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Category: Airports

  • Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Celebrates 85th Anniversary in 2024

    Activations, events and giveaways to celebrate the 85th anniversary of Toronto’s beloved downtown airport kick off today and will run throughout the year

    TORONTO, Feb. 5, 2024 /CNW/ – PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, is proud to launch a celebration to mark 85 Years of Flight at Toronto’s downtown airport.

    Conceived in the 1930s as the main airport for Toronto, the construction of what is now Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport was completed in 1939 by the Toronto Harbour Commission (THC), a predecessor organization of PortsToronto. At the same time, the THC built Malton Airport (now Toronto Pearson International Airport) as a secondary, alternate airport to be used in the event of weather.

    PortsToronto and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport staff gather to launch a celebration to mark 85 Years of Flight at Toronto’s downtown airport. (CNW Group/PortsToronto)
    PortsToronto and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport staff gather to launch a celebration to mark 85 Years of Flight at Toronto’s downtown airport. (CNW Group/PortsToronto)

    On February 4, 1939, H.F. McLean of Montreal landed a Stinson SR-9F Reliant aircraft at Toronto’s new airport, marking the beginning of 85 years of flight at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

    That same year, on September 8, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport welcomed its first commercial passenger flight, as a charter flight carrying famed trumpet player and conductor Tommy Dorsey and his swing-band arrived in Toronto for a two-day engagement at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE).

    These milestone anniversaries will bookend a celebration at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, commemorating the airport’s past, present and future.

    “Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has a long and storied history operating on Toronto’s waterfront. Welcoming its first flight in 1939, the airport soon became an integral component of the war effort serving as a base for allied pilot training. In the years since, the airport has established itself as a valuable asset for the City of Toronto, Ontario and Canada, providing a transportation gateway for residents and visitors alike, enabling trade and tourism, driving economic impact, facilitating healthcare and creating jobs,” says RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. “We look forward to many more years of providing award-winning service that keeps people moving, supports the economy and makes connections between Toronto and the world.”

    View a video showcasing the airport’s journey, or visit BillyBishopAirport.com for a calendar of upcoming activities and to view a timeline of the airport’s history featuring archival photos from the PortsToronto collection dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. Follow along and connect with us on social media at @BBishopAirport or with the hashtag #YTZ85.

    Fast Facts

    • In its early years, from 1939 to 1943, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport served as a training ground for both the Royal Canadian and Royal Norwegian Air Forces, with neighbouring Little Norway Park named in honour of the Norwegian community that settled around the airport in 1940.
    • Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport maintains critical connections to medical care for Ontarians, providing a base for Ornge medevac services and medical transportation charities such as Hope Air to quickly and easily access Toronto’s hospital system.
    • Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is an important international gateway and a key driver to Toronto’s economy, generating more than $2.1 billion in total economic output and supporting 4,450 jobs.

    About Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

    Offering service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the U.S., with connection opportunities to more than 80 international destinations via our airlines’ networks, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is an important international gateway that will offer US Preclearance in 2025. The airport is a key driver to Toronto’s economy, generating more than $2.1 billion in total economic output and supporting 4,450 jobs, including 2,080 directly associated with the airport’s operations. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has served its community for 85 years from its iconic location on the Toronto waterfront, where it facilitates healthcare for Ontarians by providing a base for medevac services connected to local hospitals. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is committed to achieving its vision of cleaner, greener and quieter operations, and is renowned for its unique travel experience, efficiency, and customer service, having won a host of passenger-driven and environmental achievement awards. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is owned and operated by PortsToronto. 

    About PortsToronto

    For more than 100 years PortsToronto has worked with its partners at the federal, provincial and municipal levels to enhance the economic growth of the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. PortsToronto owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which welcomed approximately 2.8 million passengers in 2019; the Outer Harbour Marina, one of Canada’s largest freshwater marinas; and, Marine Terminal 52, which provides transportation, distribution, storage and container services to businesses at the Port of Toronto. PortsToronto is committed to fostering strong, healthy and sustainable communities and has invested more than $14 million since 2009 in charitable initiatives and environmental programs that benefit communities along Toronto’s waterfront and beyond. PortsToronto operates in accordance with the Canada Marine Act and is guided by a nine-member board with representation from all three levels of government.

  • Passenger numbers soar at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)

    Wednesday January 31, 2024

    Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) had another record-breaking year in 2023. In total, 445,312 passengers travelled through YKF, an 18.39 per cent increase over 2022.

    YKF continues to be the fastest-growing airport in Canada and consistently ranks as one of the top 20 busiest airports in the country. The success of commercial service has increased passengers and that growth is directly funding the expansion of the airport’s facilities.

    “It is wonderful to see more residents using our airport to explore destinations and connect with family and friends,” said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo. “This increased growth reinforces our work on the 20-Year Airport Master Plan which guides development at YKF. The airport is a key piece of infrastructure and an economic driver for Waterloo Region.”

    The current airport expansion project will enable YKF to support up to one million passengers per year – with no additional operating costs to get there. In 2023, phase two of the expansion reconfigured the air terminal building to provide an enhanced passenger experience. The project included self-service kiosks and common-use airline counters to improve check-in. A third security line that speeds passenger screening and, a new baggage system, with self-service bag drop and expanded sort area to streamline baggage handling. In addition, the airport constructed a domestic arrivals building and expanded the departure lounge in 2022.

    Phase three of the expansion is currently underway with Airport Administration relocated to the Airport Operations Centre. The second-floor terminal offices will soon house the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) while the existing main floor CBSA space becomes a Primary Inspection Line for passengers returning to Canada.

    Flair Airlines, Sunwing and WestJet provide scheduled air service to Calgary, Cancun, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Orlando Sanford, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana, Vancouver and Varadero. Summer 2024 schedule includes the return of Abbotsford, Charlottetown, Deer Lake, Halifax, Edmonton, St. Johns and Winnipeg. For more information visit www.waterlooairport.ca.

  • PLAY offers stopovers in Iceland at no additional cost

    Canadian travellers can add up to 10 days in Iceland en route to their preferred European destination

    HAMILTON, ON, Jan. 30, 2024 /CNW/ – PLAY, a low-cost airline operating flights between Iceland and Europe, announced today it now offers stopovers in Iceland for no additional cost, enabling travellers to visit two countries in one trip.

    PLAY now offers stopovers in Iceland for up to 10 days for no additional cost. (CNW Group/PLAY)

    The stopovers take advantage of the airline’s hub-and-spoke model, with all flights connecting through Iceland. PLAY’s stopovers will enable passengers to stay up to 10 days in Iceland to experience the island’s incredible natural wonders including waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, glaciers and Northern lights. Canadian travellers can now book their stopover themselves on PLAY airlines’ website at flyplay.com.

    “PLAY has taken advantage of Iceland’s location near Europe to bring travellers convenient flights and affordable fares, and now the stopover feature brings even more benefits to our passengers,” said Birgir Jónsson, CEO, PLAY. “Rather than having a few hours layover in Iceland, travellers can make a stop at this bucket-list destination for an extra day or week to experience everything our home country has to offer. Long stayovers are a win-win for both us and our passengers to enable exploration at a low price.”

    In Canada, PLAY operates daily flights and seasonal services to more than 30 European destinations from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, including Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, London, Copenhagen, Barcelona and Athens. The stopover service is available on all flights going through Iceland.

    In January, PLAY announced the launch of ticket sales for flights to Split, Croatia via Iceland starting at $359 one way. Starting May 28, the new service will operate once a week, every Tuesday, over the summer. This marks the first time that scheduled flights will be operated between Iceland and Split, as well as PLAY’s first destination in Croatia. Canadian passengers interested in exploring Iceland can prolong their layover into a multi-day stopover for no additional cost and then continue their journey to explore the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of Split.

    In 2023, PLAY flew 114,265 passengers across Europe and North America with an on-time arrival rate of 83 per cent. PLAY’s pay-for-what-you-need model keeps its fares affordable. A personal item is included for the flight, and passengers can choose which upgrades they need for their trip, such as an in-flight meal, carry-on, checked bag, special bags for items such as golf sets, skis, strollers, and musical instruments, seats with extra legroom, cancellation protection and more.

    “This new option from PLAY to prolong a layover into a multi-day stopover in Iceland will allow Canadians to see more for less, and supports Hamilton International’s commitment to provide affordable travel options to passengers,” said Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. “PLAY continues to grow its presence in the Canadian market from Hamilton International and this new feature is exciting news for travellers looking to explore multiple destinations in one trip.”

    About PLAY

    PLAY is a low-cost airline operating flights between Iceland and Europe, and North America as of 2022. Founded in Reykjavík in 2019 by a management team with significant experience in the aviation industry, the company operates flights on new Airbus A321NEO and A320NEO aircraft, offering streamlined, no-frills service that allows travelers to pay less and “play more.” Safety comes first for PLAY. On-time performance, simplicity, happiness and low prices are the airline’s core principles. The airline seeks to enable passengers to see the world, but not without considering its environmental impact. PLAY is being developed with sustainability initiatives and benchmarks in place to track and reduce fuel consumption, offset carbon emissions, and limit waste. Learn more or book a flight at flyplay.com

  • Toronto Pearson regains ranking in Forbes’ list of “Canada’s Best Employers” in 2024

    TORONTO, Jan. 26, 2024 /CNW/ – Toronto Pearson has regained its ranking in Forbes’ list of “Canada’s Best Employers” for 2024. The annual list ranks the best 300 Canadian employers identified by their independent survey. This year, Toronto Pearson ranked number 210 overall and was ninth among all Transportation and Logistics companies included in the list. 

    “Toronto Pearson is a hub of employment with meaningful and exciting careers. Our commitment to fostering a modern workforce is underpinned by our strategic pillar of a strong culture and employee experience, as well as our vision to put joy back into travel,” says Deborah Flint, President and CEO, Toronto Pearson. “This renewed recognition by Forbes also reflects our ability to provide our diverse and talented people with the opportunities that enable them to flourish professionally.” 

    To remain a destination for top talent, Toronto Pearson will continue to sharpen its focus on employee health and wellness, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. We remain committed to being a progressive workplace that prioritizes professional growth for all our employees. We are also proud to be the only airport included on the 2024 list.

    “The Forbes ranking reflects the dedication and necessary investments that Toronto Pearson undertook to build back its workforce following the challenges of the pandemic,” said Mark Carbonelli, Chief Human Resource Officer, Toronto Pearson. “Not only did we recruit hundreds of new employees to drive better service, but we re-tooled ourselves by introducing new programs to create meaningful career development opportunities supported by increased mentoring and training. We are also committed to maintaining momentum in our diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility objectives.” 

    Forbes partnered with market research company Statista to create the ninth annual ranking. To determine the list, Statista surveyed more than 40,000 Canadians working for businesses with at least 500 employees. All the surveys were anonymous, allowing participants to openly share their opinions. The respondents were asked to rate, on a scale of zero to ten, how likely they’d be to recommend their employer to others. Statista then asked respondents to nominate organizations other than their own.

    About Toronto Pearson

    The Greater Toronto Airports Authority is the operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada’s largest airport and a vital connector of people, businesses and goods.

    Toronto Pearson has been named “Best Large Airport in North America serving more than 40 million passengers” for five years in a row by Airports Council International (ACI), the global trade representative of the world’s airports. In recognition of its Healthy Airport program, ACI has also awarded Toronto Pearson the “Best hygiene measures in North America” award for three years running, and Toronto Pearson was the first Canadian airport to receive ACI’s global health accreditation for its response to COVID-19.

    For our corporate X channel, please visit @PearsonComms. For operational updates and passenger information, please visit @TorontoPearson/@AeroportPearson on X. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

  • Porter celebrates first flight between Toronto and San Francisco

    Bay Area the second California destination launched by Porter this year

    TORONTO, Jan. 25, 2024 /CNW/ – Porter Airlines has today launched daily, roundtrip service between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

    Passengers travelling between Toronto and the Bay Area will begin their trip enjoying Porter’s famous style, care, and charm.

    Porter Airlines has today launched daily, roundtrip service between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). (CNW Group/Porter Airlines Inc.)

    Porter’s elevated economy experience includes complimentary beer, wine, and premium snacks for all passengers. The brand new, 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 operating the route has a two-by-two configuration, which means there are no middle seats on any Porter flight.

    All passengers also enjoy free, fast inflight Wi-Fi to stay connected, catch up on work, or stream their favourite content. All-inclusive PorterReserve fares offer priority check-in, extra legroom seats, premium pre-mixed cocktails and fresh, healthy meals – all of which are also available à la carte to PorterClassic passengers.

    The flight schedule is as follows:

    RouteDepartureArrivalFlights begin
    Toronto Pearson – San Francisco San Francisco – Toronto Pearson10:30 a.m. 2:50 p.m.1:22 p.m. 10:46 p.m.Jan. 25, 2024

    Through the recently announced partnership with Alaska Airlines, passengers can take advantage of Porter’s strong Eastern Canada network, and connect through San Francisco to Alaska’s well established U.S. West Coast network and 18 destinations such as Portland, San Diego and Seattle.

    The new route follows the launch of daily, roundtrip service between Toronto and Los Angeles earlier this month.

    Detailed schedules and Porter Escapes vacation packages can be found on www.flyporter.com.

    Quotes

    “San Francisco is a major hub for travellers, who can now choose Porter’s unmatched all-economy onboard service when travelling between California and Eastern Canada, and connecting to destinations around the world. Adding San Francisco to our network is the latest step in our growth across North America, which is continuing throughout 2024.”

    – Kevin Jackson, president, Porter Airlines.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Porter Airlines to SFO. This service offers San Francisco Bay Area travelers an exciting new way to Canada that perfectly complements our commitment to an exceptional air travel experience. We thank Porter for making SFO part of their expansion in the United States, and are confident this new service will be a success.”

    – Ivar C. Satero, airport director, San Francisco International Airport.

    “San Francisco is our sixth largest transborder market and was one of the highest growth destinations out of Toronto Pearson in 2023. Porter’s entry on the route will allow more passengers to fly directly between Toronto and San Francisco, providing them with a simplified travel experience.”

    – Kurush Minocher, executive director, customer experience and airline relations, Greater Toronto Airports Authority.

    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 a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com 

  • Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport welcomes “Project T-Dot” photography exhibit

    Toronto-based photographer Ajani Charles brings his stunning visual chronicle of Toronto’s diverse Hip-Hop scene to the city’s downtown airport for a limited time

    TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2024 /CNW/ – As part of its commitment to reflecting the vibrancy and diversity of Toronto through unique art activations, Nieuport Aviation, in partnership with celebrated Toronto-based photographer Ajani Charles, has unveiled the “Project T-Dot” exhibit in the passenger terminal at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, the largest art installation ever at the airport. Project T-Dot depicts candid images of Toronto’s most renowned Hip-Hop figures, as well as many others who are lesser-known but nonetheless influential in Toronto’s Hip-Hop scene, allowing travellers the opportunity to engage with the cultural richness of the city as they pass through Billy Bishop Airport.

    Project T-Dot, which initially premiered at Toronto City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square in 2022, presents a definitive visual story that sheds new light on the city’s Hip-Hop scene and features instantly recognizable subjects such as Drake, The Weeknd, Director X, Kardinal Offishall, Jessie Reyez, Jully Black, Master T, Maestro Fresh Wes, and organizations like The Remix Project, Honey Jam, Manifesto Community Projects, October’s Very Own, and MuchMusic, among many others. Reflecting the diversity of the Hip-Hop subculture, the exhibit features members of the 2SLGBTQ+, Black, and Indigenous communities, women, youth from equity-deserving neighbourhoods, recent immigrants, and other marginalized groups. Passengers travelling through Billy Bishop Airport will be greeted with 60 large-scale photographic panels in the terminal’s atrium alongside an interactive touchscreen where they can learn more about Toronto’s Hip-Hop culture, community, and history by exploring engaging supplementary information.

    “As the owner and operator of the passenger terminal at Billy Bishop Airport, Nieuport Aviation is committed to not only playing a vital role in connecting travellers to the places they want to be, but also to connecting our neighbours and travellers Toronto’s vibrant culture,” says Neil Pakey, President and CEO, Nieuport Aviation. “We’re pleased to be partnering with a talent like Ajani Charles to present this one-of-a-kind exhibit to our valued passengers, employees and community members.”

    “We are honoured to be joining our partners Nieuport Aviation in unveiling Project T-Dot at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. This large-scale installation reflects Toronto’s vibrant Hip-Hop culture and the contributions of some of this city’s most renowned figures on the scene,” says RJ Steenstra, President and CEO, PortsToronto. “Thank you to Nieuport Aviation and the City of Toronto for bringing this interactive, engaging artwork to the terminal where it will be accessible to both passengers and the public, helping to bring people together, generate conversation and make the important connections that we strive to make at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport even deeper.”

    “I have dedicated 18 years of my life and a significant part of my consciousness to documenting the inspiring, talented, resourceful, and diverse individuals and organizations that define Toronto’s unique Hip-Hop culture, community, and history,” says photographer Ajani Charles. “I am grateful for the opportunity to introduce the general public and millions of travellers to one of Toronto’s most influential subcultures through my latest exhibit at Billy Bishop Airport. I’d like to thank Nieuport Aviation, PortsToronto, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, and other dedicated partners like the City of Toronto, Canon Canada, and the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival.”

    Project T-Dot will be on display at Billy Bishop Airport for the duration of 2024. In keeping with the interactive nature of the exhibit, travellers are encouraged to share their own thoughts and experiences of the art on social media using the hashtag #projecttdot.

    For high resolution photos of the exhibit, please click here. For promotional images associated with the unveiling, please click here.

    About Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

    Offering service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the U.S., with connection opportunities to more than 80 international destinations via our airlines’ networks, Billy Bishop Airport is an important international gateway and a key driver to Toronto’s economy, generating more than $2.1 billion in total economic output. Billy Bishop Airport supports 4,450 jobs, including 2,080 directly associated with the airport’s operations, and facilitates healthcare for Ontarians by providing a base for medevac services connected to local hospitals.

    Billy Bishop Airport is renowned for its unique travel experience, efficiency and customer service and has won a series of passenger-driven awards. With a focus on cleaner, greener and quieter operations, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has made significant upgrades in recent years to achieve its sustainability goals, which are reported on an annual basis. Billy Bishop Airport is owned and operated by PortsToronto.

    About Nieuport Aviation

    Nieuport Aviation is the owner and operator of the passenger terminal at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Backed by Canadian and international pension funds and supported by significant international expertise in managing aviation operations, we are committed to world-class customer service for the millions of customers using the airport. In addition to managing the passenger terminal, Nieuport Aviation offers passengers a free bus shuttle service between the airport and downtown Toronto, helping to provide a seamless travel experience. For more information, please visit www.nieuport.com. Since acquiring the airport terminal, Nieuport has invested $60 million in upgrades, recently opening the Aspire Business Lounge for Canadian travellers. Nieuport is further investing in the development of the US Customs pre-clearance facility, to be opened in 2025.

    About PortsToronto

    For more than 100 years PortsToronto has worked with its partners at the federal, provincial and municipal levels to enhance the economic growth of the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. PortsToronto owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which welcomed approximately 2.8 million passengers in 2019; the Outer Harbour Marina, one of Canada’s largest freshwater marinas; and, Marine Terminal 52, which provides transportation, distribution, storage and container services to businesses at the Port of Toronto. PortsToronto is committed to fostering strong, healthy and sustainable communities and has invested more than $14 million since 2009 in charitable initiatives and environmental programs that benefit communities along Toronto’s waterfront and beyond. PortsToronto operates in accordance with the Canada Marine Act and is guided by a nine-member board with representation from all three levels of government. To learn more, click here.

    About Ajani Charles

    Ajani Charles is a Toronto-based professional photographer, director, producer, mental health advocate, and Canon Canada ambassador of Haitian descent. Charles has a background in fine arts and specializes in creating impactful stories about the human condition, self-actualization, and mental health for tech, finance, and media organizations. To learn more, visit https://www.ajani.ca/.

  • Nanaimo Airport Achieves ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 2 Certification (Reduction)

    NANAIMO, BC – [January 24, 2024] – Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is proud to announce its achievement of the Airport Council International’s (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 2 Certification (Reduction).  This accomplishment is a testament to YCD’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility in the aviation industry.

    ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program is the only endorsed global carbon management certification program for airports.  Under the program, airports track, assess, and recognize greenhouse gas reduction efforts and then have their information verified by an independent third party.  There are five progressively ambitious levels of accreditation: mapping (level 1) , reduction (level 2), optimization (level 3), transformation (level 4), and maintaining net zero balance (level 5).

    Dave Devana, President and CEO of YCD, expressed his enthusiasm about this achievement, saying, “as part of YCD’s commitment to the environment and decarbonization, we continue to improve our airport operations by implementing our climate action plan on our flightpath to net zero along with other environmental initiatives”. 

    In addition to achieving level 2 accreditation, YCD has now been net climate positive for 5 years by supporting the Coastal First Nations Great Bear Initiative and will continue .  “We recognize that purchasing offset credits is a transitional measure in YCD’s goal of achieving net zero as an organization by 2030.” Devana goes on to say.  “We are on track to receiving our level 3 ACA certification in 2025 and with an end goal of Level 5 certification by 2030 and beyond.

    About Nanaimo Airport (YCD):

    Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is a Vancouver Island’s most centrally located airport. Offering visitors easy access to all island communities and Island residents convenient access to the world.  YCD is committed to providing a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible airport experience to its passengers.

  • PLAY to offer flights to Split, Croatia from Hamilton airport

    Canadian travellers can fly on the first PLAY flight to Split on May 28

    HAMILTON, ON, Jan. 24, 2024 /CNW/ – PLAY, a low-cost airline operating flights between Iceland and Europe, has launched ticket sales for flights to Split, Croatia. PLAY’s first flight to Split will be on May 28, and it will operate once a week, every Tuesday, over the summer.

    This will be the first time that scheduled flights are operated between Iceland and Split and this is also PLAY´s first destination in Croatia.

    PLAY has added Split to its summer schedule and the first flight to Split will be on May 28. (CNW Group/PLAY)

    From John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, Canadian passengers can fly to Split one way starting at $359. Travel for this new route will be facilitated through Split Airport in Croatia.

    PLAY offers a streamlined, no-frills service without costly features such as magazines, Wi-Fi, and entertainment, allowing travellers to pay less and “play more.” Rather than spending on travel extras, PLAY passengers can instead allocate their budget to the meaningful experiences, dining, or even excursions that make a trip memorable.

    “Split is a dream destination for us at PLAY,” said Birgir Jónsson, CEO, PLAY. “It has beautiful landscapes and a vibrant culture. I have no doubt this will be one of our most popular destinations this year. Everywhere we go, we give the competition a run for their money. We want to make travel more affordable and I am sure our Split services will be well received by Canadians who want to visit our beautiful country of Iceland.”

    “We are pleased to see PLAY continue to grow its extensive network of European destinations available from Hamilton International this summer with this announcement of Split, Croatia,” said Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. “Adding Croatia via Iceland is exciting news as it will allow visitors to explore both bucket-list destinations while starting their journey with convenience and ease from Hamilton. We sincerely thank PLAY for its ongoing commitment to Hamilton International, providing seamless connections from Southern Ontario to the world.”

    As a transatlantic carrier between Europe and North America, PLAY operates from its hub at Keflavik Airport in Iceland, perfectly positioned between the two continents. PLAY offers passengers the option to prolong their layover into a multi-day stopover for no additional cost for those who want to visit Iceland before continuing their trip across the Atlantic. In Iceland, visitors have the chance to experience natural wonders such as waterfalls, glaciers, geysers and extraordinary wildlife just a few hours from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, which is rich with culture, restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. 

    Since its first flight in June 2021, PLAY has expanded its fleet from three Airbus A320neo aircraft to today operating 10 Airbus A320/321neo aircraft. The average age of PLAY’s aircraft is just over 2 years, making the passengers’ journey comfortable, safe and reliable. With a network of nearly 40 destinations and over a million passengers flown since its launch, PLAY has a solid track record of an impressive 83 per cent on-time performance in 2023.

    About PLAY
    PLAY is a low-cost airline operating flights between Iceland and Europe, and North America as of 2022. Founded in Reykjavík in 2019 by a management team with significant experience in the aviation industry, the company operates flights on new Airbus A321NEO and A320NEO aircraft, offering streamlined, no-frills service that allows travelers to pay less and “play more.” Safety comes first for PLAY. On-time performance, simplicity, happiness and low prices are the airline’s core principles. The airline seeks to enable passengers to see the world, but not without considering its environmental impact. PLAY is being developed with sustainability initiatives and benchmarks in place to track and reduce fuel consumption, offset carbon emissions, and limit waste. Learn more or book a flight at flyplay.com or follow them on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at @PLAYairlines. For media resources, visit PLAY’s online newsroom, flyplay.com/media.  

    About John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport
    John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is a growing international gateway for affordable travel and the largest overnight express freight airport in Canada. The Airport is owned by the City of Hamilton and managed under an agreement by TradePort International Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vantage Airport Group – an industry leading investor, developer and manager of airport assets. This allows Hamilton International to incorporate best-in-class practices from around the world into its operations. As an efficient facilitator of cargo and passenger operations, Hamilton International is an economic engine and responsible community partner. Its strategic location and uncongested 24/7 operations make it an attractive option for both passenger and cargo carriers looking to serve the Southern Ontario market. Learn more at flyhamilton.ca 

  • Lynx Air Announces New Route between Montréal and Los Angeles

    MONTRÉAL, Jan. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Lynx Air (Lynx) announced another summer network expansion, adding a route between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), providing an ultra-affordable option to this popular U.S. destination. Initially, there will be three non-stop flights per week starting on July 11, 2024, growing to a daily service to and from Los Angeles as of August 11, 2024.

    Tickets are already on sale, and the fares are truly ultra-affordable, starting from $149* one way between Montréal to/from Los Angeles, including taxes and fees. To celebrate, Lynx has launched a limited-time seat sale, offering up to 25 per cent off across the entire Lynx network. The sale will run from January 23, 2024, ending at 11:59 PM EDT on January 24, 2024, and can be accessed with the promo code: FLYLYNX. For complete details and to book an ultra-affordable fare, visit FlyLynx.com.

    “This new route will be welcome news for travelers to California and for American visitors eager to explore the province of Québec and elsewhere in Canada. By this summer, Lynx will serve four destinations from Montréal flying more than 11,700 seats to or from Montréal each week,” said Vijay Bathija, Chief Commercial Officer of Lynx Air. “California is an exciting entertainment and recreation hub and we can’t wait to connect travelers to it and to Montréal as a vibrant arts and culture destination, while boosting tourism by offering a great flying experience at an ultra-affordable price.”

    “ADM Aéroports de Montréal is delighted that Los Angeles has been added to Lynx Air’s list of destinations,” said Stéphane Lapierre, Vice President, Airport Operations and Air Services Development, ADM. “This is a new gateway to America’s second largest city, where travelers will have the opportunity to discover its many beaches, as well as a destination rich in history and culture, marked by the world of cinema. With the addition of this route, Lynx Air is continuing to develop the low-cost market from Montréal, which will appeal to a large segment of travelers.”

    “Los Angeles World Airports congratulates our partners at Lynx Air on their newest route from Montréal (YUL) to LAX, adding to the list of offerings that will connect Canadians to the City of Angels and the rest of the world,” said Becca Doten, Chief Airport Affairs Officer of Los Angeles World Airports. “We are thrilled to welcome this new flight to Los Angeles and thank Lynx Air for choosing to expand their network at our airport.”

    Lynx’s Montréal – Los Angeles Schedule 

    Effective Date Frequency Departure Station Arrival Station 
    11-Jul-24Tuesday/Thursday/SaturdayMontréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
    11-Jul-24Tuesday/Thursday/SaturdayLos Angeles International Airport (LAX)Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
    11-Aug-24 Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/
    Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday    		Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
    11-Aug-24 Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/
    Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday    		Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
    Please note that dates are subject to change. Visit the website for full schedule details.

    * Available for a limited time; fares are accurate at the time of release and include taxes and fees, restrictions apply.

    About Lynx Air

    Lynx Air (Lynx), Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, is on a mission to make air travel accessible to all, with ultra-affordable fares and a customer-focused flying experience. The airline was recently awarded Youngest Fleet in North America by ch-aviation. Lynx operates a brand-new fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, bringing an elevated customer experience to low-cost travel in Canada. These ultra-efficient and reliable aircraft reduce Lynx’s carbon footprint, making Lynx one of Canada’s most sustainable airlines. Lynx is a privately owned Canadian airline with the financial backing and industry expertise required to transform the Canadian aviation landscape.

    Visit FlyLynx.com 

  • Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Launches New Website

    The redesigned BillyBishopAirport.com reflects the exceptional passenger experience people have come to know and love at YTZ, in digital form.  

    TORONTO, Jan. 22, 2024 /CNW/ – PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), was proud today to unveil the new BillyBishopAirport.com website. Redesigned and expanded to reflect the needs and interests of passengers, community members and business partners, BillyBishopAirport.com is your destination for all things YTZ – with a new look and feel, optimized search function, detailed passenger guides, and expanded business and community sections for a holistic view of operations, culture and environment at Billy Bishop Airport. 

    Billy Bishop Airport is renowned for its exceptional passenger experience, and the new BillyBishopAirport.com website now delivers a digital experience that is in keeping with this standard by offering a new look and feel, user-friendly guides from curb to gate, and a site-wide search function that will get you the information you need – faster. (CNW Group/PortsToronto)
    Billy Bishop Airport is renowned for its exceptional passenger experience, and the new BillyBishopAirport.com website now delivers a digital experience that is in keeping with this standard by offering a new look and feel, user-friendly guides from curb to gate, and a site-wide search function that will get you the information you need – faster. (CNW Group/PortsToronto)

    “Billy Bishop Airport is renowned for its exceptional passenger experience, and the new BillyBishopAirport.com website brings the airport’s digital experience up to this standard, with a new look and feel, user-friendly guides from curb to gate, and a site-wide search function that will get you the information you need – faster,” says Deborah Wilson, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs for PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

    Features include:

    • A new search function that will help save you time by pinpointing the information you need.
    • User-friendly guides that will help you get to and from this convenient downtown airport, whether by car, bike, public transit, shuttle bus or on foot.
    • Discover the food and beverage options, shops, and services available for passengers and visitors to Billy Bishop Airport.
    • The new Destination YTZ guide showcases all things Billy Bishop Airport, from traveller stories, to art and historic exhibits on display to events and attractions here in Toronto or at any of our 20+ destinations in Canada and the U.S.
    • Expanded “Corporate”, “Business” and “Community” tabs, where visitors can learn about Billy Bishop Airport’s award-winning Noise Management Program, access flight information for General Aviation pilots, read about our community investment and engagement work or discover more about our efforts related to the environment.

    “The new website provides ease of access for visitors and a full representation of the airport’s operations and community presence. It was important to us to reflect Billy Bishop Airport’s business, community and environmental work on the website so that passengers as well as community members can be informed in just one click,” continues Wilson.

    Developed by Toronto-based 78Digital, the new BillyBishopAirport.com endeavours to conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA and is available in English and French.

    About Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

    Offering service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the U.S., with connection opportunities to more than 80 international destinations via our airlines’ networks, Billy Bishop Airport is an important international gateway and a key driver to Toronto’s economy, generating more than $2.1 billion in total economic output. Billy Bishop Airport supports 4,450 jobs, including 2,080 directly associated with the airport’s operations, and facilitates healthcare for Ontarians by providing a base for medevac services connected to local hospitals.

    Billy Bishop Airport is renowned for its unique travel experience, efficiency and customer service and has won a series of passenger-driven awards. With a focus on cleaner, greener and quieter operations, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has made significant upgrades in recent years to achieve its sustainability goals, which are reported on an annual basis. Billy Bishop Airport is owned and operated by PortsToronto