UNITED KINGDOM: WestJet Boeing 787 Dreamliner First London Flight Begins

Although WestJet has flown to London for a few years now, this was the first transatlantic WestJet flight on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner on April 29, 2019 that took off from Calgary and landed the next morning at London’s Gatwick Airport.

WestJet has previously operated transatlantic routes. In the past, as a low-cost carrier, WestJet offered service in two-classes on Boeing 767 aircraft.

These 767s previously flew for Qantas before WestJet took them over. This was a huge step for WestJet and the airline put their widebodies on their route to London’s Gatwick airport.

Seating up to 262 passengers, these 767s were relatively stuffed and lacked many traditional features of a full-service aircraft. WestJet’s 767s lack seatback screens and instead have a tablet holder.

There is no business class, only Economy and Premium, which really is just economy with a few extra perks and legroom.

On the bright side, the 767 is a comfortable aircraft for passengers. WestJet had a 2-2-2 configuration in Premium and a 2-3-2 configuration in Economy.

It looks like WestJet really has shed much of their low-cost model in favor of a traditional full-service approach.

No doubt, WestJet is aiming to compete against the larger and well-known Air Canada.

For WestJet, operating a newer, fuel-efficient aircraft with an upgraded hard product will easily make them a force for Air Canada to reckon with.

Air Canada really didn’t have any other full-service competition. Canada has a relatively large low-cost market with players like Air Transat and Sunwing. Air Canada ventured into the low-cost market with Air Canada Rouge.

WestJet’s 787s will go head-to-head with Air Canada’s product on key transatlantic routes including to London.

WestJet is to use the 787 to fly to Dublin, Paris, and London from their hub in Calgary. In addition, the 787 will operate flights between Toronto and Calgary. However, Air Canada flies to Heathrow while WestJet flies to Gatwick.

For WestJet, the first transatlantic 787 flight was a major success. According to their news release, the flight was completely sold out. WestJet’s 787 represent an increase in capacity from 262 passengers on the 767 to 320 on the 787.

Speaking on the launch of 787 transatlantic service, WestJet’s Chief Commercial Officer, Arved von zur Muehlen, said: the London market has quickly become an important one for us with service from six cities across Canada. It is no accident that the first transatlantic flight on the Dreamliner is to our largest international market, from our largest hub and home in Calgary.

We’re glad to see WestJet’s commence 787 transatlantic service and look forward to future advancements WestJet makes with their fleet and route network.

This is a major step forward and places WestJet at the standard of a full-service carrier. Now, WestJet will have to maintain principled growth and remain profitable in a time when many airlines have undergone rapid expansion and subsequent failure.


Tourism Observer

CANADA: Air Transat Suspends Newfoundland Flights

Air Transat will not be offering flights down south from Newfoundland next year.

Director of Marketing and Business Development for the Airport Authority, Marie Manning, says the change is temporary while Air Transat changes its service.

She says they usually offer flights for eight weeks out of the year, during the winter months.

She says Air Transat decided to change their fleet and upgrade their service, so during the transition, service won’t be offered next year.

Manning says they plan to be back the year after.

Air Transat offered two flights, one to Orlando and one to Punta Cana.

She says the Orlando flight was not direct, but was routed through Halifax.

That’s one of the things the airline plans to change.


Tourism Observer

CANADA: Air Transat To Start Toronto And Montreal To Athens Flights

Air Transat, Canada’s leading leisure airline, this season has increased capacity from Athens by 14 percent in comparison to last year, making over 43,800 seats available to Canada until October.

Flights connecting Athens to Toronto and Montreal for the 2018 peak spring/summer season launched recently and are available through the GDS.

The Athens market has high demand and Canadians know what the Greek capital is all about, that it is a wonderful destination, Gilles Martin, Air Transat Director Sales and Distribution, said.

Air Transat is interested in increasing flights between the two countries in the future.

During a recent event in Athens organized by the airline’s general sales agent (GSA) in Greece, Gold Star Aviation, Martin gave a full presentation of the airline to a group of Greek travel agencies.

Air Transat recently launched its seasonal service from Athens to Toronto and Montreal for the 2018 peak spring/summer season with up to six direct flights per week.

3 flights per week to Montreal every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and three flights per week to Toronto every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Connecting flights from Athens to Vancouver and Calgary are available every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

The airline’s flight program from Athens to Toronto and Montreal will run until October.

Despite the popularity of the Greece-Canada link via Air Transat, according to Martin, the issue of establishing all year round flights are not included in the company’s future plans at the moment.

Although there is demand from the ethnic market in Canada, it is not enough to operate flights during the winter, he said, adding that if and when the time comes.

Air Transat would reconsider operating the service also from November until April.

Michael Flerianos, the general manager of Gold Star Aviation, echoed this statement.

Establishing a year round service between Greece and Canada is something that we are concerned about and have discussed, but it must be profitable.

The demand of the Greek community in Canada is not enough to keep the line running in the winter. Canadians in the winter season do not travel to Europe but prefer the warm waters of the Caribbean, Flerianos said.

Moreover, Air Transat this season is promoting domestic travel in Canada from Greece as it offers the possibility of stopover to three Canadian cities for bookings through the GDS.

The offer gives passengers from Athens the opportunity to travel to Toronto and Montreal and also fly to three Canadian cities at no extra cost.

This offer is expected to create a new trend, especially to young travelers from Greece who want to experience the journey and explore Canada, Flerianos said.

In addition, during the presentation, Greek travel agents were informed that Air Transat is planning fleet upgrades.

The company’s fleet for winter 2018 will include 6 Airbus A310, 18 Airbus A330 and 23 Boeing 737 aircraft.

In May 2019, the newer A321neo LR will be introduced.

Based in Montreal, Air Transat flies to some 60 destinations in the Americas, Europe and the Middle East, offers domestic and feeder flights within Canada and carries nearly 4.5 million passengers every year.


Tourism Observer

CANADA: Air Transat In Court For Falsely Advertising Non-Stop Flights

A Vancouver law firm has launched a class action lawsuit against Air Transat (TS, Montréal Trudeau) for falsely advertising flights as non-stop in a scam known as the Mexican Game.

In winter 2016, Transat wet-leased Flair Airlines (F8, Kelowna) B737-400s to operate flights from Calgary, Edmonton Int’l, Kelowna and Vancouver Int’l to destinations in Mexico.

However, the charter operator did not disclose to either passengers or Mexican authorities that technical stops would be needed along the way, adding as much as three hours to a scheduled five-hour journey.

According to an e-mail quoted by CBC, Air Transat’s Operation Manager, Mauricio Diaz, instructed Flair Airlines to keep quiet about the flight plan.

Due to Mexican authorities restrictions, we always need to file a direct flight (plan) Cancun-Edmonton Int’l, the May 2016 e-mail read.

Never file Cancun-New Orleans Int’l-Edmonton Int’l because it will be refused by the Mexican authorities, the e-mail continues.

When the flight is airborne from Cancun, you can plan the technical stop in New Orleans and advise ATC air traffic control.

Flair’s Director of Flight Operations, Harold Knop, told his pilots that Transat has advised us that this method has worked successfully and without any issues with previous operators and that there was no negative passenger reaction in these situations.

Responding to a CBC request for comment, Air Transat said: It is important to clarify that we do not promote our flights as non-stop and, as you must know, direct flights may entail stops along the way.

RK Litigation is now launching a class action suit on behalf of disgruntled passengers.

In its suit, the law firm claims that Transat’s actions allowed them to sell tickets at an inflated price, and to use inferior aircraft with lower operational costs.

The Mexican Game allows Air Transat to utilize sub-standard aircraft otherwise incapable of executing the advertised itineraries, the law firm said in a press statement.



Tourism Observer

CANADA: Air Transat Commences Nonstop Flights From Montreal To Tel Aviv

Air Transat announced that it will be offering direct flights from Montreal to Tel Aviv. Also available from Toronto with a connection in Montreal, this nonstop flight between the Montréal–Trudeau airport and the David Ben-Gurion international airport of Tel Aviv will operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Sundays, from June 18 until late October.

We are thrilled to feature our very first destination in the Middle East.

The demand for a direct Montreal-Tel Aviv flight was high for travelers visiting friends and family in the two cities and those in search of new discoveries, states Annick Guérard, President and General Manager of Transat Tours Canada.

Tel Aviv is a vibrant and modern metropolis with plenty to offer when it comes to culture, gastronomy and nightlife. It is also the ideal gateway for a vacation immersing travellers in ancient and religious history.

This is great news for Quebecers who are eager for the re-establishment of a direct air link between Montreal and Israel, presenting travellers with a wonderful opportunity to discover the riches of the Holy Land, the beauty of its landscapes and the diversity of its peoples, says Ziv Nevo Kulman, the Consul General of Israel in Montreal and its Permanent Representative to ICAO.

Thanks to this direct flight, more Israelis will also be able to enjoy the 150th and 375th anniversary festivities in Canada and Montreal.

I welcome the decision by Transat to expand its operations into Israel. The opening of an air route is further proof of the success of our marketing efforts and that airlines view Israel as a sought-after tourism destination with economic potential.

We view Transat as a partner that will help increase the numbers of tourists arriving in Israel and we hope to see additional routes opening soon, adds Yariv Levin, the Israeli Minister of Tourism.

We are delighted that Air Transat has decided to add Tel Aviv to its roster of over 40 summer destinations out of Montréal–Trudeau.

This year, Air Transat’s weekly seat capacity will be increased by 20%, compared to 2016. Travelers departing from the city now enjoy an unparalleled choice of flight options from Montréal–Trudeau, with nearly 140 direct-flight destinations, says Philippe Rainville, President and CEO of Aéroports de Montréal.

This new Montreal-Tel Aviv flight on Airbus A330-300 aircraft consisting of 345 seats will allow travellers to enjoy an unparalleled flight experience with Air Transat, named Best North American Leisure Airline five years in a row.

The cabin comfort, personal entertainment system accessible via individual touch screens, complimentary checked baggage allowance and attentive crew are just some of the reasons flying Air Transat is so enjoyable.

Travellers passing through the Montréal–Trudeau airport can also feel the joy of vacations in the new Espace Air Transat section, offering an immersive multimedia experience designed by Moment Factory, among other features.

Air Transat’s 2017 transatlantic flight schedule includes 28 destinations, now available to a greater number of travelers thanks to its enriched connecting flight program.

Air Transat recently announced that it will be multiplying its direct flights to France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Croatia, while maintaining service to the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium and the Czech Republic.

ISRAEL: Air Transat To Offer Direct Flights FromMontreal To Israel, June 18th

Air Transat will be the only airline to offer direct flights to Israel from Montreal when it begins twice weekly service starting June 18, on A330-300 aircraft.

Also available from Toronto with a connection in Montreal, the nonstop flights between Montréal Trudeau airport and David Ben-Gurion will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays until late October.

Along with air Transat will also be offering packages, guided tours and hotels.

“We are thrilled to feature our very first destination in the Middle East,” says Annick Guérard, President and General Manager of Transat Tours Canada. “The demand for a direct Montreal-Tel Aviv flight was high for travellers visiting friends and family in the two cities and those in search of new discoveries. Tel Aviv is a vibrant and modern metropolis with plenty to offer when it comes to culture, gastronomy and nightlife. It is also the ideal gateway for a vacation immersing travellers in ancient and religious history.”

Ziv Nevo Kulman, the Consul General of Israel in Montreal and its Permanent Representative to ICAO, called the announcement great news for Quebecers eager for the re-establishment of a direct air link between Montreal and Israel, “Thanks to this direct flight, more Israelis will also be able to enjoy the 150th and 375th anniversary festivities in Canada and Montreal,” he added.

The opening of an air route is further proof of the success of Israel’s marketing efforts and that airlines view Israel as a sought-after tourism destination with economic potential, noted Yariv Levin, the Israeli Minister of Tourism, adding that Israel views Transat “as a partner that will help increase the numbers of tourists arriving in Israel”. He said he hopes to see additional routes opening soon.

Air Transat’s weekly seat capacity out of Montreal is up 20% compared to 2016.

The Tel Aviv flights will be available for booking soon, says Air Transat.

INDONESIA: Pilot Fired For Attempting To Fly A Citilink Plane While Drunk

Indonesian pilot has been fired after he was suspected of trying to fly a plane while he was “drunk”.

It comes as bizarre footage shows Tekad Purnawas, a pilot for Indonesian budget airline Citilink, stumbling through security at Surabaya airport on Wednesday.

In the clip, three security workers can be seen helping the captain pick up his belongings after he goes through the body scanner.

Apparently, the pilot somehow managed to make his way into the cockpit when he made an incoherent flight announcement as he was prepared to fly an Airbus A320 from Surabaya to the capital Jakarta.

One passenger posted a video online of the alleged slurred announcement showing people on board looking confused.

Many passengers decided to leave the plane soon after as they were suspicious that the pilot was drunk.

The pilot was eventually replaced by another captain at the request of passengers who left the plane before takeoff.

The one-hour-20-minute flight eventually departed an hour behind schedule with 154 passengers on board.

Citilink President Director Albert Burhan said in a statement yesterday: “Citilink is very serious about handling this matter.”

The airline, which is a subsidiary of national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, confirmed the pilot appeared “physically unfit”.

Earlier this year, two pilots were arrested at Glasgow Airport on ­suspicion of being too drunk to fly.

The pilots were nicked under section 93 of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003.

Jean-Francois Perreault, 39, and Imran Zafar Syed, 37, were charged under the same legislation after allegedly being under the influence of alcohol before they were due to fly from Glasgow to Canada.

The two men had been due to pilot an Air Transat jet with up to 250 people on board.

CANADA: Canadian Pilots Arrested On Toronto Bound Flight For Drunk Flying

Two pilots were arrested on suspicion of being drunk in the cockpit of a Toronto-bound flight, shortly before it was scheduled to take off from an airport in Scotland.

Authorities say the two Air Transat pilots, aged 37 and 39, were arrested at the Glasgow Airport on Monday and charged with “being impaired through alcohol.”

Air Transat says it is aware of the arrest and will await the results of the investigation before commenting further.

“The safety of our crews and passengers is, and will remain, a top priority at Air Transat,” the company said in a statement.

A crewmember reported the pilots after they exhibited concerning behaviour.

“It’s amazing that they got that far before they were indeed caught,” Kyle Bailey, a pilot and airline analyst, told CTV News Channel on Tuesday. He said pilots typically encounter 25-30 passengers and members of the crew before they enter the cockpit, so it’s no surprise that someone took note of their behaviour.

“If they are in fact found guilty, they’re pretty much blacklisted and their career is over,” Bailey said.

Aviation analyst Marc-Antoine Plourde pointed out that drinking rules vary from country to country, but the “general rule” is that pilots should wait at least eight hours after drinking to get behind the stick of an aircraft. However, he says, the U.K. has tighter rules and guidelines around alcohol and flying.

TV personalities Justin Ryan and Colin McAllister, who were on the flight with the accused pilots, said the situation was only a “hassle” because of the delay. However, they also told Toronto radio station NewsTalk 1010 that it “could have been much worse if that airplane had taken to the sky with two pilots that were drunk.”

SCOTLAND: Air Transat Starts Glasgow To Montreal Flights

has launched Scotland’s newest route, with a service from Glasgow Airport to Montreal Pierre Trudeau Airport.

The new weekly flight, which runs until October, connects the province of Quebec to Scotland for the first time.

Montreal is Canada’s second largest city with a population of just over 3.5 million people.

Its French Canadian culture makes it one of the liveliest cities in Canada, combining old-world charm with contemporary North American energy to create a unique atmosphere.

Lesley Kane, Air Transat UK sales director, said: “This is an exciting link for Air Transat as we establish the first ever air link between Scotland and Quebec.

“Montreal is home to Air Transat and to connect directly to our founding city is an excellent opportunity for developing new leisure tourism opportunities.

“Scotland and Quebec have deep historic links.

“Indeed, the first British Governor of Quebec was a Scot, James Murray and McGill University founded from the estate of James McGill - a merchant and politician who emigrated from Glasgow.”

Air Transat is offering a choice of three routes from Glasgow this summer.

In addition to the new service to Montreal, Scottish passengers have a choice of five weekly flights from Glasgow to Toronto, along with a weekly direct service to Vancouver.

Further connections in Canada are on offer to Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary through Air Transat’s connecting flights program via Toronto and Vancouver, providing more flexibility on holiday durations.

"Terrorists" Tarantulas Invade Air Transat Jet

Terrified passengers on board a Air Transat jet were left screaming and standing on their seats after two tarantulas ran amok during a flight.

The commercial plane was flying from Punta Cana to Montreal on April 18 when the spiders were spotted on the loose - sending everyone on board into a panic.

When crew members realised the large hairy spiders, which ranged from 10 to 20 centimetres in diameter, were running rampant, they advised travellers to put their shoes on and cover their ankles.

Cabin crew members were said to be at a loss over how to catch the arachnids as they ran riot beneath the seats.

One petrified passenger told of the grim moment one of the huge eight-legged beasts mounted her leg and crawled onto her skirt.

Catherine Moreau, who was travelling home to Repentigny in Montreal, Canada, said: "It was at the time of the meal. My daughter cried, she was in shock."

Luckily the spiders, which were discovered towards the end of the flight, were both captured.

One was caught by Catherine Moreau's husband with a plastic bag during the flight, while the second was recovered by a federal agent once the plane landed at Montreal-Trudeau Airport.

Tarantulas from the Dominican Republic are not life threatening, however, passengers on board the flight were unaware of the spider's breed, ICI Radio Canada reports.

The massive spiders, of which there are around 900 species, are venomous, but it is not known to be fatal to humans.

They are known to be aggressive, however, with some species known to feast on birds.

Stephen Normandin, an entomologist from Montreal University, said a passenger had probably hidden the spider in his luggage, possibly to sell in Canada.

He said: "The market for live tarantulas is very lucrative.

A spokesperson for Air Transat told ICI Radio Canada: "Passengers who saw the spiders were certainly surprised, but they reacted calmly."

"Our cabin crew are trained to ensure the safety of our passengers at all times.In the case at hand, which is an extraordinary and isolated event, our staff reacted promptly and efficiently."

Air Transat Will Launch New Flights For UK Travellers

Air Transat will launch several new services for UK travellers looking to discover more of Canada this summer.

The leisure airline will unlock more of the province of Quebec with a connecting flight from Gatwick to Quebec City via Montreal.

Services will depart every Sunday, returning on Monday from June 26th to October 23rd.

Greater choice is also being offered to Scottish passengers, with two additional weekly services to Vancouver from Glasgow.

In addition to the existing weekly direct service which operates throughout the summer on Wednesdays, customers can now fly from Glasgow to Vancouver via Toronto on Thursdays and Saturdays, returning on Wednesdays and Fridays between June 23rd and October 29th.

This is in addition to a new direct route from Glasgow to Montreal for this summer season.

Air Transat operates direct flights year-round from London Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow to Toronto and from London Gatwick to Vancouver.

From May to October the airline also operates flights from Birmingham to Toronto, Glasgow to Vancouver and Montreal, Manchester to Vancouver and Calgary, and London Gatwick to Calgary, Montreal and Quebec City.