CANADA: WestJet Inaugurates WestJet Link And Thanks Agents With 4% Commission

WestJet's regional airline WestJet Encore is celebrating five years of service with a sale-a-bration.

Travellers can book now and save up to 20% off Econo base fares between 20 select destinations in Canada and anywhere WestJet flies.

Bookings must be made by June 25, for travel September 15-25, 2018.

The news follows Wednesday's announcement that WestJet inaugurated its new regional airline service, WestJet Link, from Cranbrook and Prince George to Calgary. Service starts from Lethbridge and Lloydminster to Calgary on June 21 and Medicine Hat to Calgary on June 22.

Overall, WestJet Link connects five new cities to WestJet's growing hub at the YYC Calgary International Airport.

These new routes add to WestJet's existing leadership position in Calgary, offering more flights and seats to more destinations than any other airline with an average of 147 daily departures to 49 destinations.

In a move sure to cement their status with Manitoba sports fans, WestJet is making a call to fans of the Winnipeg Jets to board its jets headed to Las Vegas.

The airline announced that it's adding two special nonstop flights between Winnipeg and Las Vegas. WestJet is the only airline featuring non-stop service from Winnipeg to the McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas.

WestJet is thrilled to support the Winnipeg hockey community and our WestJetters in their love of Canada's game, said John Weatherill, WestJet Vice President, Pricing and Revenue Management and Chief Winnipeg Hockey Fan.

We look forward to flying the spirit of Canadian hockey to Las Vegas and welcoming fans on board our jets for a convenient nonstop flight he added.

WestJet's special flights will operate in both directions from Winnipeg to Las Vegas on May 17 and 20. Manitobans wishing to travel outside of these times can also fly nonstop from Winnipeg to Las Vegas, twice weekly this summer on Thursdays and Sundays or up to three times daily through Calgary.

Seats are for sale now and additional flights may be determined at the whims of the hockey gods. And maybe the Winnipeg goaltender.

This playoff series marks the first time a Winnipeg team has made it this far into the NHL playoffs. It's also a remarkable series given that the Golden Knights are an expansion team.

The winner of this series will play in the Stanley Cup finals, facing off against the winner of the Washington-Tampa Bay series.

With the potential labour action now resolved, WestJet is offering travel agents four per cent commission on all domestic Econo fares to thank its partners for their support.

Commission can now be earned on all Econo fares for new air-only bookings made between June 1 and June 30, 2018, for travel within Canada from June 1 to July 31, 2018.

We know the potential labour action caused frustration for you and your travellers, and we want to extend a sincere thank you to all our travel trade partners for your patience, said Lyell Farquharson, Vice-President, Sales and Distribution.

With the recent agreement to a settlement process, you and your clients can once again book with confidence. We are offering commission on additional Econo fares to recognize all our partners for your continued support over the last few weeks.

Full offer details are available at westjettravelagents.com.


Tourism Observer

PANAMA: Copa Expands Services To Fort Lauderdale And Tampa

Copa Airlines has announced that it will expand service to Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, Florida, beginning in July 2018.

This decision comes after the carrier’s consideration to offer its passengers more flights with improved schedules and connectivity with the rest of the continent.

We are constantly seeking opportunities to offer our passengers more flight options, says Copa Airlines CEO, Pedro Heilbron.

This dedication to service led us to evaluate every route and examine the possibility of increasing flight frequency. We see potential in these markets as demand has increased over this past year.

With these new flights in the U.S., passengers who want to visit these important tourist destinations will find that they have more seats and more dates to choose from, Heilbron said.

Copa will operate daily flights between Tampa International Airport (TPA) and Panama’s Tocumen International Airport (PTY) starting July 14, 2018.

Daily flights from PTY to TPA depart at 9:10 am and land at 1:30 pm local time, while the return flight takes off from TPA at 3:09 pm and arrives in PTY at 5:33 pm local time.

Having flights from Panama seven days a week makes it easier for our Latin American guests to come to enjoy our world-famous beaches, museums, nightlife and amusement parks, says Tampa International Airport’s CEO Joe Lopano.

The Tampa Bay area is also an important business hub and having a wider range of flights will enable international business travelers to get to their meetings on time. This will have a positive impact on Tampa’s economy and our business ties throughout the Americas,” he added.

Copa currently operates an average of 350 daily flights through the Hub of the Americas, which was founded in 1992 and it’s located at PTY.

The Star Alliance member will also increase from four to five weekly flights between PTY and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) from July 22.

Five flights a week, available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, will depart PTY at 11:39 am, to land in FLL at 3:48 pm local time. The return flight leaves FLL at 5:51 pm, and arrives in PTY at 8:01 pm local time.

Congratulations to Copa Airlines for their continued success at Broward County´s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, helping to make FLL one of the fastest growing airports in the United States,” said Mark Gale, CEO/Director of Aviation Broward County’s FLL.

This expanded service to Panama City, Copa will offer travelers the opportunity to experience all the unique amenities Broward County has to offer, from unique dining choices, amazing water sports activities to fine arts,” added Gale.

The Panamanian airline has also agreements and codeshares with other international carriers, such as Lufthansa, Air France, and KLM, allowing its customers to reach over 1,300 airports in 191 countries, with more than 18,400 daily flights.


Tourism Observer