Air Canada Affirms Market Leadership by Expanding its North American Network this Summer as Recovery Accelerates

Air Canada Affirms Market Leadership by Expanding its North American Network this Summer as Recovery Accelerates

Seven New Routes launching from three Canadian hubs

Restoration of 41 North American routes, return to 11 North American cities

Air Canada offers the most seats, frequencies of any Canadian carrier with 90% of its pre-pandemic North American capacity this summer

Air Canada's leadership and unique extensive network will stimulate the recovery of the travel and tourism industry

Air Canada has announced a major expansion of its North American network for Summer 2022 as the carrier's recovery from COVID accelerates. With the launch of new service on four transborder and three domestic routes, as well as the restoration of 41 North American routes, Air Canada will operate to 51 Canadian and 46 U.S airports this summer and offer customers the largest network and most travel options of any Canadian carrier.

New services will be launching to the U.S. from Montreal to Atlanta and Detroit, Toronto to Salt Lake City, and Vancouver to Austin. Within Canada, three new routes will begin between Montreal and Gander, Calgary and Fort St John, and Vancouver and Halifax. Additionally, service will be restored on 41 North American routes, including: 13 routes from Toronto, nine from Montreal, five from Ottawa, five from Vancouver, four from Calgary, three from Halifax, and two from Edmonton. The routes are timed to connect with Air Canada's domestic, U.S. and international network at the airline's global hubs in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.  

For more information and bookings please visit Air Canada's site here.

"Canadians are ready to travel, and we're excited to be offering a very significant growth in our schedule this summer. With our recovery accelerating and North American flying reaching 90% of pre-pandemic levels this summer, we are offering more options across the continent, including seven new city pairs from our Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver hubs, and the resumption of 41 suspended or previously announced new routes. These changes will also grow and cement our position as the leading carrier of choice in the transborder market, with the most non-stop flying between Canada and the U.S. and as the foreign carrier with the most service to the U.S. Moreover, our revitalized North American network, designed to connect easily with our global network, gives customers by far the widest choice of routings and destinations of any Canadian carrier this summer," said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.

"To match our unrivalled network, we are also enhancing our award-winning airport and onboard services. All 23 of our Maple Leaf Lounges are now open, with new features such as ordering from your seat for safety and greater convenience, and we have introduced a range of touchless airport services that make the check-in and boarding process more convenient. Customers can also benefit from our transformed Aeroplan program, which offers members greater value and flexibility when redeeming reward travel. And, of course, all customers will enjoy Air Canada's industry-leading customer service, recognized at the most recent Skytrax World Airline Awards, where our people won for Best Airline Employees in Canada and in North America."

Award-Winning Service

Select routes will feature wide-body aircraft with Air Canada Signature Class, with lie-flat seating, and Premium Economy. Seats in all cabins are available for purchase now at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App, Air Canada's Contact Centres, and travel agents.

Air Canada's onboard services on flights greater than two hours feature new Economy Class Bistro selections, including products by Canadian brands and partners, such as meals inspired by celebrated Montreal Chef Jerome Ferrer.

All customers can collect and redeem points through Aeroplan, Canada's leading loyalty program, when travelling with Air Canada, and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges, priority boarding and other benefits.

For more information and bookings please visit Air Canada's site here.

New Transborder and Domestic Routes 

Flight	From	To	Frequency	Start Date
AC 799	Toronto	Salt Lake City	Thu, Sat, Sun	02 JUN
AC 8567  AC 8569	Montreal	Atlanta	Double Daily	01 JUN
AC 8581  AC 8583	Montreal	Detroit	Double Daily	01 JUN
AC 1062	Vancouver	Austin	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun	01 JUN
AC 7900	Montreal	Gander	Daily	25 JUN
AC 362	Vancouver	Halifax	Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun	01 MAY
AC 8453	Calgary	Fort St. John	Daily	01 MAY

Returning and Previously Announced New Routes

Flight	From	To	Frequency	Start Date
AC 8680  AC 8682	Toronto	Baltimore	Double Daily	15 MAY
AC 8745  AC 8747	Toronto	Charlotte	Double Daily	01 MAY
AC 8705 AC 8707	Toronto	Cincinnati	Double Daily	01 MAY
AC 8895 AC 8897	Toronto	Indianapolis	Double Daily	15 MAY
AC 513	Toronto	Portland	Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri	27 JUN
AC 8795  AC 8797	Toronto	St. Louis	Double Daily	07 MAY
AC 8590	Toronto	Hartford	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8917	Toronto	Milwaukee	Daily	01 JUL
AC 8677	Toronto	New Orleans	Daily	01 JUL
AC 8865	Toronto	Kansas City	Daily	01 JUL
AC 1941	Toronto	Fort McMurray	Tues, Thu, Sat	03 MAY
AC 1975	Toronto	Nanaimo	Mon, Wed, Fri	29 JUN
AC 8410	Toronto	Gander	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8791	Montreal	Pittsburgh	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8735	Montreal	Raleigh	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8759	Montreal	Baltimore	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8771	Montreal	Nashville	Thu, Fri, Sat	02 JUN
AC 1285	Montreal	Phoenix	Tue, Sat	03 MAY
AC 527	Montreal	San Diego	Wed, Fri, Sun	20 MAY
AC 515	Montreal	Seattle	Daily	31 MAY
AC 1685	Montreal	Victoria	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat	03 JUN
AC 8543	Montreal	Regina	Daily	01 MAY
AC 8545	Montreal	Saskatoon	Daily	01 MAY
AC 532	Vancouver	Boston	Daily	04 JUN
AC 8596	Vancouver	Sacramento	Daily	01 JUN
AC 539	Vancouver	Anchorage	Daily	07 MAY
AC 8482	Vancouver	Yellowknife	Daily	01 JUN
AC 1870	Vancouver	Quebec	Mon, Wed, Fri	02 MAY
AC 8869	Ottawa	Washington-Reagan	Daily	01 MAY
AC 8109	Ottawa	Winnipeg	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8182	Ottawa	Charlottetown	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8098	Ottawa	Quebec City	Daily	01 JUN
AC 7701  AC 7705  AC 7709  AC 7711	Ottawa	Toronto Island	Up to 4 times Daily	01 MAY
AC 8661	Halifax	Boston	Daily	24 JUN
AC 8549	Halifax	Goose Bay	Daily	30 APR
AC 584	Calgary	New York-Newark	Daily	01 MAY
AC 392	Calgary	Halifax	Daily	30 APR
AC 1872	Calgary	Quebec	Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun	01 MAY
AC 8289	Calgary	Castlegar	Daily	01 MAY
AC 8563	Edmonton	San Francisco	Daily	01 MAY
AC 8113	Edmonton	Yellowknife	Daily	01 JUN

Air Canada may continue to adjust its schedule as more opportunities arise or based on COVID-19's trajectory and the further easing of government travel restrictions.

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STARLUX launches widebody fleet with first A330neo

Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines has taken delivery of its first widebody aircraft - an A330-900. It is the first of 26 Airbus widebodies set to join the airline’s fleet, comprising eight A330neo and 18 A350s. 

The A330neo aircraft and one A350 are being acquired on lease from ALC, while the airline has 17 A350s on direct order with Airbus. Benefiting from the A330neo’s unbeatable operating economics and award-winning Airspace cabin, the aircraft will feature a two-class cabin with 28 business class seats and 269 economy class seats. 

The A330neo joins an existing fleet of seven single-aisle A321neo at the airline and will complement the airline’s network by flying regional routes from Taiwan to the wider Asia-Pacific.

At the same time, STARLUX has also signed up for the computer-based ACE (Airbus Cockpit Experience) Suite training solution. Using a “learning by discovery” approach, STARLUX’s flying crew will be able to use the ACE Trainer that simulates a 3D Cockpit environment with guided lessons and free play. 

ACE Suite offers an efficient learning process that also provides customers with significant time savings off high-level devices training. Users can enjoy better knowledge retention and continuous skills reinforcement. ACE Suite is approved by EASA and in line with ICAO regulations. 

“I am delighted to welcome our first A330neo, as it marks a key milestone in our growth. Having already operated modern and efficient single-aisle A321neo, we are confident that the A330neo will bring even more flexibility and efficiency in our network strategy, whilst optimising cost efficiency and achieving high passenger comfort,” K.W. Chang, Founder and Chairman of STARLUX Airlines. “We are also looking forward to starting to take delivery of our A350s in the coming months.” 

“We are excited to work closely with STARLUX to build their new fleet,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “Together the A321neo, A330neo and A350 will enable the carrier to benefit from the unique technical commonality and efficiency offered by our latest generation aircraft. In addition, they offer the best levels of comfort in their respective size categories, which will be a key element for STARLUX in delivering its premium in-flight experience.”

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SriLankan Airlines introduces a new healthy menu

SriLankan Airlines embarks on a journey of flavours that unravels the best-kept secrets of the island’s legendary gastronomy, with the launch of its Sri Lankanized onboard menu, featuring a fascinating line up of authentically Sri Lankan dishes, championing locally sourced ingredients and culinary traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. 

The menu presents the inherent flavours and textures that define the Sri Lankan culinary experience whilst emphasising on their health properties, thus appealing to the health-conscious, contemporary traveller.

Immunity boosters

Aloe vera and pineapple

The cooling sensation of aloe vera paired with the sweet, flavourful notes of pineapple rich in vitamin C.

Cucumber and honey

The soothing, mild notes of cucumber blending in with the earthy flavours of honey, the ultimate superfood.

King coconut with coconut pulp

The quintessential island favourite, ‘Thambili’ served with the refreshing coconut pulp, which contains antioxidants and minerals.

Soursop and cardamom

The aromatic notes of cardamom complementing the flavourful notes of soursop, high in vitamins and antioxidants.

Iramusu punch

This herbal infusion, mostly served warm, has a distinct flavour and a captivating aroma. Iramusu is used in ayurveda medicine for its healing properties.

Hathawariya porridge

A local breakfast dish, packed with nutrients and flavours, brings together the refreshing notes of hathawariya, fresh coconut milk and the sweet accompaniment of kithul jaggery.

Tamarind Rasam

A timeless favourite with a zing, a concoction of spices such as tomatoes, tamarind, pepper—rich in minerals and antioxidants, helps digestion.

Corendon Airlines Group to get Boeing 737 MAX jets from Air Lease Corporation

Aircraft leasing giants Air Lease Corporation has confirmed the placement of nine new Boeing 737 Aircraft with the Corendon Airlines Group.

The deal includes five new 737-MAX 8 aircraft to be delivered this year to Corendon Airlines (Turkey) and one new 737 MAX 8 delivered next year.  Corendon Airlines Group will lease three new 737MAX 9 aircraft that are scheduled to deliver to the airline starting in the first half of 2023.  

“ALC is a major lessor to the Corendon Airlines Group with three operating airlines in the Netherlands, Malta and Turkey, and we are pleased to announce these lease placements today,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation.  “These nine new Boeing 737 aircraft offer the most modern, fuel-efficient new technology that will greatly enhance Corendon’s overall fleet operations and passenger experience.”

“We appreciate and thank ALC for the long-time cooperation and fleet support,” said Yildiray Karaer, Chairman of the Corendon Group.

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Qatar Airways Privilege Club adopts Avios as its new rewards currency from late March

Ground-breaking new partnership will open a new world of reward opportunities for Privilege Club members, in addition to their current redemption options

Qatar Airways has today announced that it will be adopting Avios as the reward currency for all members worldwide from late March 2022.

Qatar Airways has today announced that it will be adopting Avios as the reward currency for all members worldwide from late March 2022. All Privilege Club members will experience a seamless transition into the loyalty programme's new reward currency, Avios, with their existing Qmiles balances changing automatically to Avios on a 1:1 ratio basis.

Privilege Club members will be provided even greater opportunities to accumulate rewards and leverage exciting new innovations in managing and spending with the change to Avios. In addition, members will retain their well-earned rewards balance and will be able to continue enjoying the redemption opportunities they currently have. Further details are available on  www.qatarairways.com/Avios. and more will be announced by Qatar Airways Privilege Club next month.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, stated: "The transition from Qmiles to Avios marks a ground-breaking new era for Privilege Club, enabling our loyal members to participate in the most compelling loyalty network and the largest portfolio of partners in the industry.

"As the World's Best Airline, Qatar Airways continues to redefine loyalty through the adoption of exciting digital innovations to create unique world-class experiences for our members. We look forward to revealing more details of this exciting change over the coming weeks, as we explore even more ways to reward our valued members both on and off the ground."

IAG Loyalty owns and manages the Avios currency. CEO of IAG Loyalty, Mr. Adam Daniels, said: "Qatar Airways have recognised the power of Avios. By adopting Avios they will be able to offer their customers a wider range of benefits and support their business development ambitions. It's an exciting step for IAG Loyalty as we extend our leadership in loyalty, increase Avios' global reach, and build out our partnership strategy even further."

Avios is the global loyalty currency used by British Airways Executive Club, AerClub, Iberia Plus and Vueling Club, and will soon be the new Qatar Airways Privilege Club currency. Through its existing programmes, Avios can be collected across a wide mix of consumer sectors, including aviation, travel, leisure, shopping and financial services. IAG Loyalty currently partners with over 200 leading global brands such as American Express, Nectar, Avis Budget Group and Marriott. Further information is available at iagloyalty.com.

IAG Loyalty and Qatar Airways are working to introduce new customer benefits from the partnership, as well as more ways to earn and collect Avios around the world in the coming months.

Privilege Club has recently honoured the loyalty of its valued members by extending their tier status. This initiative benefits all Silver, Gold and Platinum members whose tier status is due for renewal between December 2021 and December 2022. The tier validity of these members would be automatically extended to 31 December 2022.

Additionally, the airline's loyalty programme has launched multiple partnerships over the past year to provide members with increased opportunities of earning Avios. Privilege Club members can earn Avios when flying with Qatar Airways, oneworld® airline partners, and other airline partners, as well as with a number of financial and lifestyle partners. Avios can be used towards a range of rewards including award flights, cabin upgrades, extra baggage and much more.

Qatar Airways Privilege Club is the Official Frequent Flyer Programme of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, and has recently commenced the one-year countdown to the highly-anticipated tournament with rewarding opportunities for members.

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New Airbus A321neo for S7 Airlines on lease from Aviation Capital Group

S7 Airlines has just taken delivery of a brand new Airbus A321neo aircraft on long-term lease from Aviation Capital Group. This jet is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1133G-JM engines and is the third A321neo to be delivered to S7 from ACG’s order book and the fortieth A320neo Family aircraft to be added to S7’s fleet.

“ACG is thrilled with yet another delivery to S7, a reliable partner and one of ACG’s largest customers,” said Claudio Cheinquer, Vice President of Marketing for ACG. “We are confident in ACG’s ability to support the airline’s long-term plans of capacity growth and fleet modernization with this reliable, fuel-efficient and environment-friendly platform.”

“We are excited to welcome yet another brand new A321neo to the S7 Airlines fleet delivered by our long-term valuable partner ACG,” said Vadim Klebanov, CEO of S7 Airlines. “With this delivery we increase the number of our environmentally friendly aircraft as we continue taking steps to meet our sustainability goals. In 2022 we plan to reduce fuel consumption and, as a result, carbon emissions by 4-5%, and to reach an average fleet age of 8.5 years. Our ultimate goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 – a commitment that we share with our oneworld partners.”

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MSC and Lufthansa interested in buying major stake in Italian airline ITA as airline plans new route to London City.

The Italian government is already trying to sell off the newly formed carrier ITA Airways from the ashes of Alitalia. Major cruise company MSC Group has confirmed an interest in taking a majority stake in the new carrier. 

MSC plans to create a partnership with the German airline Lufthansa and the Italian government to take the carrier to the next level. According to travel newspaper TTG, all parties now start a 90-day period of exclusivity when the Italian authorities will examine their proposal.  

MSC added: "MSC Group’s interest derives from the possibility of activating positive synergies for both companies in the cargo and passenger sectors where the MSC Group is a global leader."

"ITA Airways is satisfied that the work carried out in recent months to offer the best prospects to the company is starting to have the expected results, providing for a company recognised as viable for partners of international reputation both in passenger and cargo transport. The Board of Directors will examine the details of the Expression of Interest in an upcoming meeting."