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Tag: Air Transat

  • Air Transat presents new routes for summer 2022

    Air Transat presents new routes for summer 2022

    • The airline expands its United States program with two new destinations, Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as year-round flights to Florida
    • Non-stop service between Montreal – Amsterdam and Quebec City – London

    MONTREAL, Oct. 26, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Transat, named World’s Best Leisure Airline, is proud to announce that four new routes will be added to its 2022 summer flight program. For the first time ever, the airline will be serving the San Francisco, Los Angeles and Amsterdam airports from Montreal. Furthermore, it will offer an exclusive direct flight between Quebec City and London, strengthening its role as the leading international carrier from the Jean-Lesage Airport. Finally, Air Transat will operate routes to Fort Lauderdale and Miami year-round.

    “By analyzing travel trends, it’s clear that the United States is still one of the top destinations for Quebecers and Canadians in the wake of the pandemic. Thanks to the versatility of our world-class fleet, we are perfectly positioned to meet this demand and quickly adapt to our passengers’ needs, which is why our service south of the border will be expanding starting in 2022,” explains Annick Guérard, President and Chief Executive Officer at Transat.

    Chasing the sun across the border

    Air Transat is enhancing its United States flight program with the addition of California. The Montreal – San Francisco flight will be operated twice weekly, while the Montreal – Los Angeles flight will run three times a week.

    Due to sustained demand for flights to Florida, certain routes that were previously available only in winter will now be offered throughout the year. During summer, the Montreal – Miami flight will be operated three times a week and the Quebec City – Fort Lauderdale flight, once weekly.

    More non-stop flights to Europe

    At the same time, the carrier is expanding its service to Europe by adding direct service for two segments, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, making Air Transat the only Canadian airline to fly direct from Montreal to the Dutch capital.

    The Montreal – Amsterdam flight will run three times a week and the Quebec City – London flight, once weekly.

    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

  • Transat announces the appointment of Patrick Bui as Chief Financial Officer

    MONTREAL, Oct. 7, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ – Transat A.T. Inc. (“Transat” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick Bui as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Bui will assume his new role on November 15.

    Patrick Bui, Chief Financial Officer, Effective November 15 (CNW Group/Transat A.T. Inc.)
    Patrick Bui, Chief Financial Officer, Effective November 15 (CNW Group/Transat A.T. Inc.)

    Mr. Bui served most recently as Chief Financial Officer for Kruger Energy, a renewable-energy producer with operations throughout the Americas. Previously, he worked as an investment banker and advisor on financial and growth strategies and mergers and acquisitions, notably at RBC Capital Markets and Morgan Stanley. He was also a policy advisor to the Quebec Minister of Finance. Mr. Bui holds an MBA from INSEAD and a BBA from HEC Montréal, as well as a CFA designation.

    “I am very pleased to welcome Patrick to the Transat team,” said Annick Guérard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat. “His experience in the financial management of a company operating in a rapidly changing industry will be invaluable in helping Transat implement its strategic plan, optimize its capital structure and achieve the Company’s new ambitions in the wake of the pandemic crisis.”

    She added: “I would like to thank Jacques Simoneau, who is acting as interim CFO until Patrick arrives. His help and support have been invaluable over the past few months.”

    For his part, Mr. Bui commented: “I am eager to join Transat to participate in the restart of its operations and in its development in the coming years. I am honoured to join a company whose brand shines brightly in Quebec, and which has just been acclaimed World’s Best Leisure Airline once again.”

    About Transat
    Founded in Montreal 35 years ago, Transat has grown to become a holiday travel reference worldwide, particularly as an air carrier under the Air Transat 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. Transat has been Travelife-certified since 2018, 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 the integrity of its operations and the magnificent destinations it serves. (TSX: TRZ).

  • Transat announces that Jean-Marc Eustache is retiring and handing over the leadership of the company – Annick Guérard appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer

    MONTRÉAL, May 26, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ – Transat A.T. Inc. (“Transat” or the “Corporation“) announces today the implementation of the succession plan set up for Mr. Jean-Marc Eustache who is retiring and handing over the leadership of the Corporation.

    Mr. Jean-Marc Eustache

    Mr. Eustache has been one of the principal architects of the creation of Transat in 1987. With his avant-garde business vision focused on vertical integration, he helped make Transat a world leader in the tourism industry. The company he built has been the envy of many, as evidenced by the announcement in 2019 of the transaction for its acquisition by Air Canada valuing the company at more than $720 million before the pandemic came to thwart these plans.

    “With the crisis resulting from the COVID-19, we were most happy to have been able to rely on all of Jean-Marc’s experience and wisdom to face the worse storm in the history of Transat and the tourism industry, until the implementation of the critical $700 million financing announced on April 29, 2021 which will provide Transat with the funds it needs to relaunch its operations on solid grounds once it emerges from the pandemic-induced restrictions” has indicated Mr. Raymond Bachand, the Lead Director of the Corporation.

    “We are grateful to Jean-Marc for his contribution and his unwavering dedication throughout his tenure at Transat, and we now hope that he can fully enjoy his well-deserved retirement” he added.

    Mrs. Annick Guérard

    Mrs. Annick Guérard is appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer starting on May 27, 2021. Mrs. Guérard has been Transat’s Chief Operating Officer since November 2017.

    “Jean-Marc has been a pillar of the company since its beginnings more than thirty years ago, and we want to continue to make this jewel that he leaves us shine for several decades to come” said Annick Guérard.

    “I leave the company in the good hands of Annick Guérard, who has my full confidence as well as that of the rest of the management team and the Board of Directors. I have no doubt that, under her leadership, Transat will accomplish great things and once again become a formidable competitor admired by all. I am proud to have brought Transat to where it is now, and to have been able to secure the funding that allows it to face its future with confidence. It is now time to make room for new decision-makers, as Transat will deploy the plan that will once again make it a solid, profitable company and, for a long time to come, the symbol of leisure travel in the eyes of its many customers, in Quebec and elsewhere” mentioned Mr. Jean-Marc Eustache.

    Mr. Eustache is also stepping down from his role on the board of directors. M. Bachand will succeed him as Chairman of the Board and Mrs. Guérard will join the Board of Directors. These changes will also be effective as of May 27, 2021.

    About Transat

    Transat A.T. Inc. is a leading integrated international tourism company specializing in holiday travel. Under the Transat and Air Transat banners, the Corporation offers vacation packages, hotel stays and air travel to some 60 destinations in over 25 countries in the Americas and Europe. Transat is firmly committed to sustainable tourism development, as reflected in its multiple corporate responsibility initiatives over the past 14 years and obtained Travelife certification in 2018. The Corporation is based in Montréal (TSX: TRZ).

  • Transat executives take a hit from reduced value of sale to Air Canada: proxy

    From The Star – link to original story

    By The Canadian Press | Mon., Nov. 16, 2020

    https://images.thestar.com/j9JDir_7Drm7a4teN1n9GRX4LwI=/1086×869/smart/filters:cb(1605549499797)/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/business/2020/11/16/transat-executives-take-a-hit-from-reduced-value-of-sale-to-air-canada-proxy/20201116121128-5fb2b6f2ed5556cf1fcfed4bjpeg.jpg
    Air Transat and an Air Canada aircraft are seen on the tarmac at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport in Montreal on April 8, 2020.  PAUL CHIASSON / THE CANADIAN PRESS

    MONTREAL – Nearly two dozen Transat A.T. executives and directors will see their proceeds from the company’s sale to Air Canada drop following a dramatic reduction in the transaction’s value.

    They will split about $13 million for the shares of Air Transat’s parent company and other financial instruments they hold, according to a circular sent to shareholders ahead of the Dec. 15 meeting to vote on the revised deal.

    The sum is lower than the estimated $35 million they would have shared when the country’s largest airline was willing to pay $18 for each Transat A.T. share in a transaction valued at $ 720 million.

    Severe turbulence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to rock the commercial aviation sector, led to a renegotiation between the two parties. Air Canada will pay $5 per share as part of the takeover, estimated at around $190 million, whose deadline has been extended to Feb. 15, 2021 from Dec. 27.

    The $13 million does not take into account severance benefits totalling at least $11.3 million that could be granted to the five main executives of Transat AT if they are dismissed after the deal’s closing next year.

    The deal still requires approvals from the European Commission and Canada.

    The full amount for the 23 officers, executives and directors may vary slightly because they have the option to convert the Transat shares they hold into Air Canada shares at a conversion price set at $17.47. Air Canada’s shares were trading at $20.13 in Monday afternoon trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

    This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 16, 2021,

  • Forbes World’s Best Employers rankings – Transat is the world’s 57th best employer and 5th in Canada

    MONTREAL, Oct. 16, 2020 /CNW/ – Transat A.T. Inc. is ranked 57th on Forbes magazine’s annual list of the world’s best employers, which places it fifth in Canada, all categories combined. The international tourism company ranked second in the travel and leisure industry and fifth best employer among airlines.

    “It is encouraging, even touching, to be placed so highly in this prestigious global ranking at a time when our company and our employees are being hit hardest by the COVID-19 crisis,” said Christophe Hennebelle, Vice-President, Human Resources and Public Affairs. “If we stand out in this way, it is thanks to our 5,000 employees, who are as passionate about their work as ever and who are demonstrating consummate resilience. Like us, they want our industry to receive the support it deserves from our governments in order to preserve jobs and the sector’s competitiveness. For our part, we will continue to support our employees to the best of our ability and maintain transparent communication on our situation, as well as listen attentively.”

    The Forbes World’s Best Employers ranking is based on an independent and anonymous survey of more than 160,000 workers in 58 countries carried out by Statista in June and July.

    Transat was ranked eighth on the Forbes annual list of Canada’s Best Employers, published this past January.

  • Air Transat and Air Canada looking for a boost from Quebec

    News from CTV News – link to story and update

    The Canadian Press Staff ~ Monday, April 27, 2020

    MONTREAL — Air Canada and Transat A.T. seem to be banking on a boost from the Quebec government in order to weather the turbulence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Separately, the two companies modified their registration in the Registre des lobbyistes du Quebec in order to request, in particular, the adoption of “tax measures to promote the retention of workers in employment.”

    The companies, which operate the Air Canada Vacations and Transat Holidays agencies, also wish to examine the modification and cancellation policies of travel agencies, “notably in the administration of the Compensation Fund for clients of travel agencies ( FIVAC),” which is administered by the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC).

    Air Canada and Transat A.T. did not comment early Monday afternoon about the changes made to their entry in the register, which are in effect until the end of the year.

    In Canada, the aviation sector has not yet been the subject of direct aid measures by the federal government. However, carriers, like other companies, were able to turn to the Ottawa wage subsidy allowing workers to earn 75 per cent of their normal hourly wages, or a maximum of $847 per week.

    This notably allowed the parent company of Air Transat and the largest air carrier in the country to recall thousands of employees temporarily laid off due to the crisis caused by the new coronavirus.

  • Travelling in the cabin with your pet on the wings of Air Transat

    Montreal, July 19, 2018 — Air Transat, named World’s Best Leisure Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, is now offering its passengers in Economy Class the opportunity to travel with their pet in the aircraft’s cabin. This new service, which aims to provide passengers with greater peace of mind, enhances the existing pets and service dogs policy.

    livree2012_2

    Thus, cats and dogs 10 kg (22 pounds) or less (including the weight of the cage) will be allowed on the vast majority of the carrier’s flights. The caged animal must be placed under the seat in front of the traveller.

    In case an allergic passenger is seated close to an animal, accommodating measures will be taken once on board.

    Travellers interested in this new service are invited to reserve their pet’s place through the Information and Seat Selection Center at 1-877-TRANSAT. It will also be possible to make the reservation once at the airport, but the number of animals traveling in the cabin is limited. The price per flight, per animal in cabin is $50 for domestic, South and U.S. flights and $ 90 for Europe flights.

    All the details of this new service are available on Air Transat’s website.

  • Air Transat named World’s Best Leisure Airline in 2018

    AirTransatLogoMONTREAL, July 17, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Transat, Canada’s leading holiday airline, is proud to have been named the World’s Best Leisure Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. Jean-François Lemay, President-General Manager of Air Transat, was on hand in London to accept the award at the official ceremony. Every year, some 20 million travellers from around the world pick the winners by taking part in the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey, a global benchmark of airline excellence.

    “Being singled out as the World’s Best Leisure Airline is an honour we’re extremely proud of, since it was awarded by our passengers,” says Jean-François Lemay. “This honour extends to all of our employees, whose commitment, quality service and hard work ensure our passengers a pleasant, memorable experience, so their vacation truly begins the moment they set foot on board. Air Transat takes great pride in having been ranked among the best leisure airlines for seven years running, and to have topped the list for the second time in its history. Once again, I am deeply grateful to our passengers for their trust.”

    Air Transat experience
    Air Transat flies to more than 60 destinations in 26 countries. It offers numerous benefits for an exceptional inflight experience. First, there’s Club Class, with its exclusive cabin and priority service every step of the way, not to mention a number of inflight privileges, such as the Chef’s Menu by Daniel Vézina. Passengers in Economy Class can treat themselves with Option Plus. Benefits include an additional piece of checked baggage and seat selection, among others. Air Transat also has its youngest travellers at heart. The Kids Club provides children between 2 and 11 and their families with a range of free benefits, including priority check-in and boarding as well as on-board surprises.

    The cabin comfort, free hot meals on transatlantic flights, including in Economy Class, personal entertainment system accessible via individual touch screens on Air Transat’s mobile app as well as an attentive crew are just some of the reasons why flying Air Transat is so enjoyable.

    The World Airline Awards began in 1999 when Skytrax launched its first global airline passenger satisfaction survey. The survey collects travellers’ opinions on 320 airlines over a 10-month period and in 105 countries. Airlines are ranked according to 50 criteria, from check-in and boarding to staff service and seat comfort. This year’s survey polled more than 20 million passengers worldwide.

    To learn more about the World Airline Awards, visit www.worldairlineawards.com.

  • Updates to Air Transat’s Option Plus and Seat Selection

    Air Transat is introducing as of today revised rates for seat selection for certain seat types. Option Plus prices are also changing for certain routes and seat types.

    Option Plus inclusions

    With Option Plus, Economy Class passengers can treat themselves to the following perks:

    • One additional piece of checked baggage of 23 kg for flights to/from Europe, the South and the United States (or one additional piece of checked baggage of 30 kg for flights to/from Israel)
    • Standard seat selection
    • Check-in at an exclusive counter
    • Priority boarding
    • Priority queue at security checkpoints (at Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver airports)
    • Priority baggage handling
    • A Comfort Kit and a set of natural wood earbuds
    • An alcoholic beverage
    • A selection of meals from the Bistro menu on flights to/from the South and the United States; a selection of treats on flights to/from Europe and Israel
    • Here is the updated price grid for seat selection according to the destinations.
    Europe and Israel Full price (one way)
    Standard seat $30
    Two-by-two seat $45
    Seat with more legroom $90
    South and the United States Full price (one way)
    Standard seat $25
    Two-by-two seat $40
    Seat with more legroom $50
    Domestic Full price (one way)
    Standard seat $10
    Two-by-two seat $10
    Seat with more legroom $25

    Option Plus

    Here is the updated price grid for Option Plus according to the destinations.

    Europe and Israel Full price (one way)
    Standard seat $79.50
    Two-by-two seat $94.50
    Seat with more legroom $139.50
    South and the United States Full price (one way)
    Standard seat $54.50
    Two-by-two seat $69.50
    Seat with more legroom $79.50

    For details, visit the seat selection section or the Option Plus section on airtransat.com

  • Changes to Air Transat’s fleet – Carrier signs agreement to lease seven new Airbus A321neos

    livree2012_2MONTREAL, June 27, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Transat, wholly-owned business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., has signed an agreement with AerCap for the long-term lease of seven new Airbus aircraft: two A321neos and five A321neo LRs (long-range). These next-generation, single-aisle jets, which will be delivered gradually between 2020 and 2022, will notably replace wide-body A330s whose leases will expire during this period.

    “We are continuing our fleet transformation in order to achieve greater efficiency and versatility,” said Jean-François Lemay, President of Air Transat. “With their smaller size, the A321neos will enable us to implement our air strategy, which involves increasing our flight frequencies, expanding our network and strengthening our position in several markets. The goal: continue to provide our customers with comfortable service at the best possible price.”

    With 199 seats in a two-class configuration, the A321neo will be used for feeder flights and service to the South (short- and medium-haul) while the long-range version (A321neo LR) will be deployed for Sun and transatlantic destinations (medium- and long-haul). These aircraft will be added to the 10 new A321neo LRs, on lease from AerCap, announced in July 2017, which will gradually be introduced to Air Transat’s fleet starting in spring 2019.

    While this type of aircraft has been selected to optimize the fleet, its fuel efficiency will also keep cost per seat as low as possible, while reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, because of the cockpit commonality of the A330 and A320 (including the A321), Air Transat’s pilots will be able to fly both types of aircraft, which will result in greater operating flexibility and savings, including on training costs.

    Air Transat’s fleet currently consists of 33 permanent aircraft in a unique flexible-fleet model that allows it to deploy more wide-body aircraft in summer for the high transatlantic season, and narrow-body aircraft in winter for the high Sun destinations season. By 2024, it will have an all-Airbus fleet.