A Vancouver man says baggage handlers dropped his specialized wheelchair on three separate WestJet flights, but the airline has yet to repair the damage.
Mitch Stark moved from Toronto to Vancouver earlier this year. Between May and August, he flew between the two cities on three flights operated by WestJet.
During the first flight in May, he watched from his window seat at the front of the plane as baggage handlers attempted to manually lift and load the 250-kilogram (450-pound) chair into the aircraft.
Instead, Stark said, it was dropped.
These are my legs and in my mind I’m thinking, they just dropped my legs, he said, describing what went through his mind as he saw the chair falling.
Whats more, Stark said he witnessed this happen on multiple occasions.
It would literally drop onto the ground, bounce off of the ground like a basket ball, he said.
Then when they did get it into aircraft they would turn the wheelchair on its side because it doesn’t fit in the aircraft.
He immediately filed a complaint with the airline and has tried for the last several months to get his wheelchair repaired.
In addition to missing fenders and lights, cracks and a dysfunctional armrest, the specialized chair that once enabled him to stand upright can no longer do so.
This wheelchair is missing one of the integral parts in a wheel in order for it to be stable for me to stand up, he said.
From the first incident until now, I haven’t been able to use something that me and my family paid a lot of money for me to be able to stand, like any other person in the world.
Damage is estimated at around $9,000, according to Stark.
A WestJet spokesperson apologized for the delayed repair, saying the company is working with a third party to fix the damage.
WestJet said it hopes to have the repairs done soon.
A Halifax man who uses a wheelchair is calling out WestJet for giving him the runaround and being ill-equipped to accommodate his disability.
Connor Hirtle, who is a C6 quadriplegic and requires the assistance of a caregiver, was travelling back to Halifax on Sunday after a weekend with friends in Toronto.
He says he arrived at the airport an hour and a half before his flight was set to take off, but was subjected to a lengthy search by airport security.
All my bags got searched. We each had a carry on, each of us, my medical bag all of it was for some reason thoroughly searched, Hirtle said.
That took up an easy 45 minutes, but two WestJet representatives came to security and advised me, ‘We’ll wait for you.’”
Hirtle says he was at the gate about 10 minutes prior to his flight, but a manager with WestJet told him he wasn’t allowed to board.
We sat there for probably 10 or 15 minutes watching the plane, just sitting there at the gate, said Hirtle. There were three other ladies that WestJet wouldn’t allow on either.
After the flight departed, Hirtle and his caregiver booked the next flight available to Halifax. The flight included a layover in Ottawa, which Hirtle says makes travel even more difficult, as he frequently has to get in and out of his chair.
He called WestJet and tried to get his money back, but was told that wouldn’t happen.
She just explained this was a basic fare flight, we can’t really change it for you, we can’t supply you with another flight, he said.
Hirtle is a part of a special program with WestJet that gives him a little extra seating room. But Hirtle says that was ignored on both the flight to Ottawa and Halifax, and he was seated in sections of the planes with little to no leg room.
Hirtle also noted that his flight from Ottawa to Halifax experienced a delay, as flight attendants were waiting for a mother and her son to board.
Which was perfectly fine, I don’t mind waiting at all, said Hirtle, but it was just the fact that WestJet just told me in Toronto that we weren’t allowed to do that.”
When Hirtle travels, he brings a second wheelchair that he uses to shower. That wheelchair, Hirtle says, ended up on his original flight. His other wheelchair received partial damage to his brake and wheels.
I expect some, with how airports and companies handle your luggage. It’s just this a bit more fragile, which they even mark on, but this time I guess they just didn’t care, he said.
After speaking with several different WestJet communications representatives and receiving the same response, Hirtle turned to social media to express his frustrations.
His Facebook post was shared hundreds of times, with many others calling for Hirtle to get his money back.
People are sort of disgusted with what went on, Hirtle said. I don’t usually do that, but I’ve been on many flights and never had this issue.
WestJet called the situation unfortunate and stated they are reaching out to Hirtle to again offer our apologies along with a further explanation on our policies.
The company would not, however, confirm whether he would receive a refund.
As we take all claims of this nature very seriously, our team will also ensure that any mobility device damage claim is expediently processed, the statement reads.
While we recognize this situation was disappointing, to ensure we meet the needs of guests requiring special assistance we do request at least 48 hours of advance notice to ensure we support those requests.
WestJet added that guests are encouraged to be present at their gate at least 40 minutes prior to departure, as their cut-off time for boarding is 10 minutes prior to any scheduled departure.
Since we operate over 700 flights daily, understandably any delay can impact thousands of guests and our policies are in place to ensure we offer a consistent experience across our network, the statement adds.
Air passenger rights activist Gabor Lukacs says Hirtle’s situation with WestJet speaks to a larger problem that people with disabilities have to deal with whenever they fly.
It so appalling to see a man with a disability being treated this way. This type of treatment is way too common when it comes to flying.
WestJet treated Hirtle poorly from both a legal and common sense perspective.
It was unreasonable. Ten minutes is the cut-off in such situations, my understanding is Hirtle presented himself right at the 10-minute mark at the gate.
It was entirely unreasonable to not fly him out on the flight in which he held booking.
The airline bears some responsibility when a passenger shows up to security under their own recommended timeline.
The airline does have a way to prioritize passengers in security, he said. The airline cannot be expected to hold the flight, but in this situation it would have made sense.
Showing posts with label westjet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label westjet. Show all posts
Sunday, 17 November 2019
Wednesday, 1 May 2019
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
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
Thursday, 6 September 2018
CANADA: WestJet To Cease Flights To Mexico City In October 2018
WestJet will exit Mexico City in October, becoming the latest among several North American airlines to retrench from Mexico's capital city.
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
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
Thursday, 28 June 2018
ST MAARTEN & ST MARTIN: Tourism Recovering With New Flights And Hotels Reopening
The tourism industry in St Maarten/St Martin continues to recover at a rapid pace as airlines add new service and hotels reopen following the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria last September.
American Airlines recently announced that it has increased seat capacity on its daily flight from Miami upgrading their Miami International Airport (MIA) – Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) route to a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, accommodating 160 passengers.
In addition, American Airlines will be adding a daily nonstop flight to St Maarten from its hub at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) starting November 4, 2018, as well as a second daily nonstop from Miami effective December 19, 2018.
Both new flights are currently bookable and will be operated by Airbus A319 aircraft with a capacity of 128 passengers.
St Maarten’s Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) continues to report great progress in terms of improved connectivity as the year progresses.
As of May 2018, two-thirds of all carriers that provided flights to and from the award-winning airport have resumed regular service.
From the United States, travelers can fly to St Maarten with United Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, and Seaborne Airlines.
Service from Toronto is available on WestJet, and Dominican carrier Air Century, and Panama-based Copa Airlines have returned as well.
Due to the collaborative efforts by all stakeholders and the community at large, St Maarten has been able to make a quick turnaround, said St Maarten minister of tourism, Cornelius De Weever. We are grateful to the return of all airlines and the reopening of our properties.
This shows the confidence American Airlines has in the comeback of St Maarten/St Martin, the public and private sector have been working continuously with American Airlines to ensure that the flights return in a balanced way complementing the re-opening of various accommodations, added St Maarten’s interim head of tourism, May-Ling Chun.
As of May 2018, there are just fewer than 2,000 bookable rooms available across the entire island.
122 villas and condos are open for business island-wide, boutique hotels and guest houses are ready to accommodate travelers, and several larger properties have conducted soft openings in order to welcome back guests.
Some 87 percent of all on-island activities are also available for guests to enjoy.
Tourism Observer
American Airlines recently announced that it has increased seat capacity on its daily flight from Miami upgrading their Miami International Airport (MIA) – Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) route to a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, accommodating 160 passengers.
In addition, American Airlines will be adding a daily nonstop flight to St Maarten from its hub at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) starting November 4, 2018, as well as a second daily nonstop from Miami effective December 19, 2018.
Both new flights are currently bookable and will be operated by Airbus A319 aircraft with a capacity of 128 passengers.
St Maarten’s Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) continues to report great progress in terms of improved connectivity as the year progresses.
As of May 2018, two-thirds of all carriers that provided flights to and from the award-winning airport have resumed regular service.
From the United States, travelers can fly to St Maarten with United Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, and Seaborne Airlines.
Service from Toronto is available on WestJet, and Dominican carrier Air Century, and Panama-based Copa Airlines have returned as well.
Due to the collaborative efforts by all stakeholders and the community at large, St Maarten has been able to make a quick turnaround, said St Maarten minister of tourism, Cornelius De Weever. We are grateful to the return of all airlines and the reopening of our properties.
This shows the confidence American Airlines has in the comeback of St Maarten/St Martin, the public and private sector have been working continuously with American Airlines to ensure that the flights return in a balanced way complementing the re-opening of various accommodations, added St Maarten’s interim head of tourism, May-Ling Chun.
As of May 2018, there are just fewer than 2,000 bookable rooms available across the entire island.
122 villas and condos are open for business island-wide, boutique hotels and guest houses are ready to accommodate travelers, and several larger properties have conducted soft openings in order to welcome back guests.
Some 87 percent of all on-island activities are also available for guests to enjoy.
Tourism Observer
GUYANA: WestJet Not Interested In Flying To Guyana
Canada’s second largest airline, Westjet, said that it has no plans to operate to Guyana, and distanced itself from a statement made by Wesley Kirton, director of the Roraima Group of Companies, at the Caribbean Aviation Handlers Association (CAHA) symposium in Guyana recently that the airline is looking to enter the Guyana market.
The airline said that it did not release or authorize Kirton’s statement apologising for the absence of the West Jet representative, Beverly Garcia- Cottrell due to a personal emergency:
“I am asked to convey to the meeting her regrets for not being here but to convey to the Guyanese authorities WestJet’s commitment to looking at serving the Guyana market and to advise that WestJet will send a delegation to Guyana shortly to initiate discussions with the authorities here.”
Kirton added that a one-on-one meeting had been set up for Garcia-Cottrell, a manager at WestJet, with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
WestJet has denied all of this.
WestJet representative, Lauren Steward, said WestJet did not issue any statement – the statement that you have is from your government not WestJet. As I mentioned, and reconfirmed, WestJet does not have any plans to operate to Guyana.
When asked to contact Garcia-Cottrell, WestJet did not answer that part of the email.
There are, however, unconfirmed reports that a date for Garcia-Cottrell to meet with the GCAA has been scheduled.
Toronto and New York City have a large Guyanese diaspora community and airlift from these cities to Guyana is very limited and of poor quality.
Meanwhile, GCAA director general, Egbert Field said that, while other carriers have signaled their intent to enter the Guyana market, there have been no concrete decisions made.
“We do not disclose anything until an application is made. Then we know that they are serious,” he added.
Tourism Observer
The airline said that it did not release or authorize Kirton’s statement apologising for the absence of the West Jet representative, Beverly Garcia- Cottrell due to a personal emergency:
“I am asked to convey to the meeting her regrets for not being here but to convey to the Guyanese authorities WestJet’s commitment to looking at serving the Guyana market and to advise that WestJet will send a delegation to Guyana shortly to initiate discussions with the authorities here.”
Kirton added that a one-on-one meeting had been set up for Garcia-Cottrell, a manager at WestJet, with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
WestJet has denied all of this.
WestJet representative, Lauren Steward, said WestJet did not issue any statement – the statement that you have is from your government not WestJet. As I mentioned, and reconfirmed, WestJet does not have any plans to operate to Guyana.
When asked to contact Garcia-Cottrell, WestJet did not answer that part of the email.
There are, however, unconfirmed reports that a date for Garcia-Cottrell to meet with the GCAA has been scheduled.
Toronto and New York City have a large Guyanese diaspora community and airlift from these cities to Guyana is very limited and of poor quality.
Meanwhile, GCAA director general, Egbert Field said that, while other carriers have signaled their intent to enter the Guyana market, there have been no concrete decisions made.
“We do not disclose anything until an application is made. Then we know that they are serious,” he added.
Tourism Observer
Saturday, 23 June 2018
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
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
Wednesday, 20 June 2018
GUYANA: WestJet To Offer Service Between Canada And Guyana
The Canadian airline WestJet is to send a delegation to Guyana shortly to initiate discussions with the country’s Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Public Infrastructure Ministry which has responsibility for aviation matters about offering service between Canada and Guyana.
This information was disclosed during the opening of the 15th Annual General Meeting of the Barbados based Caribbean Aviation Handlers Association (CAHA) at the Symposium Conference Center here last Friday.
Performing the function of chair of the official opening ceremony of the meeting, Wesley Kirton, a director of the Roraima Group of Companies which hosted the conference, apologized for the absence of the West Jet representative, Ms. Beverly Garcia- Cottrell due to a personal emergency.
I am asked to convey to the meeting her regrets for not being here but to convey to the Guyanese authorities WestJet’s commitment to looking at serving the Guyana market and to advise that WestJet will send a delegation to Guyana shortly to initiate discussions with the authorities here, Kirton said.
A one-on-one meeting had been set up for Ms. Garcia-Cottrell with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
The CAHA meeting was declared open by Guyana’s Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and heard also from GCAA’s acting director general Ms. Artie Heeralall, the vice chair of the Private Sector Commission Mr. Desmond Sears and chief executive officer of Roraima Airways Capt. Gerry Gouveia.
The meeting addressed a number of issues affecting the regional aviation industry including safety on the ramp, regulation of ground handlers, modernization and the regional open skies agreement.
The meeting also heard from airlines serving the region including Surinam Airways, Aruba Airlines and Inter Caribbean Airways.
WestJet operates over 100 aircraft, exclusively Boeing models, out of Canada.
The airline currently operates the Boeing 737 and Boeing 767 aircraft, and according to recent records, it has ordered 10 Boeing 787 aircraft to boost its fleet.
In a statement issued in December 2016, the airline said that it is seeking larger aircraft with the intention of adding new destinations.
In recent years, a number of airlines from across the region and further afield have expressed an interest in the Guyana travel market.
Earlier this year, major US carrier, American Airlines announced that it will be operating flights between the CJIA and Miami from December this year, offering travellers additional travel options between these shores and North America.
Tourism Observer
This information was disclosed during the opening of the 15th Annual General Meeting of the Barbados based Caribbean Aviation Handlers Association (CAHA) at the Symposium Conference Center here last Friday.
Performing the function of chair of the official opening ceremony of the meeting, Wesley Kirton, a director of the Roraima Group of Companies which hosted the conference, apologized for the absence of the West Jet representative, Ms. Beverly Garcia- Cottrell due to a personal emergency.
I am asked to convey to the meeting her regrets for not being here but to convey to the Guyanese authorities WestJet’s commitment to looking at serving the Guyana market and to advise that WestJet will send a delegation to Guyana shortly to initiate discussions with the authorities here, Kirton said.
A one-on-one meeting had been set up for Ms. Garcia-Cottrell with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
The CAHA meeting was declared open by Guyana’s Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and heard also from GCAA’s acting director general Ms. Artie Heeralall, the vice chair of the Private Sector Commission Mr. Desmond Sears and chief executive officer of Roraima Airways Capt. Gerry Gouveia.
The meeting addressed a number of issues affecting the regional aviation industry including safety on the ramp, regulation of ground handlers, modernization and the regional open skies agreement.
The meeting also heard from airlines serving the region including Surinam Airways, Aruba Airlines and Inter Caribbean Airways.
WestJet operates over 100 aircraft, exclusively Boeing models, out of Canada.
The airline currently operates the Boeing 737 and Boeing 767 aircraft, and according to recent records, it has ordered 10 Boeing 787 aircraft to boost its fleet.
In a statement issued in December 2016, the airline said that it is seeking larger aircraft with the intention of adding new destinations.
In recent years, a number of airlines from across the region and further afield have expressed an interest in the Guyana travel market.
Earlier this year, major US carrier, American Airlines announced that it will be operating flights between the CJIA and Miami from December this year, offering travellers additional travel options between these shores and North America.
Tourism Observer
Wednesday, 16 May 2018
CANADA: New Livery For WestJet 787-9 Dreamliners
WestJet has introduced its new livery and products for its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to be delivered starting 2019.
WestJet airline has ten Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on order.
The introduction of Boeing’s 787-9 Dreamliner, a state-of-the-art aircraft, is the dawn of a new era for WestJet and the next step in our transformation to a global network airline, says Ed Sims, WestJet President, and CEO.
The updated livery is modern and dynamic while the interior is world-class, distinctly Canadian and uniquely WestJet.
Both reflect WestJet’s transition from a regional airline in 1996 to a new era of connecting Canada with the world and bringing the world to Canada, Sims said.
The aircraft features a three-class cabin including Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy. Business Class will feature a touchscreen service and on-demand dining where the traveler can choose how they wish to fly.
Seats will feature lay-flat mattresses, bedding and turn-down service which will offer passengers no disruption by flight attendants if they so wish.
Premium Economy offers comfort enhancements with a premium menu, self-serve social area as well as more legroom to move and relax.
Economy will offer oversized, self-dimming windows as well as the standard in-flight entertainment and connectivity with in-seat device charging.
The new livery and logo were overseen by Ove Brand Design with Boeing and Teague implementing the design on the aircraft.
The font was changed to Bliss, which aims to give WestJet’s wordmark “a more uniform and current style while retaining the Leaf symbol in a more contemporary and bold look.
The livery will appear across WestJet’s entire fleet as new jets are delivered over the course of this year with their 737MAX8 aircraft to be the first aircraft with the livery appearing next month.
Over the course of the summer, the growing fleet that WestJet is receiving will operate an average of 777 daily flights across 90 destinations across Canada and the World.
Their newest upcoming flight launch will be with daily flights between Halifax and Paris Charles De Gaulle starting at the end of this month.
The Spirit of Canada name will also be featured on one side of the aircraft in English and one side French to highlight the heritage that there is in Canada.
Business Class on the product based on the renderings looks to be offering seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, although it has not been said how many seats altogether will be on the product.
Business Class will offer lay-flat seats, a console for storage, touch-screen seat adjustment controls, in-seat power as well as an 18-inch touch screen entertainment system.
Premium Economy offers a 38-inch seat pitch, with in-seat power for USB charging and will offer fliers with a 13-inch touch screen entertainment system on the back of each seat. Seat configuration expected to be 2-3-2.
Economy will offer up to 35 inches in seat pitch followed by a 12-inch touch screen entertainment, only an inch smaller for the IFE screen and three inches less for seat pitch collectively.
It looks as if Economy will be offered in a 3-3-3 configuration also.
The fuselage features a new wordmark presented in a new stylized font known as Bliss and will feature the airline logo as well as “The Spirit of Canada” hosted in both English and French on each side of the fuselage.
The tail will also feature a new contemporary look at the Maple Leaf.
Tourism Observer
WestJet airline has ten Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on order.
The introduction of Boeing’s 787-9 Dreamliner, a state-of-the-art aircraft, is the dawn of a new era for WestJet and the next step in our transformation to a global network airline, says Ed Sims, WestJet President, and CEO.
The updated livery is modern and dynamic while the interior is world-class, distinctly Canadian and uniquely WestJet.
Both reflect WestJet’s transition from a regional airline in 1996 to a new era of connecting Canada with the world and bringing the world to Canada, Sims said.
The aircraft features a three-class cabin including Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy. Business Class will feature a touchscreen service and on-demand dining where the traveler can choose how they wish to fly.
Seats will feature lay-flat mattresses, bedding and turn-down service which will offer passengers no disruption by flight attendants if they so wish.
Premium Economy offers comfort enhancements with a premium menu, self-serve social area as well as more legroom to move and relax.
Economy will offer oversized, self-dimming windows as well as the standard in-flight entertainment and connectivity with in-seat device charging.
The new livery and logo were overseen by Ove Brand Design with Boeing and Teague implementing the design on the aircraft.
The font was changed to Bliss, which aims to give WestJet’s wordmark “a more uniform and current style while retaining the Leaf symbol in a more contemporary and bold look.
The livery will appear across WestJet’s entire fleet as new jets are delivered over the course of this year with their 737MAX8 aircraft to be the first aircraft with the livery appearing next month.
Over the course of the summer, the growing fleet that WestJet is receiving will operate an average of 777 daily flights across 90 destinations across Canada and the World.
Their newest upcoming flight launch will be with daily flights between Halifax and Paris Charles De Gaulle starting at the end of this month.
The Spirit of Canada name will also be featured on one side of the aircraft in English and one side French to highlight the heritage that there is in Canada.
Business Class on the product based on the renderings looks to be offering seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, although it has not been said how many seats altogether will be on the product.
Business Class will offer lay-flat seats, a console for storage, touch-screen seat adjustment controls, in-seat power as well as an 18-inch touch screen entertainment system.
Premium Economy offers a 38-inch seat pitch, with in-seat power for USB charging and will offer fliers with a 13-inch touch screen entertainment system on the back of each seat. Seat configuration expected to be 2-3-2.
Economy will offer up to 35 inches in seat pitch followed by a 12-inch touch screen entertainment, only an inch smaller for the IFE screen and three inches less for seat pitch collectively.
It looks as if Economy will be offered in a 3-3-3 configuration also.
The fuselage features a new wordmark presented in a new stylized font known as Bliss and will feature the airline logo as well as “The Spirit of Canada” hosted in both English and French on each side of the fuselage.
The tail will also feature a new contemporary look at the Maple Leaf.
Tourism Observer
Tuesday, 1 May 2018
CANADA: Mississauga Is A Populous City And Fairly Safe, But Muggings Can Sometimes Happen
Mississauga is a city southwestern Ontario, Canada. It is Toronto's largest suburb and Canada's sixth largest city.
Mississauga is a city in the Canadian province of Ontario. It is situated on the shores of Lake Ontario in the Regional Municipality of Peel, bordering Toronto.
With a population of 721,599 as of the 2016 census, Mississauga is the sixth-most populous municipality in Canada, third-most in Ontario, and second-most in the Greater Toronto Area.
It is also one of the most populous suburbs in the world outside of Asia.
The growth of Mississauga is attributed to its proximity to Toronto. During the latter-half of the 20th century, the city attracted a multicultural population and built-up a thriving central business district.
It is home to Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada's busiest airport, as well as the headquarters of many Canadian and multinational corporations. Residents of the city are called Mississaugans or Saugans
Mississauga covers 288.42 square kilometres (111.36 sq mi) of land, fronting 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) of shoreline on Lake Ontario.
Mississauga is bounded by Oakville and Milton to the west/southwest, Brampton to the north, Toronto to the east, and Lake Ontario to the south/south-east.
Halton Hills borders Mississauga's north-west corner. With the exception of the southeast border with Toronto (Etobicoke Creek), Mississauga shares a land border with all previously mentioned municipalities.
Two major river valleys feed into the lake. The Credit River is by far the longest with the heaviest flow, it divides the western side of Mississauga from the central/eastern portions and enters the lake at the Port Credit harbour.
The indented, mostly forested valley was inhabited by first nation peoples long before European exploration of the area. The valley is protected and maintained by the Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVCA).
Etobicoke Creek forms part of the eastern border of Mississauga with the city of Toronto. North of there it passes through the western limits of Pearson Airport.
There have been two aviation accidents, in 1978 and 2005 where aircraft overshot the runaway and slid into the Etobicoke creek banks.
In 1954, heavy flooding resulted in some homes along the riverbank being swept into the lake after heavy rains from Hurricane Hazel. Since that storm, houses are no longer constructed along the floodplain.
The creek and its tributaries are administered by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).
Most land in Mississauga drains to either of the two main river systems, with the exception of the smaller Mary Fix and Cooksville Creeks which run roughly through the center of Mississauga entering the lake near Port Credit.
Some small streams and reservoirs are part of the Sixteen Mile Creek system in the far north-west corner of the city, but these drain toward the lake in neighbouring Milton and Oakville.
The shoreline of former Glacial Lake Iroquois roughly follows the Dundas Street alignment, although it is not noticeable in some places but is more prominent in others, such as the site of the former brickyard Shoreline Dr. near Mavis Rd.
The ancient shoreline promenteau affords a clear view of downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario on clear days.
The land in Mississauga in ranges from a maximum elevation of 214 m (699 ft) ASL in the far western corner, near the Hwy. 407/401 junction, to a minimum elevation at the Lake Ontario shore of 76 m (249 ft) ASL.
Apart from the embankments of Credit River valley, it tributaries and the Iroquois shoreline, the only noticeable hills in Mississauga are actually part of the former Britannia Landfill, now a golf course on Terry Fox Way.
Mississauga's climate is considered to be moderate, and is located in plant hardiness zone 6b. Mississauga has a humid continental climate.Summers can bring periods of high temperatures accompanied with high humidity.
While the average daily high temperature in July and August is 27 °C (80.6 °F), temperatures can rise above 32 °C (89.6 °F). In an average summer, there are an average of 15.8 days where the temperature rises above 30 °C (86.0 °F).
Winters can be cold with temperatures that are frequently below freezing. In January and February, the mean temperature is −6 °C (21.2 °F) although it is common for temperatures to fall to −15 °C (5.0 °F).
In an average winter, there are an average of 3.9 days where the temperature falls below −20 °C (−4.0 °F).
Occasionally, there can be brief periods of warmer weather during the winter season. Compared to the rest of Canada and Ontario, the amount of snowfall received during the season is relatively low.
On average, Mississauga receives 108.5 centimetres (42.7 in) of snow per year and there are 44.4 days with measurable snowfall.
The climate of Mississauga is officially represented by Pearson International Airport but because of its topography and large surface area conditions can differ depending on location.
Fog tends to be more common along the lakeshore and in the Credit River Valley at certain times of year, particularly during the spring and autumn.
During snowfalls when temperatures hover close to freezing, northern parts of the city, such as around Derry Road away from warmer Lake Ontario usually get more snow that sticks to the ground because of the lower temperatures.
The reverse occurs when a strong storm approaches from the south kicking up lake effect snow, bringing higher snowfall totals to south Mississauga.
The city usually experiences 6 months of snow free weather however there is the odd occurrence where snow does fall either in October or May.
The Port Credit and Lakeview areas have a micro-climate more affected by the proximity of the open lake, warming winter temperatures as a result but it can be sharply cooler on spring and summer afternoons, this can also be the case in Clarkson, but with much less consistency.
Most thunderstorms are not severe but can occasionally bring violent winds.
The last known tornado to cause significant damage touched down on 7 July 1985, when an F1 rated tornado struck an industrial park in the Meadowvale area on Argentia Road, heavily damaging some buildings and some parked tractor trailers.
A relatively strong tornado tore a path across Mississauga then part of Toronto Township on 24 June 1923, cutting a swath from present-day Meadowvale to near Cooksville, killing 4 people and causing massive property damage in a time when most of Mississauga was still rural farmland dotted with fruit orchards.
Mississauga has many different neighbourhoods including the incorporated townships. There are 23 neighbourhoods in Mississauga.
- Applewood
- Central Erin Mills
- Churchill Meadows
- Credit Valley
- Clarkson/Lorne Park
- Cooksville
- East Credit
- Erindale
- Fairview
- Hurontario
- Lakeview
- Lisgar
- Malton
- Meadowvale
- Meadowvale Village
- Mineola
- Mississauga Valleys
- Port Credit
- Rathwood
- Sheridan
- Streetsville
Mississauga was a fast-growing city until 2016 when the population growth rate fell below the national average. It is also multicultural city with 57.15% of the city's population identified as visible minorities.
Statistics Canada estimates that Mississauga now has 734,000 people,an increase of 150,000 from the previous decade and the population has roughly doubled in the past twenty-five years.
Also, the Regional Municipality of Peel estimates that as of 2016, the city of Mississauga has a population of 758,000, based on the Canada 2006 Census which as of the Canada 2016 Census, is about 27,000 over expected.
Mississauga is now the third most populous city on the Great Lakes; far smaller than Chicago and Toronto, but recently surpassing the cities proper of Detroit, Milwaukee, and Cleveland.
About 52% of the population speaks a language other than English, and 52.4% of the population are members of a visible minority - non-white or non-aboriginal.
18% of the population is under 14 years of age, compared to those of retirement age; 8.51%. The median (middle) age in Mississauga is 35.0.
Christianity is the majority faith of the city. The 2011 census indicated that 59.9% of the population are adherents, with Catholics constituting 36.9%, while the remaining 23.0% belong to various Protestant, Orthodox Christian, and other Christian groups.
Other practiced faiths were Islam (11.9%), Hinduism (7.0%) Sikhism (3.4%), Buddhism (2.2%), and Judaism (0.3%). Those who claimed no religious affiliation made up 14.9% of the population.
The 2011 census found that English was spoken as single mother tongue by 47.6% of the population. The next most common languages were Urdu (4.9%), Polish (4.1%), Punjabi (3.2%), Arabic (3.1%), Tagalog (2.8%), and Portuguese (2.5%).
Over 60 of the Fortune 500 companies base their Global or Canadian Head Offices in Mississauga. Some of the strongest industries are pharmaceuticals, banking and finance, electronics and computers, Aerospace, transportation parts and equipment industries.
TD Bank also has Corporate IT development centres in the city along with Royal Bank of Canada. Laura Secord Chocolates is headquartered in the city, and Hewlett Packard's main Canada offices are also in Mississauga.
Air Georgian, a regional airline, is headquartered in Mississauga as well. Air Canada Jazz operates a regional office in Mississauga and Kam Air has its North American office in Mississauga.
Mississauga is also an aircraft development hub with Canadian headquarters of Aerospace companies such as Magellan Aerospace and Honeywell Aerospace.
In addition Walmart Canada, Kellogg's Canada, Panasonic Canada, Esprida and NetSuite have their Canadian head offices in the city.
Mississauga has a growing arts community, which is promoted by the Mississauga Arts Council, which holds an annual awards ceremony, called the MARTYs, to celebrate the city's artists, filmmakers, writers and musicians.
Mississauga's largest festivities such as Canada Day Celebration, Mississauga Rotary Ribfest, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and New Years' Eve Bash generally occur in Celebration Square.
The Canada Day celebration was attended by 130,000 people in 2012, the Ribfest has recorded 120,000 visitors in 2012, and the inaugural New Years' Eve in 2011 has attracted 30,000 spectators.
One of the most anticipated events in the city is Carassauga, a festival of cultures that occurs annually during mid-May. It is the second largest cultural festival in Canada.
During 2013, 4014 performances took place and 300,000 people attended. Carassauga attempts to display the different cultures around the world by setting up pavilions for countries around Mississauga.
Visitors get free public transportation with their ticket to tour the city and explore the different pavilions. Various countries showcase their culture through food stalls, dance performances and small vendors.
The event largely takes place in the Hershey Centre, where an outdoor stage is set up amidst many tiny pavilions. Other venues include the Tomken Twin Arena, the Canadian Coptic Centre and the Frank McKechnie Community Centre.
There are also culture-specific festivals held in Celebration Square.
Here Fiesta Ng Kalayaan for the Philippines, Viet Summerfest for Vietnam, Muslimfest for the city's Muslim community, and Mosaic Festival, which is the largest South Asian multi-disciplinary arts festival in North America.
The village of Streetsville holds its annual Bread and Honey Festival every first weekend of June at Streetsville Memorial Park to commemorate the founding of the village of Streetsville.
The festival has been incorporated in 1974, in response to amalgamation with the city of Mississauga. Activities include the Bread and Honey Race, which raises money for charities and local hospitals.
It also has its own annual Canada Day celebrations, which are also held at Streetsville Memorial Park.
Another former town, Port Credit, Ontario holds multiple festivals throughout the year. During the summer, there are street performances on multiple venues scattered throughout the former town during Buskerfest.
The town also holds a grand parade named - Paint the Town Red - during Canada Day. Finally, during August, the town holds the Mississauga Waterfront Festival, which includes concerts as well as family activities.
During September, the Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle is being held to celebrate the town's Blues and Jazz Festival, which includes musical performances from local blues and jazz artists.
The community of Malton, which contains a significant number of Sikhs, holds its annual Khalsa Day parade, marching between Sri Guru Singh Sabha or Malton Gurdwara and Sikh Spiritual Centre - Rexdale Gurdwara Sahib, in Toronto. This parade is attended by 100,000 people.
Mississauga has a significant number of Jews, with active community classes, cultural activities and holiday celebrations.
In 2006, with the help of Project for Public Spaces, the city started hosting - My Mississauga - summer festivities at its Civic Square. Mississauga planned over 60 free events to bring more people to the city square.
The square was transformed and included a movable stage, a snack bar, extra seating, and sports and gaming facilities, basketball nets, hockey arena, chess and checker boards including a skate park.
Some of the events included Senior's day on Tuesday, Family day on Wednesday, Vintage car Thursdays, with the main events being the Canada Day celebration, Rotary Ribfest, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Beachfest.
Civic Square has completed its restructuring project using federal stimulus money, which features a permanent stage, a larger ice rink which also serves as a fountain and wading pool during the summer season, media screens, and a permanent restaurant.
It officially reopened at 22 June 2011 and has since been renamed as Mississauga Celebration Square. More events have been added such as holding free outdoor live concerts, and live telecast of UEFA European Football Championship.
The square also holds weekly programming such as fitness classes, amphitheatre performances and movie nights during the summer, children's activities during spring and fall, and skate parties during the winter.
The opening of the square has also allowed the city to hold its first annual New Years' Eve celebration in 2011.
The upper and lower parts of the square used to be separated by a segment of City Centre Drive.
However, pedestrian safety issues and commitment to building a vibrant downtown led the city council to permanently close this segment, uniting the upper and lower parts of the square.
In October 2012, the square had attracted its one millionth visitor.
The Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM) is a public, not-for-profit art gallery located in the Mississauga Civic Centre right on Celebration Square across from the Living Arts Centre and Square One Shopping Centre.
AGM is sponsored by the City of Mississauga, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Ontario Arts Council.
The art gallery offers free admission and tours and is open everyday. AGM has over 500 copies and is working on creating a digital gallery led by gallery assistant Aaron Guravich.
Mississauga also boasts one of the largest shopping malls in Canada called Square One Shopping Centre, located at the City Centre. It has 350+ retail stores and services and attracts 24 million annual visits.
It is operating on most holidays, apart from Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day, making it the only shopping mall in the city and one of the few in the Greater Toronto Area that do so.
The mall is surrounded by several bars and restaurants, as well as the City Hall, the Central Library, and Playdium.
Erin Mills Town Centre, the second largest mall in Mississauga. It is located at the western edge of the city, near Eglinton Avenue at Erin Mills Parkway.
The mall used to be notable by a clock tower placed in the center of the building. As its successor, the clock has been replaced with an iconic glass sphere 283 feet in circumference, as a part of the mall's $100 million redevelopment project.
The mall also used to have a movie theatre, a mini-golf course, and a daycare centre, all of which were converted to retail space
Located at the southeastern corner of the city is the Dixie Outlet Mall, which is Canada's largest enclosed outlet mall.
It opened in 1956, making it Mississauga's first shopping mall, even though the city at that time was still known as Toronto Township, Ontario. Many factory outlets of premium brands are located in this mall.
As a supporter of Bullfrog Power, it operates using 100% renewable energy. Heartland Town Centre is an unenclosed outlet mall with 180 stores and restaurants.
A flea market, the Fantastic Flea Market, is Mississauga's oldest flea market, which opened in 1976.
Erin Mills Town Centre and Dixie Outlet Mall are both closed for most holidays, except for Civic Holiday.
Toronto's Pearson International Airport is the main regional airport serving Canada's largest city, as a result it is reasonably well served by flights from cities across Canada as well as many American cities and several European, Asian, Latin American, African and Oceanian cities.
The Airport is a short taxi ride from anywhere in Mississauga.Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ), operated by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority in the northeastern part of the city, is the largest and busiest airport in Canada.
In 2015, it handled 41,036,847 passengers and 443,958 aircraft movements.It is a major North American global gateway, handling more international passengers than any airport in North America other than John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Pearson is the main hub for Air Canada, and a hub for passenger airline WestJet and cargo airline FedEx Express. It is served by over 75 airlines having over 180 destinations.
Mississauga is served by 4 major expressways.
The 401 links Mississauga with Windsor, Detroit and beyond in the West direction, and Kingston, Ottawa, and Quebec in the East direction.
The 403 links to Hamilton and Niagara Falls in the west, and connects with the 401 and 410. The 410 leads to Brampton in the North.
The QEW links Mississauga with the Gardiner Expressway and downtown Toronto in the east, and connects with the 403 in the west.
The 407 is an East-West toll route running parallel with the 401.
Mississauga is reasonably accessible from Toronto by transit. GO Transit runs trains during rush hour and buses the rest of the day from various terminals in Toronto to several stations in Mississauga.
Square One shopping centre contains the main bus terminal for the city, it is regularly served by GO buses as well as local Mississauga Transit buses.
MiWay is operated by the City of Mississauga. Because of the lack of urban planning in its early years, the city has become too spread out, causing it to be difficult to traverse without a personal car.
As a result, the transit system is still used, yet the routes are somewhat infrequent, waiting times are typically 15 to 45 minutes on week days, and some bus routes are only offered exclusively on week days.
In an effort to increase their number of passengers however, Mississauga has put in major efforts to improve the system, including their Clicknride web page, which plans out the most appropriate trip for the rider as well.
As of April 27, 2015, a ride on a Mississauga Transit bus costs $3.50, and transfers for free entry onto buses within the following one and a half hour since the beginning of the route must be requested when you are paying.
Transfers can also be used for discounts on other public transportation systems in adjacent areas.
The transit system operates two types of services:
MiWay Local which can be recognized by the orange/white bus livery. This operates like the old Mississauga Transit using most of the same routes with new routes being added as more areas of the city get developed.
The current fleet of buses are being replaced with newer hybrid-electric buses.
MiWay Express which can be recognized by the blue/white bus livery. All express routes except Routes 107,109, and 110 operate only during weekday morning and evening rush hours.
These buses travel on expressways and major thoroughfares making a limited number of stops at designated bus stops. Buses are equipped with reading lights and power outlets at each seat.
Route 110 runs throughout the day each day including weekends and holidays. Routes 107 and 109 also operate on Saturdays except holidays.
A 12-station busway similar to Ottawa's transitway is being built along Highway 403 from Winston Churchill Boulevard to Renforth Drive via the City Centre.
This will provide faster service for passengers by cutting commuting times by as much as half. The first phase of the bus rapid transit project has been completed with stations at Central Parkway, Cawthra, Tomken, and Dixie.
The remaining east to Renforth and west to Winston Churchill sections were completed in 2016.
Toronto Transit Commision (TTC) services some of the east end of the city near the Toronto boundary.
Oakville Transit services some of the west end of the city near the Oakville boundary.
Blue & White Taxi
Golden City Taxi
In 2010, the City of Mississauga approved a Cycling Master Plan outlining a strategy to develop over 900 kilometres (560 miles) of on and off-road cycling routes in the city over the next 20 years.
Over 1,000 Mississauga citizens and stakeholders contributed their thoughts and ideas to help develop this plan.
The plan focuses on fostering cycling as a way of life in the city, building an integrated network of cycling routes and aims to adopt a safety first approach to cycling.
Port Credit An older, historic village at the centre of Mississauga's Lake Ontario shore features many intimate small restaurants, cafes and bars. Annual events include the Waterfront Festival and Jazz/Bluefest.
Nice Marina and walking paths at the Credit River entrance and along the lakeshore.
Streetsville. This small village is where the renowned mayor of Mississauga, Hazel McCallion, resides. It has many shops, restaurants, and green areas to explore.
Visit in June to enjoy the Bread and Honey Festival or in winter months for Remembrance Day services and the Santa Claus Parade.
Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM), 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga Civic Centre, Ground Floor.. Monday-Wednesday, Friday 10am-5pm; Thursday 10am-8pm; Weekends 12pm-4pm.
The AGM has over 3000 square feet divided into four gallery spaces, and programmes approximately 10 exhibitions a year of national and international contemporary art. Free.
Parks. Mississauga has over 350 parks of various sizes. Many small parkettes with trees and park benches form green spaces in busy neighbourhoods.
Other large sports parks feature baseball diamonds, tennis courts, soccer and football fields. There is also an authentic Japanese park right in the City Centre as well as 9 picnic parks, many of them offering barbeque facilities.
Wahoosh Falls. To get a sample of the nearby Hamilton waterfalls concentration, head down the ravine at Burnhamthorpe Rd W and Mississauga Rd. A miniature 10ft waterfall is a fair reward after a healthy urban hike.
Playdium A large video arcade that also has wall climbing and go-karting. Some nights you are able to pay a flat fee for three hours of arcade gaming.
Golf. Mississauga features two primary golf courses: The BraeBen Golf Course and The Lakeview Golf Course. The Lakeview features an 18-Hole course, while The BraeBen features a 9 and 18-hole championship course.
Hershey Centre. A sports and entertainment facility which has staged numerous high profile events including regional, provincial, national and world hockey championships, Skate Canada, and concerts.
Fishing. The Credit River is a jewel set in the heart of southern Ontario, Canada. The Credit boasts huge runs of Chinook salmon and steelhead as well as some coho, pink and Atlantic salmon.
Scooter's Roller Palace. Just south of the Clarkson GO station, this is a popular option for families and teenagers. Skate rentals available.
West 50 is good for a selection of more than 100 beers on tab.
Square One, Ontario's largest mall.
Erin Mills Town Centre
Heartland Town Centre, a shopping complex located in the eastern part of the city mostly consisting of big box stores.
Old Credit Brewery, 6 Queen St. W. Tel:905-2719888, Open 10-19, Excellent small brewery that sells an ale and a pilsner.
Dixie Outlet Mall
Streetsville. Small shops along Queen Street including accessories for home and garden and vintage clothing.
Starsky Fine Foods, 2040 Dundas St. East, Second location at 3115 Dundas St. West. A bustling local Polish supermarket chain with top quality yet affordable deli meats, cheese and desserts.
Buy Houses for Sale in Mississauga, 30 Eglinton Ave West. Buy Houses for Sale in Mississauga Ontario located in various areas of the city near schools, amenities, transit and shopping.
Axia Restaurant and Bar, 5045 Plantation Place, along Eglinton Ave W near Erin Mills. In the community of Erin Mills. A nicely designed ambient place with fully authentic Asian food being produced from separate kitchens.
Specializes in Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Korean cuisine. Mains $15-20, appetizers $5-10. Fully liquor licensed with unique flavoured Korean soju and alcoholic bubble tea. A must for any Asian food lover and enough variety to last countless visits.
Nirvana, 35 Brunnel Road in the north end of Mississauga close to Brampton. the Flavors of India. Slightly upscale Indian restaurant . It is a friendly place with great food.
Moxie's Classic Grill. Locations in Meadowvale and Square One.
Richtree Market Restaurant. Located in Square One, this market-style restaurant allows you to see your food being freshly made throughout the day. Offers a nice ambiance in the middle of an otherwise hectic area.
The Apricot Tree Cafe, 1900 Dundas St. W., Mississauga, ON The Apricot Tree is on Dundas St. between the Erin Mills Pkwy and Mississauga Rd. Monday 10am-9pm, Tuesday-Friday 10am-10pm, Saturday 9am-10pm, closed Sunday.
Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, with a wide range of excellent pastries and cakes for dessert. Features an open kitchen design which allows guests to watch their order being prepared.
Breakfast average $8; lunch mains average $11; dinner mains average $17.
West 50, 50 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W. The Sussex Centre. Mo-Th: 11am-1am,Fr: 11am-2am, sa:4pm-2am, Su:5pm-2am.
Excellent steaks, salads and desserts. Stylish interior with a huge stainless steel bar on the inside and two rings of tables at different levels around it.
They have more than 100 beers from around Canada and the rest of the world on tap, try a 6-beer sampler menu if cannot decide $20 for mains.
Master Steaks, 5895 Dixie Road, three lights north of the 401. open late. This is about the cheapest place in Mississauga where you can get a steak dinner for less than $20. Portions are very generous for the price.
Atmosphere is somewhat reminiscent of a 70's fast food eatery where you place your order at the till and wait until your number is called.
Very popular with the after-hours bar crowd. Look out for specials under $15. Licensed. Take out available. $7-$25.
Bistro Narra, 3030 Thomas Street, Unit A404, West of Winston Churchill Blvd. Sister restaurant of Apricot Tree. Wonderful bistro-style food, with great desserts.
Especially check out the Prix Fixe and Crepe Fest menus at both restaurants when they are available. Lunch $10-18. Dinner starts at $15.
Arkady Bistro Cafe, 3631 Dixie Rd near Burnhamthorpe. Great Polish cafe that serve generous portions. Excellent mains and salads. Website is in Polish. $11-30.
Song Cook's, 1310 Dundas St E west of Dixie Rd. Mississauga location of a local Korean restaurant chain. Hearty Korean stews and dishes. Great lunch and group specials.
Man Doo Hyang, 169 Dundas St E near Kirwin Ave. Another local Korean chain restaurant. Specializes in dumplings, and has delicious tabletop cooking, including family-sized stews and barbecued meats.
Lucy's Seafood Kitchen, 6905 Millcreek Drive, Unit 8. Cajun-style seafood restaurant, serving lunch and dinner. Friendly, casual atmosphere, with great seafood entrees. Check out their Southern-style desserts as well.
Drink and Club in Mississauga City
&Company, 295 Enfield Place, andcompany.ca. Upscale nightclub in Mississauga City Centre featuring world-class DJ's. Strict dress code which is stylish and sophisticated enforced.
&Company is open Wednesday-Saturday 6pm-2am. Seasonal rooftop bar and patio. Bottle service available.
Blue Suede Sue's, 75 Watline Avenue, Top 40, Hip-hop, R & B, Dance. Open Thursday, Friday Ladies' night, and Saturday nights.
My Apartment Two locations is one in Mississauga and one in Oakville now called Rehab bordering Mississauga.
Sugar Daddy's, 5165 Dixie Road, 4 lights south of the 401, Mississauga. Established in 2003. Club MC is Slick Vic, with DJ Constantine.
Capitol Singles' Dance, Capitol Banquet Centre, 6435 Dixie Road, 4 lights north of the 401, Mississauga. Every Friday night from 7:00pm till 1:00am.
All singles 19 and over welcome; however, the majority of attendees tend to be the 30+ after-work crowd. DJ Dianne plays a mix of today's dance hits with the greatest hits from the 50's to the 90's as well as country, swing, waltz, polka, and latin favourites.
She also gladly takes requests. Admission is $15 as conditions apply and includes a buffet dinner served 7:30 till 9:30. Dress code, no jeans or sneakers. Cash bar. Draw and spot dances. Ample free parking.
Accomodations in Mississauga
The Waterside Inn, 15 Stavebank Road South. Waterfront hotel located in Port Credit. Uniquely decorated and furnished guest suites. Wifi, restaurant, and conference rooms.
Novotel Toronto Mississauga, 3670 Hurontario Street. The Novotel Toronto Mississauga is located 25 min from the centre of Toronto and 18 km from Pearson International Airport. 325 Rooms, Wifi, and a restaurant.
Hilton Garden Inn - Toronto/Mississauga, 100 Traders Boulevard. checkin: 3:00PM; checkout: 12:00PM. Guest rooms selected at check-in featuring single or double beds. Free complementary parking, no pets allowed.
Best Western Plus Toronto Airport Hotel, 5825 Dixie Road, Mississauga, Toronto, Ontario L4W 1E8. Complimentary airport shuttle & overnight parking, meeting and banquet fascilities, indoor heated pool, whirlpool, sauna, suites available.
Comfort Inn Airport West Mississauga, 1500 Matheson Blvd. East, Mississauga, Ontario L4W 3Z4. checkin: 2:00 p.m.; checkout: 11:00 a.m.. Complimentary 24 hour airport shuttle, free ample parking, meeting facility, suites and renovated rooms available.
Mississauga is a fairly safe city, however use common sense and vigilance at night like any other large city, as muggings can sometimes happen. The local police are friendly, trustworthy, and approachable, so any issues you have you can ask them for help.
On the weekend, clubs and bars in Mississauga can fill up with people fast. If you see a confrontation in a bar or club, it is best not to get involved, as these can escalate quickly.
For life threatening emergencies, dial 9-1-1 to be connected to Police, Fire, or Ambulance. For non-emergency inquiries, you can dial the following:
Mississauga Fire - 905-615-3777 Peel Paramedic Services - 1-800-668-7821 Peel Regional Police - 905-453-3311
On the whole, Mississauga is a safe city, and for the average tourist, you should have no problems.
Do not wait to go to Mississauga.
Tourism Observer
Mississauga is a city in the Canadian province of Ontario. It is situated on the shores of Lake Ontario in the Regional Municipality of Peel, bordering Toronto.
With a population of 721,599 as of the 2016 census, Mississauga is the sixth-most populous municipality in Canada, third-most in Ontario, and second-most in the Greater Toronto Area.
It is also one of the most populous suburbs in the world outside of Asia.
The growth of Mississauga is attributed to its proximity to Toronto. During the latter-half of the 20th century, the city attracted a multicultural population and built-up a thriving central business district.
It is home to Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada's busiest airport, as well as the headquarters of many Canadian and multinational corporations. Residents of the city are called Mississaugans or Saugans
Mississauga covers 288.42 square kilometres (111.36 sq mi) of land, fronting 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) of shoreline on Lake Ontario.
Mississauga is bounded by Oakville and Milton to the west/southwest, Brampton to the north, Toronto to the east, and Lake Ontario to the south/south-east.
Halton Hills borders Mississauga's north-west corner. With the exception of the southeast border with Toronto (Etobicoke Creek), Mississauga shares a land border with all previously mentioned municipalities.
Two major river valleys feed into the lake. The Credit River is by far the longest with the heaviest flow, it divides the western side of Mississauga from the central/eastern portions and enters the lake at the Port Credit harbour.
The indented, mostly forested valley was inhabited by first nation peoples long before European exploration of the area. The valley is protected and maintained by the Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVCA).
Etobicoke Creek forms part of the eastern border of Mississauga with the city of Toronto. North of there it passes through the western limits of Pearson Airport.
There have been two aviation accidents, in 1978 and 2005 where aircraft overshot the runaway and slid into the Etobicoke creek banks.
In 1954, heavy flooding resulted in some homes along the riverbank being swept into the lake after heavy rains from Hurricane Hazel. Since that storm, houses are no longer constructed along the floodplain.
The creek and its tributaries are administered by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).
Most land in Mississauga drains to either of the two main river systems, with the exception of the smaller Mary Fix and Cooksville Creeks which run roughly through the center of Mississauga entering the lake near Port Credit.
Some small streams and reservoirs are part of the Sixteen Mile Creek system in the far north-west corner of the city, but these drain toward the lake in neighbouring Milton and Oakville.
The shoreline of former Glacial Lake Iroquois roughly follows the Dundas Street alignment, although it is not noticeable in some places but is more prominent in others, such as the site of the former brickyard Shoreline Dr. near Mavis Rd.
The ancient shoreline promenteau affords a clear view of downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario on clear days.
The land in Mississauga in ranges from a maximum elevation of 214 m (699 ft) ASL in the far western corner, near the Hwy. 407/401 junction, to a minimum elevation at the Lake Ontario shore of 76 m (249 ft) ASL.
Apart from the embankments of Credit River valley, it tributaries and the Iroquois shoreline, the only noticeable hills in Mississauga are actually part of the former Britannia Landfill, now a golf course on Terry Fox Way.
Mississauga's climate is considered to be moderate, and is located in plant hardiness zone 6b. Mississauga has a humid continental climate.Summers can bring periods of high temperatures accompanied with high humidity.
While the average daily high temperature in July and August is 27 °C (80.6 °F), temperatures can rise above 32 °C (89.6 °F). In an average summer, there are an average of 15.8 days where the temperature rises above 30 °C (86.0 °F).
Winters can be cold with temperatures that are frequently below freezing. In January and February, the mean temperature is −6 °C (21.2 °F) although it is common for temperatures to fall to −15 °C (5.0 °F).
In an average winter, there are an average of 3.9 days where the temperature falls below −20 °C (−4.0 °F).
Occasionally, there can be brief periods of warmer weather during the winter season. Compared to the rest of Canada and Ontario, the amount of snowfall received during the season is relatively low.
On average, Mississauga receives 108.5 centimetres (42.7 in) of snow per year and there are 44.4 days with measurable snowfall.
The climate of Mississauga is officially represented by Pearson International Airport but because of its topography and large surface area conditions can differ depending on location.
Fog tends to be more common along the lakeshore and in the Credit River Valley at certain times of year, particularly during the spring and autumn.
During snowfalls when temperatures hover close to freezing, northern parts of the city, such as around Derry Road away from warmer Lake Ontario usually get more snow that sticks to the ground because of the lower temperatures.
The reverse occurs when a strong storm approaches from the south kicking up lake effect snow, bringing higher snowfall totals to south Mississauga.
The city usually experiences 6 months of snow free weather however there is the odd occurrence where snow does fall either in October or May.
The Port Credit and Lakeview areas have a micro-climate more affected by the proximity of the open lake, warming winter temperatures as a result but it can be sharply cooler on spring and summer afternoons, this can also be the case in Clarkson, but with much less consistency.
Most thunderstorms are not severe but can occasionally bring violent winds.
The last known tornado to cause significant damage touched down on 7 July 1985, when an F1 rated tornado struck an industrial park in the Meadowvale area on Argentia Road, heavily damaging some buildings and some parked tractor trailers.
A relatively strong tornado tore a path across Mississauga then part of Toronto Township on 24 June 1923, cutting a swath from present-day Meadowvale to near Cooksville, killing 4 people and causing massive property damage in a time when most of Mississauga was still rural farmland dotted with fruit orchards.
Mississauga has many different neighbourhoods including the incorporated townships. There are 23 neighbourhoods in Mississauga.
- Applewood
- Central Erin Mills
- Churchill Meadows
- Credit Valley
- Clarkson/Lorne Park
- Cooksville
- East Credit
- Erindale
- Fairview
- Hurontario
- Lakeview
- Lisgar
- Malton
- Meadowvale
- Meadowvale Village
- Mineola
- Mississauga Valleys
- Port Credit
- Rathwood
- Sheridan
- Streetsville
Mississauga was a fast-growing city until 2016 when the population growth rate fell below the national average. It is also multicultural city with 57.15% of the city's population identified as visible minorities.
Statistics Canada estimates that Mississauga now has 734,000 people,an increase of 150,000 from the previous decade and the population has roughly doubled in the past twenty-five years.
Also, the Regional Municipality of Peel estimates that as of 2016, the city of Mississauga has a population of 758,000, based on the Canada 2006 Census which as of the Canada 2016 Census, is about 27,000 over expected.
Mississauga is now the third most populous city on the Great Lakes; far smaller than Chicago and Toronto, but recently surpassing the cities proper of Detroit, Milwaukee, and Cleveland.
About 52% of the population speaks a language other than English, and 52.4% of the population are members of a visible minority - non-white or non-aboriginal.
18% of the population is under 14 years of age, compared to those of retirement age; 8.51%. The median (middle) age in Mississauga is 35.0.
Christianity is the majority faith of the city. The 2011 census indicated that 59.9% of the population are adherents, with Catholics constituting 36.9%, while the remaining 23.0% belong to various Protestant, Orthodox Christian, and other Christian groups.
Other practiced faiths were Islam (11.9%), Hinduism (7.0%) Sikhism (3.4%), Buddhism (2.2%), and Judaism (0.3%). Those who claimed no religious affiliation made up 14.9% of the population.
The 2011 census found that English was spoken as single mother tongue by 47.6% of the population. The next most common languages were Urdu (4.9%), Polish (4.1%), Punjabi (3.2%), Arabic (3.1%), Tagalog (2.8%), and Portuguese (2.5%).
Over 60 of the Fortune 500 companies base their Global or Canadian Head Offices in Mississauga. Some of the strongest industries are pharmaceuticals, banking and finance, electronics and computers, Aerospace, transportation parts and equipment industries.
TD Bank also has Corporate IT development centres in the city along with Royal Bank of Canada. Laura Secord Chocolates is headquartered in the city, and Hewlett Packard's main Canada offices are also in Mississauga.
Air Georgian, a regional airline, is headquartered in Mississauga as well. Air Canada Jazz operates a regional office in Mississauga and Kam Air has its North American office in Mississauga.
Mississauga is also an aircraft development hub with Canadian headquarters of Aerospace companies such as Magellan Aerospace and Honeywell Aerospace.
In addition Walmart Canada, Kellogg's Canada, Panasonic Canada, Esprida and NetSuite have their Canadian head offices in the city.
Mississauga has a growing arts community, which is promoted by the Mississauga Arts Council, which holds an annual awards ceremony, called the MARTYs, to celebrate the city's artists, filmmakers, writers and musicians.
Mississauga's largest festivities such as Canada Day Celebration, Mississauga Rotary Ribfest, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and New Years' Eve Bash generally occur in Celebration Square.
The Canada Day celebration was attended by 130,000 people in 2012, the Ribfest has recorded 120,000 visitors in 2012, and the inaugural New Years' Eve in 2011 has attracted 30,000 spectators.
One of the most anticipated events in the city is Carassauga, a festival of cultures that occurs annually during mid-May. It is the second largest cultural festival in Canada.
During 2013, 4014 performances took place and 300,000 people attended. Carassauga attempts to display the different cultures around the world by setting up pavilions for countries around Mississauga.
Visitors get free public transportation with their ticket to tour the city and explore the different pavilions. Various countries showcase their culture through food stalls, dance performances and small vendors.
The event largely takes place in the Hershey Centre, where an outdoor stage is set up amidst many tiny pavilions. Other venues include the Tomken Twin Arena, the Canadian Coptic Centre and the Frank McKechnie Community Centre.
There are also culture-specific festivals held in Celebration Square.
Here Fiesta Ng Kalayaan for the Philippines, Viet Summerfest for Vietnam, Muslimfest for the city's Muslim community, and Mosaic Festival, which is the largest South Asian multi-disciplinary arts festival in North America.
The village of Streetsville holds its annual Bread and Honey Festival every first weekend of June at Streetsville Memorial Park to commemorate the founding of the village of Streetsville.
The festival has been incorporated in 1974, in response to amalgamation with the city of Mississauga. Activities include the Bread and Honey Race, which raises money for charities and local hospitals.
It also has its own annual Canada Day celebrations, which are also held at Streetsville Memorial Park.
Another former town, Port Credit, Ontario holds multiple festivals throughout the year. During the summer, there are street performances on multiple venues scattered throughout the former town during Buskerfest.
The town also holds a grand parade named - Paint the Town Red - during Canada Day. Finally, during August, the town holds the Mississauga Waterfront Festival, which includes concerts as well as family activities.
During September, the Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle is being held to celebrate the town's Blues and Jazz Festival, which includes musical performances from local blues and jazz artists.
The community of Malton, which contains a significant number of Sikhs, holds its annual Khalsa Day parade, marching between Sri Guru Singh Sabha or Malton Gurdwara and Sikh Spiritual Centre - Rexdale Gurdwara Sahib, in Toronto. This parade is attended by 100,000 people.
Mississauga has a significant number of Jews, with active community classes, cultural activities and holiday celebrations.
In 2006, with the help of Project for Public Spaces, the city started hosting - My Mississauga - summer festivities at its Civic Square. Mississauga planned over 60 free events to bring more people to the city square.
The square was transformed and included a movable stage, a snack bar, extra seating, and sports and gaming facilities, basketball nets, hockey arena, chess and checker boards including a skate park.
Some of the events included Senior's day on Tuesday, Family day on Wednesday, Vintage car Thursdays, with the main events being the Canada Day celebration, Rotary Ribfest, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Beachfest.
Civic Square has completed its restructuring project using federal stimulus money, which features a permanent stage, a larger ice rink which also serves as a fountain and wading pool during the summer season, media screens, and a permanent restaurant.
It officially reopened at 22 June 2011 and has since been renamed as Mississauga Celebration Square. More events have been added such as holding free outdoor live concerts, and live telecast of UEFA European Football Championship.
The square also holds weekly programming such as fitness classes, amphitheatre performances and movie nights during the summer, children's activities during spring and fall, and skate parties during the winter.
The opening of the square has also allowed the city to hold its first annual New Years' Eve celebration in 2011.
The upper and lower parts of the square used to be separated by a segment of City Centre Drive.
However, pedestrian safety issues and commitment to building a vibrant downtown led the city council to permanently close this segment, uniting the upper and lower parts of the square.
In October 2012, the square had attracted its one millionth visitor.
The Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM) is a public, not-for-profit art gallery located in the Mississauga Civic Centre right on Celebration Square across from the Living Arts Centre and Square One Shopping Centre.
AGM is sponsored by the City of Mississauga, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Ontario Arts Council.
The art gallery offers free admission and tours and is open everyday. AGM has over 500 copies and is working on creating a digital gallery led by gallery assistant Aaron Guravich.
Mississauga also boasts one of the largest shopping malls in Canada called Square One Shopping Centre, located at the City Centre. It has 350+ retail stores and services and attracts 24 million annual visits.
It is operating on most holidays, apart from Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day, making it the only shopping mall in the city and one of the few in the Greater Toronto Area that do so.
The mall is surrounded by several bars and restaurants, as well as the City Hall, the Central Library, and Playdium.
Erin Mills Town Centre, the second largest mall in Mississauga. It is located at the western edge of the city, near Eglinton Avenue at Erin Mills Parkway.
The mall used to be notable by a clock tower placed in the center of the building. As its successor, the clock has been replaced with an iconic glass sphere 283 feet in circumference, as a part of the mall's $100 million redevelopment project.
The mall also used to have a movie theatre, a mini-golf course, and a daycare centre, all of which were converted to retail space
Located at the southeastern corner of the city is the Dixie Outlet Mall, which is Canada's largest enclosed outlet mall.
It opened in 1956, making it Mississauga's first shopping mall, even though the city at that time was still known as Toronto Township, Ontario. Many factory outlets of premium brands are located in this mall.
As a supporter of Bullfrog Power, it operates using 100% renewable energy. Heartland Town Centre is an unenclosed outlet mall with 180 stores and restaurants.
A flea market, the Fantastic Flea Market, is Mississauga's oldest flea market, which opened in 1976.
Erin Mills Town Centre and Dixie Outlet Mall are both closed for most holidays, except for Civic Holiday.
Toronto's Pearson International Airport is the main regional airport serving Canada's largest city, as a result it is reasonably well served by flights from cities across Canada as well as many American cities and several European, Asian, Latin American, African and Oceanian cities.
The Airport is a short taxi ride from anywhere in Mississauga.Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ), operated by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority in the northeastern part of the city, is the largest and busiest airport in Canada.
In 2015, it handled 41,036,847 passengers and 443,958 aircraft movements.It is a major North American global gateway, handling more international passengers than any airport in North America other than John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Pearson is the main hub for Air Canada, and a hub for passenger airline WestJet and cargo airline FedEx Express. It is served by over 75 airlines having over 180 destinations.
Mississauga is served by 4 major expressways.
The 401 links Mississauga with Windsor, Detroit and beyond in the West direction, and Kingston, Ottawa, and Quebec in the East direction.
The 403 links to Hamilton and Niagara Falls in the west, and connects with the 401 and 410. The 410 leads to Brampton in the North.
The QEW links Mississauga with the Gardiner Expressway and downtown Toronto in the east, and connects with the 403 in the west.
The 407 is an East-West toll route running parallel with the 401.
Mississauga is reasonably accessible from Toronto by transit. GO Transit runs trains during rush hour and buses the rest of the day from various terminals in Toronto to several stations in Mississauga.
Square One shopping centre contains the main bus terminal for the city, it is regularly served by GO buses as well as local Mississauga Transit buses.
MiWay is operated by the City of Mississauga. Because of the lack of urban planning in its early years, the city has become too spread out, causing it to be difficult to traverse without a personal car.
As a result, the transit system is still used, yet the routes are somewhat infrequent, waiting times are typically 15 to 45 minutes on week days, and some bus routes are only offered exclusively on week days.
In an effort to increase their number of passengers however, Mississauga has put in major efforts to improve the system, including their Clicknride web page, which plans out the most appropriate trip for the rider as well.
As of April 27, 2015, a ride on a Mississauga Transit bus costs $3.50, and transfers for free entry onto buses within the following one and a half hour since the beginning of the route must be requested when you are paying.
Transfers can also be used for discounts on other public transportation systems in adjacent areas.
The transit system operates two types of services:
MiWay Local which can be recognized by the orange/white bus livery. This operates like the old Mississauga Transit using most of the same routes with new routes being added as more areas of the city get developed.
The current fleet of buses are being replaced with newer hybrid-electric buses.
MiWay Express which can be recognized by the blue/white bus livery. All express routes except Routes 107,109, and 110 operate only during weekday morning and evening rush hours.
These buses travel on expressways and major thoroughfares making a limited number of stops at designated bus stops. Buses are equipped with reading lights and power outlets at each seat.
Route 110 runs throughout the day each day including weekends and holidays. Routes 107 and 109 also operate on Saturdays except holidays.
A 12-station busway similar to Ottawa's transitway is being built along Highway 403 from Winston Churchill Boulevard to Renforth Drive via the City Centre.
This will provide faster service for passengers by cutting commuting times by as much as half. The first phase of the bus rapid transit project has been completed with stations at Central Parkway, Cawthra, Tomken, and Dixie.
The remaining east to Renforth and west to Winston Churchill sections were completed in 2016.
Toronto Transit Commision (TTC) services some of the east end of the city near the Toronto boundary.
Oakville Transit services some of the west end of the city near the Oakville boundary.
Blue & White Taxi
Golden City Taxi
In 2010, the City of Mississauga approved a Cycling Master Plan outlining a strategy to develop over 900 kilometres (560 miles) of on and off-road cycling routes in the city over the next 20 years.
Over 1,000 Mississauga citizens and stakeholders contributed their thoughts and ideas to help develop this plan.
The plan focuses on fostering cycling as a way of life in the city, building an integrated network of cycling routes and aims to adopt a safety first approach to cycling.
Port Credit An older, historic village at the centre of Mississauga's Lake Ontario shore features many intimate small restaurants, cafes and bars. Annual events include the Waterfront Festival and Jazz/Bluefest.
Nice Marina and walking paths at the Credit River entrance and along the lakeshore.
Streetsville. This small village is where the renowned mayor of Mississauga, Hazel McCallion, resides. It has many shops, restaurants, and green areas to explore.
Visit in June to enjoy the Bread and Honey Festival or in winter months for Remembrance Day services and the Santa Claus Parade.
Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM), 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga Civic Centre, Ground Floor.. Monday-Wednesday, Friday 10am-5pm; Thursday 10am-8pm; Weekends 12pm-4pm.
The AGM has over 3000 square feet divided into four gallery spaces, and programmes approximately 10 exhibitions a year of national and international contemporary art. Free.
Parks. Mississauga has over 350 parks of various sizes. Many small parkettes with trees and park benches form green spaces in busy neighbourhoods.
Other large sports parks feature baseball diamonds, tennis courts, soccer and football fields. There is also an authentic Japanese park right in the City Centre as well as 9 picnic parks, many of them offering barbeque facilities.
Wahoosh Falls. To get a sample of the nearby Hamilton waterfalls concentration, head down the ravine at Burnhamthorpe Rd W and Mississauga Rd. A miniature 10ft waterfall is a fair reward after a healthy urban hike.
Playdium A large video arcade that also has wall climbing and go-karting. Some nights you are able to pay a flat fee for three hours of arcade gaming.
Golf. Mississauga features two primary golf courses: The BraeBen Golf Course and The Lakeview Golf Course. The Lakeview features an 18-Hole course, while The BraeBen features a 9 and 18-hole championship course.
Hershey Centre. A sports and entertainment facility which has staged numerous high profile events including regional, provincial, national and world hockey championships, Skate Canada, and concerts.
Fishing. The Credit River is a jewel set in the heart of southern Ontario, Canada. The Credit boasts huge runs of Chinook salmon and steelhead as well as some coho, pink and Atlantic salmon.
Scooter's Roller Palace. Just south of the Clarkson GO station, this is a popular option for families and teenagers. Skate rentals available.
West 50 is good for a selection of more than 100 beers on tab.
Square One, Ontario's largest mall.
Erin Mills Town Centre
Heartland Town Centre, a shopping complex located in the eastern part of the city mostly consisting of big box stores.
Old Credit Brewery, 6 Queen St. W. Tel:905-2719888, Open 10-19, Excellent small brewery that sells an ale and a pilsner.
Dixie Outlet Mall
Streetsville. Small shops along Queen Street including accessories for home and garden and vintage clothing.
Starsky Fine Foods, 2040 Dundas St. East, Second location at 3115 Dundas St. West. A bustling local Polish supermarket chain with top quality yet affordable deli meats, cheese and desserts.
Buy Houses for Sale in Mississauga, 30 Eglinton Ave West. Buy Houses for Sale in Mississauga Ontario located in various areas of the city near schools, amenities, transit and shopping.
Axia Restaurant and Bar, 5045 Plantation Place, along Eglinton Ave W near Erin Mills. In the community of Erin Mills. A nicely designed ambient place with fully authentic Asian food being produced from separate kitchens.
Specializes in Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Korean cuisine. Mains $15-20, appetizers $5-10. Fully liquor licensed with unique flavoured Korean soju and alcoholic bubble tea. A must for any Asian food lover and enough variety to last countless visits.
Nirvana, 35 Brunnel Road in the north end of Mississauga close to Brampton. the Flavors of India. Slightly upscale Indian restaurant . It is a friendly place with great food.
Moxie's Classic Grill. Locations in Meadowvale and Square One.
Richtree Market Restaurant. Located in Square One, this market-style restaurant allows you to see your food being freshly made throughout the day. Offers a nice ambiance in the middle of an otherwise hectic area.
The Apricot Tree Cafe, 1900 Dundas St. W., Mississauga, ON The Apricot Tree is on Dundas St. between the Erin Mills Pkwy and Mississauga Rd. Monday 10am-9pm, Tuesday-Friday 10am-10pm, Saturday 9am-10pm, closed Sunday.
Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, with a wide range of excellent pastries and cakes for dessert. Features an open kitchen design which allows guests to watch their order being prepared.
Breakfast average $8; lunch mains average $11; dinner mains average $17.
West 50, 50 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W. The Sussex Centre. Mo-Th: 11am-1am,Fr: 11am-2am, sa:4pm-2am, Su:5pm-2am.
Excellent steaks, salads and desserts. Stylish interior with a huge stainless steel bar on the inside and two rings of tables at different levels around it.
They have more than 100 beers from around Canada and the rest of the world on tap, try a 6-beer sampler menu if cannot decide $20 for mains.
Master Steaks, 5895 Dixie Road, three lights north of the 401. open late. This is about the cheapest place in Mississauga where you can get a steak dinner for less than $20. Portions are very generous for the price.
Atmosphere is somewhat reminiscent of a 70's fast food eatery where you place your order at the till and wait until your number is called.
Very popular with the after-hours bar crowd. Look out for specials under $15. Licensed. Take out available. $7-$25.
Bistro Narra, 3030 Thomas Street, Unit A404, West of Winston Churchill Blvd. Sister restaurant of Apricot Tree. Wonderful bistro-style food, with great desserts.
Especially check out the Prix Fixe and Crepe Fest menus at both restaurants when they are available. Lunch $10-18. Dinner starts at $15.
Arkady Bistro Cafe, 3631 Dixie Rd near Burnhamthorpe. Great Polish cafe that serve generous portions. Excellent mains and salads. Website is in Polish. $11-30.
Song Cook's, 1310 Dundas St E west of Dixie Rd. Mississauga location of a local Korean restaurant chain. Hearty Korean stews and dishes. Great lunch and group specials.
Man Doo Hyang, 169 Dundas St E near Kirwin Ave. Another local Korean chain restaurant. Specializes in dumplings, and has delicious tabletop cooking, including family-sized stews and barbecued meats.
Lucy's Seafood Kitchen, 6905 Millcreek Drive, Unit 8. Cajun-style seafood restaurant, serving lunch and dinner. Friendly, casual atmosphere, with great seafood entrees. Check out their Southern-style desserts as well.
Drink and Club in Mississauga City
&Company, 295 Enfield Place, andcompany.ca. Upscale nightclub in Mississauga City Centre featuring world-class DJ's. Strict dress code which is stylish and sophisticated enforced.
&Company is open Wednesday-Saturday 6pm-2am. Seasonal rooftop bar and patio. Bottle service available.
Blue Suede Sue's, 75 Watline Avenue, Top 40, Hip-hop, R & B, Dance. Open Thursday, Friday Ladies' night, and Saturday nights.
My Apartment Two locations is one in Mississauga and one in Oakville now called Rehab bordering Mississauga.
Sugar Daddy's, 5165 Dixie Road, 4 lights south of the 401, Mississauga. Established in 2003. Club MC is Slick Vic, with DJ Constantine.
Capitol Singles' Dance, Capitol Banquet Centre, 6435 Dixie Road, 4 lights north of the 401, Mississauga. Every Friday night from 7:00pm till 1:00am.
All singles 19 and over welcome; however, the majority of attendees tend to be the 30+ after-work crowd. DJ Dianne plays a mix of today's dance hits with the greatest hits from the 50's to the 90's as well as country, swing, waltz, polka, and latin favourites.
She also gladly takes requests. Admission is $15 as conditions apply and includes a buffet dinner served 7:30 till 9:30. Dress code, no jeans or sneakers. Cash bar. Draw and spot dances. Ample free parking.
Accomodations in Mississauga
The Waterside Inn, 15 Stavebank Road South. Waterfront hotel located in Port Credit. Uniquely decorated and furnished guest suites. Wifi, restaurant, and conference rooms.
Novotel Toronto Mississauga, 3670 Hurontario Street. The Novotel Toronto Mississauga is located 25 min from the centre of Toronto and 18 km from Pearson International Airport. 325 Rooms, Wifi, and a restaurant.
Hilton Garden Inn - Toronto/Mississauga, 100 Traders Boulevard. checkin: 3:00PM; checkout: 12:00PM. Guest rooms selected at check-in featuring single or double beds. Free complementary parking, no pets allowed.
Best Western Plus Toronto Airport Hotel, 5825 Dixie Road, Mississauga, Toronto, Ontario L4W 1E8. Complimentary airport shuttle & overnight parking, meeting and banquet fascilities, indoor heated pool, whirlpool, sauna, suites available.
Comfort Inn Airport West Mississauga, 1500 Matheson Blvd. East, Mississauga, Ontario L4W 3Z4. checkin: 2:00 p.m.; checkout: 11:00 a.m.. Complimentary 24 hour airport shuttle, free ample parking, meeting facility, suites and renovated rooms available.
Mississauga is a fairly safe city, however use common sense and vigilance at night like any other large city, as muggings can sometimes happen. The local police are friendly, trustworthy, and approachable, so any issues you have you can ask them for help.
On the weekend, clubs and bars in Mississauga can fill up with people fast. If you see a confrontation in a bar or club, it is best not to get involved, as these can escalate quickly.
For life threatening emergencies, dial 9-1-1 to be connected to Police, Fire, or Ambulance. For non-emergency inquiries, you can dial the following:
Mississauga Fire - 905-615-3777 Peel Paramedic Services - 1-800-668-7821 Peel Regional Police - 905-453-3311
On the whole, Mississauga is a safe city, and for the average tourist, you should have no problems.
Do not wait to go to Mississauga.
Tourism Observer
Tuesday, 7 November 2017
QATAR: Qatar Airways Buys Into Cathay Pacific As Black Stars Football Club Captain Asamoah Gyan Goes Aviation
Qatar Airways has announced it is taking an almost Qatar Airways 10% stake in Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways.
The agreement, which Qatar Airways said it expects to complete Nov. 6, means the Gulf carrier will hold a 9.6% stake in Cathay at a value of about $600 million.
Cathay and Qatar are both members of the oneworld global alliance.
Qatar Airways already has a 20% stake in International Airlines Group, parent of British Airways, another oneworld member, as well as a 10% stake in LATAM Airlines Group, and a 49% investment in Meridiana.
Qatar backed off from a move in June to take a 10% stake in American Airlines, also in oneworld, after American chairman and CEO Doug Parker sharply rebuked the bid as puzzling at best; concerning at worst.
American is campaigning with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines to constrain growth of the major Gulf carriers – Qatar, Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airways – over claims that they are heavily subsidized by their government owners.
Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker said in a statement Monday that Cathay was one of the strongest airlines in the world, respected throughout the industry and with massive potential for the future.
There was no press statement from Cathay, which in August posted a net loss of HKD2.1 billion ($268.2 million) for the first half of 2017, a reversal from a HKD353 million net profit in the same period last year.
Cathay faces increasing competition in many of its markets, particularly from mainland China’s major airlines.
Cathay’s major shareholders are Swire Pacific, which holds 35%, and Air China, which holds almost 30%.
A Transavia Boeing 737-700 performing flight from Eindhoven to Tel Aviv was near Prague, when the crew decided to return after both autopilots had failed and the aircraft thus had lost its capability to operate in reduced vertical separation minima.
The aircraft descended to FL360 for the return and diverted to Amsterdam (Netherlands) for a safe landing on runway 27 about one hour later.
A replacement Boeing 737-800 registration PH-HSM departed about 2 hours after landing and reached Tel Aviv with a delay of 3.5 hours.
Air China has taken delivery of the airline’s first 737 MAX 8. China’s national flag carrier is the first airline in the country to receive the 737 MAX.
Customers throughout China will take delivery of nearly 100 737 MAXs by the end of next year. Boeing’s partnership with Air China dates back to the 1970s.
Air China’s fleet includes seven Boeing 747-8s, 26 777-300ERs, 11 787-9 Dreamliners and more than 140 Next-Generation 737s.
WestJet announced it has been recognized as Best Low-Cost Airline – The Americas for 2018 by airlineratings.com. The website rates more than 425 airlines around the globe to determine its award winners.
It is an honour to be named Best Low-Cost Airline for the whole of North and South America, said Ed Sims, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Commercial.
This is a reflection of the hard work and caring nature of our more than 13,000 WestJetters. The timing on this award is welcome as we begin to build our international reputation in preparation for the arrival of our Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in 2019.
WestJet was selected on its innovation of bringing affordable and safe travel to millions across North America, said AirlineRatings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas.
In addition, WestJet’s employees have brought back the magic of flying to its guests.
Meanwhile,the Captain of Black Stars Football Club of Ghana, the country’s national football team, Asamoah Gyan has obtained an air carrier license for the establishment of a commercial airline called Baby Jet Airlines
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who disclosed this recently while declaring open, the African Airshow in Accra, Ghana said he was enthused about the development.
He called on Ghanaians, both home and abroad, to take advantage of the prevailing friendly environment and invest in the rapidly growing aviation sector, adding that the government had successfully created the right conditions for the private sector to thrive in the industry in order to propel growth and create employment, especially for the youth.
Tourism Observer
The agreement, which Qatar Airways said it expects to complete Nov. 6, means the Gulf carrier will hold a 9.6% stake in Cathay at a value of about $600 million.
Cathay and Qatar are both members of the oneworld global alliance.
Qatar Airways already has a 20% stake in International Airlines Group, parent of British Airways, another oneworld member, as well as a 10% stake in LATAM Airlines Group, and a 49% investment in Meridiana.
Qatar backed off from a move in June to take a 10% stake in American Airlines, also in oneworld, after American chairman and CEO Doug Parker sharply rebuked the bid as puzzling at best; concerning at worst.
American is campaigning with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines to constrain growth of the major Gulf carriers – Qatar, Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airways – over claims that they are heavily subsidized by their government owners.
Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker said in a statement Monday that Cathay was one of the strongest airlines in the world, respected throughout the industry and with massive potential for the future.
There was no press statement from Cathay, which in August posted a net loss of HKD2.1 billion ($268.2 million) for the first half of 2017, a reversal from a HKD353 million net profit in the same period last year.
Cathay faces increasing competition in many of its markets, particularly from mainland China’s major airlines.
Cathay’s major shareholders are Swire Pacific, which holds 35%, and Air China, which holds almost 30%.
A Transavia Boeing 737-700 performing flight from Eindhoven to Tel Aviv was near Prague, when the crew decided to return after both autopilots had failed and the aircraft thus had lost its capability to operate in reduced vertical separation minima.
The aircraft descended to FL360 for the return and diverted to Amsterdam (Netherlands) for a safe landing on runway 27 about one hour later.
A replacement Boeing 737-800 registration PH-HSM departed about 2 hours after landing and reached Tel Aviv with a delay of 3.5 hours.
Air China has taken delivery of the airline’s first 737 MAX 8. China’s national flag carrier is the first airline in the country to receive the 737 MAX.
Customers throughout China will take delivery of nearly 100 737 MAXs by the end of next year. Boeing’s partnership with Air China dates back to the 1970s.
Air China’s fleet includes seven Boeing 747-8s, 26 777-300ERs, 11 787-9 Dreamliners and more than 140 Next-Generation 737s.
WestJet announced it has been recognized as Best Low-Cost Airline – The Americas for 2018 by airlineratings.com. The website rates more than 425 airlines around the globe to determine its award winners.
It is an honour to be named Best Low-Cost Airline for the whole of North and South America, said Ed Sims, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Commercial.
This is a reflection of the hard work and caring nature of our more than 13,000 WestJetters. The timing on this award is welcome as we begin to build our international reputation in preparation for the arrival of our Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in 2019.
WestJet was selected on its innovation of bringing affordable and safe travel to millions across North America, said AirlineRatings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas.
In addition, WestJet’s employees have brought back the magic of flying to its guests.
Meanwhile,the Captain of Black Stars Football Club of Ghana, the country’s national football team, Asamoah Gyan has obtained an air carrier license for the establishment of a commercial airline called Baby Jet Airlines
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who disclosed this recently while declaring open, the African Airshow in Accra, Ghana said he was enthused about the development.
He called on Ghanaians, both home and abroad, to take advantage of the prevailing friendly environment and invest in the rapidly growing aviation sector, adding that the government had successfully created the right conditions for the private sector to thrive in the industry in order to propel growth and create employment, especially for the youth.
Tourism Observer
Monday, 15 May 2017
BELIZE: Southwest Airlines To Fly From Denver International Airport To Belize City
Southwest Airlines along with the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) inaugurated the new non-stop flight from Denver International Airport to Belize City, Belize.
As part of the inauguration, customers heard remarks in the gate area at the Denver International Airport from Southwest and BTB officials and Belize’s Minister of Tourism, Manuel Heredia.
A band and samba dancers also performed at the event.
Southwest is the only carrier to serve this nonstop route and operates Saturday-only however it will move to Saturday/Sunday service on the June 4 schedule which operates through August 14, 2017.
Canadian regulators have approved a request by Air Canada to operate flights between Canada and Belize.
Flightglobal.com says that documents obtained from the Canadian Transportation Agency did not specify routes or a start date and that Air Canada did not immediately respond to a request for comments.
Air Canada has not served Belize since 2005, the earliest available year of FlightGlobal schedules data.
In October 2016, Canadian airline, WestJet launched its first Belize flight between Toronto and Belize and now operates the route during Belize’s high tourism season which runs from November to April.
This news comes after GOB recently announced that departure taxes are set to increase for fiscal year 2017/2018 from US $39.25 to US $59.25 (BZ $118.50).
Tropic Air inaugurated their non-stop service between Belize City International Airport (BZE) and Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico (CTM).
According to a Tropic Air press release, Chetumal becomes Tropic’s third destination in Mexico and its sixth international route overall.
“Tropic will fly to Chetumal three times weekly (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), with a schedule that is convenient for business and tourism travel to the city.
In addition, the early arrival into Chetumal will allow for fast, convenient connections to/from InterJet flights to Mexico City and beyond. In April, the frequency is planned to increase to five times a week,” the release further stated.
“In Belize City, Tropic Air will offer easy connections to/from 10 domestic destinations, such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Dangriga, and Placencia, plus Tropic’s own international cities, like Roatan, San Pedro Sula and Peten, Guatemala.
The schedule also allows for connections in Belize City to 23 international destinations on other carriers like Southwest, Westjet, American, Delta, COPA, United and Avianca.”
“We have been working closely with our partners in Chetumal for a few years in order to finally make this service a reality. We are excited to be the first international airline serving Chetumal and to becoming part of the community!” said John Greif III, President of Tropic Air.
“Not only will Belizeans be able to fly directly to Chetumal, but this route connects to the rest of the world, especially Asia, through Mexico City’s hub,” said Steve Schulte, CEO.
As part of the inauguration, customers heard remarks in the gate area at the Denver International Airport from Southwest and BTB officials and Belize’s Minister of Tourism, Manuel Heredia.
A band and samba dancers also performed at the event.
Southwest is the only carrier to serve this nonstop route and operates Saturday-only however it will move to Saturday/Sunday service on the June 4 schedule which operates through August 14, 2017.
Canadian regulators have approved a request by Air Canada to operate flights between Canada and Belize.
Flightglobal.com says that documents obtained from the Canadian Transportation Agency did not specify routes or a start date and that Air Canada did not immediately respond to a request for comments.
Air Canada has not served Belize since 2005, the earliest available year of FlightGlobal schedules data.
In October 2016, Canadian airline, WestJet launched its first Belize flight between Toronto and Belize and now operates the route during Belize’s high tourism season which runs from November to April.
This news comes after GOB recently announced that departure taxes are set to increase for fiscal year 2017/2018 from US $39.25 to US $59.25 (BZ $118.50).
Tropic Air inaugurated their non-stop service between Belize City International Airport (BZE) and Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico (CTM).
According to a Tropic Air press release, Chetumal becomes Tropic’s third destination in Mexico and its sixth international route overall.
“Tropic will fly to Chetumal three times weekly (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), with a schedule that is convenient for business and tourism travel to the city.
In addition, the early arrival into Chetumal will allow for fast, convenient connections to/from InterJet flights to Mexico City and beyond. In April, the frequency is planned to increase to five times a week,” the release further stated.
“In Belize City, Tropic Air will offer easy connections to/from 10 domestic destinations, such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Dangriga, and Placencia, plus Tropic’s own international cities, like Roatan, San Pedro Sula and Peten, Guatemala.
The schedule also allows for connections in Belize City to 23 international destinations on other carriers like Southwest, Westjet, American, Delta, COPA, United and Avianca.”
“We have been working closely with our partners in Chetumal for a few years in order to finally make this service a reality. We are excited to be the first international airline serving Chetumal and to becoming part of the community!” said John Greif III, President of Tropic Air.
“Not only will Belizeans be able to fly directly to Chetumal, but this route connects to the rest of the world, especially Asia, through Mexico City’s hub,” said Steve Schulte, CEO.
Sunday, 23 April 2017
NETHERLANDS: Transavia Adds New Routes To Marrakech, Seville And Tel Aviv
Transavia has added four brand-new routes and another twelve are offered as winter routes for the first time. With these sixteen new winter routes, Transavia now offers 8% more flights than last winter from its home base in the Netherlands.
Transavia is expanding its network from Eindhoven Airport with three new routes to Marrakech, Seville and Tel Aviv. These popular destinations are also offered from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
This brings the number of destinations from Eindhoven Airport to 21. Starting in February, the airline is adding Lisbon to its flights from Rotterdam The Hague Airport, bringing the number of destinations served this winter from this airport to 18.
No fewer than twelve destinations flown to this summer for the first time will be included in the winter schedule. This enables Transavia to strengthen its network from the Dutch home market. With four new destinations in Eastern and Central Europe, Transavia offers passengers a low-cost connection to Amsterdam. Belgrade, Ljubljana, Sofia and Katowice are all flown to three times a week from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Helsinki, Zurich and Munich can also be booked three, four and six times a week, respectively, from Amsterdam. In addition, Transavia has added the Italian city of Olbia on Sardinia to its winter network from Amsterdam.
Bergerac, Venice and Valencia are also being flown to this winter from Rotterdam The Hague Airport and, in April, the winter route to Stockholm will be launched, with three flights a week.
With nearly 70 flights a week from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Eindhoven Airport and Rotterdam The Hague Airport during the winter sports season, Transavia is also the best choice for winter sports enthusiasts. Convenient flight schedules with a regular choice of three flights per day allow passengers to tailor their trip to their needs – from a short weekend trip to a long ski holiday.
The winter schedule starts on 1 November 2017 and ends on 2 April 2018. Winter flights can be booked to and from the Netherlands as of today, 19 April 2016.
WestJet Goes Ultra-low-cost
WestJet has announced its intention to launch a new, ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) in Canada subject to agreement with its pilots and any required regulatory approvals. Service is expected to start in late 2017 with an initial fleet of 10 high-density Boeing 737-800s designed by the airline that first brought low-cost air travel to Canada in 1996. The ULCC will provide Canadians with no-frills, lower-cost travel options.
“We have built WestJet from its low-cost, regional roots into a renowned, international airline with service to 21 countries and today it’s all about disrupting at the price-sensitive end of the market,” said Clive Beddoe, co-founder of WestJet and Chair of the Board of the Directors. “Launching a ULCC will broaden WestJet’s growth opportunities and open new market segments by offering more choice to those Canadians looking for lower fares.”
“The worldview on low-cost airlines has changed since the launch of WestJet in 1996 and we are responding,” commented Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. “The complete unbundling of services and products in order to lower fares for the price-sensitive traveller has created the ULCC category and our new airline will provide Canadians a pro-competitive, cheap and cheerful flying experience from a company with a proven track record.”
Certain information set forth in this news release is “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information respecting: WestJet’s intention to launch a new ULCC; the in-service date of the ULCC; and the impact of the ULCC, including that the ULCC will broaden WestJet’s growth opportunities, open new market segments and provide a pro-competitive, cheap and cheerful flying experience.
The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain material factors and assumptions, including without limitation: WestJet’s current forecasts and strategy; the current and expected demand environment and general economic and industry conditions; the utilization of WestJet’s fleet and contraction arrangements in respect thereof; expectations respecting fleet maintenance; the forward-curve for jet fuel prices; and the expected exchange rate of the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar.
By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond WestJet’s control. WestJet may be required to alter its current business strategy with respect to the ULCC and/or the timing and manner of implementation thereof and there can be no guarantee as to the nature or impact of such alterations. Further, the launch of the ULCC may not have the impact currently anticipated by WestJet.
The risks and uncertainties that may impact WestJet and the launch and success of the ULCC, include but are not limited to: changes in guest demand; changes in fuel prices; delays in aircraft delivery; significant maintenance events; changes in general economic and industry conditions; changes in the competitive environment; challenges to WestJet’s ability to effectively implement and maintain its critical systems; and other factors and risks described in WestJet’s public reports and filings.
Readers are urged to consult the risks set forth in WestJet’s annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2016, which are each available under WestJet’s profile at sedar.com, for important additional information.
Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking information provided. WestJet does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law
Transavia is expanding its network from Eindhoven Airport with three new routes to Marrakech, Seville and Tel Aviv. These popular destinations are also offered from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
This brings the number of destinations from Eindhoven Airport to 21. Starting in February, the airline is adding Lisbon to its flights from Rotterdam The Hague Airport, bringing the number of destinations served this winter from this airport to 18.
No fewer than twelve destinations flown to this summer for the first time will be included in the winter schedule. This enables Transavia to strengthen its network from the Dutch home market. With four new destinations in Eastern and Central Europe, Transavia offers passengers a low-cost connection to Amsterdam. Belgrade, Ljubljana, Sofia and Katowice are all flown to three times a week from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Helsinki, Zurich and Munich can also be booked three, four and six times a week, respectively, from Amsterdam. In addition, Transavia has added the Italian city of Olbia on Sardinia to its winter network from Amsterdam.
Bergerac, Venice and Valencia are also being flown to this winter from Rotterdam The Hague Airport and, in April, the winter route to Stockholm will be launched, with three flights a week.
With nearly 70 flights a week from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Eindhoven Airport and Rotterdam The Hague Airport during the winter sports season, Transavia is also the best choice for winter sports enthusiasts. Convenient flight schedules with a regular choice of three flights per day allow passengers to tailor their trip to their needs – from a short weekend trip to a long ski holiday.
The winter schedule starts on 1 November 2017 and ends on 2 April 2018. Winter flights can be booked to and from the Netherlands as of today, 19 April 2016.
WestJet Goes Ultra-low-cost
WestJet has announced its intention to launch a new, ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) in Canada subject to agreement with its pilots and any required regulatory approvals. Service is expected to start in late 2017 with an initial fleet of 10 high-density Boeing 737-800s designed by the airline that first brought low-cost air travel to Canada in 1996. The ULCC will provide Canadians with no-frills, lower-cost travel options.
“We have built WestJet from its low-cost, regional roots into a renowned, international airline with service to 21 countries and today it’s all about disrupting at the price-sensitive end of the market,” said Clive Beddoe, co-founder of WestJet and Chair of the Board of the Directors. “Launching a ULCC will broaden WestJet’s growth opportunities and open new market segments by offering more choice to those Canadians looking for lower fares.”
“The worldview on low-cost airlines has changed since the launch of WestJet in 1996 and we are responding,” commented Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. “The complete unbundling of services and products in order to lower fares for the price-sensitive traveller has created the ULCC category and our new airline will provide Canadians a pro-competitive, cheap and cheerful flying experience from a company with a proven track record.”
Certain information set forth in this news release is “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information respecting: WestJet’s intention to launch a new ULCC; the in-service date of the ULCC; and the impact of the ULCC, including that the ULCC will broaden WestJet’s growth opportunities, open new market segments and provide a pro-competitive, cheap and cheerful flying experience.
The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain material factors and assumptions, including without limitation: WestJet’s current forecasts and strategy; the current and expected demand environment and general economic and industry conditions; the utilization of WestJet’s fleet and contraction arrangements in respect thereof; expectations respecting fleet maintenance; the forward-curve for jet fuel prices; and the expected exchange rate of the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar.
By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond WestJet’s control. WestJet may be required to alter its current business strategy with respect to the ULCC and/or the timing and manner of implementation thereof and there can be no guarantee as to the nature or impact of such alterations. Further, the launch of the ULCC may not have the impact currently anticipated by WestJet.
The risks and uncertainties that may impact WestJet and the launch and success of the ULCC, include but are not limited to: changes in guest demand; changes in fuel prices; delays in aircraft delivery; significant maintenance events; changes in general economic and industry conditions; changes in the competitive environment; challenges to WestJet’s ability to effectively implement and maintain its critical systems; and other factors and risks described in WestJet’s public reports and filings.
Readers are urged to consult the risks set forth in WestJet’s annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2016, which are each available under WestJet’s profile at sedar.com, for important additional information.
Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking information provided. WestJet does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law
Thursday, 5 January 2017
Best Airlines in 2016
The FlightStats OPS Awards recognized best airlines around the world in 2016 for on-time performance. Airlines below deliver the highest percentage of flights to their arrival gates within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time. To determine the finalists and winners, FlightStats examines flight status and arrival data aggregated from global sources including civil aviation authorities, airlines, airports, and major airline reservation systems.
The report covers airlines in the following eight (8) categories:
1. Major International Airlines
2. Airline Alliances
3. North American Major Airlines
4. European Major Airlines
5. Asia-Pacific Major Airlines
6. Middle East & Africa Major Airlines
7. Latin American Major Airlines
8. Low-Cost Carrier
This year, the awards expanded to recognize the best Major Global Airline and best Major Global Airline Network in each of the regional categories as well as the international category. “Network” is defined as a system of flights that are marketed by a major airline but are operated by a separate airline partner. Most big, full-service airlines have these types of regional partnerships where as many as 8-10 carriers operate flights on their behalf.
MAJOR INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES
Network
WINNER: KLM
FINALISTS: KLM, Iberia, JAL, Qatar Airways, Austrian, ANA, Singapore Airlines, Delta Air Lines, TAM Linhas Aereas, Qantas
Mainline
WINNER: Iberia
FINALISTS: Iberia, JAL, Delta Air Lines, KLM, Qatar Airways, Austrian, Singapore Airlines, ANA, TAM Linhas Aereas, Qantas
AIRLINE ALLIANCE
WINNER: oneworld
FINALISTS: oneworld, Star Alliance, SkyTeam
NORTH AMERICAN MAJOR AIRLINES
Network
WINNER: Alaska Airlines
FINALISTS: Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, WestJet, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Virgin America, JetBlue Airways, Air Canada
Mainline
WINNER: Alaska Airlines
FINALISTS: Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, WestJet, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Virgin America, JetBlue Airways, Air Canada
EUROPEAN MAJOR AIRLINES
Network
WINNER: Iberia
FINALISTS: Iberia, Austrian, Lufthansa, S7 Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, SWISS, Condor, British Airways, EasyJet, Vueling
Mainline
WINNER: Iberia
FINALISTS: Iberia, KLM, Austrian, S7 Airlines, SAS, Lufthansa, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Aeroflot, Condor, SWISS
ASIA-PACIFIC MAJOR AIRLINES
Network
WINNER: JAL
FINALISTS: JAL, Virgin Australia, ANA, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Air New Zealand, Jet Airways (India), Cathay Pacific, Jetstar, IndiGo
Mainline
WINNER: JAL
FINALISTS: JAL, Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, ANA, Qantas, Air New Zealand, Jet Airways (India), Cathay Pacific, Jetstar, IndiGo
MIDDLE EAST and AFRICA MAJOR AIRLINES
Network
WINNER: Qatar Airways
FINALISTS: Qatar Airways, Saudia, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Flydubai, Kenya Airways, Pegasus
Mainline
WINNER: Qatar Airways
FINALISTS: Qatar Airways, South African Airways, Saudia, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Flydubai, Kenya Airways, Pegasus
LATIN AMERICAN MAJOR AIRLINES
Network
WINNER: Copa Airlines
FINALISTS: Copa Airlines, TAM Linhas Aereas, Gol, Aerolineas Argentinas, LAN Airlines, AVIANCA, Aeromexico
Mainline
WINNER: Copa Airlines
FINALISTS: Copa Airlines, TAM Linhas Aereas, Gol, Aerolineas Argentinas, LAN Airlines, Aeromexico, AVIANCA
LOW-COST AIRLINES
WINNER: Iberia Express
FINALISTS: Iberia Express, Air Baltic, Solaseed Air, Air Do, WestJet, Southwest Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Nok Air, NIKI, Frontier Airlines
The report covers airlines in the following eight (8) categories:
1. Major International Airlines
2. Airline Alliances
3. North American Major Airlines
4. European Major Airlines
5. Asia-Pacific Major Airlines
6. Middle East & Africa Major Airlines
7. Latin American Major Airlines
8. Low-Cost Carrier
This year, the awards expanded to recognize the best Major Global Airline and best Major Global Airline Network in each of the regional categories as well as the international category. “Network” is defined as a system of flights that are marketed by a major airline but are operated by a separate airline partner. Most big, full-service airlines have these types of regional partnerships where as many as 8-10 carriers operate flights on their behalf.
MAJOR INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES
Network
WINNER: KLM
FINALISTS: KLM, Iberia, JAL, Qatar Airways, Austrian, ANA, Singapore Airlines, Delta Air Lines, TAM Linhas Aereas, Qantas
Mainline
WINNER: Iberia
FINALISTS: Iberia, JAL, Delta Air Lines, KLM, Qatar Airways, Austrian, Singapore Airlines, ANA, TAM Linhas Aereas, Qantas
AIRLINE ALLIANCE
WINNER: oneworld
FINALISTS: oneworld, Star Alliance, SkyTeam
NORTH AMERICAN MAJOR AIRLINES
Network
WINNER: Alaska Airlines
FINALISTS: Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, WestJet, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Virgin America, JetBlue Airways, Air Canada
Mainline
WINNER: Alaska Airlines
FINALISTS: Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, WestJet, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Virgin America, JetBlue Airways, Air Canada
EUROPEAN MAJOR AIRLINES
Network
WINNER: Iberia
FINALISTS: Iberia, Austrian, Lufthansa, S7 Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, SWISS, Condor, British Airways, EasyJet, Vueling
Mainline
WINNER: Iberia
FINALISTS: Iberia, KLM, Austrian, S7 Airlines, SAS, Lufthansa, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Aeroflot, Condor, SWISS
ASIA-PACIFIC MAJOR AIRLINES
Network
WINNER: JAL
FINALISTS: JAL, Virgin Australia, ANA, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Air New Zealand, Jet Airways (India), Cathay Pacific, Jetstar, IndiGo
Mainline
WINNER: JAL
FINALISTS: JAL, Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, ANA, Qantas, Air New Zealand, Jet Airways (India), Cathay Pacific, Jetstar, IndiGo
MIDDLE EAST and AFRICA MAJOR AIRLINES
Network
WINNER: Qatar Airways
FINALISTS: Qatar Airways, Saudia, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Flydubai, Kenya Airways, Pegasus
Mainline
WINNER: Qatar Airways
FINALISTS: Qatar Airways, South African Airways, Saudia, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Flydubai, Kenya Airways, Pegasus
LATIN AMERICAN MAJOR AIRLINES
Network
WINNER: Copa Airlines
FINALISTS: Copa Airlines, TAM Linhas Aereas, Gol, Aerolineas Argentinas, LAN Airlines, AVIANCA, Aeromexico
Mainline
WINNER: Copa Airlines
FINALISTS: Copa Airlines, TAM Linhas Aereas, Gol, Aerolineas Argentinas, LAN Airlines, Aeromexico, AVIANCA
LOW-COST AIRLINES
WINNER: Iberia Express
FINALISTS: Iberia Express, Air Baltic, Solaseed Air, Air Do, WestJet, Southwest Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Nok Air, NIKI, Frontier Airlines
Friday, 26 August 2016
CANADA: Threat Forces Westjet To Land At Thunder Bay International Airport
WestJet says one of its flights had to be diverted Wednesday night following a threat.
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.
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, 12 March 2016
CANADA: Air Canada Signs For Up To 75 Bombardier CSeries
Bombardier and Air Canada have announced today the subscription of a Letter of Intent (LoI) for the purchase of up to 75 CSeries CS300. The deal contemplates 45 firm orders plus 30 options, and includes conversion rights to the CS100 under certain circumstances. Based on the list price, the order is valued at approximately US$3.8 billion.
At a press conference held today in Saint-Laurent, Québec, Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer, Air Canada, along with members of his leadership team were hosted by Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. Alongside Bellemare were Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft and Rob Dewar, Vice President, C Series Aircraft Program.
These aircraft come as part of the narrowbody fleet renewal plan of Air Canada, started in December 2013 with the acquisition of 61 Boeing 737 MAXs. “The renewal of our North American narrowbody fleet with more capable and efficient aircraft is a key element of our ongoing cost transformation program —plus the enhanced passenger cabin comfort provided by the CS300 will help us to retain Air Canada’s competitive position as the only Four-Star international network carrier in North America” said Rovinescu.
Fred Cromer highlighted the order as a “very significant strategic marker for the CSeries aircraft program and we’re looking forward to further strengthening a relationship that spans 30 years.” Air Canada and Bombardier have a long-standing relationship. To date, Air Canada Express regional partners operate a mix of over 120 regional jets and turboprop aircraft. According to Rovinescu, Air Canada was “One of the launch customers for the Canadair Regional Jet, and today’s announcement reflects our continued support for Canada’s aerospace industry and for the new technologies the industry may develop.”
The narrowbody fleet renewal plan implies the retirement of 45 Embraer E190s in service with Air Canada. 20 of these aircraft will be taken by Boeing as part of the 737 MAX deal, while the remaining 25 aircraft will be replaced by the CSeries. The Boeing 737 MAX deliveries are scheduled to begin in late 2017 and extend to 2021, while the deliveries of the CSeries are scheduled to start in late 2019 and extend to 2022.
According to Bellemare, the order, which is one of the largest to date for the CSeries Program “will be the catalyst for future orders in North America and around the world.”
With this agreement, the Montréal-based manufacturer has now received 678 firm orders and commitments for the both variants of the CSeries —the CS100 and the stretched CS300. Swiss will be the launch customer of the CS100, and the aircraft is expected to enter service in the first half of the year. Last December, the CS100 obtained its certification type, and the CS300 is on track to receive it in the next months.
Air Canada is posed to be the first North American carrier to operate the CSeries. Although Porter Airlines planned to rely on the CSeries for its expansion, the elected Liberal Canadian government reiterated its commitment to not allow jet aircraft at Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport, home base and largest hub for this regional carrier. Also, in this week WestJet CEO Gregg Saretski commented that the CSeries was “too small” for the airline, and “too big” for its regional operator Encore.
A recent tour of the CSeries to the United States has spurred rumors in the industry about a potential order from United and Delta Air Lines. To date, in the case of United, the airline has signaled that it could place an order for up to 50 CS100, while Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson commented that the Atlanta-based carrier is “taking a very serious look” at purchasing the aircraft.
For Bombardier, the order represents a major victory for the CSeries program, marred with financial problems. Last October, the Government of Québec announced a US$1 billion investment in the program, plagued by ever-increasing cost-overruns and a schedule running two years behind the Entry Into Service (EIS).
At a press conference held today in Saint-Laurent, Québec, Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer, Air Canada, along with members of his leadership team were hosted by Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. Alongside Bellemare were Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft and Rob Dewar, Vice President, C Series Aircraft Program.
These aircraft come as part of the narrowbody fleet renewal plan of Air Canada, started in December 2013 with the acquisition of 61 Boeing 737 MAXs. “The renewal of our North American narrowbody fleet with more capable and efficient aircraft is a key element of our ongoing cost transformation program —plus the enhanced passenger cabin comfort provided by the CS300 will help us to retain Air Canada’s competitive position as the only Four-Star international network carrier in North America” said Rovinescu.
Fred Cromer highlighted the order as a “very significant strategic marker for the CSeries aircraft program and we’re looking forward to further strengthening a relationship that spans 30 years.” Air Canada and Bombardier have a long-standing relationship. To date, Air Canada Express regional partners operate a mix of over 120 regional jets and turboprop aircraft. According to Rovinescu, Air Canada was “One of the launch customers for the Canadair Regional Jet, and today’s announcement reflects our continued support for Canada’s aerospace industry and for the new technologies the industry may develop.”
The narrowbody fleet renewal plan implies the retirement of 45 Embraer E190s in service with Air Canada. 20 of these aircraft will be taken by Boeing as part of the 737 MAX deal, while the remaining 25 aircraft will be replaced by the CSeries. The Boeing 737 MAX deliveries are scheduled to begin in late 2017 and extend to 2021, while the deliveries of the CSeries are scheduled to start in late 2019 and extend to 2022.
According to Bellemare, the order, which is one of the largest to date for the CSeries Program “will be the catalyst for future orders in North America and around the world.”
With this agreement, the Montréal-based manufacturer has now received 678 firm orders and commitments for the both variants of the CSeries —the CS100 and the stretched CS300. Swiss will be the launch customer of the CS100, and the aircraft is expected to enter service in the first half of the year. Last December, the CS100 obtained its certification type, and the CS300 is on track to receive it in the next months.
Air Canada is posed to be the first North American carrier to operate the CSeries. Although Porter Airlines planned to rely on the CSeries for its expansion, the elected Liberal Canadian government reiterated its commitment to not allow jet aircraft at Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport, home base and largest hub for this regional carrier. Also, in this week WestJet CEO Gregg Saretski commented that the CSeries was “too small” for the airline, and “too big” for its regional operator Encore.
A recent tour of the CSeries to the United States has spurred rumors in the industry about a potential order from United and Delta Air Lines. To date, in the case of United, the airline has signaled that it could place an order for up to 50 CS100, while Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson commented that the Atlanta-based carrier is “taking a very serious look” at purchasing the aircraft.
For Bombardier, the order represents a major victory for the CSeries program, marred with financial problems. Last October, the Government of Québec announced a US$1 billion investment in the program, plagued by ever-increasing cost-overruns and a schedule running two years behind the Entry Into Service (EIS).
Friday, 8 January 2016
CANADA: NewLeaf Offers Cheap Canadian Flights Through 7 Cities
A new airline set to take flight today is offering ultra-low fares between seven Canadian cities for as little as $89 for a one-way flight.
NewLeaf revealed its flight plans at joint events in Kelowna, B.C., Winnipeg and Hamilton that started at 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday.
As of Feb. 12, flights are available from seven Canadian airports:
Abbotsford, B.C.
Halifax
Hamilton, Ont.
Kelowna, B.C.
Regina
Saskatoon
Winnipeg
CEO Jim Young says the company is focusing on second-tier airports in part because "lower landing fees mean we have savings we can pass on to you."
Young said the airline is looking at adding U.S. sun destinations later in 2016.
The airline will partner with B.C.-based charter airline Flair Airlines for planes, crew and maintenance work. All of the planes will be Boeing 737-400s, with 156 seats in a three-and-three configuration with an aisle up the middle.
The lowest fee of $89 includes all applicable taxes, and even the highest priced route and seat will cap out at $149, one way, for a no-frills ticket.
But the airline does charge a fee for other services including $25 for carry-on bags, the same price as a checked bag.
"So leave the heavy lifting to us," Young said.
NewLeaf said it can save money in part because it won't offer its seats on any third-party travel websites, which charge airlines a fee to post and make sales there. "That's one of the things that lets us keep costs low," Young said.
Personal items that fit under the seat in front will be free, but the airline will charge for snacks and refreshments. And NewLeaf offers priority boarding to those who want it, for a fee.
"By unbundling the entire service you get to choose what you want," Young said, noting his airline is taking the same business model of other successful airline businesses in other countries. "Ultra low-cost carriers are some of the most financially successful airlines in the world today," he said.
The air travel industry in Canada is dominated by WestJet and Air Canada, but is also served by many regional and charter companies that cater to small segments of the market.
Darcy Morgan, chief commercial officer of Calgary-based charter airline Enerjet, says Canada is more than able to handle competition in the industry.
"Canada is not well-served by airlines today, and as much as there's a duopoly of Air Canada and WestJet, Canada lacks the low-cost point to point service pretty much every nation has available," he said in an interview.
"If there's an opening in the market, we believe that's it."
Barry Prentice, a professor at the Asper School of Business in Winnipeg, agrees with that assessment, and thinks starting service out of second-tier airports is a smart plan.
"I think it could fly," he said in an interview. "Typically lower cost stimulates demand. I think we'll see more people travel that haven't travelled before."
NewLeaf revealed its flight plans at joint events in Kelowna, B.C., Winnipeg and Hamilton that started at 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday.
As of Feb. 12, flights are available from seven Canadian airports:
Abbotsford, B.C.
Halifax
Hamilton, Ont.
Kelowna, B.C.
Regina
Saskatoon
Winnipeg
CEO Jim Young says the company is focusing on second-tier airports in part because "lower landing fees mean we have savings we can pass on to you."
Young said the airline is looking at adding U.S. sun destinations later in 2016.
The airline will partner with B.C.-based charter airline Flair Airlines for planes, crew and maintenance work. All of the planes will be Boeing 737-400s, with 156 seats in a three-and-three configuration with an aisle up the middle.
The lowest fee of $89 includes all applicable taxes, and even the highest priced route and seat will cap out at $149, one way, for a no-frills ticket.
But the airline does charge a fee for other services including $25 for carry-on bags, the same price as a checked bag.
"So leave the heavy lifting to us," Young said.
NewLeaf said it can save money in part because it won't offer its seats on any third-party travel websites, which charge airlines a fee to post and make sales there. "That's one of the things that lets us keep costs low," Young said.
Personal items that fit under the seat in front will be free, but the airline will charge for snacks and refreshments. And NewLeaf offers priority boarding to those who want it, for a fee.
"By unbundling the entire service you get to choose what you want," Young said, noting his airline is taking the same business model of other successful airline businesses in other countries. "Ultra low-cost carriers are some of the most financially successful airlines in the world today," he said.
The air travel industry in Canada is dominated by WestJet and Air Canada, but is also served by many regional and charter companies that cater to small segments of the market.
Darcy Morgan, chief commercial officer of Calgary-based charter airline Enerjet, says Canada is more than able to handle competition in the industry.
"Canada is not well-served by airlines today, and as much as there's a duopoly of Air Canada and WestJet, Canada lacks the low-cost point to point service pretty much every nation has available," he said in an interview.
"If there's an opening in the market, we believe that's it."
Barry Prentice, a professor at the Asper School of Business in Winnipeg, agrees with that assessment, and thinks starting service out of second-tier airports is a smart plan.
"I think it could fly," he said in an interview. "Typically lower cost stimulates demand. I think we'll see more people travel that haven't travelled before."
Thursday, 10 September 2015
USA: WestJet’s New Service Connecting Calgary And Houston
Airport staff members at Calgary got in the spirit of Texas for the launch of services to Houston Intercontinental. The 2,810-kilometre sector will operate six times weekly. Commenting on the launch, Chris Avery, WestJet VP, Network Planning, Alliances and Corporate Development, said: “As the two largest oil cities in North America, Calgary to Houston is the most-requested route from our corporate travel clients in Western Canada.”
Cutting the ribbon in Houston. WestJet’s new service connecting Calgary and Houston Intercontinental will operate six times weekly in direct competition with Air Canada and United Airlines according to OAG. Lance Lyttle, CCO at Houston Airport System, addressed the crowd before the inaugural departure, which took place at gate A24.
WestJet launched services between Calgary (YYC) and Houston Intercontinental (IAH) on 8 September. The 2,810-kilometre sector will operate six times weekly according to OAG, and will be flown using the carrier’s 737-700s. Competition on the airport pair comes in the form of Air Canada and United Airlines, both of which operate between the cities with a 20 times weekly service, and both co-operate on the route due to being Star Alliance members.
Commenting on the launch, Chris Avery, WestJet VP, Network Planning, Alliances and Corporate Development, said: “As the two largest oil cities in North America, Calgary to Houston is the most-requested route from our corporate travel clients in Western Canada. With the challenges facing the energy sector today, there has never been a better time to take a serious look at our lower fares, amenities in Plus, the benefits of our WestJet Rewards program, and our ever-expanding network of destinations.”
Stephan Poirier, Senior VP and CCO for the Calgary Airport Authority, added with further comment: “WestJet’s newest service to Houston, Texas, will be a great addition for Calgary’s business and leisure travellers looking to connect to the centre of space exploration and capital of the international energy industry.”
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