Canadian Aviation News

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Category: Airports

  • Air Transat opens the door to the Balkans with a non-stop flight to Tirana from Toronto

    An expanded Summer 2026 program: nine new routes, annualized services and increased frequencies on key routes 

    MONTREAL, Dec. 18, 2025 /CNW/ – Air Transat, voted the World’s Best Leisure Airline at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, today announced the launch of a new non-stop service between Toronto and Tirana, Albania. This route, part of the many additions to the carrier’s Summer 2026 program, will be operated once weekly starting June 18, using an Airbus A330.       

    New for Summer 2026 (CNW Group/Transat A.T. Inc.)
    New for Summer 2026 (CNW Group/Transat A.T. Inc.)

    “Albania is fast becoming a standout destination on the European travel map, and we are proud to be the first airline to serve it directly from North America,” said Sebastian Ponce, Transat’s Chief Revenue Officer. “With nine new routes, the annualization of several services and increased frequencies on our flagship routes, our Summer 2026 program is the most extensive we have ever offered. It is part of a network strategy designed to maximize fleet utilization, support steady and profitable growth, and diversify our revenue streams, all the while giving our travellers more choice, flexibility and access to inspiring new destinations.”    

    In addition to the introduction of Tirana, Air Transat will roll out a significantly enhanced Summer 2026 program, marked by the launch of new routes, the conversion of several seasonal services to year-round operations, and increased frequencies on strategic routes.

    Strengthening services from Quebec City         

    Air Transat will also continue its growth at Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) with the launch of a new non-stop service to Nantes (NTE) for Summer 2026. This route will be operated once weekly on Tuesdays from June 2 to October 20, 2026, using an Airbus A321LR.     

    This addition is part of a substantial reinforcement of Air Transat’s offering from Québec City, including an additional frequency to Paris (CDG), bringing the service to up to six weekly flights at the height of the season; the launch of the new Quebec City–Marseille (MRS) route as of Summer 2026; and the annualization of the Quebec City–Fort-de-France (FDF) service, whose inaugural flight took place on December 14.         

    “Québec holds a very special place in Air Transat’s history and identity,” added Sebastian Ponce, Transat’s Chief Revenue Officer. “This year’s additions from Jean Lesage International Airport reflect our commitment to make thoughtful, long-term investments where demand from Quebec travellers is strong. It is a concrete way for us, as a homegrown airline, to continue growing alongside the region, in step with its travellers.”          

    New Routes for Summer 2026 
    RouteDetails*
    Toronto (YYZ) – Accra (ACC)2 flights/week, starting June 17, 2026
    Toronto (YYZ) – Tirana (TIA)1 flight/week, starting June 18, 2026
    Montreal (YUL) – Agadir (AGA)1 flight/week, starting June 12, 2026
    Montreal (YUL) – Dakar (DSS)2 flights/week, starting June 17, 2026
    Montreal (YUL) – Reykjavik (KEF)2 flights/week, starting June 16, 2026
    Quebec City (YQB) – Marseille (MRS)1 flight/week, starting May 21, 2026
    Montreal (YUL) – Ottawa (YOW)3 flights/week, starting May 15, 2026
    Ottawa (YOW) – London Gatwick (LGW)3 flights/week, starting May 15, 2026
    Quebec City (YQB) – Nantes (NTE)1 flight/week, starting June 2, 2026

    *Number of frequencies at the height of the season. 

    Annualization of routes to the South from Montréal, Québec City and Toronto
    RouteDetails
    Toronto (YYZ) – Cartagena (CTG) – Medellín (MDE)1 flight/week
    Montreal (YUL) – Cartagena (CTG) – Medellin (MDE)*1 flight/week
    Montreal (YUL) – Guadalajara (GDL)Extended until June 27
    Montreal (YUL) – Pointe-à-Pitre (PTP)2 flights/week
    Montreal (YUL) – San José (SJO)2 flights/week
    Quebec City (YQB) – Fort-de-France (FDF)1 flight/week

    *New route

    Increased frequencies on key routes
    RoutesDetails*
    Toronto (YYZ) – Berlin (BER)3 flights/week (+1)
    Toronto (YYZ) – Cancun (CUN)9 flights/week (+2)
    Toronto (YYZ) – Faro (FAO)3 flights/week (+1)
    Toronto (YYZ) – Istanbul (IST)3 flights/week (+1)
    Toronto (YYZ) – Lima (LIM)3 flights/week (+1)
    Toronto (YYZ) – Venice (VCE)3 flights/week (+1)
    Montreal (YUL) – Bordeaux (BOD)6 flights/week (+1)
    Montreal (YUL) – Bruxelles (BRU)5 flights/week (+1)
    Montreal (YUL) – Fort-de-France (FDF)2 flights/week (+1)
    Montreal (YUL) – Madrid (MAD)5 flights/week (+1)
    Montreal (YUL) – Valencia (VLC)2 flights/week (+1)
    Quebec City (YQB) – Paris (CDG)6 flights/week (+1)

    *Number of frequencies at the height of the season and variations compared with the previous year.

    In addition, Air Transat’s network connectivity continues to improve, notably through its partnerships with Porter Airlines, Turkish Airlines and GOL Airlines. Each of these collaborations expands connecting opportunities across Air Transat’s network – whether with Porter for domestic and transborder services, with Turkish Airlines for access to a wide range of destinations via Istanbul, or with GOL to extend the reach of its offering in Brazil and South America.

    About Air Transat
    Founded in Montreal in 1987, Air Transat is a leading travel brand voted 2025 World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. Its program offers access to international destinations, mainly in Europe, the Caribbean, the east coast of the United States, South America and North Africa. Air Transat is recognized for its excellent customer service. Its fleet includes some of the most energy-efficient aircraft in their category. Based in Montreal with major hubs in YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), it has 5,000 employees with a common purpose to bring people closer together. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc. www.airtransat.com

  • Year-End Offers to Korea: T’way Air’s Vancouver-Incheon (Seoul) Specials

    Book by Dec 31 for Discounts on Vancouver–Incheon (Seoul) Travel through Oct 24, 2026

    VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 18, 2025 /CNW/ — T’way Air, Korea’s leading low-cost carrier, announced 2025 year-end savings on Vancouver–Incheon (Seoul) flights for bookings made by December 31. The offer includes a promo code and coupons valid for travel through October 24, 2026.

    T’way Air operates Vancouver–Incheon route four times weekly (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays) with the A330-200. The flight departs Vancouver at 4:25 p.m. and arrives in Seoul at 9:35 p.m. the following day. The return flight departs Incheon at 9:20 p.m. and lands in Vancouver at 2:25 p.m. (local time).

    Year-End Offers to Korea: T’way Air’s Vancouver–Incheon (Seoul) Specials
    Year-End Offers to Korea: T’way Air’s Vancouver–Incheon (Seoul) Specials

    Book by December 31 to unlock T’way Air’s limited-time year-end savings:

    • Up to 15% Off Promo Code: enter FLYDEC when booking on Vancouver–Incheon (one way and round trip), for travel through Oct 24, 2026.
    • CAD 30 Regular Coupon: for bookings over CAD 600 on Vancouver–Incheon; travel Dec 1, 2025–Oct 24, 2026.
    • CAD 56 Early Bird Coupon: for bookings over CAD 800 on Vancouver–Incheon; travel Feb 1–Oct 24, 2026.

    Connecting via Incheon International Airport, T’way Air offers smooth transfer across Asia, including Japan and China, while also serving as a gateway to Korea’s seasonal highlights. In spring, Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon’s Hanok lanes set a classic scene, and summer shifts to Hangang Park for riverside cycling and laid-back picnics. Autumn brings foliage walks along the Namsan trails and Seokchon Lake, while winter wraps up with holiday lights in Myeongdong.

    For full flight schedules, coupon terms, and booking details, visit twayair.com. T’way Air currently serves 60 destinations worldwide and continues to expand its network.

    About T’way Air

    T’way Air Co., Ltd., headquartered in Daegu, South Korea, is a leading low-cost carrier (LCC) providing affordable and reliable air travel since 2010. T’way Air serves customers across East, Southeast, and Central Asia as well as Oceania, Europe, and North America with a modern fleet of Boeing 737-800s, 737 MAX 8s, and Airbus A330s, and Boeing 777-300ERs. T’way Air continues to expand its global network, offering great value to passengers worldwide. For more information, visit www.twayair.com.

  • Mappedin Powers YYC Calgary International Airport’s First Geo-Intelligent, AI-Driven Passenger Chatbot

    Real-time conversational navigation and geo-aware travel updates personalize passenger assistance and improve staff efficiency

    WATERLOO, ON, Dec. 18, 2025 /CNW/ – Mappedin, the indoor mapping leader transforming the way venues are experienced, managed, and understood, today announced that its AI Navigator is powering the conversational chatbot experience for YYC Calgary International Airport. With built-in geo-intelligence, the web-based chatbot, powered by Mappedin, gives passengers real-time information and guidance — with no app download required. Conversational interaction in either Canadian French or English empowers travelers with personalized help at any moment of their journey, making the YYC experience easier and more intuitive while reducing staff burden from routine questions.

    “This launch deepens our long-standing innovation partnership with Mappedin and extends their mapping technology to include a real-time, generative AI solution,” said Bart Smith, GM Corporate Services & IT Business Partners at Calgary Airports. “Our relentless drive to exceed passenger expectations and achieve operational excellence is fueled by technologies like Mappedin’s that enable airport-wide integration and scale. Together, we’re delivering solutions that are valuable to passengers and more efficient for staff across every screen and digital touchpoint.”

    Passengers at YYC can use the website interface to ask questions in everyday, conversational Canadian French or English language, such as “Is my flight leaving on time?”, “How do I get to Gate A21?”, or “Where can I get coffee nearby?”. By remembering recent questions and using spatial context, passengers receive location-aware follow-ups and real-time travel updates for a seamless, intuitive navigation experience.

    In addition to seamless indoor mapping integration, Mappedin brings the strength of its enterprise partnership ecosystem to the airport. In partnership with Satisfi Labs, and its AI-powered agentic platform, the Mappedin-powered solution combines AI automation with geo-intelligence, multilingual accessibility, and generative response to deliver a unified, context-aware passenger experience.

    Mappedin provides YYC with single-source solutions to meet passengers’ needs across every environment and interface a traveler or staff member may use. From at-home planning to in-terminal displays and emerging holographic assistance, each product draws from the same intelligent core to deliver consistent, real-time information throughout the journey.

    “Airports face unprecedented passenger volume growth, and it is difficult to staff at levels that keep pace with the demand for real-time, personalized assistance,” said Yuval Kossovsky, Managing Director of Transportation at Mappedin. “It takes an innovative partner like Calgary Airports to deliver industry-setting solutions that consistently raise the bar and set the pace for geo-intelligent, tailored passenger experiences that help travelers plan their time, understand what’s around them, and move confidently through the terminal.”

    YYC’s chat is available now and is free for all website visitors at https://www.yyc.com. For more information about elevating the airport experience and deploying first-class navigation solutions with Mappedin for Airports, visit mappedin.com/industries/airports.

    About Mappedin

    Mappedin is the leading indoor mapping platform transforming the way venues are experienced, managed, and understood. Built for scale and trusted by the world’s biggest brands, our AI-powered tools make indoor mapping fast, flexible, and easy to integrate–powering indoor experiences at top destinations worldwide. With billions of square feet mapped across 57 countries, Mappedin helps make public spaces easier to explore, simpler to manage, and safer for every visitor. For more information, visit mappedin.com.

  • Flair Airlines Launches Toronto to Montego Bay Just in Time for Winter

    Trade snow for sun in one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations

    Edmonton, Alberta | December 18, 2025 — Flair Airlines’ inaugural flight to Montego Bay takes off today, strengthening connectivity between Canada and Jamaica and expanding the airline’s service in one of the region’s most sought-after destinations.

    “Adding Montego Bay (MBJ) to our network is a proud moment for Flair and a clear reflection of what Flair FWD is all about: making travel more reliable, more delightful, and more affordable,” says Maciej Wilk, CEO of Flair Airlines. “Flair has long-standing ties to Jamaica, and strengthening connections between Canada and Jamaica is an honour. We are excited to continue investing in this beautiful country.”

    As the second Jamaican destination in Flair’s network, Montego Bay underscores the airline’s deepening commitment to the region and its ongoing investment in connecting Canadians to the places they love.

    Minister of Tourism of Jamaica, Edmund Bartlett, expressed, “We are pleased to welcome Flair Airlines’ new service from Toronto to Montego Bay as we enter the peak winter season. This added connectivity is especially important as Jamaica continues to rebound from the recent hurricane, reinforcing our resilience and ensuring seamless access for travellers eager to experience our island.” He also added, “Strengthening our airlift at this time supports our recovery efforts, bolsters our tourism sector, and reaffirms the strong demand for Jamaica’s culture, hospitality, and natural beauty. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors to our shores.”

    Schedule*

    RouteFrequencyStart Date Lowest Starting Fare  
    Toronto (YYZ) – Montego Bay (MBJ) Up to twice weeklyDec 18, 2025 $191 CAD
    Montego Bay (MBJ) – Toronto (YYZ) Up to twice weekly Dec 18, 2025 $196  CAD

    *Fares and schedule subject to change 

    “Montego Bay offers a getaway to white-sand beaches, lush Caribbean landscapes, vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and unlimited opportunities for relaxation and adventure,” says Shane Munroe, CEO, MBJ Airports Limited. “With direct, affordable flights with Flair Airlines, the connections between Canada and Montego Bay continue to grow stronger and more accessible.”

    The launch of Montego Bay builds on the strong performance of Flair’s Kingston (KIN) service, supporting the airline’s commitment to delivering affordable fares and industry-leading reliability.

    About Flair Airlines
    Flair Airlines is Canada’s most reliable and greenest airline, on a mission to make air travel affordable, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone. With a growing fleet of fuel-efficient Boeing 737 aircraft, Flair connects more than 25 cities across Canada, the U.S., Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Flair FWD is the airline’s ongoing commitment to smarter service, seamless travel with Flair Express, low fares, and experiences that go beyond expectations.

  • ADM Aéroports de Montréal Appoints Jerome Conraud as Vice President Strategy, Planning, and Sustainability

    MONTRÉAL, Dec. 17, 2025 /CNW/ – Yves Beauchamp, President and CEO of ADM Aéroports de Montréal, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jerome Conraud as Vice President Strategy, Planning, and Sustainability. Mr. Conraud began his career at ADM in October 2024 as Assistant Vice President Strategy and Governance, Airport Planning.

    Jerome Conraud – ADM Aéroports de Montréal (CNW Group/Aéroports de Montréal)
    Jerome Conraud – ADM Aéroports de Montréal (CNW Group/Aéroports de Montréal)

    With over 20 years of professional experience, Jerome Conraud has previously held several key positions at McGill University. As Director of the Physical Infrastructure Portfolio, he oversaw capital project planning in line with the institution’s strategic priorities. He developed the university’s asset maintenance plan for one of the largest real estate portfolios in the province and served as Director of Utilities and Energy Management Services. In this role, he led energy efficiency initiatives and contributed to the implementation of the university’s Climate and Sustainability Action Plan. Additionally, he spearheaded the drafting of McGill’s decarbonization roadmap.

    His career has also led him to play a leading role at the Office municipal d’habitation de Montréal, serving as Director of Energy. He has been involved with various associations, notably as a board member of Réseau Énergie et Bâtiment and as a founding member of the Montréal chapter of Sustainable Labs Canada.

    Jerome Conraud is recognized for his ability to transform organizational objectives into concrete strategies. His expertise is based on an integrated understanding of the energy, operational, and environmental issues specific to large institutions. This makes him the ideal person to support ADM in its next phase of development. His team’s mandate is to strengthen the organization’s capacity to achieve its goals and support the development of sustainable infrastructure amid significant challenges.

    An engineer by training, Jerome Conraud also holds a Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Building Engineering from Concordia University and a Graduate Diploma (D.E.S.S.) in Management and Sustainability from HEC Montréal.

    He has held his position since November 25, 2025.

    About ADM Aéroports de Montréal
    ADM Aéroports de Montréal is the airport authority for the Greater Montréal area responsible for the management, operation and development of YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, certified 4 stars under the Skytrax World Airport Star Rating program, and YMX International Aerocity of Mirabel.

  • Air Transat Now Connects Toronto to Istanbul, Türkiye, and Georgetown, Guyana

    TORONTO, Dec. 17, 2025 /CNW/ – Air Transat, voted the 2025 World’s Best Leisure Airline by Skytrax, operated its inaugural flights to Istanbul, Türkiye (IST) and Georgetown, Guyana (GEO) on December 16, introducing two new routes from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and further strengthening its network from this key hub. Flight TS164 to Georgetown departed in the early evening, followed later that night by Flight TS214 to Istanbul.

    “Introducing Istanbul and Georgetown from Toronto is a strategic step in diversifying our offer while serving travellers flying to visit friends and family,” said Sebastian Ponce, Transat’s Chief Revenue Officer. “Istanbul unlocks a world of onward possibilities through our partnership with Turkish Airlines, and Georgetown strengthens ties with Canada’s Guyanese community. Together, these routes invite discovery and deliver the seamless comfort that defines Air Transat.”

    “We are proud to welcome Air Transat’s continued growth at Toronto Pearson with new non-stop flights to Istanbul and Georgetown,” said Kurush Minocher, Chief Commercial Officer, Toronto Pearson. “These services make it easier for passengers to reach new destinations, explore opportunities for leisure and business, and strengthen connections around the world – while reinforcing Toronto Pearson’s role as a leading global hub.”

    The new Toronto–Istanbul route offers year-round service with flights on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and an additional Thursday flight from May 2026. Travellers gain easy access to Istanbul and, thanks to new codeshare and interline agreements with Turkish Airlines, can connect to destinations across Türkiye, Asia, and beyond.

    “This is another key milestone in our exciting journey to both enhance and maintain our position as a world-leading global aviation and transit hub. Air Transat’s arrival into Istanbul today further strengthens our global connectivity and strategic connections with the Americas. The new route will enhance prospects for both tourism and trade between Turkey and Canada, whilst reinforcing Istanbul’s growing role in the international aviation ecosystem. We’re delighted to welcome Air Transat to our network and believe that together we will create exciting new opportunities for exchange and growth between North America, Europe and the Middle East,” said Chief Commercial Officer Server Aydın, iGA Istanbul Airport.

    The new Toronto–Georgetown service has already been extended to May 29, 2026, and operates twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays. Air Transat serves this route with its Airbus A321LR, an aircraft recognized for its efficiency and comfort. This ensures travellers enjoy a smooth journey to Guyana and its natural beauty.

    “The addition of this service reflects the deliberate, long-term approach being taken to increase Guyana’s airlift,” said Mr. Sanjeev Datadin, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). “At the board level, we remain focused on building strong airline partnerships, ensuring sound governance, and supporting investments that position CJIA to meet future demand while maintaining international standards.”

    These new routes also benefit from seamless connections through Air Transat’s joint venture with Porter Airlines. This makes it easier for travellers from cities across Canada, including those from Western Canada, Ottawa, Montreal, and the Maritimes, to connect through Toronto and reach these destinations.

    About Air Transat

    Founded in Montreal in 1987, Air Transat is a leading travel brand voted 2025 World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. Its program offers access to international destinations, mainly in Europe, the Caribbean, the east coast of the United States, South America and North Africa. Air Transat is recognized for its excellent customer service. Its fleet includes some of the most energy-efficient aircraft in their category. Based in Montreal with major hubs in YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), it has 5,000 employees with a common purpose to bring people closer together. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc. (TSX: TRZ). www.airtransat.com

  • YUL Montréal Trudeau International Airport: Holiday Travel Tips

    MONTRÉAL, Dec. 16, 2025 /CNW/ – With the holiday season being a particularly busy time for airports around the world, ADM Aéroports de Montréal expects to welcome many travellers to YUL Montréal Trudeau International Airport in the coming weeks amidst major construction work on the airport site. With this in mind, the organization is providing recommendations for passengers and airport users to minimize the impact on their experience and help them better prepare for their visit.

    YUL is undergoing major changes to better serve its users, so all passengers are strongly advised to plan their visit and arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight’s departure time, regardless of their destination. Additionally, due to the permanent closure of the multi-level parking facility and P5 EconoParc, the number of available parking spaces at YUL has decreased. During this busy period, passengers must check the current occupancy of available parking lots online and reserve their place to secure it. Those who have not reserved a parking space should consider alternative transportation options, as there may be no parking available upon arrival.

    Before leaving

    Getting ready

    • Check the status and schedule of your flight before heading to YUL by visiting the ADM website or contacting your airline.
    • Plan your movements using the YUL Transit Planner and take the time to check road conditions and traffic by consulting Québec 511 before heading to the airport.
    • Review the various public transport options available in your area to get to the airport.
    • Reserve your parking space in advance if you wish to come by car, as availability is limited during the holiday season.
    • Pack your carry-on baggage carefully for the security checkpoint to facilitate the process. Place wrapped gifts in checked baggage (hold baggage). If this is not possible, we remind you that gifts placed in carry-on baggage (cabin baggage) must not be wrapped.
    • Check with your airline to determine the accepted size of your carry-on baggage and the maximum weight of your checked baggage.

    Arrive early 

    • Ask your driver to drop you off at the Express drop-off located near the P4 parking facility or the one at the P10. Free and open 24/7, these alternate drop-off points allow you to avoid traffic congestion and are served by a frequent shuttle service that provides access to the terminal in five minutes.
    • Arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight departure, regardless of your destination, to complete the pre-boarding process.
    • Go through security checks as soon as you have completed your check-in.
    • For faster access to airport processes, make use of the free services offered at YUL:

    Returning home

    • Simplify your arrival in Canada by completing your customs and immigration declaration for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) using ArriveCan 72 hours prior to your arrival. The use of this application reduces the processing time for travellers in the border control zone.
    • To avoid waiting, you can pay for parking online on your mobile device 15 minutes before leaving the airport. Simply scan the QR code on your parking ticket and follow the instructions.

    Picking up passengers

    • Prioritize the Express drop-off area located near the P4 parking facility to pick up your loved ones. Make sure that the passenger you are picking up has arrived before heading there. If they haven’t arrived yet, use the CellParc holding lot. You can stay there for free for up to 2 hours.

    For any other questions related to your trip, please visit the “Questions and Answers” section of the ADM website. Once you arrive at the airport, don’t hesitate to approach one of our red-jacketed ambassadors to help you find your way around the terminal. Finally, a representative from the YUL Satisfaction team can assist you in real time online through our YULChat chat service.

    About ADM Aéroports de Montréal

    ADM Aéroports de Montréal is the airport authority for the Greater Montréal area responsible for the management, operation and development of YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, certified 4-stars under the Skytrax World Airport Star Rating program, and YMX International Aerocity of Mirabel.

  • Porter Takes off to Grand Cayman With First Flights From Toronto

    16 December 2026

    original Porter Airlines is inaugurating nonstop service today between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (GCM), with up to three times weekly frequency. This route is complemented by twice weekly non-stop flights operating from Ottawa beginning Dec. 19.

    Ottawa service launches Dec. 19

    Porter Airlines is inaugurating nonstop service today between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (GCM), with up to three times weekly frequency. This route is complemented by twice weekly non-stop flights operating from Ottawa beginning Dec. 19.

    TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Porter Airlines is inaugurating nonstop service today between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (GCM), with up to three times weekly frequency. This route is complemented by twice weekly non-stop flights operating from Ottawa beginning Dec. 19.

    “Grand Cayman is the fifth sun vacation market that Porter is launching this winter from both Toronto Pearson and Ottawa,” says Andrew Pierce, vice president, network planning and reporting, Porter Airlines. “Canadians’ travel interest in the Caribbean is steadily growing and now they can easily access the Cayman Islands from two prominent hubs in our network. We look forward to welcoming even more passengers to try our award-winning onboard service, and to experience sun destinations in a way that emphasizes care and generous service.”

    Travellers who fly with Porter receive a level of genuine onboard hospitality that makes the journey an enjoyable part of the overall experience. Everyone onboard the 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft enjoys free premium snacks, complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, and free, fast WiFi.

    PorterReserve fares provide additional all-inclusive benefits, with fresh, healthy meals, premium cocktails, dedicated airport check-in, ticketing flexibility, early boarding, and more legroom.

    Travellers will benefit from Grand Cayman’s stunning beaches, and luxurious hotels and resorts. It is also renowned as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, drawing food lovers from around the world.

    The start of service adds to Porter’s broad winter expansion into sun markets this winter, including new destinations in Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Nassau, and Costa Rica.

    VIPorter loyalty program members can redeem their VIPorter points for travel on Porter to sun markets for as low as 10,000 points one way.

    Full schedule details can be found at www.flyporter.com.

    Quotes

    “Toronto is Canada’s largest market to Grand Cayman, with nearly 55,000 travellers each year. As we enter the winter season, we know our passengers seek sunshine during the cold months. Porter Airlines’ new service to Grand Cayman will give travellers more opportunities to reach those sunny destinations during the season.”
    – Sean O’Donnell, associate director, air service & cargo development, Toronto Pearson

    “Toronto has always been a vital gateway to the Cayman Islands, and we’re absolutely thrilled to celebrate Porter’s new nonstop flights connecting Canada’s largest city to Grand Cayman. Together, we’re bringing people to experience their perfect VaCay – one that’s all about ease, flexibility, and our signature warmth. This new service makes it even easier for Torontonians to trade snow for Cayman’s powder-soft white sand and discover the magic of our islands – from our proud local culture to the exceptional cuisine that makes us the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. We look forward to welcoming our Canadian friends to our sunny shores for many years to come, as this collaboration continues to grow and flourish well into the future.”
    – Hon. Gary Rutty, deputy premier & minister of tourism, Cayman Islands

    About Porter
    Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves North America, including a coast-to-coast domestic Canadian network, the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com

  • CATSA’s CT Technology now at Edmonton International Airport

    OTTAWA, ON, Dec. 16, 2025 /CNW/ – The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) introduced CT X-ray technology at Edmonton International Airport’s (YEG) Domestic/International checkpoint. Line 2 was the first to be upgraded, marking the beginning of a broader rollout across all screening lines at YEG. This installation is part of CATSA’s national strategy to upgrade screening systems across Canadian airports over a multi-year period.

    Passengers travelling through screening lines equipped with CT X-ray are no longer required to remove bags with permitted liquids, aerosols and gels (100 ml or less), medical devices, or large electronics–including laptops–from their carry-on bags.

    CATSA’s CT Technology now at Edmonton International Airport (CNW Group/Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA))
    CATSA’s CT Technology now at Edmonton International Airport (CNW Group/Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA))

    To help travellers stay informed, CATSA offers an interactive CT X-ray map on its website. The map shows which airports and checkpoints across Canada are equipped with this state-of-the-art technology, making it easier for passengers to know what to expect.

    CATSA looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Edmonton International Airport throughout the deployment of CT technology on all screening lines. We are committed to enhancing the passenger experience while maintaining the highest standards of security for travellers at Canada’s designated airports.

    Quote

    “The introduction of CATSA’s CT X-ray technology at YEG underscores the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to leading-edge technology. By working together, we are advancing security, improving efficiency, and delivering a more seamless experience for travellers who move through our airport.”  

    — Carmen Donnelly, Vice President, Passenger Experience & Terminal Operations, Edmonton International Airport (YEG)

    Links

    Quick facts

    • Established on April 1, 2002, CATSA is a Crown corporation fully funded by parliamentary appropriations and is accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Transport Canada.
    • A deployment of this magnitude underscores CATSA’s commitment to driving innovation and elevating passengers’ experience in aviation security nationwide.
    • CATSA is dedicated to working with its screening contractors and air travel partners to deliver service excellence through effective and efficient security screening.
    • CT is state-of-the-art technology that utilizes advanced three-dimensional rotatable images enhancing screening officers’ ability to detect explosives and other threat items. For air travellers, it means that permitted liquids, aerosols and gels (100 mL or less each), medical devices, and large electronics can remain in their carry-on baggage when being screened.

  • Air Transat Inaugurates Exclusive Montreal-Guadalajara and Year‑Round Quebec City-Fort‑de‑France Routes

    MONTREAL, Dec. 15, 2025 /CNW/ – Air Transat, named 2025 World’s Best Leisure Airline by Skytrax for the seventh time, marked an exciting milestone on December 13 with the launch of its first-ever non-stop flight between YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Guadalajara International Airport (GDL). The inaugural TS336 flight marked the start of this new service.

    The new service that runs twice weekly – Thursdays and Saturdays – is now offered until June 27, 2026. This is Air Transat’s sixth Mexican destination, reinforcing its status as Montreal’s top carrier to the South.

    Additionally, on December 14, Air Transat operated its first non-stop flight between Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) and Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF). This inaugural service, designated TS696, marks the start of a year-round route that gives travellers from Quebec City a convenient gateway to the French Antilles.

    “The addition of Guadalajara from Montreal and Fort-de-France from Quebec City reflects our commitment to offering travellers even more ways to explore vibrant destinations,” said Sebastian Ponce, Transat’s Chief Revenue Officer. “These new routes not only enrich our network but also create meaningful connections – whether it’s immersing in Mexico’s cultural heart, connecting our Mexican community in Quebec, or enjoying Martinique’s unique charm – all with the convenience and comfort Air Transat is known for.”

    Both new routes are operated using the Airbus A321LR, an aircraft recognized for its efficiency and passenger comfort. The cabin design combines ergonomic seating with a modern inflight entertainment system, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. Travellers can choose between Economy and Club Class, both of which offer Air Transat’s signature service and attention to detail.

    Quotes from Air Transat’s Partners

    For the inaugural flight from Montreal to Guadalajara:

    Amélie Dionne, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Regions
    “Our government is proud to support the new non-stop Montréal–Guadalajara route, made possible through the Program for the development of direct air links to Quebec. This initiative reflects our commitment to improving the accessibility of our territory while enhancing Quebec’s tourism offering. I congratulate Air Transat and its teams on achieving this important milestone.”

    Christopher Skeete, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, Minister responsible for Relations with English-speaking Québecers, Minister responsible for the Fight against Racism and Minister responsible for the Laval Region
    “This new direct flight between Montréal and Guadalajara solidifies the privileged relationship that Québec has maintained with the State of Jalisco for the past twenty years. The opportunities that bring this new connection for our Québec entrepreneurs, artists, and researchers are immense. On one hand, it will open the doors to one of Mexico’s largest tourism industries, and on the other, it will facilitate breaking into a new market, especially Guadalajara’s one, which is experiencing a strong growth in the technology and creative industries sectors. Our local team at the Québec Government Office in Mexico is ready to provide advice or logistical support in that matter.”

    Michelle Fridman, Secretary of Tourism of Jalisco
    “It is important to emphasize what the opening of an additional flight from Canada represents for tourism in Jalisco, as we have recorded a notable increase in air traffic from January to October 2025, with 5,365 operations between Canada and Jalisco, representing an 8% increase compared to 2024. Of these, 562 operations correspond specifically to the route between Canada and Guadalajara, with an impressive growth of 368% compared to the previous year. Thus, the opening of this new direct route from Guadalajara to Montreal, starting on December 13 and operated by a renowned airline like Air Transat, boosts the arrival of more tourists to the state and aligns with our expansion plans, generating optimal travel conditions for the Canadian and Jalisco markets. This constitutes an excellent opportunity to strengthen our ties and reaffirm an essential aspect: in Jalisco, we warmly welcome Canadian travellers.”

    Karl Brochu, Vice President, Airport Operations and Air Services Development, ADM
    “ADM Aéroports de Montréal is pleased to welcome this new route to Guadalajara offered by our partner, Air Transat, which will allow travellers to discover a vibrant tourist destination with a rich culture. This new route will benefit all travellers eager for memorable experiences and sunshine. We would like to thank all the Air Transat teams who worked tirelessly to develop this connection.”

    Cryshtian Amador Lizardi, Airport Director, Guadalajara International Airport (GDL)
    “Guadalajara International Airport continues to strengthen its position as a regional hub for Canadian travellers through new connections like this important route to Montreal. We are proud to welcome Air Transat to our growing commercial offering, at an airport that served more than 17.8 million passengers in 2024 and is currently undergoing major infrastructure upgrades that will elevate the travel experience for all passengers.”

    Gustavo Staufert, Executive Director of the Guadalajara Convention & Visitors Bureau
    “The launch of the Montreal–Guadalajara route with Air Transat marks a historic moment for our destination, bringing together two vibrant and deeply cultural cities. It strengthens our traffic and friendship with Canada and creates a bridge that will allow more Canadian visitors to discover and fall in love with everything Guadalajara has to offer. We are confident that this new connection will significantly boost tourism revenue and strengthen the sector in our city. Congratulations on this excellent news, which we celebrate with great enthusiasm.”

    For the inaugural flight from Quebec City to Fort-de-France:

    Stéphane Poirier, President and CEO, Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
    “We are delighted to see Air Transat once again enhancing its winter offering from Québec City with the addition of Martinique. This iconic Caribbean destination represents a new opportunity for travellers to escape to warmer climes and exceptional landscapes. Season after season, Air Transat demonstrates its commitment to offering a varied and attractive schedule from Québec City, and we are confident that this new route will win the hearts of our passengers.”

    Bénédicte di Geronimo, President, Martinique Tourism Authority
    “The launch of this new direct route from Quebec City is fantastic news for Martinique. It brings our two destinations closer together and gives Quebec travellers easier, faster, and more inspiring access to our landscapes, culture, and art de vivre. This route embodies new opportunities for escape, discovery, and connection. We are delighted to welcome even more visitors from Quebec and share with them all that our island has to offer.”

    About Air Transat
    Founded in Montreal in 1987, Air Transat is a leading travel brand voted 2025 World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. Its program offers access to international destinations, mainly in Europe, the Caribbean, the east coast of the United States, South America and North Africa. Air Transat is recognized for its excellent customer service. Its fleet includes some of the most energy-efficient aircraft in their category. Based in Montreal with major hubs in YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), it has 5,000 employees with a common purpose to bring people closer together. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc. airtransat.com