends during the summer months. We look forward to working with WestJet and our tourism partners to make this service a success." "We're pleased to see this increased investment in connectivity between Yellowknife and Edmonton. The move to add additional capacity reflects growing demand in our region and strengthens an essential link for business, tourism, and northern communities. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership and welcoming more travellers to and from YZF," said Randy Straker, Regional Airport Manager, Yellowknife Airport. "We are very excited that WestJet is increasing the capacity for its route between YCD - Nanaimo and YEG - Edmonton this summer providing our customers with enhanced services on a 737 aircraft to Vancouver Island and Edmonton during the popular tourism season," said Dave Devana, President & CEO Nanaimo Airport Commission. About WestJet WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada's leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians.
ABC News
02-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Costs and cancellations adding up for fed-up flyers in regional South Australia
Travellers on the Eyre Peninsula say regular cancellations and the "ridiculous" cost of air fares are making it increasingly difficult to travel to and from Adelaide for appointments and important commitments. During the football season, Ash Dyer-Pietsch splits her time between Adelaide, where she plays for the SANFL, and her home in Port Lincoln. The 29-year-old said regular flight cancellations, delays and high costs were making it increasingly difficult to keep up with her football commitments. Ash Dyer-Pietsch plays for Glenelg Football Club and regularly travels to Adelaide. ( Supplied: Ash-Dyer Pietsch ) Election essentials: Find out where your The footballer said having a flight cancelled without warning ahead of a big game also made it "pretty stressful", especially in situations where she was already under pressure trying to get picked to play. The cost of airfares for regional passengers made it hard to justify flying, even for important engagements, Dyer-Pietsch said. "It's ridiculous, unless you get a sale when you book months and months out," she said. "For people who have to get to Adelaide for family or emergency medical appointments … it's not justifiable to go back and forth at the moment. " Something needs to change … I've seen flights up [online] upwards of $500 one way. " Qantas declined to comment, however flights on the majority of days in May and from June to the end of the year were available for $199, according to their website. The airline also introduced its Q400 plane to Port Lincoln and Whyalla in Feburary, offering more seats and faster flight times. Rex Airlines were also approached for comment. Whyalla bearing the burden At Whyalla airport on the east coast of the Eyre Peninsula, security screening costs have been blamed for both an increase in ticket prices, a drop in passenger numbers and The latest Essential Services Commission of SA (ESCOSA) report on Whyalla labelled the city "unsustainable", and the airport is the council's largest source of debt. "Airport operations show an accumulated operating deficit of $2.8 million over the last five years [from 2018-19 to 2022-23]," the report said. Whyalla's council forecasts a loss of nearly $5m between 2023-24 and 2032-33, primarily due to its airport. ( Supplied: Whyalla City Council ) "With airport operations excluded, the council registers a $1.3m surplus over this period. " Between 2023-24 and 2032-33 the council is forecasting an accumulated loss of nearly $5m, primarily due to the Whyalla Airport. " Now that Rex Airlines no longer services Whyalla, the council has passed on the $80-per-head security screening fee to Qantas. Prior to the pandemic and before security screening was introduced, about 1,500 passengers travelled through Whyalla Airport per week. That number has now dropped to roughly 900 a week. Mayor Phill Stone has renewed calls for the cost of security screening to be met by the federal government via a national levy. Read more about the federal election: Want even more? Here's where you can find all our 2025 Catch the latest interviews and in-depth coverage on "We've been touting this, pushing this move, ever since day one," he said. It is hoped that However, Mr Stone admitted modelling had not been done to confirm whether this would be the case. "A lot of that information would be very much in the hands of the carrier that we wouldn't have access to," he said. Qantas introduced its 74-seater Q400 aircraft into Port Lincoln and Whyalla in Feburary. ( ABC Eyre Peninsula: Duncan Bailey ) "With larger aircraft a lower cost per head for the carrier … we would see that as a good reason as to why air fares in the future have the potential of being reduced. "But that is still going to be a long, long way off." The upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of May. Jacqui Lambie Network backs levy Jacqui Lambie Network (JLN) senate candidate for South Australia Rex Patrick is also backing calls for a national levy on security screening and said, if elected, the JLN would introduce a bill in the first sitting week of parliament. "Security screening costs should not be a local council cost, it's a national security issue and the cost should be born at a national level where everyone is treated the same," Mr Patrick said. A spokesperson for Transport Minister Catherine King said the federal government had provided funding directly to regional airports to assist them with "security uplift". A spokesperson for Transport Minister Catherine King says the ACCC is monitoring domestic airlines. ( AAP: Lukas Coch ) "We've also directed the ACCC to monitor domestic airlines because we want to see affordable and reliable airfares for all Australians," the spokesperson said. "Rex is the only operator on the Adelaide to Ceduna and Adelaide to Coober Pedy routes, and one of the only airlines servicing Port Lincoln. Without our support, these areas would have been stranded." Loading Having trouble seeing this form? Try
Cision Canada
01-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Fast, Free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan Members sponsored by Bell now on Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express flights in North America, Mexico and the Caribbean Français
Customers will enjoy speeds that allow for streaming video services, gaming and more on their personal devices Certification and Wi-Fi installation on Q400 fleet operating at Toronto Billy Bishop expected later this year Fast, free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan Members expanding to international flights in 2026 MONTREAL, May 1, 2025 /CNW/ - Fast, free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan members took off today on board Air Canada's flights across North America and to-and-from Sun destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. Sponsored by Bell, the new service means customers can enjoy streaming video services and gaming on their personal devices and makes Air Canada a leader in connectivity. "Quality connectivity has become indispensable for all travelers. Starting today we're thrilled to offer complimentary Wi-Fi on North American, Mexican and Caribbean flights for Aeroplan Members, by partnering with Bell," said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer at Air Canada. "This initiative underscores Air Canada's focus on elevating the customer experience, with leadership in providing streaming quality connectivity, at a pace unmatched by other airlines — at home and around the world. We now offer Wi-Fi on 88 per cent of our fleet, with the remaining installations to be completed by early 2026. This will include an industry first with the upcoming launch of Wi-Fi on Air Canada Express Q400s serving Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport." "At Bell, we're focused on delivering exceptional experiences that help Canadians stay connected wherever they are," said Blaik Kirby, Group President, Consumer and Small Business at Bell. "We've proudly sponsored in-flight Wi-Fi for Aeroplan Members since 2023, starting with free texting. Now, we're thrilled to help take that experience to the next level – enabling streaming, gaming and more from gate to gate. Whether it's in the air or around the world with our popular roaming plans in over 230 destinations, Bell is helping customers stay connected on their terms." Aeroplan Members can now enjoy the convenience of complimentary, streaming-quality Wi-Fi from gate-to-gate on Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and on Air Canada Express flights operated with CRJ900 aircraft. More information on Air Canada's fast, free Wi-Fi can be found here. Expanding Connectivity Subject to completion of certification, Wi-Fi installations are expected to start on the Embraer E175 fleet and the De Havilland Q400s serving Billy Bishop Airport later this year. These installations will represent the first Wi-Fi offering on any Q400 aircraft worldwide and Air Canada will also be the first carrier to offer Wi-Fi on flights to and from Billy Bishop. In 2026, fast, free streaming-quality Wi-Fi for Aeroplan Members will expand to international routes. In the interim, free texting remains available for Aeroplan Members on international flights. Connecting to the free Wi-Fi on board is simple. Customers can either ensure their Aeroplan number is captured at the time of booking, or it can be added before completing check-in. Once onboard, connect to the in-flight Wi-Fi network and follow the instructions to access the Wi-Fi. To switch devices, simply repeat the steps above on the new device and the session will transfer and disconnect from the other device. Customers who are not already Aeroplan Members can join free of charge at Customers without an Aeroplan membership will be able to purchase Wi-Fi for their flight at a flat fee. Since May 2023, Bell has sponsored in-flight Wi-Fi services, providing Aeroplan Members with free in-flight texting, available on more than 90 per cent of Air Canada mainline, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express aircraft. In addition to fast, free Wi-Fi sponsored by Bell, Air Canada continues to deliver customer experience upgrades, including complimentary premium snacks, beer and wine on select flights, hours of complimentary inflight entertainment including Live TV where available, and an industry-leading mobile app with real-time baggage tracking, digital identification and more. The airline is also modernizing and expanding its lounge network, with over 500 additional lounge seats being added worldwide in 2025. 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 partners. Through Air Canada Vacations, it offers more travel choices than any other Canadian tour operator to hundreds of destinations worldwide, with a wide selection of hotels, flights, cruises, day tours, and car rentals. 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's climate-related ambition includes a long-term aspirational goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. For additional information, please see Air Canada's TCFD disclosure. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OTCQX in the US. Media Resources: SOURCE Air Canada
