3 August 2026–CALGARY, AB–(BUSINESS WIRE)–WestJet Mainline flight attendants have reached a tentative agreement after strike action helped bring the parties to a resolution. With the strike now over, flight attendants will be returning to work. If ratified, the agreement improves upon the legacy flight credit system by introducing a duty period premium that recognizes more of the work cabin crew are required to perform and increases compensation for that work.
CUPE 8125 President Alia Hussain said, “This tentative agreement represents meaningful progress. It evolves the flight credit system by recognizing more of the work cabin crew are required to perform and with general increases to compensation for that work. Most importantly, this agreement was achieved through collective bargaining at the negotiating table. We will now present the agreement to our members for their review and ratification vote.”
“To our members, thank you for your solidarity throughout this process. We also want to thank the public, labour organizations, and everyone who supported cabin crew as we worked toward a fair resolution.”
The tentative agreement will now be presented to the membership for review and a ratification vote. Details of the agreement will be shared directly with members in advance of the vote.
MONTREAL, July 31, 2026 /CNW/ — Air Transat today announced that its non-stop service between Montreal and Dakar will become a year-round route. Introduced in June 2026, this exclusive service will now continue through the winter season with one weekly flight during the winter 2026–2027 season. Flights will be operated using the Airbus A330, the largest-capacity aircraft in Air Transat’s fleet.
As the only non-stop service connecting Canada and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Montreal–Dakar route will continue to meet year-round demand from Quebec’s Senegalese community while also providing travellers with a convenient gateway to West Africa.
“This route plays an important role for the communities travelling between Canada and Senegal,” said Sebastian Ponce, Chief Revenue Officer at Transat. “By extending it year-round, we’re providing our customers with greater continuity and convenience while reinforcing our commitment to this market.”
The Montreal–Dakar route will operate once weekly, every Friday, from October 30, 2026, to March 26, 2027, complementing the two weekly flights offered during the summer season.
Expanded Cancún Service from Windsor and Fredericton Air Transat is also continuing to strengthen its regional network by expanding its service to Mexico.
“Growing our regional network remains a strategic priority,” added Mr. Ponce. “With the addition of Cancún from Windsor and the extension of our seasonal service from Fredericton, we’re continuing to provide travellers in these regions with convenient non-stop access to popular sun destinations while strengthening our presence in markets where we see strong growth potential.”
Beginning December 19, 2026, Air Transat will launch a new weekly non-stop service between Windsor (YQG) and Cancún (CUN), operating every Saturday through April 25, 2027. Cancún will complement the airline’s existing service from Windsor, which currently includes Punta Cana.
In addition, the Fredericton (YFC)–Cancún (CUN) route, introduced last winter, will return with an extended season for Winter 2026–2027. The service will operate from December 16, 2026, to April 29, 2027, with one weekly flight every Wednesday, giving travellers from New Brunswick an even longer season to enjoy one of Mexico’s most popular vacation destinations.
About Air Transat Founded in Montreal in 1987, Air Transat is a leading travel brand voted 2025 World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. Its program offers access to international destinations, mainly in Europe, the Caribbean, the east coast of the United States, America and North Africa. Air Transat is recognized for its excellent customer service. Its fleet is primarily composed of some of the most energy-efficient aircraft in their category. Based in Montreal with major hubs in YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), it has 5,000 employees with a common purpose to bring people closer together. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc. www.airtransat.com
FARNBOROUGH, UK, July 20, 2026 /CNW/ — Air Canada, the country’s largest airline and flag carrier, and Airbus, a global leader in aerospace manufacturing with the largest commercial aircraft industrial footprint in Canada, are uniting their shared commitment to aviation decarbonisation. To lead the way in advancing these goals, the two aviation pioneers are proud to announce their intent to establish a jointly funded Sustainability Co-Investment Platform. This agreement states a shared objective to invest up to approximately CAD 13.7 million (US$10 million), through the platform to support a commercial-scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry in Canada. Both companies are confident that, with a supportive public policy framework in place, this investment can serve as a catalyst for the broader Canadian SAF ecosystem.
Key focus areas include accelerating a jointly agreed Canadian SAF project toward a Final Investment Decision (FID). While Air Canada and Airbus intend to drive this investment, both companies look forward to continuing their constructive collaboration with government partners to establish the right structural frameworks to support SAF production to emerge at scale in Canada. Their ongoing joint advocacy alongside the Canadian Council for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (C-SAF) reflects a shared commitment to working with federal and provincial governments. By aligning industry initiatives with supportive public policy mechanisms, they can successfully champion domestic SAF production and price competitiveness, with the objective to make renewable fuels available for the Canadian aerospace industry and to preserve affordability of air travel.
“Air Canada is proud to help advance aviation’s energy transition in Canada. Through this joint initiative with Airbus, we are taking meaningful steps toward supporting domestic SAF production, helping corporate customers address the emissions associated with business travel, and contributing to a lower-carbon path for the industry. With continued industry collaboration and a supportive policy environment, we are confident this momentum can accelerate” said Valerie Durand, Vice President, Airport Affairs, Corporate Real Estate and Sustainability at Air Canada.
“I want to thank Air Canada for this very important joint sustainability initiative. Decarbonising aviation will require deep industry collaboration and decades of investment in new sources of renewable energy. By launching this co-investment platform and making a long-term commitment to Air Canada’s Leave Less Travel Programme, we will help to stimulate the production of, and demand for, SAF in Canada. The country has a vast feedstock potential. When combined with a supportive policy framework, it can contribute to the sector’s decarbonisation ambitions and create significant economic growth and job creation.” said Julie Kitcher, Airbus Chief Sustainability Officer and Communications.
Climate Solution for Corporate Travel
Complementing this foundational investment, the initiative introduces a vehicle for corporate partners to stimulate domestic SAF demand through Air Canada’s Leave Less Travel Program.
Demonstrating its commitment, Airbus has signed a long-term, 5-year Leave Less Travel Program Agreement. As part of this parallel corporate travel partnership, which distributes verified SAF environmental attributes to participants, Airbus will purchase SAF environmental attributes associated with over 60,000 litres of SAF for its first allocation. Through this programme, Air Canada will track Airbus’ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with their corporate travel and remove verified SAF environmental attributes on the company’s behalf. Although in-sector emissions reductions are not a substitute for direct emissions reductions at the source, this corporate partnership is a key tool in supporting the scaling up of SAF and will allow Airbus to lower life cycle emissions associated with their employees’ business travel.
The use of renewable fuels, such as SAF, complements Air Canada’s extensive fleet modernization strategy, featuring more fuel-efficient aircraft like the long-range narrow-body Airbus A321XLR and the Canada-built Airbus A220. Air Canada and Airbus fully support the aviation aspirational climate ambition set by IATA, ATAG and ICAO to reach ‘net-zero carbon emissions by 2050’, with SAF as a critical component to such pathway.
Multi-Billion Dollar Economic Potential
Beyond the reduction of life cycle emissions, developing a robust domestic SAF ecosystem could trigger a massive ripple effect across the Canadian economy. The strategic platform arrives alongside a new macroeconomic study by Airbus and ICF highlighting Canada’s significant potential to lead in aircraft biofuels production.
The study reveals that scaling domestic SAF to meet 40% of Canada’s aviation fuel demand by 2040 could add $32 billion to the national GDP and create 140,000 jobs across agricultural, forestry, and urban regions. By establishing a solid platform for corporate investment and support, the Air Canada and Airbus partnership serves as an immediate catalyst to support these multi-billion-dollar economic returns while advancing the development of a domestic SAF ecosystem. Consult the full report on our website.
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are industry terms used to reference a family of alternative synthetic aviation fuels. It is a type of non-conventional jet fuel made from resources that can be regenerated, also known as renewable feedstocks. It is chemically similar to conventional aviation fuel but comes from non-fossil sources, making it a lower-carbon alternative over the complete fuel life cycle. To learn more about SAF, visit theAir Canada SAF page orAirbus commitment to sustainable aviation fuel.
Vancouver, BC – Seair Seaplanes today announced a new sustainability partnership with veritree, the platform powering verified nature restoration, to support kelp restoration along British Columbia’s coastline. The initiative focuses on rebuilding kelp forests that help strengthen marine ecosystems, improve coastal resilience, and support the long-term health of the communities and waters Seair flies over every day.
Kelp forests are among the most productive ecosystems on the planet, yet many are in decline. Restoring kelp helps:
Support biodiversity by creating habitat for fish, shellfish, and marine species
Build climate resilience by reducing coastal erosion and improving water quality
Engage local indigenous communities to plant and protect kelp sites, which hold great cultural and ecological significance.
Through this partnership, veritree will lead project design, site selection, kelp propagation, scientific monitoring, and transparent reporting through its technology platform. Seair will help amplify the initiative, support access to remote coastal areas, engage the community, and contribute funding through a customer-supported model where a small $0.15 fee is added to each ticket, and matched by Seair.
“This partnership allows us to give back to the waters that sustain our business and our communities,” said Jared Williams, President of Seair Seaplanes. “Because we operate over coastal waters every day, we see both the beauty and the vulnerability of these ecosystems. Working with veritree gives us a transparent, measurable way to support kelp restoration close to home, and invite our guests to be part of it.”
“Kelp forests play a critical role in the health and resilience of our coastlines, yet they’re one of the most overlooked ecosystems in restoration,” said Derrick Emsley, CEO and co-founder of veritree. “By partnering with Seair Seaplanes, we’re directing funding and attention to kelp restoration right here in B.C., using technology and verified reporting to ensure this work delivers real, measurable outcomes. It’s a strong example of how local businesses can support the ecosystems they depend on and invite their communities to be part of meaningful, verified action.”
Seair will share project updates and ways to get involved over time, including opportunities for community-led volunteer and monitoring days in partnership with veritree. Guests can learn more about the collaboration and the Sunshine Coast kelp restoration work at Seair’s website at https://www.seairseaplanes.com/seair-seaplanes-veritree-restoring-kelp-restoring-coastlines/.
About veritree
veritree is powering the global restorative economy. Its platform brings trust, traceability, and impact to nature-based solutions. Having reached over 177 million trees pledged, it connects forward-thinking companies with verified action. From mangroves and kelp to wildfire reforestation, veritree helps organizations move from intention to measurable environmental and social outcomes. Learn more at veritree.com.
About Seair Seaplanes
Founded in 1982, Seair Seaplanes is a British Columbia–based seaplane operator and the world’s largest operator of Cessna Caravan floatplanes. Seair offers scheduled flights, scenic tours, and private charters connecting coastal destinations including Victoria, Nanaimo, and the Southern Gulf Islands, with operations from Richmond’s YVR South Terminal and Downtown Vancouver.
Known for its safe, reliable service and West Coast hospitality, Seair is proud of its deep roots in BC’s coastal communities and its commitment to connecting people and places while giving back to the coastal environment it serves.
Travellers can book eligible codeshare flights across both carriers starting today Agreement will grow over time to cover more of each airline’s network AAdvantage® members will be able to earn AAdvantage® miles for travel on Porter Airlines flights marketed under the American Airlines code
FORT WORTH, Texas & TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American Airlines and Porter Airlines are teaming up on a new codeshare partnership to give customers more ways to travel between the United States and Canada. Starting today, customers can book codeshare itineraries on aa.com or American’s mobile app, as well as on flyporter.com.
“This partnership with American Airlines provides a true competitive alternative for passengers needing more options when flying between Canada and the United States,” said Edmond Eldebs, senior vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines. “By initially combining Porter’s growing Canadian network with American’s extensive reach in the U.S. and southern destinations, we are offering improved connectivity, in combination with Porter’s commitment to high-quality service. This is something that we are committed to growing with additional global routing options and future VIPorter loyalty integration.”
American and Porter will continue to evaluate opportunities to expand this relationship further through expanded codeshare destinations and loyalty benefits.
“Canada is one of the most popular destinations for travellers and American is excited to partner with Porter Airlines to unlock more travel options for customers,” said Anmol Bhargava, American’s senior vice president of global alliances. “This partnership puts customers at the forefront, and we look forward to providing even more seamless transborder travel options together.”
Expanding options in the Americas
Porter will place its code on select American transborder and domestic flights, giving passengers seamless access to more destinations when travelling from Canada.
This includes connections through American’s key hubs at Charlotte, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas Fort Worth and Philadelphia, creating smooth itineraries that link Porter’s growing Canadian network with American’s expansive reach across the U.S.
Porter’s code will also be placed on American’s southern network, extending access to destinations in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, providing more options for both leisure and business travel.
Additional destinations and loyalty program integration is intended for future phases of the partnership, including earning and redeeming points on each airline.
Destinations available via codeshare with American Airlines
Available for sale immediately:
Charlotte (CLT) Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Philadelphia (PHL)
Available for sale in the coming weeks:
Honolulu (HNL) Nashville (BNA) New Orleans (MSY) Portland (PDX) Sacramento (SMF) Salt Lake City (SLC) San Jose (SJC)
Reach more of Canada’s coastlines and cities
American will place its code on select flights operated by Porter from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). AAdvantage® members purchasing a codeshare flight operated by Porter earn both miles and Loyalty Points for their travels.
American operates more flights to YYZ than any other U.S. carrier. With more than 25 peak daily flights, travellers will have convenient options for choosing their favourite itinerary from across the U.S. to YYZ and beyond. In addition to domestic routes in Canada, American will also place its code on Porter’s flights between YYZ and Phoenix (PHX), with additional transborder flights to come.
In addition to YYZ in Canada, American offers year-round flights to Calgary (YYC), Montreal (YUL) and Vancouver (YVR), as well as seasonal service to Halifax (YHZ) and Quebec City (YQB). The codeshare partnership will offer travelers more routing options to their favorite destinations or the opportunity to explore new locales in Canada.
Canadian destinations available via codeshare with Porter Airlines
Available for sale immediately:
Edmonton (YEG) Halifax (YHZ) Ottawa (YOW) Victoria (YYJ) Winnipeg (YWG)
Available for sale in the coming weeks:
Calgary (YYC) Charlottetown (YYG) Kelowna (YLW) St. John’s (YYT) Saskatoon (YXE) Vancouver (YVR)
About Porter Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves North America, including a coast-to-coast domestic Canadian network, the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com
About American Airlines Group As a leading global airline, American Airlines offers thousands of flights per day to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries. The airline is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL.
Bombardier had a total contribution (direct, indirect and induced) of $7.4 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2024 and supported close to 50,000 jobs across the country
In 2024, the company contributed over $1.2 billion in revenues to provincial and federal governments, including taxes on income, products and production
In Quebec, Bombardier directly supported more than 31% of the aerospace sector’s employment, making it one of the largest employers in the province’s manufacturing industry
All amounts in this press release are in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated.
TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A study by PwC Canada provides an update on the substantial economic and social contributions of Bombardier’s manufacturing operations in Canada. Indicators such as the GDP, exports and supported jobs presented Bombardier’s significant role in the Canadian economy.
The report positions Bombardier as a key driver of Canada’s aerospace industry with $7.4 billion in contribution to the country’s GDP in 2024, and output value representing approximately 1% of total Canadian exports. In that same year, Bombardier’s aircraft exports made up 5% of Quebec’s total export value. Bombardier’s activities also contributed considerably to the provincial and federal economies in 2024, bringing over $1.2 billion in taxes on income, products and production.
“Bombardier continues to be a key driver of the Canadian economy through its nearly 12,200 employees and over 1,550 suppliers across the country,” said Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. “Our work not only fuels economic growth — it also plays a vital role in reinforcing Canada’s sovereignty through innovation, homegrown expertise in aircraft production and maintenance, and critical contributions to the nation’s defence industrial strategy.’’
Figures also show that Bombardier plays an important role in Canada’s economic development, supporting nearly 50,000 jobs across the country — including direct, indirect, and induced employment — that depend on its activities. In Quebec alone, Bombardier supported nearly 10,000 direct jobs, which represent more than 31% of all the jobs in the aerospace sector, making it one of the largest employers in the province’s manufacturing industry. In addition, Bombardier’s active presence in Ontario is highlighted with its state-of-the-art manufacturing centre at Pearson airport, inaugurated in 2024, where close to 2,200 team members complete high-precision assembly work for the class-leading Bombardier Global family of aircraft.
Bombardier’s performance in 2024 reflects the strength of the company, with 146 business aircraft delivered and $11.5 billion in revenue. This success was made possible by a robust network of more than 1,550 Canadian suppliers from coast to coast, demonstrating that the company is at the heart of a thriving national ecosystem.
Driven by a favourable market environment and sustained demand from clients, including governments and militaries, Bombardier is projecting revenues greater than $12.2 billion1 in 2025, in line with its guidance published earlier this year. According to the PwC report, Bombardier’s projections suggest that it is expected to contribute $39.6 billion1 to Canada’s GDP between 2025 and 2029, and to provide an annual average of over 51,500 direct, indirect and induced1 full-time jobs across the country. On the research & development side, Bombardier’s planned investments, including capital investments and the development and testing of new prototypes, are projected to support $3.2 billion1 in GDP contributions between 2024 and 2029.
At Bombardier (BBD-B.TO), we design, build, modify and maintain the world’s best-performing aircraft for the world’s most discerning people and businesses, governments and militaries. That means not simply exceeding standards but understanding customers well enough to anticipate their unspoken needs.
For them, we are committed to pioneering the future of aviation—innovating to make flying more reliable, efficient and sustainable. And we are passionate about delivering unrivaled craftsmanship and care, giving our customers greater confidence and the elevated experience they deserve and expect. Because people who shape the world will always need the most productive and responsible ways to move through it.
Bombardier customers operate a fleet of more than 5,100 aircraft, supported by a vast network of Bombardier team members worldwide and 10 service facilities across six countries. Bombardier’s performance-leading jets are proudly manufactured in aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. In 2024, Bombardier was honoured with the prestigious “Red Dot: Best of the Best” award for Brands and Communication Design.
For Information
For corporate news and information, including Bombardier’s Sustainability report, as well as the company’s initiative to cover all its flight operations with a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend utilizing the Book-and-Claim system visit bombardier.com.
Learn more about Bombardier’s industry-leading products and customer service network at bombardier.com.
With Digital Winglets™ Porter saves 2-3 Percent of Fuel Per Optimized Flight and Improves On-time Performance Network-wide
TORONTO, CANADA and SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, USA – July 30, 2025 – Porter Airlines, the fastest growing airline in Canada, and APiJET, the developer of the leading flight path optimization offering, Digital Winglets™, have announced the deployment of Digital Winglets™ across Porter Airlines’ North American fleet of Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.
Digital Winglets™ is a flight path optimization (FPO) solution that builds on NASA’s Traffic Aware Strategic Aircrew Requests (TASAR) technology. NASA’s TASAR, along with APiJET’s proprietary algorithms, mapping technologies and live aircraft state data solutions, enable air carriers worldwide to make deconflicted, route-specific flight optimization decisions to save fuel, improve schedule reliability and on-time performance, and reduce carbon emissions.
Porter Airlines operates the world’s largest fleet of Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, and the deployment of Digital Winglets™ will allow them to save 2-3% fuel and 1-2 minutes per optimized flight, while reducing delays network-wide.
“Digital Winglets™ provides a powerful suite of tools that allow us to optimize flights in real-time for the most fuel-efficient routing, which improves on-time performance and helps us deliver the elevated passenger experience that Porter is known for,” said Kent Woodside, executive vice president and COO at Porter Airlines. “The time and cost of introducing new technology across a fleet can be challenging. Deploying Digital Winglets™ was seamless, and APiJET provided a personal level of hands-on support throughout the process. Our continuing fleet expansion means that each new aircraft is seamlessly added to the platform immediately.”
“With Digital Winglets™, Porter can optimize to save fuel and reduce enroute time, improving schedule performance while achieving emissions reductions as well. Porter has a bold vision for expansion, and we are excited to work with them to further achieve their objectives for customer experience and efficiency,” said Rob Green, CEO of APiJET.
Digital Winglets™ is architected with a unique combination of online and ground-based technologies which allowed Porter to deploy it quickly and seamlessly into their fleet of 46 Embraer E195-E2 , with no hardware or software to install. As Porter continues its planned expansion of up to 100 Embraer E195-E2s, the benefits of Digital Winglets™ will be immediately available with no additional work.
About APiJET
Based in Seattle, WA, APiJET is the aviation software company behind Digital Winglets™, the flight route optimization solution that provides real-time, conflict-free, alternative flight paths. Digital Winglets™ continuously analyzes flight telemetry, including aircraft performance, wind, restricted airspace, convective weather, turbulence, and conflicting traffic, recommending real-time, conflict-free vertical and lateral rerouting. Digital Winglets™ reduces fuel burn and flight time, accelerating sustainability goals.
At Air Canada, we’re committed to being a leader in accessible travel. We believe in providing our services and reimagining our spaces with accessibility in mind.
We’re working to make air travel safer and more comfortable for all our customers, because accessibility is for everyone. Here are a few recent changes we’ve made towards reducing barriers.
On Wednesday, June 25, we joined airports across Canada to mark Airport Workers Day.
At YVR, our airport came alive with celebration, gratitude, and community spirit as we recognized the 26,000 employees who keep our airport operating safely and efficiently, connecting B.C. proudly to the world every day.
From Guest Experience to front-line agents, and baggage handlers to airfield maintenance, and food services to security screening, YVR’s workforce keeps the Best Airport in North America running 24/7, 365.
Behind every take off, every touch down and every moment in between are thousands of dedicated individuals who are moving what matters at YVR—connecting the flow of ideas, experiences, investment, people and goods and powers our ability to serve our community and the economy that supports it. This includes serving more than 26 million passengers in 2024, connecting them to 120 destinations worldwide, and supporting supply Canada’s supply chain with 339,000 tonnes of cargo.
Airport Workers Day was established through the Canadian Airports Council (CAC). This year, the CAC continued the celebration by presenting eight national awards to outstanding airport workers across the country. YVR’s very own Vivian Chan, Manager, Airport Capacity, received the Industry Champion Award.
During a ceremony at YVR, we were joined by Councillor Alec Guerin from Musqueam, MP Parm Bains, MP Wade Grant, MP Chak Au, and Councillor Andy Hobbs, whose words of appreciation underscored the vital role of airport workers. Festivities continued, with more than 1,000 ice cream sandwiches distributed to workers in the terminal and an ice cream truck stationed airside.
Thank you to our airport workers at YVR and across the country.
Calgary, AB – March 10, 2025 – Innovate Calgary’s Aerospace Innovation Hub, in partnership with The Calgary Airport Authority (The Authority) and WestJet, is excited to announce the launch of the Soaring Higher Innovation Challenge, a global call for innovative solutions to elevate the guest experience in air travel. This unique competition invites startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with game-changing technologies that improve the guest experience across various touchpoints, from booking to post-arrival services.
The Soaring Higher Challenge focuses on three key areas:
Seamless Booking, Check-In and Airport Experience: Solutions that streamline the booking and check-in process, including those with multiple airlines bookings, making it faster, easier, and more user-friendly across all platforms (website, mobile app, kiosks) and creating an expedited and enhanced airport experience from curb to gate.
Streamlined Baggage Handling: Solutions that improve baggage handling efficiency, minimizing lost or delayed luggage and increasing passenger peace of mind (e.g., real-time baggage tracking, assured priority baggage delivery, automated baggage sorting systems, increased scanning compliance, baggage delivery to destination (e.g., hotel).
Disruptive Solutions: An open category for unconventional or novel solutions that could impact the aviation and travel sectors in unexpected or significant ways.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with YYC and WestJet to invite innovators from around the world to help solve some of the most pressing challenges in the air travel industry,” said John Wilson, President & CEO, Innovate Calgary. “This initiative is designed to foster creative solutions that not only enhance the guest experience but also shape the future of travel.”
What Winners Receive
Up to three winning companies will receive:
A complimentary membership to Innovate Calgary’s Aerospace Innovation Hub, providing access to cutting-edge resources and expertise, including access to specialized lab equipment, coworking and events space, startup support services, exclusive discounts and venture development programming.
Mentorship from industry leaders at WestJet, The Authority, and Innovate Calgary.
Opportunities to validate and test their solutions with access to operational facilities and data from The Authority and WestJet.
Networking opportunities with potential customers, investors, and industry partners.
“With 28 years of experience and an entrepreneurial spirit, WestJet is ready to support successful applicants with mentorship, feedback and access to exceptional subject matter experts through the Soaring Higher Innovation Challenge,” said Christian Novosel, Chief Digital Officer at WestJet. “We remain committed to fostering bold new ideas in the aerospace industry, with a focus on improving the overall guest experience and establishing Calgary, our global hub, as a global leader in aerospace innovation.”
“At The Calgary Airport Authority, we’re always looking for ways to make the travel experience smoother, more enjoyable and truly memorable for our guests — and we know we can’t do it alone,” says President and CEO of The Authority, Chris Dinsdale. “Innovators bring fresh perspectives and bold ideas that can help us tackle challenges in new ways, which is why we’re thrilled to support the Soaring Higher Innovation Challenge with Innovate Calgary and WestJet.”
“The Soaring Higher Innovation Challenge is a powerful opportunity to explore how emerging technologies can streamline our operations, optimize efficiency and transform the guest experience,” says Megan Gupton, Chief Information Officer of The Authority. “We’re proud to partner with Innovate Calgary and WestJet to give startups and SMEs the resources, mentorship and real-world opportunities they need to make a lasting impact on our industry and our guests.”
How to Apply
The Soaring Higher Challenge is open to all startups and SMEs worldwide with fewer than 100 employees and annual revenues not exceeding one million Canadian dollars. Companies must be incorporated in Canada within one month of being selected as a winner.
Applications are open now and can be submitted via the Innovate Calgary website. The deadline for submissions is April 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM MST (GMT-7).
About Innovate Calgary Innovate Calgary is the innovation transfer and business incubator centre for the University of Calgary. Working closely with researchers, students, faculty and staff, Innovate Calgary helps bridge the gap between discovery and innovation. From ideation to commercialization, Innovate Calgary has successfully supported the innovation-driven research community for 32 years.
Innovate Calgary’s Aerospace Innovation Hub, in collaboration with the University of Calgary, offers incubation space, equipment, accelerator programming, and a community for companies developing the next generation of technologies for the aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors.
About The Calgary Airport Authority The Calgary Airport Authority is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the Regional Airports Authorities Act of Alberta. The Authority is responsible for the management, operation and development of YYC Calgary International Airport and Springbank Airport. The Authority’s commitment to safety remains a top priority. Our airports are important economic generators for the city, region and province, supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions in GDP through associated economic activity. The Authority was also recognized as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2024.
About WestJet
In 28 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 14,000 employees, 200 aircraft, and more than 100 destinations in 25 countries.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.
