Air Canada adds Tulum and Charleston to Global Network; Boosts Capacity on Key North American Markets in Summer 2024 as Airline Continues Strategic Network Growth

First Canadian airline to offer service to Tulum, Mexico's newest international airport, and to Charleston, SC

New Montreal to Austin and St. Louis flights

Increased frequencies on key Canadian domestic routes and early resumption of popular seasonal routes

Air Canada has announced it is boosting its North American network capacity for summer 2024 with the addition of two new destinations, five new routes, increased flight frequencies on key routes, and earlier resumption of popular seasonal routes in response to projected demand. Air Canada becomes the first Canadian airline to offer service to Tulum*, with flights from Toronto and Montreal to the newest airport in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, and to Charleston, SC from Toronto. Seats are now available for purchase at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada app, Air Canada's contact centres and through travel agents. Flights to Tulum will be available for sale on 15th December.

"We are excited to add two brand new destinations to our global network, Tulum, Mexico from our Toronto and Montreal hubs, and Charleston, South Carolina from Toronto, plus new Austin and St. Louis flights from Montreal in summer 2024. These new destinations and routes reflect Air Canada's market leadership and network diversification strategy of adding capacity to in-demand leisure destinations such as Tulum and fast-growing, key metropolitan areas in the US," said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning, at Air Canada.

"We are also very pleased to grow our North American network from coast to coast with additional frequencies in key markets including Ottawa, Calgary, Saskatoon and Regina, in regional markets, and by resuming major seasonal routes earlier. By adding scale to our Canadian hubs, we are offering more travel choices and unparalleled access to and from our worldwide network. We look forward to welcoming our customers onboard," concluded Mr. Galardo.

For summer 2024, Air Canada will be serving 120 destinations in Canada, the US and the Caribbean with up to 520 flights every day, translating to approximately 66,000 seats being dispatched, representing an increase of 5% percent North America and Caribbean seat capacity from 2023.

New destination: Tulum*, Mexico

"I celebrate this great announcement from Air Canada. Without connectivity there is no tourism, and the two new routes to the new Tulum International Airport, which is ready to receive five million passengers, will boost the arrival of tourists from our second most important source market for international tourists," stated Lic. Miguel Torruco Marqués, Secretario de Turismo, Mexico.

Flight	From	To	Departs	Arrives	Days of Operation	Operation
AC1854	Toronto (YYZ)	Tulum (TQO)	08:15	11:20	Fri, Sun	Year-round, begins May 3
AC1855	Tulum (TQO)	Toronto (YYZ)	12:30	17:35	Fri, Sun	Year-round, begins May 3
AC1874	Montreal (YUL)	Tulum (TQO)	08:15	12:00	Sat	Year-round, begins May 4
AC1875	Tulum (TQO)	Montreal (YUL)	13:10	18:45	Sat	Year-round, begins May 4

*subject to government approval

New destination: Charleston, SC

"Charleston International Airport is delighted to welcome the addition of Toronto as an international destination, made possible by the introduction of Air Canada's daily flights providing a seamless link between Canada's largest metropolitan area and the Charleston Lowcountry. Not only does the new service connect two of the top cosmopolitan destinations worldwide, renowned for their extraordinary landmarks, rich culture, entertainment and leisure adventures, this route offers customers unmatched travel options and conveniences, whether travelling for leisure, visiting friends and family, or for business," said Elliott Summey, Executive Director and CEO at Charleston International Airport.

"Air Canada's announcement is a major milestone for our industry, the Charleston region and beyond. International visitation is integral to a healthy and sustainable tourism economy. While Canada is consistently our top country of origin for international visitors, we know there is tremendous untapped potential in the market. Beyond increasing access for leisure travellers, the daily, nonstop service creates more opportunity to recruit group business and provides improved connectivity for Charleston area residents travelling to Canada and other international destinations served through Air Canada's Toronto hub," said Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston and Chair of the Aviation Authority Board.  

Flight	From	To	Departs	Arrives	Days of Operation	Operation
AC8629	Toronto (YYZ)	Charleston (CHS)	18:40	20:58	Daily	Year-round, begins March 28
AC8628	Charleston (CHS)	Toronto (YYZ)	10:00	12:21	Daily	Year-round, begins, March 29

Other New Flights:

Air Canada is adding additional new flights to Austin and St. Louis from its Montreal hub, complementing its flights from Toronto and Vancouver to Austin, and from Toronto to St. Louis.

Flight	From	To	Departs	Arrives	Days of Operation	Operation
AC1051	Montreal (YUL)	Austin (AUS)	17:15	20:32	Mon, Tue, Thur, Sat	Year-round, begins May 2
AC1050	Austin (AUS)	Montreal (YUL)	10:15	15:13	Sun, Tue, Wed, Fri	Year-round, begins May 3
AC8687	Montreal (YUL)	St. Louis (STL)	19:30	21:05	Daily	Summer, begins May 1
AC8688	St. Louis (STL)	Montreal (YUL)	12:00	15:23	Daily	Summer, begins May 2

North America Summer 2024 service improvements:

• Air Canada is boosting its North American network from coast to coast with more flights added on major routes, and by resuming seasonal routes earlier.  
• To meet projected demand, additional flights have been added to key markets including in Ottawa, Calgary, Saskatoon and Regina, as well as to growing regional markets.

Montreal Hub	Peak summer 2024 service improvements compared to summer 2023 and seasonal resumptions
Montreal (YUL) – Boston (BOS)	Increases to 4 daily flights from 3
Montreal (YUL) – Las Vegas (LAS)	Increases to 2 daily flights from 1
Montreal (YUL) – Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP)	Increases to 2 daily flights from 1
Montreal (YUL) – Phoenix (PHX)	Increases to 5 weekly flights from 3
Montreal (YUL) – Pittsburgh (PIT)	Resumes May 1, daily flights
Montreal (YUL) – Raleigh/Durham (RDU)	Resumes May 1, daily flights
Montreal (YUL) – San Diego (SAN)	Resumes May 1, daily flights
Montreal (YUL) – Edmonton (YEG)	Increases to 3 daily flights from 2
Montreal (YUL) – Gander (YQX)	Resumes June 14, daily flights
Montreal (YUL) – Iles de La Madeleine (YGR)	Resumes May 17, daily flights
Montreal (YUL) – Victoria (YYJ)	Increases to 5 weekly flights from 3

 

Toronto Hub	Peak summer 2024 service improvements compared to summer 2023 and seasonal resumptions
Toronto (YYZ) – Kansas City (MCI)	Resumes June 1, daily flights
Toronto (YYZ) – Nashville (BNA)	Increases to 2 daily flights from 1
Toronto (YYZ) – Phoenix (PHX)	Increases to 2 daily flights from 1
Toronto (YYZ) – Portland (PDX)	Resumes May 1, daily flights
Toronto (YYZ) – Nassau (NAS)	Increases to 6 weekly flights from 4
Toronto (YYZ) – Sacramento (SMF)	Resumes May 1, 5 weekly flights
Toronto (YYZ) – Salt Lake City (SLC)	Resumes May 1, 4 weekly flights
Toronto (YYZ) – Gander (YQX)	Resumes June 1, daily flights
Toronto (YYZ) – Vancouver (YVR)	Increases to 14 daily flights from 13
Toronto (YYZ) – Victoria (YYJ)	Increases to 3 daily flights from 2

 

Vancouver Hub	Peak summer 2024 service improvements compared to summer 2023 and seasonal resumptions
Vancouver (YVR) – Anchorage (ANC)	Resumes May 14, daily flights
Vancouver (YVR) – Austin (AUS)	Resumes May 1, increases 4 weekly flights from 2 weekly
Vancouver (YVR) – Portland (PDX)	Increases to 4 daily flights from 3
Vancouver (YVR) – Washington Dulles (IAD)	Increases to daily from 5 weekly
Vancouver (YVR) – San Diego (SAN)	Increases to 3 daily flights from 2
Vancouver (YVR) – Sacramento (SMF)	Increases to 2 daily flights from 1
Vancouver (YVR) – Cranbrook (YXC)	Increases to 2 daily flights from 1
Vancouver (YVR) – Fort St. John (YXJ)	Increases to 4 daily flights from 3
Vancouver (YVR) – Halifax (YHZ)	Resumes May 1, 2 daily flights
Vancouver (YVR) – Prince George (YXS)	Increases to 4 daily flights from 3
Vancouver (YVR) – Terrace (YXT)	Increases to 5 daily flights from 4
Vancouver (YVR) – Toronto (YYZ)	Increases to 14 daily flights from 13
Vancouver (YVR) – Smithers (YYD)	Increases to 2 daily flights from 1

 

Routes from Saskatchewan	Peak summer 2024 service improvements compared to summer 2023 and seasonal resumptions
Regina (YQR) – Toronto (YYZ)	Increases to 4 daily non-stop flights from 3 daily
Regina (YQR) – Montreal (YUL)	Resumes June 1, daily non-stop standalone flights from one-stop
Saskatoon (YXE) – Toronto (YYZ)	Increases to 4 daily non-stop flights from 3 daily
Saskatoon (YXE) – Montreal (YUL)	Resumes June 2, daily non-stop standalone flights from one-stop
Saskatoon (YXE) – Vancouver (YVR)	Increases to 4 daily flights from 3 daily

 

Routes from other airports	Peak summer 2024 service improvements compared to summer 2023 and seasonal resumptions
Ottawa (YOW) – Washington-National (DCA)	Resumes May 1, daily flights
Ottawa (YOW) – Calgary (YYC)	Resumes May 1, daily flights
Ottawa (YOW) – Winnipeg (YWG)	Resumes May 1, daily flights
Ottawa (YOW) – Vancouver (YVR)	Operating 3 daily flights – including 1 flight with 787 Dreamliner
Halifax (YHZ) – St. Johns (YYT)	Increases to 5 daily flights from 4 daily
Halifax (YHZ) – Vancouver (YVR)	Resumes May 1, up to 2 daily flights
Calgary (YYC) – Winnipeg (YWG)	Operating 2 daily flights with larger aircraft
Calgary (YYC) – Edmonton (YEG)	Increases to 4 daily flights from 3 daily
Edmonton (YEG) – Montreal (YUL)	Increases to 3 daily flights from 2
Victoria (YYJ) – Montreal (YUL)	Increase to 5 weekly flights from 3
Victoria (YYJ) – Toronto (YYZ)	Increases to 3 daily flights from 2

Airbus Helicopters and German Armed Forces sign largest H145M contract

Airbus Helicopters and German Armed Forces sign largest H145M contract

The German Bundeswehr and Airbus Helicopters have signed a contract for the purchase of up to 82 multi-role H145M helicopters (62 firm orders plus 20 options). This is the largest order ever placed for the H145M and consequently the largest for the HForce weapon management system. The contract also includes seven years of support and services, ensuring optimal entry into service. The German Army will receive fifty-seven helicopters, while the Luftwaffe's special forces will receive five.

“We are proud that the Bundeswehr has decided to order up to 82 H145M helicopters”, said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H145M is a robust multi-role helicopter and the German Air Force has gained a significant amount of operational experience with its H145M LUH Special Operations Forces fleet. We will ensure that the Bundeswehr receives the helicopters in accordance with the very ambitious delivery schedule which includes first deliveries in 2024 less than a year after contract signature.”

The H145M is a  multi-role military helicopter that provides a broad range of mission capabilities. Within minutes, the helicopter can be reconfigured from a light attack role with axial ballistic and guided weapons and a state-of-the-art self-protection system into a special operations version including fast rappelling equipment. The comprehensive mission packages include hoisting and external cargo capabilities. Additionally, the new German H145M includes options for future mission capabilities including the ability to operate with the integration of Manned-Unmanned Teaming and upgraded data links and communication systems.

First come, first served – uncovering first-class cabin designs

As any seasoned traveller knows, there is flying – and there is flying first class. The vast majority of us will never attain such dizzy heights and can only dream of that elusive upgrade.  Artemis Aerospace has a look at what we’re missing and explores some of the world’s best first-class cabins.

As you board a plane and shuffle down the aisle of economy class, you might have booked a window seat for the view or opted for an aisle seat for easy access to the loo. However, what happens next is in the lap of the gods.

Heading towards your seat, you might be considering a whole host of possibilities that could cause you unwelcome distractions while onboard. For example, will your neighbour be fidgety or insist on fighting for the armrest? Or will there be a lively child directly behind you constantly kicking the back of your seat? Will there be enough legroom? Will the meal be something you like, and will there be enough to sustain you during the journey? Despite these concerns, economy class passengers usually end up at their destination having had a perfectly pleasant flying experience.

For passengers who want a more exclusive experience, there is the option of business class or first class. Both are more luxurious compared to economy, but the differences vary from airline to airline. Generally, business class offers more legroom than economy but you won’t necessarily be given a private space. In first class, there is usually a seat which turns into a bed, and sometimes a private space or even apartment. Food and drink in business class is typically at good restaurant level, whereas in first class, there is likely to be an impressive menu carefully curated by an award-winning chef.

In today’s economy, however, with commercial aviation only just beginning to recover from the pandemic, some airlines are concentrating on business class and phasing out the first class offering altogether. Even before COVID-19, in the ten years to 2018, British Airways dropped 100,000 of its first-class seats, and when ordering new aircraft today there is no first-class option included. The US airline Delta has halved its first-class seats from 400,000 to 200,000 in the last ten years.

So, if you want to experience the high life, now is the time to do it; we’ve selected five of the most luxurious first-class spaces to take your pick from.

Qatar Airways

The luxury first class experience on Qatar Airways ensures complete privacy and offers a top of the range, full flat bed to ensure passengers get a perfect sleep and arrive refreshed, along with designer lounge wear from The White Company. There is an à la carte menu prepared by top chefs, including some with Michelin stars, and food can be ordered from it at any time. The personal spaces can be transformed into a workspace with onboard Wi-Fi and there are in excess of 4,000 entertainment choices.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is one of the two national airlines of the United Arab Emirates. A first-class passenger’s journey starts with a luxury limousine to the airport, and, once on board, encompasses fine dining, expert wine pairings with your meal and a ‘signature Cognac service’ to finish. Chairs recline into a flat bed when required and there is free Wi-Fi access, an amenity kit with body lotion, cologne, eye mask, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste, plus over a thousand hours of on-demand in-flight entertainment. For the ultimate experience, passengers on the airline’s A380 can book a luxurious suite for two, with its own private shower room, bedroom with double bed and separate living room.

Singapore Airlines

New Jordan link expands route network

An exciting new route will be added to London Stansted's departure boards next spring when Royal Jordanian Airlines launches flights to Amman, Jordan’s capital.

The flag carrier, a member of the oneworld Alliance which includes British Airways, will operate three flights a week starting March 3, 2024, increasing to four weekly flights during peak summer.

Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays using the airline’s new Airbus A320 neo fleet with one-way fares from London starting at £257.

The Stansted to Amman leg will depart mid-afternoon at 3.45pm and arrive at Queen Alia International Airport at 10.35pm.

Passengers can also use the route to transfer onto Royal Jordanian’s worldwide route network that connects Amman with destinations across the Middle East and Asia.

Royal Jordanian’s Chief Commercial Officer, Karim Makhlouf, said:  “Our new route to London Stansted will make it easier than ever for tourists from the UK to discover Jordan’s incredible wonders.

Promoting and driving tourism to the Kingdom is a key focus of our new corporate strategy—as is our emphasis on further developing Amman as the primary gateway to the Levant by offering improved connectivity to our broader network.

This new route is yet another step-in line with Royal Jordanian’s ambitious five-year growth plan, which includes increasing our current fleet of 24 aircraft to more than 40 aircraft in the coming three to five years.”

VistaJet named ‘Best of the Best’ by Robb Report Hong Kong

         VistaJet, the world’s first and only global business aviation company, has been proudly honoured by Robb Report Hong Kong as the ‘Best of the Best’ in the aviation category for 2023.

VistaJet was awarded ‘Best AOC Charter Operator’ for the fifth year* at the Asian Business Aviation Association’s Icons of Aviation Awards.

VistaJet also clinched the title of ‘Best AOC Charter Operator’ from the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) for a fifth year running.

‘Best of the Best’ by Robb Report Hong Kong is an annual print and digital compendium in which the best brands, products, services, places, and experiences are bestowed with the ultimate accolade, celebrating the marriage of remarkable craftsmanship, exceptional design, and impeccable quality.

The AsBAA Icons of Aviation Awards are voted by the private aviation community, to recognize best business practices, operations standards, and service excellence in the industry.

“It is an honour to receive these two prestigious awards that are highly recognized in both the luxury and private aviation sectors. We couldn’t have done it without the trust of our clients, and the dedication of our global team, who delivers the highest standards on every flight. We are truly proud of what we have accomplished during our soon-to-be 20 years in the industry. This is just the beginning." — Ian Moore, Chief Commercial Officer, VistaJet.

“We are delighted to honour VistaJet as an award winner in the Aviation category of Best of the Best 2023, Robb Report Hong Kong’s annual anthology of the finest luxury brands, products, and experiences. VistaJet is a leader in the aviation field, and the company’s continued excellence and pioneering initiatives are a testament to its success.” — Tak Man, CEO, Robb Report Hong Kong

Lynx Air expands with Halifax and St. John’s Route

Lynx Air announced the addition of Halifax to St. John’s to its summer network, providing new ultra-affordable options to these popular summer destinations in the East Coast.

Canada’s leading ultra-affordable airline will offer seasonal service between Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) and St. John's International Airport (YYT). Service will begin April 10, 2024, offering 4 flights per week each way to start and increasing to daily service in July with latest generation Boeing 737 jets.

“After the success of our flights to Halifax and St. John’s from Toronto and Montreal, connecting the two cities was the natural next step,” said Vijay Bathija, Chief Commercial Officer of Lynx. “There are strong connections between the communities of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, and we are proud to offer an ultra-affordable link to connect them. Our strategy is to fly to destinations where airfares are too high, and low-cost options are limited. By offering ultra-affordable fares, we aim to inspire more Canadians to travel to see their favourite people and places and all those destinations have to offer.”

Porter celebrates first flight to Miami

Now serving five airports and seven routes in the Sunshine State

The Canadian carrier, Porter Airlines started a new service from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Miami International Airport this week as it expands its jet offering from Pearson.  

Miami marks the fifth new Florida destination that Porter has launched since the start of November, following Tampa, Fort Myers, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale.   Flights between Toronto Pearson and Miami are operated by the new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The 132-seat, all-economy aircraft has a two-by-two configuration with no middle seats. 

“Porter is connecting travellers to the vibrant city of Miami, one of North America’s top business and leisure locations,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, of Porter Airlines. “With our commitment to an elevated economy experience, our passengers arrive refreshed and ready to explore what Miami has to offer.”   

“Miami is the eighth largest US market from Toronto Pearson this winter, which is not surprising given the high demand we are seeing for sun destinations,” said Kurush Minocher, Executive Director, Customer Experience and Airline Relations, Greater Toronto Airports Authority. “Porter’s new service on this route will not only provide greater choice to passengers and more opportunities to fly direct.” 

“We are thrilled to welcome Porter Airlines to Miami-Dade County for the first time ever, and we look forward to serving their passengers at Miami International Airport,” said MIA Director and CEO Ralph Cutié. “Canada is already one of our fastest-growing tourism markets, and Porter Airlines’ new daily service from Toronto is sure to strengthen that thriving connection between Canada and Miami even more.” 

Passengers on this flight enjoy Porter’s genuine hospitality and award-winning service. Everyone receives free, fast WiFi to stay connected and stream their preferred content on personal devices. A selection of premium snacks, and free beer and wine served in glassware are available for everyone onboard.  

Fresh, healthy meals, extra legroom seats, and premium cocktails are also available with the all-inclusive PorterReserve fares or can be purchased à la carte with PorterClassic fares. 

The new route also connects to Porter’s domestic network at Toronto Pearson, with flights available to Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, St John’s, and Winnipeg.

Canada's flight attendants start "12 Days of Unpaid Work" series

The union representing flight attendants across Canada has launched a "12 Days of Unpaid Work" series in advance of the busy holiday travel season, to highlight the myriad ways flight attendants are forced to work for free for major airlines.

12 Days of Unpaid Work - Unpaid work won't fly 

"All we want for Christmas this year is pay for time worked," said Wesley Lesosky, President of the Airline Division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents 18,500 flight attendants at ten airlines in Canada. "Airline executives across Canada need to know that forcing overworked flight attendants to work unpaid for almost a full work-week every month is a one-way ticket to the naughty list."

The series is part of CUPE's Airline Division's Unpaid Work Won't Fly campaign, a joint effort of ten airline groups to combat the abuse of unpaid work in the airline sector which sees the average flight attendant work 35 hours per month unpaid.

As a general rule, flight attendants are only compensated while the aircraft is in motion – which means countless duties ranging from pre-flight safety checks to boarding, to deplaning, to customs and security are not paid. Learn more at unpaidworkwontfly.ca.