Two seaplanes carrying cruise ship tourists have collided midair over southeastern Alaska, killing at least five and injuring 10, while one person is missing.
The accident occurred on Monday afternoon over waters about 40 kilometres northeast of Ketchikan town, said Petty Officer Jon-Paul Rios, a coastguard spokesperson.
The seaplanes collided under unknown circumstances, Allen Kenitzer, a spokesman of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said .Weather conditions in the area on Monday included high overcast skies.
Seaplanes have pontoons mounted under the fuselage so they can land on water.
Local emergency responders worked with state and federal agencies and good Samaritan vessels to help rescue victims.
The passengers were from the cruise ship Royal Princess and were on sightseeing flights.
The ship left Canada's Vancouver city on May 11 and was scheduled to arrive in the city of Anchorage in Alaska on Saturday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their lives and the families of those impacted by today's accident. Princess Cruises is extending its full support to traveling companions of the guests involved, Princess Cruises said in a statement.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the accident.
The Washington DC-based investigative team from the National Transportation Safety Board is expected to arrive in Ketchikan on Tuesday afternoon, agency spokesman Peter Knudson said.
He said board member Jennifer Homendy is also travelling with the so-called "Go Team", which investigates major accidents.
The crash site, which the FAA said was at Coon Cove near George Inlet, lies in the vicinity of a popular tourist lodge that runs excursions to the nearby Misty Fjords National Monument, about 480km south of Juneau, Alaska's capital.
One of the aircraft involved was a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver with five people on board and the other was a de Havilland Otter DHC-3 carrying 11 people, FAA spokesperson Allen Kenitzer said in an email message, citing information from local authorities.
The Ketchikan-based operator of the larger plane, Taquan Air, said its pilot and nine passengers were rescued and they were receiving medical attention, but one passenger's fate remained unknown.
That group was returning from a sightseeing tour of Misty Fjords when the crash occurred, Taquan said in a statement.
A spokesperson for Taquan Air, the operator of the Otter, said the company had suspended operations while federal authorities investigate the deadly crash.
It is not the first time a major plane crash has occurred near Ketchikan, a popular tourist destination.
In June 2015, a pilot and eight passengers had died when a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, operated by Promech Air Inc, crashed into mountainous terrain about 39km from Ketchikan.
The NTSB later determined that pilot error and lack of a formal safety programme were behind the crash.
Tourism Observer
Tourism, Travel, Hospitality, Conservation: News,Stories And Experiences From Allover The World
Showing posts with label vancouver. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vancouver. Show all posts
Sunday, 19 May 2019
Thursday, 6 September 2018
CANADA: WestJet To Cease Flights To Mexico City In October 2018
This only seven months after WestJet entered the Mexico City market with routes from Calgary and Vancouver.
It's just not performing up to the standards that we would like to see, WestJet chief financial officer Harry Taylor says of Mexico City. We don't want to be cost subsidizing at this point.
Taylor adds that despite retrenching, WestJet still sees long term opportunity to serve Mexico City and could return.
Long term there's something there.
WestJet will operate its last Vancouver-Mexico City flight on 3 October, followed by its final Calgary-Mexico City flight on 27 October.
The carrier launched both routes in March and does not serve Mexico City from any other destination, data shows.
WestJet's move mirrors cuts by other airlines.
Alaska Airlines will stop serving Mexico City on 7 November when it operates it last flight from Los Angeles.
Alaska called that route underperforming and said that the change frees aircraft to launch new routes, such as Seattle to Columbus, Ohio, which the airline plans to start in March 2019.
Alaska also had served Mexico City from San Francisco, but ended that route in May.
Likewise, United Airlines will also cut its Los Angeles-Mexico City flight in October, schedules data shows.
Capacity in available seats from North America to Mexico City jumped 9% year-over-year in the third quarter of 2018, primarily reflecting expansion by low-cost carriers Aeromar, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, VivaAerobus and Volaris, schedules data shows.
WestJet's move comes as the airline seeks to tighten its operation and bolster its finances.
The carrier has seen costs swell in recent quarters, and posted a second quarter operating loss.
The financial challenges hit amid a broad, companywide transformation under which WestJet is moving upscale, acquiring Boeing 787s, installing business class seats on 737s and adding flights at its hubs.
Tourism Observer
Saturday, 12 May 2018
CANADA: Air Transat To Start Toronto And Montreal To Athens Flights
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
Thursday, 7 September 2017
CANADA: Air Transat In Court For Falsely Advertising Non-Stop Flights
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
Sunday, 11 June 2017
MEXICO: More And More Tourists, Feeling Unwanted In U.S. Are Opting For Canada.
Many tourists, feeling undesirable in the U.S., are going elsewhere instead.
Airports in Miami, Orlando, San Antonio and Denver clocked fewer travelers coming from Mexico City and Guadalajara in the first two months of 2017, while Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver saw a surge in traffic from Mexico’s capital.
It’s not hard to see why Mexicans may be choosing to alter their travel plans, what with all those Twitter jabs by U.S. President Donald Trump, his plans for a wall between the two nations and uncertainty over travel restrictions.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, on the other hand, announced plans last June to lift a visa requirement for Mexicans that allows them to enter the country with only a passport.
A lot of people have canceled their trips to the U.S. because they don’t understand the new rules or are simply scared of them.
That’s been bad news for airlines focusing on U.S.-Mexico routes. Mexico’s two largest carriers, Grupo Aeromexico SAB and Controladora Vuela Cia. de Aviacion SAB, which operates as Volaris, recently cut their growth estimates on softer-than-expected demand.
Volaris Chief Executive Officer Enrique Beltranena blamed the Trump phenomenon and its effect on international travel as the main reason the carrier pared its second-quarter forecast for capacity growth to as much as 18 percent from as much as 23 percent — the first downward revision since 2014 for the fast-expanding discounter.
The Trump administration has ordered customs officials to enhance visa screening on visitors, including those from Mexico.
And while Mexicans aren’t directly affected by a proposed ban on travel from some countries or restrictions on electronic devices on flights from some airports, the measures add to the confusion.
A decline in tourism from Mexico could hurt American businesses that cater to travelers, including hotels and destinations like theme parks. Mexican visitors spent $19.7 billion in the U.S. in 2015, trailing only Chinese and Canadian travelers, according to the U.S. Commerce Department.
U.S.-bound passengers from Mexico City to San Antonio declined 34 percent in January and 37 percent in February, according to data from Mexico’s Communications and Transportation Ministry.
Meanwhile, traffic from Mexico City to Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver surged, with gains of as much as 67 percent in January and 46 percent the following month, depending on the destination.
Aeromexico, with a wider route network than Volaris, can partially offset the decline with its stream of steady business travel. Volaris, which relies heavily on Mexican leisure passengers and customers visiting friends and family in the U.S., started seeing some improvement in March, analyst Duane Pfennigwerth at Evercore ISI wrote in a note Thursday.
It appears demand trends have recovered since February when U.S. travel policy uncertainty was very high. Mexico domestic leisure trends are strong but northbound leisure travel to the U.S. has not fully recovered.
The peso’s 10 percent gain this year and a more moderate tone from the U.S. could help Volaris further, Pfennigwerth said. On the other hand, he said, headline risk remains and the new administration has thus far given leisure travelers from the rest of the world reasons to delay or reconsider travel to the United States.
That’s certainly the case for Mario Hinojosa, a businessman in Monterrey, Mexico.
Hinojosa said he can understand why folks may not want to visit the U.S. after Trump took office. His daughter had been considering a study-abroad program in either New York or Washington when they started noticing a change in sentiment toward Latinos.
I said to her: no. Not this year, he recalled. I will pay for you to go to Italy for the summer if you want, but not the United States.
Airports in Miami, Orlando, San Antonio and Denver clocked fewer travelers coming from Mexico City and Guadalajara in the first two months of 2017, while Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver saw a surge in traffic from Mexico’s capital.
It’s not hard to see why Mexicans may be choosing to alter their travel plans, what with all those Twitter jabs by U.S. President Donald Trump, his plans for a wall between the two nations and uncertainty over travel restrictions.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, on the other hand, announced plans last June to lift a visa requirement for Mexicans that allows them to enter the country with only a passport.
A lot of people have canceled their trips to the U.S. because they don’t understand the new rules or are simply scared of them.
That’s been bad news for airlines focusing on U.S.-Mexico routes. Mexico’s two largest carriers, Grupo Aeromexico SAB and Controladora Vuela Cia. de Aviacion SAB, which operates as Volaris, recently cut their growth estimates on softer-than-expected demand.
Volaris Chief Executive Officer Enrique Beltranena blamed the Trump phenomenon and its effect on international travel as the main reason the carrier pared its second-quarter forecast for capacity growth to as much as 18 percent from as much as 23 percent — the first downward revision since 2014 for the fast-expanding discounter.
The Trump administration has ordered customs officials to enhance visa screening on visitors, including those from Mexico.
And while Mexicans aren’t directly affected by a proposed ban on travel from some countries or restrictions on electronic devices on flights from some airports, the measures add to the confusion.
A decline in tourism from Mexico could hurt American businesses that cater to travelers, including hotels and destinations like theme parks. Mexican visitors spent $19.7 billion in the U.S. in 2015, trailing only Chinese and Canadian travelers, according to the U.S. Commerce Department.
U.S.-bound passengers from Mexico City to San Antonio declined 34 percent in January and 37 percent in February, according to data from Mexico’s Communications and Transportation Ministry.
Meanwhile, traffic from Mexico City to Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver surged, with gains of as much as 67 percent in January and 46 percent the following month, depending on the destination.
Aeromexico, with a wider route network than Volaris, can partially offset the decline with its stream of steady business travel. Volaris, which relies heavily on Mexican leisure passengers and customers visiting friends and family in the U.S., started seeing some improvement in March, analyst Duane Pfennigwerth at Evercore ISI wrote in a note Thursday.
It appears demand trends have recovered since February when U.S. travel policy uncertainty was very high. Mexico domestic leisure trends are strong but northbound leisure travel to the U.S. has not fully recovered.
The peso’s 10 percent gain this year and a more moderate tone from the U.S. could help Volaris further, Pfennigwerth said. On the other hand, he said, headline risk remains and the new administration has thus far given leisure travelers from the rest of the world reasons to delay or reconsider travel to the United States.
That’s certainly the case for Mario Hinojosa, a businessman in Monterrey, Mexico.
Hinojosa said he can understand why folks may not want to visit the U.S. after Trump took office. His daughter had been considering a study-abroad program in either New York or Washington when they started noticing a change in sentiment toward Latinos.
I said to her: no. Not this year, he recalled. I will pay for you to go to Italy for the summer if you want, but not the United States.
Tuesday, 16 May 2017
MEXICO: Interjet to Fly Cancun To Montreal In July,Air France To Increase Paris - Cancun Flights
The low-cost Mexican carrier announces new flights to Montreal from Cancun and Mexico City, to reach the Canadian travel market.
After a year of announcing that it would arrive in Canada in 2017, Interjet finally offers its clients on its website new routes Mexico City – Montreal and Cancun – Montreal, flights that will begin to operate in the second week of July (July 13).
At the beginning it was announced by Interjet and several news pages that Toronto and Vancouver could be the destinations to reach with these flights, but Montreal turned out to be the first destination to conquer by this low-cost Mexican carrier, with flights from Mexico City and Cancun.
On its website the airline has already announced a one-way travel promotion of $2,819 pesos, taxes included, from Mexico City to Pierre Elliott Trudeau airport in Montreal for an introductory fare, and on a round trip of just under $5,500 pesos.
From Cancun the rate that Interjet handles by introduction is $3,270 pesos in a single trip and $6,671 pesos in round trip.
Interjet comes to compete with Aeromexico and Air Canada, for a growing market. Canada is the second most important market for the country and the third for Cancun; from January to July 2016, 1,130,989 Canadians arrived in the country, of which 55% stayed in a hotel in Cancun, that is, 621,746 Canadians.
Air France increasing Paris-Cancun flights frequency. The flights previously were only available from October to April.
To celebrate its 65th anniversary in Mexico and in response to the strong Mexican demand, Air France-KLM announced that starting this year, the Cancun-Paris route will operate four weekly frequencies throughout the year. Previously the flights were only available from October to April.
Based on the electronic records of the National Institute of Migration (INM), at the points of aerial admission to Mexico, Cancun International Airport reached 93,726, from January to November 2016 (latest available), a figure that would increase with this new measure.
From Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport, frequencies for the winter season were operated through a Boeing 777-300, with 468 seats; while weekly frequencies during the summer season 2017 will be aboard a Boeing 777-200, with seating capacity of 312, said Vincent Etchebehere, CEO of Air France and KLM in Mexico.
Winter frequencies were available from October 14, 2016 to March 25, 2017, on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; While from March 26 to April 30, 2017, for what is considered the summer season, on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays; and from May 3 to September 2017, flights will operate on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
With the direct flight throughout 2017 is projected a 40% increase, taking into account a 95% occupancy, which is what AirFrance has registered on their flights to Cancun and Mexico City.
These direct flights to Cancun offer French and European passengers direct access to the Riviera Maya, one of the most popular regions in Mexico.
In the Boeing 777-300, seats are divided into 14 for business class, 32 in economy premiun and 422 in economy. While the Boeing 777-200 aircraft are 26 seats for business class, 24 economy premiun and 260 for economy.
Great Britain, Spain, Germany, France, and Italy were the top five European markets for Cancun and Riviera Maya last year.
After a year of announcing that it would arrive in Canada in 2017, Interjet finally offers its clients on its website new routes Mexico City – Montreal and Cancun – Montreal, flights that will begin to operate in the second week of July (July 13).
At the beginning it was announced by Interjet and several news pages that Toronto and Vancouver could be the destinations to reach with these flights, but Montreal turned out to be the first destination to conquer by this low-cost Mexican carrier, with flights from Mexico City and Cancun.
On its website the airline has already announced a one-way travel promotion of $2,819 pesos, taxes included, from Mexico City to Pierre Elliott Trudeau airport in Montreal for an introductory fare, and on a round trip of just under $5,500 pesos.
From Cancun the rate that Interjet handles by introduction is $3,270 pesos in a single trip and $6,671 pesos in round trip.
Interjet comes to compete with Aeromexico and Air Canada, for a growing market. Canada is the second most important market for the country and the third for Cancun; from January to July 2016, 1,130,989 Canadians arrived in the country, of which 55% stayed in a hotel in Cancun, that is, 621,746 Canadians.
Air France increasing Paris-Cancun flights frequency. The flights previously were only available from October to April.
To celebrate its 65th anniversary in Mexico and in response to the strong Mexican demand, Air France-KLM announced that starting this year, the Cancun-Paris route will operate four weekly frequencies throughout the year. Previously the flights were only available from October to April.
Based on the electronic records of the National Institute of Migration (INM), at the points of aerial admission to Mexico, Cancun International Airport reached 93,726, from January to November 2016 (latest available), a figure that would increase with this new measure.
From Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport, frequencies for the winter season were operated through a Boeing 777-300, with 468 seats; while weekly frequencies during the summer season 2017 will be aboard a Boeing 777-200, with seating capacity of 312, said Vincent Etchebehere, CEO of Air France and KLM in Mexico.
Winter frequencies were available from October 14, 2016 to March 25, 2017, on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; While from March 26 to April 30, 2017, for what is considered the summer season, on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays; and from May 3 to September 2017, flights will operate on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
With the direct flight throughout 2017 is projected a 40% increase, taking into account a 95% occupancy, which is what AirFrance has registered on their flights to Cancun and Mexico City.
These direct flights to Cancun offer French and European passengers direct access to the Riviera Maya, one of the most popular regions in Mexico.
In the Boeing 777-300, seats are divided into 14 for business class, 32 in economy premiun and 422 in economy. While the Boeing 777-200 aircraft are 26 seats for business class, 24 economy premiun and 260 for economy.
Great Britain, Spain, Germany, France, and Italy were the top five European markets for Cancun and Riviera Maya last year.
Wednesday, 11 January 2017
CANADA: Beijing Capital Airlines Begins Thrice Weekly Service Between Vancouver And Hangzhou, Via Qingdao
The new service, which launched on Jan. 6, between YVR and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) via Qingdao Liuting International Airport (TAO) is flown on an Airbus 330, with seating for 22 passengers, including 36 in Business and 186 in Economy. Capital Airlines is the sixth mainland Chinese carrier to service YVR – two more than any other airport in North America or Europe.
“I would like to thank Capital Airlines for choosing YVR as its first North American destination,” said Craig Richmond, YVR’s President and CEO. “This new service opens up two amazing new Chinese destinations for all of Canada and is another key milestone in our vision of connecting Asia to the Americas.”
Added Mr. Xu Xin, Chairman of Capital Airlines: “The new Vancouver–Qingdao–Hangzhou route will provide more choices and convenience for travellers and will further strengthen economic and cultural ties between Canada and China. Capital Airlines strives to be a leading brand in the international tourism and air travel industry and we are looking forward to working with YVR.”
In addition to strengthening business and tourism opportunities between China and Canada, this route will have a positive impact on the local economy. The new service brings 123 jobs and $6.2 million in GDP to the province of British Columbia and will add $4.2 million in wages and $2.3 million in taxes.
Located in the central eastern coast of China, Hangzhou is among the country’s seven most ancient cities and is famous for West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has had a profound impact on poets, painters and designers throughout Chinese history. Qingdao, located in northeast China, is a major seaport and industrial centre. In addition to hosting the world’s longest sea bridge, Qingdao is well-known for its diverse economy focused on heavy industry, software, automotive, electronics and banking—and the famous Tsingtao Brewery, the second largest in China.
Tuesday, 3 January 2017
HONG KONG: Hong Kong Airlines Introduces Daily Flights To Vancouver, Canada
On 30 June 2017 Hong Kong Airlines, an internationally-acclaimed full-service airline, will operate daily direct flight between Hong Kong and Vancouver by Airbus A330 aircraft. Canada is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2017, fly to Canada to join the nation-wide festivals with Hong Kong Airlines at HK$3,700* up.
Long accredited one of the world most livable cities, Vancouver in Canada is a year-round destination for all kinds of travelers, a mix of natural charm and bustling city life. In winter, Grouse Mountain in north Vancouver or nearby Whistler is the ultimate paradise for skiers and snowboarders; in spring time get enchanted by the flower beds in the world’s best park Stanley Park; summer in Vancouver is the season of beaches and festivals and in fall, the city turns into a gigantic palette of yellow, orange and red colours.
Mr. Li Dianchun, Chief Commercial Officer of Hong Kong Airlines said, “This new route service is Hong Kong Airlines’ debut in North America, we wish to attract as many visitors as possible to see the beautiful city of Vancouver, as well as encourage family reunions or business co-operation. The new route will also open up more opportunities for travelers worldwide to leverage our connectivity in Asia, hence bringing more diverse and convenient travel options for travelers from Hong Kong, the Pearl River Delta region, Oceania and North America.”
“Hong Kong Airlines is a well-known, family-friendly airline based in a world class city, and we are thrilled to be able to offer the public even more options to travel between Vancouver and Hong Kong,” said Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “Every new airline that chooses to fly to YVR means more jobs for the local economy and creates new opportunities for British Columbians.”
Long accredited one of the world most livable cities, Vancouver in Canada is a year-round destination for all kinds of travelers, a mix of natural charm and bustling city life. In winter, Grouse Mountain in north Vancouver or nearby Whistler is the ultimate paradise for skiers and snowboarders; in spring time get enchanted by the flower beds in the world’s best park Stanley Park; summer in Vancouver is the season of beaches and festivals and in fall, the city turns into a gigantic palette of yellow, orange and red colours.
Mr. Li Dianchun, Chief Commercial Officer of Hong Kong Airlines said, “This new route service is Hong Kong Airlines’ debut in North America, we wish to attract as many visitors as possible to see the beautiful city of Vancouver, as well as encourage family reunions or business co-operation. The new route will also open up more opportunities for travelers worldwide to leverage our connectivity in Asia, hence bringing more diverse and convenient travel options for travelers from Hong Kong, the Pearl River Delta region, Oceania and North America.”
“Hong Kong Airlines is a well-known, family-friendly airline based in a world class city, and we are thrilled to be able to offer the public even more options to travel between Vancouver and Hong Kong,” said Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “Every new airline that chooses to fly to YVR means more jobs for the local economy and creates new opportunities for British Columbians.”
Friday, 26 August 2016
CANADA: Threat Forces Westjet To Land At Thunder Bay International Airport
The airline says flight WS142 from Vancouver to Ottawa was forced to land at Thunder Bay just before 11 p.m. after receiving a “non-specific and non-credible” threat.
“At the request of Transport Canada, #WS142 diverted to Thunder Bay, where it landed safely,”
WestJet tweeted out. “We are now following the lead of law enforcement.”
WestJet said it landed at Thunder Bay International Airport safely and the company will provide further information as it becomes available.
Saturday, 30 January 2016
TAIWAN: EVA Air Increases Flights To JFK Airport
The Star Alliance member first began service to the New York area in 1992 with service to Newark via Seattle. With the delivery of new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft the route went nonstop in 2008, although a technical stop in ANC in one direction was still required. In 2011 the airline moved to JFK with nonstop flights and eventually increased to a daily frequency.
The additional flights will operate during daylight hours on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday – a great opportunity for local spotters to finally catch the airline’s fun array of ‘Hello Kitty’ inspired aircraft. EVA recently introduced a new corporate livery and has announced intentions of adding Chicago and Washington, D.C. to their route map in the United States.
The airline currently serves Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, and San Francisco, in addition to Toronto and Vancouver in Canada. Further growth is expected with orders for Boeing 787 aircraft.
EVA Air joins other Asian carriers who have recently increased their JFK frequency, many adding a second rotation on certain days of the week. Among these include ANA, JAL, China Eastern, and Air China who have all added to the market.
Schedule:
BR030 TPE0750 – 1045JFK 77W 246
BR032 TPE1910 – 2205JFK 77W D
BR031 JFK0125 – 0455+1TPE 77W D
BR029 JFK1245 – 1615+1TPE 77W 246
Friday, 4 December 2015
CANADA: Winnipeg Human Rights Museum Wins Tourism Award
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg won a Canadian Tourism Award on Wednesday. It was also named one of the best-looking buildings in Canada by an Australian travel website.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights was honoured on Wednesday at the Canadian Tourism Awards, and it didn't stop there — on the same day, Traveller, a website that posts travel advice for Australians, named the museum one of Canada's best-looking buildings.
The museum won the National Cultural Tourism Award in Ottawa, making president and CEO John Young and his team proud.
"Canada's new national museum is contributing to the transformation of Winnipeg into an international tourist destination and hub of human rights education," he said in a press release Thursday.
"Our first year of operation — in a building that's already become a Canadian architectural landmark — has been a truly amazing experience for everyone."
Best architecture in Canada,on the same day it received the award in Ottawa, the human rights museum was named one of seven best-looking buildings in Canada by Traveller.
The museum was the first location listed, and the write-up praised the museum's appearance inside and out.
"A swirl of glass, stone, steel and concrete is faintly reminiscent of folded dove wings, while the 100-metre-high Tower of Hope, which is illuminated at night, stands as a symbol of enlightenment," it said.
"Yet it's the interior experience that's truly awe-inspiring: climbing the walkways of the museum that opened in the Manitoba capital in 2014 is designed as a poignant journey from darkness to light."
A nighttime view of downtown Winnipeg, including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, where the Tower of Hope is visible in the night sky.
Habitat 67 in Montreal, Toronto's Art Gallery of Ontario, Vancouver's Marine Building, Montebello, Quebec's Fairmont Le Château, the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa and St. John's Jellybean Row made the list, too.
Winnipeg restaurant also awarded, RAW: almond, a temporary restaurant framed by tarp and metal where patrons can walk or skate to their seats, won the Brewster Travel Canada Innovator of the Year Award in Ottawa on Wednesday.
The award, and the one taken home by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, has Manitoba Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Ron Lemieux inviting those who live outside the city to come and see what all the fuss is about.
"Manitoba's tourism opportunities are extraordinary and unique, and these honorees are a shining example of how our province truly is where Canada's heart beats," he is quoted as saying in the press release.
"We want the world to come and experience the province with us, and it's great to see our tourism industry receives this kind of recognition."
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights was honoured on Wednesday at the Canadian Tourism Awards, and it didn't stop there — on the same day, Traveller, a website that posts travel advice for Australians, named the museum one of Canada's best-looking buildings.
The museum won the National Cultural Tourism Award in Ottawa, making president and CEO John Young and his team proud.
"Canada's new national museum is contributing to the transformation of Winnipeg into an international tourist destination and hub of human rights education," he said in a press release Thursday.
"Our first year of operation — in a building that's already become a Canadian architectural landmark — has been a truly amazing experience for everyone."
Best architecture in Canada,on the same day it received the award in Ottawa, the human rights museum was named one of seven best-looking buildings in Canada by Traveller.
The museum was the first location listed, and the write-up praised the museum's appearance inside and out.
"A swirl of glass, stone, steel and concrete is faintly reminiscent of folded dove wings, while the 100-metre-high Tower of Hope, which is illuminated at night, stands as a symbol of enlightenment," it said.
"Yet it's the interior experience that's truly awe-inspiring: climbing the walkways of the museum that opened in the Manitoba capital in 2014 is designed as a poignant journey from darkness to light."
A nighttime view of downtown Winnipeg, including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, where the Tower of Hope is visible in the night sky.
Habitat 67 in Montreal, Toronto's Art Gallery of Ontario, Vancouver's Marine Building, Montebello, Quebec's Fairmont Le Château, the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa and St. John's Jellybean Row made the list, too.
Winnipeg restaurant also awarded, RAW: almond, a temporary restaurant framed by tarp and metal where patrons can walk or skate to their seats, won the Brewster Travel Canada Innovator of the Year Award in Ottawa on Wednesday.
The award, and the one taken home by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, has Manitoba Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Ron Lemieux inviting those who live outside the city to come and see what all the fuss is about.
"Manitoba's tourism opportunities are extraordinary and unique, and these honorees are a shining example of how our province truly is where Canada's heart beats," he is quoted as saying in the press release.
"We want the world to come and experience the province with us, and it's great to see our tourism industry receives this kind of recognition."
Friday, 30 October 2015
CANADA: Air New Zealand Increases Capacity On Vancouver - Auckland Route
This will be the first time Air New Zealand has operated four return services on the route during this time period. With the fourth flight departing Vancouver on Saturdays, the airline will add more than 3,700 seats to the route, representing a 33 percent boost in capacity compared to the previous year.
Air New Zealand is adding an additional return service on its Vancouver-Auckland route ahead of the upcoming peak northern summer period between April 2 and May 7, 2016.
The popularity of the airline's service between Auckland and Vancouver will see the airline step up frequency next year from three to four return services per week.
This will be the first time Air New Zealand has operated four return services on the route during this time period. With the fourth flight departing Vancouver on Saturdays, the airline will add more than 3,700 seats to the route, representing a 33 percent boost in capacity compared to the previous year.
The latest increase is part of Air New Zealand's overall capacity increase on the Vancouver-Auckland route and marks the third capacity lift over the past year.
Air New Zealand Vice President of the Americas Chris Myers says, "We are very pleased with the continued growth out of our Vancouver gateway, and with the introduction of the refurbished Boeing 777-200ER on the route, it's only fitting that we are able to offer our Canadian customers more scheduled services when traveling to New Zealand or Australia."
The route will be consistently operated by the refurbished Boeing 777-200ER aircraft from October 25, and customers can now book the airline's revolutionary Economy Skycouch™ and Premium Economy product.
Premium Economy: In the Premium Economy cabin, travelers can relax in comfortable and luxurious ink-colored leather seats with individual armrests and a leg rest with extendable foot support.
Economy Skycouch: The award-winning and innovative Economy Skycouch - a trio of seats which transforms into a flat, flexible space to stretch out and relax is particularly popular with couples or families.
Air New Zealand offers a convenient overnight service to New Zealand, departing from Vancouver early evening and arriving into Auckland early in the morning, allowing for same day connections to 21 domestic New Zealand and eight Australian gateways.
Air New Zealand's additional return service on the Vancouver-Auckland route offers greater flexibility and connectivity to New Zealand and Australia.
Tuesday, 22 September 2015
INDONESIA: Trump Continues Expansion To Asia With "six-star" Java Resort And Golf Course Near Jakarta
The Trump Hotel Collection has unveiled the next phase of its Asian expansion strategy, with the signing of a new luxury resort in Java.
Only last month the US-based hotel group, which is owned by presidential hopeful Donald Trump, announced plans for a new ultra-luxury resort in Bali. And now it has consolidated its Indonesian presence with the signing of a similarly high-end resort in West Java.
“Trump Hotel Collection is involved in the master plan of this spectacular development, which will include the first Trump golf course in Asia as well as a world-class spa, luxurious hotel and residences,” said Donald Trump Jr, the Trump Organization’s executive vice president of development & acquisitions.
“Being on board at this early stage ensures the Lido development will reflect Trump Hotel Collection’s exacting standards and keen attention to detail,” he added.
The Trump resort will be located within the 700-hectare Lido development, which is set in an area of mountainous jungle approximately 65km south of Jakarta. The complex will include the “six-star” Trump resort, an 18-hole Ernie Els-designed golf course, a country club, spa and high-end villas and condominiums.
“The golf course in Lido will be Trump’s first in Asia as well as Ernie Els’ first in Indonesia, and will showcase the Trump brand’s impeccable standard of excellence by offering a captivating golf experience that features state-of-the-art facilities, 24-7 lifestyle concierge at the Lifestyle Country Club, uncompromising personal service and attention to detail,” Trump said in a statement.
Like the Bali resort, the new West Java property will be developed by Indonesia’s MNC Group. It will be accessible from Jakarta in just one hour via the new Bogor-Sukabumi toll road, which was also built by MNC.
The new Asian resorts join Trump’s expanding international portfolio which will also see the opening of four hotels in 2016, in Washington DC, Rio de Janeiro, Vancouver and Baku.
Friday, 11 September 2015
USA: Second Resort In Asia By Trump Hotel Collection
TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION has announced it will advance its vision for delivering exceptional resort offerings across the globe with a new ultra-luxury resort in Indonesia located in Lido in West Java. The development will be the second property in Asia for TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION in partnership with globally-renowned MNC Group, Indonesia's leading investment firm.
"We are thrilled with the strong growth and momentum of the TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION. Today's announcement further illustrates our commitment to introduce our signature experiences and unrivaled services to key resort destinations around the world," said Donald Trump Jr., executive vice president of development and acquisitions of The Trump Organization.
"TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION is involved in the master plan of this spectacular development, which will include the first Trump golf course in Asia as well as a world-class spa, luxurious hotel and residences," explained Trump. "Being on board at this early stage ensures the Lido development will reflect TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION's exacting standards and keen attention to detail."
Currently one of the fastest growing luxury hotel companies globally with a portfolio of 14 award-winning hotels, Trump properties are known for their unmatched standard of excellence, personalized service and prime locations worldwide. The rapidly expanding luxury brand is opening four hotels in 2016 alone in major cities such as Washington D.C., Rio de Janeiro, Vancouver and Baku.
The Lido news arrives hot on the heels of TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION and MNC Group's official New York City announcement to develop an opulent resort and residential development in Bali, a project designed to reflect the authenticity of the local culture in a magnificent location overlooking the southwest coast. Both the Bali and the Lido developments, with the latest agreement officially signed on August 19, 2015, represent landmark projects for MNC Group in partnership with key global players such as TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION.
"MNC is repositioning and rebranding what is currently known as Lido Lakes to be the pride of Indonesia," said Group President and CEO Bapak Hary Tanoesoedibjo. "The area will be a 3,000-hectare world-class integrated lifestyle resort destination, heralded by the completion of the Bogor-Sukabumi toll road – also developed by MNC Group – which will enable guests an unprecedented opportunity to escape to this new destination. We look forward to creating a new 'point of departure' in the most populated archipelago in the world with this iconic resort development."
TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION will be involved with phase one of the 700-hectare Lido development including a six-star luxury resort, 18-hole signature Ernie Els championship golf course, elite Lifestyle Country Club, wellness destination Spa as well as a high-end residential offering including luxury villas and condominiums.
Set within the lush tropical forests of the mountains of West Java, approximately 65 kilometers south of Jakarta, the ultra-luxury resort will offer residents a luxurious retreat within a short distance, yet a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION plans to revive the allure of the fabled destination by offering a retreat with elevated services for luxury-minded guests, establishing Lido as the preferred getaway in West Java.
The golf course in Lido will be Trump's first in Asia as well as Ernie Els' first in Indonesia, and will showcase the Trump brand's impeccable standard of excellence by offering a captivating golf experience that features state-of-the-art facilities, 24/7 lifestyle concierge at the Lifestyle Country Club, uncompromising personal service and attention to detail. As the foremost golf course developer in the world, Trump delivers the finest portfolio of award-winning courses, set against the most spectacular landscapes, presenting new levels of challenge. Aligned with other Trump Golf clubs across the globe, the ultra-exclusive Lido destination will offer unprecedented lifetime membership opportunities to a select few, providing unmatched access to experiences only limited by one's imagination.
The new Bogor-Sukabumi toll road, developed by MNC Group, will provide direct access to Lido Lakes, reducing the drive time from Jakarta to 60 minutes. Lido is located in Bogor city in West Java and is within 45 minutes driving distance to the famous protected forests of Bodogol and Cikaweni waterfalls. In addition to the Trump luxury components in the development's first phase, MNC Group will introduce Indonesia's first world-class theme park in partnership with a global leading design and production firm based in Los Angeles.
"We are thrilled with the strong growth and momentum of the TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION. Today's announcement further illustrates our commitment to introduce our signature experiences and unrivaled services to key resort destinations around the world," said Donald Trump Jr., executive vice president of development and acquisitions of The Trump Organization.
"TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION is involved in the master plan of this spectacular development, which will include the first Trump golf course in Asia as well as a world-class spa, luxurious hotel and residences," explained Trump. "Being on board at this early stage ensures the Lido development will reflect TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION's exacting standards and keen attention to detail."
Currently one of the fastest growing luxury hotel companies globally with a portfolio of 14 award-winning hotels, Trump properties are known for their unmatched standard of excellence, personalized service and prime locations worldwide. The rapidly expanding luxury brand is opening four hotels in 2016 alone in major cities such as Washington D.C., Rio de Janeiro, Vancouver and Baku.
The Lido news arrives hot on the heels of TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION and MNC Group's official New York City announcement to develop an opulent resort and residential development in Bali, a project designed to reflect the authenticity of the local culture in a magnificent location overlooking the southwest coast. Both the Bali and the Lido developments, with the latest agreement officially signed on August 19, 2015, represent landmark projects for MNC Group in partnership with key global players such as TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION.
"MNC is repositioning and rebranding what is currently known as Lido Lakes to be the pride of Indonesia," said Group President and CEO Bapak Hary Tanoesoedibjo. "The area will be a 3,000-hectare world-class integrated lifestyle resort destination, heralded by the completion of the Bogor-Sukabumi toll road – also developed by MNC Group – which will enable guests an unprecedented opportunity to escape to this new destination. We look forward to creating a new 'point of departure' in the most populated archipelago in the world with this iconic resort development."
TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION will be involved with phase one of the 700-hectare Lido development including a six-star luxury resort, 18-hole signature Ernie Els championship golf course, elite Lifestyle Country Club, wellness destination Spa as well as a high-end residential offering including luxury villas and condominiums.
Set within the lush tropical forests of the mountains of West Java, approximately 65 kilometers south of Jakarta, the ultra-luxury resort will offer residents a luxurious retreat within a short distance, yet a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION plans to revive the allure of the fabled destination by offering a retreat with elevated services for luxury-minded guests, establishing Lido as the preferred getaway in West Java.
The golf course in Lido will be Trump's first in Asia as well as Ernie Els' first in Indonesia, and will showcase the Trump brand's impeccable standard of excellence by offering a captivating golf experience that features state-of-the-art facilities, 24/7 lifestyle concierge at the Lifestyle Country Club, uncompromising personal service and attention to detail. As the foremost golf course developer in the world, Trump delivers the finest portfolio of award-winning courses, set against the most spectacular landscapes, presenting new levels of challenge. Aligned with other Trump Golf clubs across the globe, the ultra-exclusive Lido destination will offer unprecedented lifetime membership opportunities to a select few, providing unmatched access to experiences only limited by one's imagination.
The new Bogor-Sukabumi toll road, developed by MNC Group, will provide direct access to Lido Lakes, reducing the drive time from Jakarta to 60 minutes. Lido is located in Bogor city in West Java and is within 45 minutes driving distance to the famous protected forests of Bodogol and Cikaweni waterfalls. In addition to the Trump luxury components in the development's first phase, MNC Group will introduce Indonesia's first world-class theme park in partnership with a global leading design and production firm based in Los Angeles.
Saturday, 5 September 2015
CANADA: Vancouver Airport Aspiring For 20 million Passengers In 2015
Vancouver International Airport, Canada’s second busiest after Toronto Pearson, is on track to break through the 20-million passenger milestone in 2015, having handled 19.4 million in 2014, its busiest ever year. Domestic passenger numbers passed 10 million for the first time while trans-border (US) and international demand were also at all-time highs at the airport.
In the first four months of 2015 passenger numbers are up 5.5%, with year-on-year growth in every month. Growth has been particularly impressive in the trans-border market (up 13.1%), with international traffic up 4.3% and domestic demand growing more modestly by just 2.4%. August is the airport’s busiest month while February and November are the quietest months. The airport’s seasonality profile gives it a SVID score of 2.07 (“good”) which compares favourably with Seattle-Tacoma Airport (2.80, also “good”) the major US gateway which is just 200 kilometres to the south, which last year handled almost twice as many passengers as Vancouver.
Air France is newest of 33 airlines operating scheduled flights
Air Canada is the leading airline in Vancouver with 47% of flights and 43% of weekly seats, well ahead of WestJet, who account for 18% of flights and 20% of seats. US carriers United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines are the next busiest carriers, with Philippine Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways the biggest Asian carriers at the airport. Philippine Airlines operates 11 weekly flights from Manila with four offering onward flights to Toronto Pearson and another four to New York JFK. A total of 33 airlines offer scheduled services this July according to OAG Schedules Analyser data. These include British Airways, Condor, Edelweiss Air, Icelandair and KLM from Europe. They were recently joined by Air France, who began non-stop flights from Paris CDG at the end of March.
Chinese carriers are also well represented with Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Sichuan Airlines all offering flights to Vancouver. Both major Japanese carriers (All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines) are present, as are both major Taiwanese carriers, China Airlines and EVA Air.
Osaka newest destination among 86 served non-stop this July
This July, passengers have a choice of 86 non-stop destinations from Vancouver. These include many international destinations in Asia, Europe and the USA, as well as Mexico. One new destination for 2015 is Osaka Kansai in Japan. Air Canada rouge began five times weekly flights on this route at the beginning of May. The airport’s top 12 routes in terms of weekly seats this July include six in Canada, three in the US and three long-haul routes, of which two are in Asia (Beijing and Hong Kong) and one in Europe (London).
At present, the only additional new service that Vancouver is expecting to welcome in 2015 is the introduction in December of non-stop flights from Mexico City with Aeromexico. These will compete with Air Canada’s existing service.
Tuesday, 1 September 2015
CANADA: Pacific Coastal Announces New Service Between Victoria And Kelowna
Pacific Coastal Airlines (Vancouver) has announce the addition of a new route to its network of more than sixty-five destinations in British Columbia effective Tuesday, October 27, 2015.
The new Victoria (YYJ) to Kelowna (YLW) flights will operate seven days a week using Saab 340 aircraft.
Pacific Coastal began nonstop service between Victoria and Prince George in January of this year.
The new Victoria (YYJ) to Kelowna (YLW) flights will operate seven days a week using Saab 340 aircraft.
Pacific Coastal began nonstop service between Victoria and Prince George in January of this year.
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