Winter service to Charlottetown, Fredericton, Sydney and Quebec City to be suspended as of November 15, 2022
As WestJet begins to strategically transition flying in Eastern Canada to focus on sun and leisure destinations as well as enhanced connections to Western Canada, the airline has announced the suspension of winter service to four communities in Eastern and Atlantic Canada. Effective November 15, 2022, service will be suspended to, Fredericton, N.B., Sydney, N.S., Charlottetown, P.E.I., and Quebec City, QC. Service between now and November 15, 2022, will NOT be affected.
Any guests with impacted travel will be notified beginning on July 18, 2022, either directly or through their travel agent. WestJet will strive to rebook guests with alternative travel arrangements, or guests will be eligible for a refund to original form of payment. More details are available here: https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/contact/alternate-travel-arrangements.
“We understand this is disappointing news and we apologize for any disruption this will cause our guests and communities,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “We are undertaking these strategic changes in a responsible manner and it was critical to give our guests and the communities as much advance notice as possible.”
WestJet recently announced how a growing, stronger, sustainable WestJet will benefit Canadians, following a strategic review to determine the best course for the airline’s sustained future success. This August, WestJet will release the airline’s full winter 2022/2023 schedule that will see significant sun and leisure flying investments for Eastern Canada along with capacity enhancements nationwide.
“As a national airline, we will continue to engage with these communities and stakeholders as we look to enhance service to Eastern and Atlantic Canada through direct connections to Western Canada, sun and leisure destinations,” continued Weatherill. “By making these difficult decisions now, it will ensure we can offer more of what our guests expect from WestJet and solidify our airline as the most reliable and affordable airline for many years to come.”
Customers can look forward to pristine beaches, warmer temperatures and sunny skies year-round
TORONTO, July 13, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sunwing customers are invited to be among the first to experience a reimagined boutique vacation in the tropical destination of Cayo Largo, Cuba this fall. Considered Cuba’s sunshine coast thanks to its 25km of pristine, white-sand shores and summertime feeling year-round, Cayo Largo is offered through Sunwing to Canadians in search of a getaway like no other. With its prime location and warm temperatures, the destination will appeal to the most discerning of travellers.
“Cuba has long held its top spot as a Canadian favourite for Sunwing customers and, as we expand on our offerings to welcome more guests back to this beautiful island, we’re thrilled to bring new life to Cayo Largo with Sunwing as the destination’s leading choice of tour operator in the Canadian market,” says Andrew Dawson, President of Tour Operations for Sunwing. “Cayo Largo offers an intimate experience in a small, boutique setting that our customers won’t find anywhere else in Cuba, along with great weather, beautiful beaches, new all inclusive offerings and now with an exclusive international food import license, more comforts of home, all at an attractive price point. We anticipate the fall and winter season in this destination hot spot will sell fast, so now is the time for our customers to book their upcoming getaways.”
Canadians will be able to enjoy an intimate vacation experience at the resorts, many of which are being rebuilt or renovated to open as early as November 2022. The 11 resorts will be rebranded as Grand Memories Resorts & Spa, Memories Resorts & Spa, Starfish Resorts and Villa properties, meaning Sunwing customers will have even more opportunities to enjoy the best of Cayo Largo with the level of service these brands are known for. These resorts are available to book now for fall and winter 2022/2023 vacations starting from November 1, 2022 onward.
Situated on Cuba’s far south coast, nature lovers and travel enthusiasts will have plenty to keep them busy, exploring local aquatic life in some of the best diving conditions in the Caribbean with more than 30 dive sites and a protected marine reserve, plus over 200 ancient shipwrecks.
The island is also committed to sustainability and the integrity of the environment to ensure Cayo Largo will be as desirable as it is today for generations to come. This means electric vehicles only, a ban on plastic use and sustainable water developments in place.
With boutique all inclusive resorts or villas suited to every lifestyle, discerning travellers can find what they desire and an experience far from the ordinary, all within 15 minutes of Cayo Largo Airport.
The resorts will appeal to a variety of vacation styles and include:
Family-friendly resorts with amenities guest of all ages will love, including Grand Memories Cayo Largo, Memories Cayo Largo, Starfish Cayo Largo, Villa Coral, Villa Linda Mar, Villa Marina, Villa Serena and Villa Soledad
Adults only resorts for the ultimate friends and couples paradise, including Sanctuary at Grand Memories Cayo Largo and Villa Caprice
Plus, customers seeking a 2SLGBTQ+ friendly resort welcoming everyone under the sun will enjoy visiting the adults only Villa Natura
Sunwing customers can book Cayo Largo today for travel starting November 1, 2022 with five weekly direct flights from multiple gateways, and the potential to add more for the fall and winter season as customer demand evolves. The current flight schedule will be as follows:
Between Toronto and Cayo Largo, Fridays starting November 4, 2022
Between Montréal and Cayo Largo, Fridays starting November 4, 2022
Between Québec City and Cayo Largo, Saturdays starting December 17, 2022
Between Ottawa and Cayo Largo, Saturdays starting December 17, 2022
Between Halifax and Cayo Largo, Tuesdays starting January 10, 2023
Plus, customers who book by July 28, 2022 can still take advantage of Sunwing’s early booking bonus, with reduced deposits and added perks. For even more peace of mind, customers can purchase one of the tour operator’s comprehensive travel coverage options ahead of their fall and winter travel.
About Sunwing
The largest integrated travel company in North America, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from airports across Canada to popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations as well as cruise packages and seasonal domestic flight service. Sunwing customers benefit from the assistance of the company’s own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. The company supports the communities where it operates through the Sunwing Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on the support and development of youth and humanitarian aid.
This week, Air Canada announced changes to its summer schedule to support unprecedented and unforeseen strains on our organization. International flights are unaffected, with a few timing changes to reduce flying at peak times. Flights adjusted are to and from our Toronto and Montreal hubs. These will be mostly frequency reductions, affecting primarily evening and late-night flights by smaller aircraft, on transborder and domestic routes. Four routes will be temporarily suspended.
Temporary Route Suspensions:
Montreal – Kelowna Montreal – Baltimore Montreal – Pittsburgh Toronto – Fort McMurray
Frequency Reductions
Toronto – Deer Lake: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 1 flight daily Toronto – Saint John: reduce 2 frequencies, now operating 1 flight daily Toronto – Charlottetown: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily Toronto – Quebec City: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 4 flights daily Toronto – North Bay: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 1 flight daily Toronto – Timmins: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily Toronto – Sudbury: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 3 flights daily Toronto – London, ON: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 4 flights daily Toronto – Windsor: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 3 flights daily Toronto – Winnipeg: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 5 flights daily Toronto – Edmonton: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 7 flights daily Toronto – Calgary: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 11 flights daily Toronto – Vancouver: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 14 flights daily Toronto – Boston: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 6 flights daily Toronto – LaGuardia: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 9 flights daily Toronto – Newark: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 6 flights daily Toronto – Baltimore: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily Toronto – Philadelphia: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 3 flights daily Toronto – Washington (DCA): reduce 1 frequency in August, will operate 2 flights daily (3 flights remain for July) Toronto – Miami: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 1 flight daily Toronto – San Francisco: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 3 flights daily Montreal – Moncton: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily Montreal – Fredericton: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily Montreal – Saint John: reduce 1 frequency, now operating total 1flights Montreal – Halifax: reduce 1 frequency in August, will operate total 3 flights daily (4 flights remain through August 3) Montreal – Ottawa: reduce 2 frequencies, now operating 6 flights daily Montreal – Quebec: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 4 flights daily Montreal – Toronto (Island): no weekend operations and Friday reduced to 3 flights daily Montreal – Edmonton: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily Montreal – Calgary: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 4 flights daily Montreal – Boston: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 3 flights daily Montreal – LaGuardia: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 4 flights daily Montreal – Newark: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 3 flights daily Montreal – Fort Lauderdale: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily Ottawa – Toronto (Island): no weekend operations
Route Retimes:
Montreal – Los Angeles Montreal – Las Vegas Montreal – Punta Cana Montreal – Fort Lauderdale Montreal – Winnipeg Montreal – Edmonton Toronto – Manchester Toronto – Edinburgh Toronto – Copenhagen Vancouver – Portland Vancouver – Regina Vancouver – Cranbrook
The airline is diversifying and expanding its winter offering to the South, the United States and Europe by leveraging its growing network
MONTREAL, May 19, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Transat, named World’s Best Leisure Airline in 2021 by Skytrax, is proud to announce today that it is diversifying and expanding its international offering for winter 2022–2023. For the first time in its history, it will fly to more than 350 destinations worldwide, about 50 of which will be served by its own aircraft and some 300 others through its exclusive virtual interlining service, connectair by Air Transat, as well as its code-sharing agreements.
“Our customers want and need to travel,” says Michèle Barre, Vice President, Network, Revenue Management and Pricing of Air Transat. “Our response to their expectations is unique, of high quality and rich in options. We are offering an unprecedented range of destinations on four continents for this coming winter as we continue to develop and strengthen our air network.”
Air Transat continues to grow in Quebec while consolidating its position in Ontario and the Atlantic provinces with flights to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, the United States, Canada and Europe.
Sunshine at will: more options for the South from Montreal and Toronto
Air Transat will offer direct flights from eight cities across the country: Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Halifax and Moncton. In addition to its flights to the South, Air Transat will also offer vacationers a selection of packages at more than 290 properties.
Out of Montreal, Air Transat will expand its services on the South, including to Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico (to Puerto Vallarta and Cancun), as well as in the Dominican Republic, to Punta Cana. It will also operate direct flights to Guadeloupe, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Panama, the Caribbean, and El Salvador, as well as Cuba, where direct flights to Havana are back in service.
Travellers out of Toronto will also have plenty of choice to enjoy the sun and beaches of the South. Air Transat will offer direct flights to Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the United States, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, the Dominican Republic and St. Maarten.
From Quebec City, nine sun destinations will be accessible by direct flight to Cuba, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
Weekly Flights – South
Destination
From Montreal
From Quebec City
From Toronto
ACAPULCO – Mexico
1
CANCUN – Mexico
14
5
10
CARTAGENA – Colombia
3
2
CAYO COCO – Cuba
4
2
3
FORT-DE-FRANCE – Martinique
2
GUANACASTE – Costa Rica
3
3
HAVANA – Cuba
3
HOLGUIN – Cuba
3
1
4
LA ROMANA – Dominican Republic
1
1
MONTEGO BAY – Jamaica
3
6
POINTE-A-PITRE – Guadeloupe
2
PORT-AU-PRINCE – Haiti
1
PUERTO PLATA – Dominican Republic
4
1
4
PUERTO VALLARTA – Mexico
5
1
2
PUNTA CANA – Dominican Republic
12
5
10
RIO HATO – Panama
2
2
SAMANA – Dominican Republic
4
1
2
SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica
3
3
SAN JUAN – Puerto Rico
1
1
SAN SALVADOR – El Salvador
1
SANTA CLARA – Cuba
3
2
2
ST. MAARTEN – St. Maarten
2
1
VARADERO – Cuba
4
2
4
Major increase in service to the United States
Air Transat is also pursuing its ambitious development in the U.S. market, announcing a major increase in its offering from Montreal to Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Orlando and resuming its direct flights to Tampa. It will also maintain its service to New Orleans and extend service to Los Angeles year-round.
Weekly Flights – U.S.
Destination
From Montreal
From Quebec City
From Toronto
FORT LAUDERDALE – Florida
9
5
7
LOS ANGELES – California
3
MIAMI – Florida
5
NEW ORLEANS – Louisiana
2
ORLANDO – Florida
6
2
4
TAMPA – Florida
2
Easy access to Europe: London year-round from Montreal and Marseille for the holidays
As for Europe, Air Transat will offer direct flights between Montreal and France, Portugal and Spain, as well as England, and offer year-round flights to London. It should also be noted that it will now offer its non-stop flights to Marseille for the holidays until January 8, 2023, and the following day for the flight back to Montreal.
In addition, there will be direct flights from Toronto to the United Kingdom, Portugal, the Netherlands, Scotland, and Italy, as well as from Quebec City to France.
Weekly Flights – Europe
Destination
From Montreal
From Quebec City
From Toronto
FARO – Portugal
1
GLASGOW – United Kingdom
2
LISBON – Portugal
2
2
LONDON – United Kingdom
3
7
MALAGA – Spain
2
MANCHESTER – United Kingdom
2
MARSEILLE – France
2
PARIS – France
12
1
PORTO – Portugal
1
In Canada
Air Transat will also operate domestic flights between Montreal and Toronto as well as between Montreal and Vancouver.
Weekly Flights – Domestic
Destination
Number of flights
MONTREAL–TORONTO
7
MONTREAL–VANCOUVER
6
Global network expansion
To enable Canadians to simplify their travel itinerary and increase international connections, Air Transat is enhancing its offering with trusted partners through its code-sharing agreements as well as its virtual interlining service, connectair by Air Transat. In total, more than 350 destinations are available for booking.
The innovative connectair by Air Transat platform lets travellers combine Air Transat’s flights with those of seven partner airlines for more than 240 additional destinations in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America and Canada.
The winter 2022–2023 flight program is available for booking today on the airtransat.com and transat.com websites and from all travel product distributors. New destinations will be announced in a few weeks. See you in June!
About Air Transat
Founded in Montreal 35 years ago, Air Transat is a leading leisure travel brand. Voted World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, it flies to international and Canadian destinations, striving to serve its customers with enthusiasm and friendliness at every stage of their trip or stay, and emphasizing safety throughout. It is renewing its fleet with the greenest aircraft in their category as part of a commitment to a healthier environment, knowing that this is essential to its operations and the magnificent destinations it offers. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., a world-renowned holiday travel provider that achieved Travelife certification in 2018 in recognition of its sustainability commitments.
Recent distinctions and awards
World’s Best Leisure Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards
Named to Forbes World’s Best Employers List
Best Tour Operator and Favourite Overall Supplier at the Agents’ Choice Awards presented by Baxter Travel Media
Ranked as Canada’s 21st best corporate citizen by Corporate Knights
New seasonal service to Calgary and Vancouver begins
Air Canada continues to strengthen its presence in Quebec City
MONTREAL, May 1, 2022 – Air Canada operated today its first non-stop service between Quebec City and Calgary, offered four times a week, providing additional travel options to Quebecers and demonstrating its commitment to the people of the provincial capital. Flights to Vancouver will start tomorrow, on May 2, with up to three flights a week.
These new seasonal domestic routes, which will operate until the end of October, will be operated by Air Canada Rouge on an Airbus A319, featuring Premium Rouge and Economy class, product enhancements including upgraded streaming entertainment and options to purchase high-speed wi-fi.
Air Canada also offers daily flights to Quebec City out of its two eastern hubs, Montreal and Toronto, and will increase capacity during the peak summer season. This is in addition to two other new routes which started in December to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, and to the increased frequency to Punta Cana and Cancun.
“Our recovery is well underway, customers are returning and we’re happy to offer new popular destinations to better connect Quebec and Western Canada,” said David Rheault, Vice-President Government and Community Relations at Air Canada. “Quebec City, Calgary and Vancouver have a lot to offer and share. These new services will meet the growing demand from the Quebec City market for travel to Western Canada, while at the same time allowing tourists from Western Canada to discover and enjoy Quebec City, one of the most famous destinations in the country, with its important cultural and historic sites. Air Canada’s diversified schedule demonstrates its commitment to Quebecers and its desire to better serve the Jean Lesage International Airport, a long-time partner. Our leadership and unique extensive network will stimulate the recovery of the travel and tourism industry.”
“Vancouver and Calgary are popular destinations and this is an important development for our airport and the entire region,” said Stéphane Poirier, President and CEO of Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). “In recent months, Air Canada has not only made the decision to quickly restore pre-pandemic routes but has also increased the frequency of its flights and added new destinations. Now, we are counting on the population of the greater Quebec City area to ensure the success of these connections.”
“The new flights from Quebec City will be beneficial for the citizens of the region as well as for tourists who want to discover our beautiful province,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, federal Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Quebec. “The Quebec City airport is an economic development driver for businesses and the eastern part of the province, and we will continue to support the industry during the recovery period.”
“The entire tourism industry in the Quebec City region is delighted with the enhancements to its air service with the introduction of flights to Calgary and Vancouver from Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport and welcomes the gesture of confidence made by Air Canada. For us, at Destination Québec Cité, this means greater accessibility for visitors to our destination and, at the same time, an opportunity to develop new markets. Western Canada represents an interesting pool of visitors to charm and attract. That is why we will support the promotion of these flights with the implementation of digital initiatives for the summer period,” said Robert Mercure, Director of Destination Québec Cité.
These flights are conveniently timed for connections onward to other destinations in Canada, the US and our international network from either Vancouver or Calgary.
About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking from the independent U.K. research firm Skytrax, which in 2021 also named Air Canada as having the Best Airline Staff in North America, Best Airline Staff in Canada, Best Business Class Lounge in North America, as well as an Excellence award for its handling of COVID-19. Also in 2021, Air Canada was named Global Traveler’s Best Airline in North America for the third straight year. In January 2021, Air Canada received APEX’s Diamond Status Certification for the Air Canada CleanCare+ biosafety program for managing COVID-19, the only airline in Canada to attain the highest APEX ranking. Air Canada has also committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.
MONTREAL and CALGARY, AB, April 28, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Today, Air Transat and WestJet have launched a new transatlantic codeshare. WestJet’s “WS” code is now activated for sale on select Air Transat operated flights to/from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, and Croatia. Connections via Montreal and Toronto are now available for flight dates beginning May 17, 2022.
On May 4, 2022, Air Transat’s “TS” code will be activated on select WestJet flights, and from that date Air Transat will also offer itineraries connecting select WestJet flights with appealing Air Transat European destinations.
“We are very excited to launch this codeshare agreement with WestJet,” said Michèle Barre, Vice President, Network, Revenue Management and Pricing of Air Transat. “The complementarity of our respective networks allows us to offer more alternatives to our customers, providing them with a quality and affordable product. This partnership is part of Air Transat’s development strategy, enhancing our long-standing presence in the transatlantic market.”
“This new codeshare with Air Transat complements our growing global network, allowing WestJet to offer guests exciting new destinations in Europe,” said John Weatherill, Chief Commercial Officer, WestJet. “As our guests return to travel, these new options will connect North America and Europe in new ways and benefit guests on both sides of the Atlantic.”
With this new codeshare, guests now have more options for their transatlantic travel, and will enjoy conveniences such as a single purchase for connecting flights, the ability to check in for all flights at their first departure, and baggage checked through to their final destination.
Once activated, both Air Transat and WestJet codeshare ticket sales will be available via the carriers’ websites and call centers, as well as via major GDS systems and travel agencies.
Subject to connectivity between their scheduled flights, Air Transat and WestJet will both offer the following transatlantic routings:
WestJet Operated Flights Air Transat “TS” Codeshare Applied
Connection Via
Air Transat Operated Flights WestJet “WS” Codeshare Applied
Deer Lake St. John’s Halifax Sydney Fredericton Moncton Charlottetown Montreal Quebec City London, ON Ottawa Thunder Bay Toronto Winnipeg Regina Saskatoon Boston N.Y. LaGuardia
Montreal
Toronto
France: Bordeaux, Marseille, Nantes, Nice
Italy: Lamezia, Rome
Spain: Malaga
Portugal: Faro
Switzerland: Basel-Mulhouse
Croatia: Zagreb
About Air Transat
Founded in Montreal 35 years ago, Air Transat is a leading leisure travel brand. Voted World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, it flies to international and Canadian destinations, striving to serve its customers with enthusiasm and friendliness at every stage of their trip or stay, and emphasizing safety throughout. It is renewing its fleet with the greenest aircraft in their category as part of a commitment to a healthier environment, knowing that this is essential to its operations and the magnificent destinations it offers. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., a world-renowned holiday travel provider that has achieved Travelife certification in 2018 in recognition of its sustainability commitments.
About the WestJet Group of Companies
In 26 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.
Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline’s Safety Above All hygiene program. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit www.westjet.com
QUÉBEC, April 28, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ -Today, after two years of a global pandemic that brought its momentum to a screeching halt, Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) unveiled its 2021 results, which show encouraging indicators of recovery. All signs are pointing towards a quick rebound.
Bouncing forward with determination
If there is one indicator that does not lie, it is passenger traffic, and in 2021, the passengers clearly bucked the forecasted trends. At the beginning of the year, as border restrictions multiplied, YQB anticipated a historic drop in passenger traffic. Far from the 1.8 million passengers it saw in 2019 and the 535,000 that visited in 2020, the airport expected to receive as few as 100,000 people for this second year of the pandemic. Thanks to intense work to speed up the recovery, the airport ended up receiving three times more passengers than expected—353,203—thus limiting its losses to $29.6 million. For 2022, forecasts suggest that the airport could see between 700,000 and 1,000,000 passengers.
Throughout 2021, there were numerous positive announcements about routes to Québec City. These were not a matter of luck, but rather the outcome of ongoing collaboration among YQB, the airlines, and all those with a stake in the economic and touristic development of the greater Québec City area. For the summer of 2022, YQB is showing an excellent recovery rate for its seat offerings. With the newly announced flights, the airlines are offering the same number of seats as in 2019.
“Carriers are sending a clear signal: Québec City is worth it. And passengers from the area can also play their part simply by showing up! Now that we can start travelling again, it is essential that people from the greater Québec City area fly out of YQB. This is the only way to show our airlines that they’re right to trust us. In the meantime, our teams are continuing to work hard to ensure the success of all of our new routes. We are ready to bounce forward with determination, confidence, and a strong commitment to our employees, our community, and our region,” said Stéphane Poirier, President and CEO of YQB.
Bouncing forward with confidence
Until we have fully recovered, YQB must do everything it can to keep its head above water. That is why, in 2021, YQB concluded a financing agreement allowing it to take on $150 million in debt from private financial institutions. This amount is deemed sufficient to ensure the delivery of essential services and carry out the necessary infrastructure projects until it returns to profitability.
By 2024–2025, YQB is expected to see the same traffic levels as in 2019. However, losses may reach $100 million by the time the company returns to profitability.
It is important to remember that right from the start of the pandemic, when revenues were clearly dwindling, all sources of expenses were scrutinized. The goal was to continue providing an essential service to the public 24/7 by limiting cumulative losses.
Despite the challenges it faced, the organization made the strategic choice not to increase airport improvement fees and general aviation fees in 2022, for the fifth consecutive year. Although these decisions will have an impact on the bottom line, the airport authority determined that they would promote recovery.
In addition, there is an ambitious recovery plan underway to diversify YQB’s revenues and enable the organization to further play its role as an economic driver for the region.
Bouncing forward as a team
Like the good news announced throughout the past year, the organization’s future success will depend on the continued collaboration of governments and regional partners.
To that end, the federal government has announced that it will provide nearly $17 million in funding to support YQB’s recovery. For its part, the Québec government, through the Ministry of Tourism, has supported YQB to the tune of $2 million. These funds are intended to support the development of direct international routes to Québec City.
In addition to the financial support from government sources, the business community has been overwhelmingly supportive of the airport’s goals; the airport’s recovery plan has received 94% support from the greater Québec City area business community. This mark of confidence encourages the team to work even harder to remain a lever for growth for the region.
“We were faced with great challenges in 2021. Yet week after week, the teams at YQB adapted and steadily pursued their goal of multiplying successes so that the organization would be able to bounce forward as soon as possible,” said André Boulanger, Chairman of the YQB Board of Directors. “As we look back, we can see that the hard work of our teams and partners has brought a lot of good news to the people of the greater Québec City area. I would like to thank all YQB’s employees, its management team, and its directors for their contributions during the ups and downs of this eventful year. As the recovery takes shape, and as air traffic gradually picks up, I truly believe that we have made all the necessary efforts to ensure that YQB emerges from this pandemic on the best possible footing,” he concluded.
Highlights
353,203 passengers came through YQB in 2021—three times more than the expected 100,000 passengers
YQB hopes to see 1 million passengers in 2022
Return to 2019 passenger traffic levels (1.8 million) expected in 2024 or 2025
Deficit of $29.6 million in 2021, and estimated losses of approximately $100 million by the time profitability is restored
Enhanced service for summer 2022:
New routes to Europe: London and Paris
New carrier: Air France
New flights to Western Canada: Calgary and Vancouver
Return of U.S. carriers: American Airlines and United
Continuation of flights to sun destinations: Cancún, Fort Lauderdale, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and Varadero
Opening of the Blaxton Aéroport de Québec bar-restaurant and the Brûlerie Rousseau café, by Nourcy, planned for this summer
About Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
YQB is managed by Aéroport de Québec Inc., a non-profit, non-share capital corporation, responsible for the airport’s management, operation, maintenance, and development since November 1, 2000. Around a dozen carriers offer flights from YQB to destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe, and daily flights to the main hubs in eastern North America.
Travellers can soon fly to Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Nice and Toulouse once again
The airline is also relaunching its non-stop flights to Paris from Toronto and Quebec City
Service between Montreal and Paris will be further increased with up to 14 weekly flights
MONTREAL, April 8, 2022 /CNW/ – Air Transat, named World’s Best Leisure Airline, is proud to announce the gradual resumption of its operations to France’s regions, starting today with the departure of its first direct flight from Montreal to Marseille. From Brittany to Provence, Aquitaine and Auvergne, six destinations will be available once more to Quebec travellers in the coming weeks. Finally, in addition to gradually increasing flight frequency between Montreal and the City of Light, the airline will soon be relaunching its service to Paris from Toronto and Quebec City.
“We are very pleased to resume our flights to France’s regions. These routes—most of which we operate exclusively—have been an integral part of our flight program for many years,” said Joseph Adamo, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Transat.
He added: “The ties between Canada and France are very valuable and as our global recovery picks up speed, we look forward to meeting the significant latent demand. We know that whether travellers are going on vacation or catching up with loved ones, they really appreciate the ease of flying direct to their final destination, especially on our new-generation aircraft.”
Non-stop service to France
From Montreal, Air Transat will gradually start flying back to Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Nice and Toulouse by early May. This enhanced flight program to the regions of France is, of course, in addition to the usual daily Paris service from Montreal, which will reach up to 14 flights per week in May.
The company will also resume its direct service to Paris from Toronto on May 3 and from Quebec City on April 10.
At the height of the summer season, a total of 43 weekly flights to France will be operated from Montreal, Quebec City and Toronto.
Departure city
Destination
Start date
No. of direct weekly flights*
Montreal
Bordeaux
May 2
4
Montreal
Lyon
April 25
4
Montreal
Marseille
April 8
5
Montreal
Nantes
May 2
3
Montreal
Nice
May 3
2
Montreal
Paris
Year-round
14
Montreal
Toulouse
May 1
4
Quebec City
Paris
April 10
3
Toronto
Paris
May 3
4
*At the height of summer season.
Flexibility for travellers
For a limited time, customers booking flights on Eco Budget, Eco Standard or Club Standard fares will benefit from additional flexibility. They can change their travel dates and/or destination at no cost up to 24 hours before departure and simply pay the fare difference, if any.
Customers looking for maximum flexibility can opt for Eco Flex and Club Flex fares, which will allow them to make changes to their booking free of charge and obtain a refund in case of cancellation, regardless of the circumstances.
About Air Transat
Founded in Montreal 35 years ago, Air Transat is a leading leisure travel brand. Voted World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, it flies to international and Canadian destinations, striving to serve its customers with enthusiasm and friendliness at every stage of their trip or stay, and emphasizing safety throughout. It is renewing its fleet with the greenest aircraft in their category as part of a commitment to a healthier environment, knowing that this is essential to its operations and the magnificent destinations it offers. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., a world-renowned holiday travel provider that has achieved Travelife certification in 2018 in recognition of its sustainability commitments.
Recent distinctions and awards
World’s Best Leisure Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards
Named to Forbes World’s Best Employers List
Best Tour Operator and Favourite Overall Supplier at the Agents’ Choice Awards presented by Baxter Travel Media
Ranked as Canada’s 21st best corporate citizen by Corporate Knights
Starting in April, the airline will gradually restart flights to a total of 25 European destinations, including the six it currently serves
It is consolidating its position in the transatlantic and United States markets
At the height of the season, it will operate more than 250 direct flights weekly on 69 direct routes
MONTREAL, March 7, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Transat, named World’s Best Leisure Airline, is proud to announce today the relaunch of a significant number of its routes for the summer season. In particular, the company is consolidating its position in the transatlantic market and continuing to develop its services in the United States, in addition to offering flights to the South and within Canada. At the height of the summer season, it will operate more than 250 direct weekly flights on 69 direct routes.
“The numbers tell us clearly that with the gradual lifting of travel restrictions worldwide, people are more ready than ever to plan their next trip, whether to Europe, the U.S., Canada or to South destinations,” said Joseph Adamo, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Transat. He continued: “The outlook for the summer season is favourable, and our abundant air offering, which includes the vast majority of our pre-pandemic destinations as well as exciting new routes, is enabling us to respond to the significant pent-up demand. This surge in demand has also allowed us to increase capacity on certain key routes between now and the end of the winter season.”
Expanded service to Europe starting in April
From Montreal and starting in April, Air Transat will gradually resume its direct flights to 16 European destinations including, for the first time, Amsterdam. Customers will once again be able to travel non-stop to Athens, Basel-Mulhouse, Barcelona, Brussels, London, Madrid, Porto, Rome and Venice, as well as to the French provinces, including Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Nice and Toulouse. In addition, the airline currently offers flights to Malaga and Lisbon, as well as a daily service to Paris, which will increase to up to 14 flights per week during the summer.
From Quebec City, Air Transat will be the only airline to offer non-stop service to two European capitals: first, to Paris starting in early April and, for the very first time and exclusively, to London in May.
From Toronto, Air Transat will serve 15 European cities this summer. Flights to Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Dublin, Lamezia, Paris, Rome, Venice and Zagreb will once again be offered, in addition to the flights currently operated to Glasgow, Lisbon, London, Manchester and Porto. Furthermore, due to sustained demand for southern Portugal, Air Transat will now fly to Faro year-round.
Departure city
Destination
Starting
Montreal
Athens
April 30
Montreal
Amsterdam*
May 5
Montreal
Barcelona
April 13
Montreal
Bordeaux
May 2
Montreal
Brussels
May 2
Montreal
Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg
May 4
Montreal
Lisbon
Year-round
Montreal
London-Gatwick
May 1
Montreal
Lyon
April 25
Montreal
Madrid
April 5
Montreal
Malaga
Year-round
Montreal
Marseille
April 8
Montreal
Nantes
May 2
Montreal
Nice
May 3
Montreal
Paris
Year-round
Montreal
Porto
May 5
Montreal
Rome
April 8
Montreal
Toulouse
May 1
Montreal
Venice
May 5
Quebec City
Paris
April 10
Quebec City
London*
May 11
Toronto
Amsterdam
April 13
Toronto
Athens
May 1
Toronto
Barcelona
May 3
Toronto
Faro
Year-round
Toronto
Glasgow
Year-round
Toronto
Lisbon
Year-round
Toronto
London
Year-round
Toronto
Manchester
Year-round
Toronto
Paris
May 3
Toronto
Porto
Year-round
Toronto
Dublin
April 11
Toronto
Rome
April 16
Toronto
Lamezia
June 8
Toronto
Venice
May 2
Toronto
Zagreb
May 7
*New route
Heading to the U.S. sun Air Transat will land in California for the first time in its history, serving both San Francisco and Los Angeles from Montreal. And given the unfaltering popularity of Florida, the airline will be operating several of its flights year-round; namely, flights from Montreal to Fort Lauderdale and Miami, from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale, and from Toronto to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, will now be offered throughout the year.
Departure city
Destination
Starting
Montreal
Fort Lauderdale
Year-round
Montreal
Los Angeles*
May 16
Montreal
Miami
Year-round
Montreal
Orlando
Year-round
Montreal
San Francisco*
May 19
Quebec City
Fort Lauderdale
Year-round
Toronto
Fort Lauderdale
Year-round
Toronto
Orlando
Year-round
*New route
Even more domestic flights and connections
Interest in domestic flights is not fading and all indications are that travel within Canada will still be popular this summer. That is why Air Transat will offer an enhanced flight program between Montreal, Toronto, Quebec City, Calgary and Vancouver.
These flights will also provide many Canadians access to international flights via connections in Toronto and Montreal.
Route
Starting
Montreal – Calgary
May 2
Montreal – Québec
April 10
Montreal – Toronto
Year-round
Montreal – Vancouver
May 1
Toronto – Calgary
May 1
Toronto – Vancouver
May 1
The South, always popular even in summer
Because Canadians remain fond of the South even during the summer season, Air Transat will offer a wide selection of its most popular destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean from Montreal, Quebec City and Toronto.
Departure city
Destination
Starting
Montreal
Cancun
Year-round
Montreal
Cayo Coco
Year-round
Montreal
Holguin
Year-round
Montreal
Montego Bay
Year-round
Montreal
Port-au-Prince
Year-round
Montreal
Puerto Plata
Year-round
Montreal
Punta Cana
Year-round
Montreal
Samana
Year-round
Montreal
Santa Clara
Year-round
Montreal
Varadero
Year-round
Quebec City
Cancun
Year-round
Quebec City
Punta Cana
Year-round
Toronto
Cancun
Year-round
Toronto
Cayo Coco
Year-round
Toronto
Holguin
Year-round
Toronto
Puerto Plata
Year-round
Toronto
Punta Cana
Year-round
Toronto
Santa Clara
Year-round
Toronto
Varadero
Year-round
Flexibility for travellers
For a limited time, customers booking flights on Eco Budget, Eco Standard or Club Standard fares will benefit from additional flexibility. They will be able to change their travel dates and/or destination free of charge up to 24 hours prior to departure and will have to pay only the difference in fare, if any.
Customers looking for maximum flexibility can purchase Eco Flex and Club Flex fares (flights) or Option Flex Extra (packages). This will allow them to make changes to their booking free of charge and obtain a refund in the event of cancellation, regardless of the circumstances.
About Air Transat
Founded in Montreal 35 years ago, Air Transat is a leading leisure travel brand. Voted World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, it flies to international and Canadian destinations, striving to serve its customers with enthusiasm and friendliness at every stage of their trip or stay, and emphasizing safety throughout. It is renewing its fleet with the greenest aircraft in their category as part of a commitment to a healthier environment, knowing that this is essential to its operations and the magnificent destinations it offers. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., a world-renowned holiday travel provider that has achieved Travelife certification in 2018 in recognition of its sustainability commitments.
Recent distinctions and awards
World’s Best Leisure Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards
Named to Forbes World’s Best Employers List
Best Tour Operator and Favourite Overall Supplier at the Agents’ Choice Awards presented by Baxter Travel Media
Ranked as Canada’s 21st best corporate citizen by Corporate Knights
Seven New Routes launching from three Canadian hubs
Restoration of 41 North American routes, return to 11 North American cities
Air Canada offers the most seats, frequencies of any Canadian carrier with 90% of its pre-pandemic North American capacity this summer
Air Canada’s leadership and unique extensive network will stimulate the recovery of the travel and tourism industry
MONTREAL, Feb. 22, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada today announced an expansion of its North American network for Summer 2022 as the carrier’s recovery from COVID accelerates. With the launch of new service on four transborder and three domestic routes, as well as the restoration of 41 North American routes, Air Canada will operate to 51 Canadian and 46 U.S airports this summer and offer customers the largest network and most travel options of any Canadian carrier.
New services will be launching to the U.S. from Montreal to Atlanta and Detroit, Toronto to Salt Lake City, and Vancouver to Austin. Within Canada, three new routes will begin between Montreal and Gander, Calgary and Fort St John, and Vancouver and Halifax. Additionally, service will be restored on 41 North American routes, including: 13 routes from Toronto, nine from Montreal, five from Ottawa, five from Vancouver, four from Calgary, three from Halifax, and two from Edmonton. The routes are timed to connect with Air Canada’s domestic, U.S. and international network at the airline’s global hubs in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.
“Canadians are ready to travel, and we’re excited to be offering a very significant growth in our schedule this summer. With our recovery accelerating and North American flying reaching 90% of pre-pandemic levels this summer, we are offering more options across the continent, including seven new city pairs from our Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver hubs, and the resumption of 41 suspended or previously announced new routes. These changes will also grow and cement our position as the leading carrier of choice in the transborder market, with the most non-stop flying between Canada and the U.S. and as the foreign carrier with the most service to the U.S. Moreover, our revitalized North American network, designed to connect easily with our global network, gives customers by far the widest choice of routings and destinations of any Canadian carrier this summer,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.
“To match our unrivalled network, we are also enhancing our award-winning airport and onboard services. All 23 of our Maple Leaf Lounges are now open, with new features such as ordering from your seat for safety and greater convenience, and we have introduced a range of touchless airport services that make the check-in and boarding process more convenient. Customers can also benefit from our transformed Aeroplan program, which offers members greater value and flexibility when redeeming reward travel. And, of course, all customers will enjoy Air Canada’s industry leading customer service, recognized at the most recent Skytrax World Airline Awards, where our people won for Best Airline Employees in Canada and in North America.”
Award Winning Service
Select routes will feature wide-body aircraft with Air Canada Signature Class, with lie flat seating, and Premium Economy. Seats in all cabins are available for purchase now at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App, Air Canada’s Contact Centres, and travel agents.
Air Canada’s onboard services on flights greater than two hours feature new Economy Class Bistro selections, including products by Canadian brands and partners, such as meals inspired by celebrated Montreal Chef Jerome Ferrer.
All customers can collect and redeem points through Aeroplan, Canada’s leading loyalty program, when travelling with Air Canada, and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges, priority boarding and other benefits.
New Transborder and Domestic Routes
Flight
From
To
Frequency
Start Date
AC 799
Toronto
Salt Lake City
Thu, Sat, Sun
02 JUN
AC 8567 AC 8569
Montreal
Atlanta
Double Daily
01 JUN
AC 8581 AC 8583
Montreal
Detroit
Double Daily
01 JUN
AC 1062
Vancouver
Austin
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
01 JUN
AC 7900
Montreal
Gander
Daily
25 JUN
AC 362
Vancouver
Halifax
Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
01 MAY
AC 8453
Calgary
Fort St. John
Daily
01 MAY
Returning and Previously Announced New Routes
Flight
From
To
Frequency
Start Date
AC 8680 AC 8682
Toronto
Baltimore
Double Daily
15 MAY
AC 8745 AC 8747
Toronto
Charlotte
Double Daily
01 MAY
AC 8705AC 8707
Toronto
Cincinnati
Double Daily
01 MAY
AC 8895AC 8897
Toronto
Indianapolis
Double Daily
15 MAY
AC 513
Toronto
Portland
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri
27 JUN
AC 8795 AC 8797
Toronto
St. Louis
Double Daily
07 MAY
AC 8590
Toronto
Hartford
Daily
01 JUN
AC 8917
Toronto
Milwaukee
Daily
01 JUL
AC 8677
Toronto
New Orleans
Daily
01 JUL
AC 8865
Toronto
Kansas City
Daily
01 JUL
AC 1941
Toronto
Fort McMurray
Tues, Thu, Sat
03 MAY
AC 1975
Toronto
Nanaimo
Mon, Wed, Fri
29 JUN
AC 8410
Toronto
Gander
Daily
01 JUN
AC 8791
Montreal
Pittsburgh
Daily
01 JUN
AC 8735
Montreal
Raleigh
Daily
01 JUN
AC 8759
Montreal
Baltimore
Daily
01 JUN
AC 8771
Montreal
Nashville
Thu, Fri, Sat
02 JUN
AC 1285
Montreal
Phoenix
Tue, Sat
03 MAY
AC 527
Montreal
San Diego
Wed, Fri, Sun
20 MAY
AC 515
Montreal
Seattle
Daily
31 MAY
AC 1685
Montreal
Victoria
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat
03 JUN
AC 8543
Montreal
Regina
Daily
01 MAY
AC 8545
Montreal
Saskatoon
Daily
01 MAY
AC 532
Vancouver
Boston
Daily
04 JUN
AC 8596
Vancouver
Sacramento
Daily
01 JUN
AC 539
Vancouver
Anchorage
Daily
07 MAY
AC 8482
Vancouver
Yellowknife
Daily
01 JUN
AC 1870
Vancouver
Quebec
Mon, Wed, Fri
02 MAY
AC 8869
Ottawa
Washington-Reagan
Daily
01 MAY
AC 8109
Ottawa
Winnipeg
Daily
01 JUN
AC 8182
Ottawa
Charlottetown
Daily
01 JUN
AC 8098
Ottawa
Quebec City
Daily
01 JUN
AC 7701 AC 7705 AC 7709 AC 7711
Ottawa
Toronto Island
Up to 4 times Daily
01 MAY
AC 8661
Halifax
Boston
Daily
24 JUN
AC 8549
Halifax
Goose Bay
Daily
30 APR
AC 584
Calgary
New York-Newark
Daily
01 MAY
AC 392
Calgary
Halifax
Daily
30 APR
AC 1872
Calgary
Quebec
Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun
01 MAY
AC 8289
Calgary
Castlegar
Daily
01 MAY
AC 8563
Edmonton
San Francisco
Daily
01 MAY
AC 8113
Edmonton
Yellowknife
Daily
01 JUN
Air Canada may continue to adjust its schedule as more opportunities arise or based on COVID-19’s trajectory and the further easing of government travel restrictions.
Travel Policy: Book with confidence
Air Canada’s new refund policy is applicable to all tickets purchased. It offers customers the option of a full refund to the original form of payment, an Air Canada Travel Voucher or the equivalent value in Aeroplan Points with a 65% bonus should the airline cancel or reschedule a flight by more than three hours.
To book your next trip and for most updated schedule, visit aircanada.com.
Travelling internationally? Visit our Travel Ready Hub for the latest government entry requirements. Customers are responsible for ensuring they meet all government entry requirements, including holding the correct travel documents, visas, any required health certificates, and all other eligibility requirements for any flights they purchase. Government requirements may change with little notice.
About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking from the independent U.K. research firm Skytrax, which in 2021 also named Air Canada as having the Best Airline Staff in North America, Best Airline Staff in Canada, Best Business Class Lounge in North America, as well as an Excellence award for its handling of COVID-19. Also in 2021, Air Canada was named Global Traveler’s Best Airline in North America for the third straight year. In January 2021, Air Canada received APEX’s Diamond Status Certification for the Air Canada CleanCare+ biosafety program for managing COVID-19, the only airline in Canada to attain the highest APEX ranking. Air Canada has also committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.
