airbrake Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 https://westernaviationnews.com/2020/10/25/westjet-pilots-picket-swoops-winter-expansion/?amp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 WestJet pilots protest ‘outsourced’ flights to Swoop in Calgary By Kaylen Small Global News Posted October 25, 2020 7:13 pm WestJet pilots protested in Calgary on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020. Global News Leave A Comment Share This Item On Facebook Share This Item On Twitter Send This Page To Someone Via Email Share This Item Descrease article font size -A Increase article font size A+ About 50 WestJet pilots protested outside the Calgary International Airport on Sunday to draw attention to what they call the “outsourcing” of WestJet flights to low-cost carrier Swoop. Though both are owned by the same company — the WestJet Group — protesters said Swoop is flying WestJet’s routes, which means fewer hours for WestJet pilots. “The biggest issue for us is routes that have been flown by WestJet Airlines over the last two decades are now being flown by Swoop,” said Capt. Dave Colquhoun, WestJet Master Executive Council chair. “When Swoop was initially envisioned, we were told that wouldn’t happen. Now that it started to happen, especially out of Toronto, we’re concerned about that and we want to bring that concern to the public view.” Colquhoun said pilots want to see the WestJet Group consult all members on how to grow Swoop. y and they’ve done it in an environment where just recently we gave in major concessions to help them weather the storm,” he said. TWEET THIS “Our pilots have taken substantial cuts in wages and working conditions in order to help our airline through this pandemic. Right now, our guys are flying about a half to a third of what they were a year ago.” The WestJet Group responded to the union’s concerns, telling Global News that Swoop is important to the company’s future. “[Swoop] is well-positioned to serve price-sensitive travellers while stimulating demand in Canada’s largest market,” it said. “After a drop in guest traffic of up to 95 per cent and with recovery slower than anticipated, stimulating demand in our industry is critical for our group’s survival. Toronto is our country’s largest air travel market, and every guest who flies with WestJet, Encore or Swoop is a win for our group, assisting in our recovery and supporting our collective future.” The WestJet Group said its focus is “ensuring we have a long-term sustainable future” while “providing good jobs for thousands.” There is no anticipated impact on WestJet operations. © 2020 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.O. Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 4 hours ago, FA@AC said: Good luck with that one. Meanwhile, Air Canada has honoured their collective agreement with ACPA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thinair Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 5 hours ago, FA@AC said: Good luck with that one. Thanks for your support, I’m happy your company is honourable to its staff. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FA@AC Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 36 minutes ago, thinair said: Thanks for your support, I’m happy your company is honourable to its staff. I do empathize, but looking for sympathy from the public at a time when those of us who have jobs are the lucky ones is likely to be fruitless. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j.k. Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 9 hours ago, J.O. said: Meanwhile, Air Canada has honoured their collective agreement with ACPA. Not... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dagger Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 https://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php?c=setreg®ion=3&m_id=_rmY!T_mT_&w_id=38169&news_id=2044821 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dagger Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 Just now, dagger said: https://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php?c=setreg®ion=3&m_id=_rmY!T_mT_&w_id=38169&news_id=2044821 Delta, WestJet alliance gets US approval The U.S. Transportation Department has tentatively approved the cross-border alliance between Delta Air Lines and Canada's WestJet, but they will have to make concessions. To get the green light, WestJet will have to remove its low cost subsidiary Swoop from the joint venture and the airlines will have to give up 16 slots at New York LaGuardia Airport. Delta has a 45% market share at LaGuardia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Specs Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 Why sweep Swoop away? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 1 hour ago, Specs said: Why sweep Swoop away? From the document: Quote c. SWOOP AND ULCC OPERATIONS The Department has tentatively found the potential for competitive harm based upon how the JVA treats Swoop’s inclusion within the proposed JV. WestJet established Swoop as a whollyowned subsidiary of WestJet Parent, to be an independently managed and operated ULCC based on a simplified, low-cost business model. While WestJet is developing into a full-service network carrier with a product designed to appeal to business travelers, the Swoop entity is developing a ULCC business model designed to stimulate traffic with low fares supported by a low-cost structure. Swoop therefore runs its operations as simply as possible and independently schedules, prices, markets, and revenue manages its point-to-point leisure market network. To maintain the lowest cost structure possible, Swoop does not codeshare, offer a frequent flyer program, sell connecting itineraries (even between its own flights), or interline with other carriers, including with WestJet. Swoop’s business model is deliberately designed not to operate within a comparably complex and cooperative immunized joint venture in which airlines link their networks, and jointly manage the planning, pricing, marketing, and yield management of traffic across their combined networks. The Joint Applicants’ decision to include Swoop in the proposed JV raises competitive issues, especially when compared with the scenario in which Swoop remains a standalone ULCC focused on growth and stimulating traffic in point-to-point markets, including U.S.–Canada transborder markets underserved by LCCs. As discussed, we have identified several competitive concerns with the transborder market, in which LCCs and ULCCs constituted only six percent of U.S.–Canada capacity in 2019, and in which a number of established carriers are retrenching. Swoop’s introduction of transborder ULCC service in 2018 was a significant development in offering a unique business model in a market that had experienced little recent entry from new competitors. We tentatively find that the proposed inclusion of Swoop in the JV will inhibit its intended role as a vigorous competitor in transborder markets and will thereby reduce competition. The JVA specifies a number of potential restraints on the ability of Swoop (or other ULCCs within the proposed JV) in the transborder market, which stifle its ability to remain a robust 22 competitor52 and restrict its ability to evolve by limiting its business model.53 The Joint Applicants seek to incorporate Swoop into the JV for financial purposes, but not for the purpose of integrating Swoop’s operations into the metal-neutral JV, because Swoop’s low-cost business model is as incompatible with the commercial strategy of the proposed JV as it is with that of WestJet. This fundamental incompatibility was the reason why Swoop was established as a standalone airline. The net result of incorporating Swoop, as proposed by the Joint Applicants, is to reduce its incentives to grow aggressively,54 adding capacity and stimulating traffic in large markets by profitably charging lower fares supported by its lower cost structure. The terms governing Swoop’s participation within the proposed JV will materially impact transborder competition—particularly in several markets that could see a substantial reduction in competition (identified in our share-shift analysis). In evaluating appropriate means of addressing the competitive harm, we assessed the scenario in which Swoop is required to operate outside of the proposed JV. In that scenario, Swoop’s exclusion from the JVA would have a positive impact on competition by preserving a robust competitor in the transborder market and free it from the constraints imposed by the Joint Venture that are likely to curtail its potential growth. We also examined simply removing clauses related to potential restraints of Swoop, while the carrier remains within the proposed JVA. The removal of those clauses, however, does not address the incompatibilities of the business models and the misalignment of resulting economic incentives that drive the substantial reduction in potential competition. This misalignment of business and operational models and objectives is precisely why WestJet created Swoop as a standalone entity after making the decision to transform WestJet from a hybrid low-cost carrier into a full-service business-oriented, network airline. Although Swoop is ultimately part of the WestJet corporate structure, Swoop is an air carrier separate from WestJet, with its own air operator certificate, and its status as an independent entity and its low-cost structure would provide significant competitive discipline. To address the competitive harm that we believe is likely to occur, and for which market forces are not sufficient to counter, we propose to exclude Swoop from the JVA. Absent this remedy, we tentatively would find that the alliance substantially reduces competition. Here is a link to the full document. https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2020-10/Delta WestJet Show Cause Order 2020-10-13.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runaway Posted October 27, 2020 Share Posted October 27, 2020 Could someone clarify.....WestJet updated refund policy...are they refunding all fares except self cancelation and Vacation fares? I've read on the WestJet website that they're reinstating refund practices pre covid. Pre covid non refundable fares were... non refundable. Am I missing something here? https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/travel-info/covid-refunds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 27, 2020 Share Posted October 27, 2020 Welcome to the WestJet Elevation Lounge NEWS PROVIDED BY WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership Oct 27, 2020, 11:00 ET Airline set to open flagship lounge within its home at the YYC Calgary International Airport on November 2 CALGARY, AB, Oct. 27, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, WestJet is proud to reveal its flagship lounge – the WestJet Elevation Lounge. Boasting more than 9,300 square feet of premium space with panoramic views and Canadian-inspired details, the WestJet Elevation Lounge blends contemporary design with refined mountain living inspired by Canada's diverse landscape. The flagship space was designed in collaboration with global architecture and design firm Gensler to carefully consider the needs and safety of guests and frequent travellers. Click here to see more photos. The WestJet Elevation Lounge blends contemporary design with refined mountain living inspired by Canada’s diverse landscape and features playful interpretations of WestJet’s home province weaved throughout. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership) The lounge boasts more than 9,300 square feet of premium space with panoramic views and Canadian-inspired details. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership) Dedicated focus spaces to unplug or plug-in for business and leisure featuring WiFi, free printing and reservable meeting space with digital amenities. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership) The opening of Elevation Lounge demonstrates WestJet's ongoing commitment to growing its presence and premium guest experience in Calgary. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership) The flagship space was designed to carefully consider the needs and safety of guests and frequent travellers and features a dedicated family space with activities for kids to interact with and explore. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership) "The opening of the WestJet Elevation Lounge is a pivotal moment for our business and demonstrates our commitment to delivering world-class experiences both on the ground and in the air," said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. "It was only fitting to open this flagship space within our home hub in Calgary. The lounge will provide our top-tier WestJet Rewards members and business cabin travellers with a safe and comfortable place to rest, rejuvenate and work when visiting YYC." Working in partnership with The Calgary Airport Authority, the Elevation Lounge will open to the public on November 2, 2020 and is conveniently located at Concourse B of the Domestic Terminal and is accessible to guests departing from Concourses A, B and C, as well as Concourse D of the International Terminal (when accessed from security checkpoint B or C). "The WestJet Elevation Lounge is a global first and we are excited and proud that YYC Calgary International Airport is its home. WestJet is YYC's biggest airline—by seats, by departures and by destinations served. Having the flagship WestJet Elevation Lounge here in Calgary means our mutual guests will have a new premium travel experience with great local amenities at the highest health and safety standards," said Rob Palmer, Vice President of Commercial, Strategy & Chief Financial Officer, The Calgary Airport Authority. Guests departing or connecting on domestic or international flights can look forward to an elevated experience inside the lounge including: Chef-designed and freshly prepared menu that highlights local and seasonal ingredients. Signature beverages designed and delivered by dedicated bartenders; a premium selection of wine; and beer options from Calgary's own breweries, including WestJet's Elevation beer on tap by The Dandy Brewing Company, and an XPA by Annex Ale Project. All served from a vibrant and social bar in the heart of the lounge. Dedicated focus spaces to unplug or plug-in for business and leisure featuring WiFi, free printing and reservable meeting space with digital amenities. Refreshing spaces including reservable and private shower facilities. WestJet Priority Service Agents to assist with travel plans, share expertise on local information and provide the caring service WestJetters are known for. Exclusive artwork by Calgary-based artist Mandy Stobo featuring an immersive augmented reality experience. Playful interpretations of WestJet's home province weaved throughout the space including a statement graphic of Canmore's Three Sisters mountain peaks above the bar. Curated Canadian products from local companies such as Rocky Mountain Soap Company and Calgary's own Fratello Coffee Roasters. Dedicated family space with activities for kids to interact with and explore. Once inside the Elevation Lounge guests will experience many of WestJet's enhanced health, safety and sanitization measures that have been implemented to ensure guest safety throughout their journey through the airline's Safety Above All program. The Elevation Lounge features: Contactless, self-serve entry. Mandatory face masks for guests and staff, except when eating and drinking. A thoughtful floor plan with reduced capacity to ensure physical distancing. Ability to order food and beverages directly to table using personal devices. An enhanced and continuous cleaning regimen including electrostatic spraying, plexiglass shields at high interaction areas and hand sanitizers placed in high-touch zones. As the carrier with the most flights from Calgary and the only Canadian carrier flying internationally currently from YYC, the opening of Elevation Lounge demonstrates WestJet's ongoing commitment to growing its presence and premium guest experience in Calgary. The lounge's completion is marked by two years of thoughtful research, planning and construction within the YYC Calgary International Airport. Complete entry and eligibility details are available here. Additional Quotes: "The Elevation Lounge offers guests, including our top-tier WestJet Rewards members and Business cabin guests a premium space to relax, refresh or focus in our biggest hub," said d'Arcy Monaghan, WestJet Vice-President, Loyalty Programs. "This flagship space was designed with feedback from our top-tier members and focuses on the needs and expectations of frequent flyers and premium travellers. It is an extension of our successful guest-service model offered when travelling in Business and Premium cabins." "We're excited to join WestJet to bring their in-air experience to the Elevation Lounge," said David Loyola, Design Principal, Gensler. "Inspired by the local landscape, the design, colour palette and materials create a contemporary mountain-inspired retreat where guests can replenish, refresh and refocus for their next journey." "Govan Brown are thrilled to work with WestJet on this exciting project that will further differentiate its brand in the marketplace," said Joseph Kirk, President, Govan Brown & Associates Limited. "We realize the importance of this initiative and were committed to the standard and quality that WestJet expects of its partners. We could not be happier with the results and sincerely thank the WestJet team for the opportunity to be its trusted construction partner." About WestJet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AIP Posted October 29, 2020 Share Posted October 29, 2020 On 10/27/2020 at 9:47 AM, Malcolm said: As the carrier with the most flights from Calgary and the only Canadian carrier flying internationally currently from YYC, the opening of Elevation Lounge demonstrates WestJet's ongoing commitment to growing its presence and premium guest experience in Calgary. The lounge's completion is marked by two years of thoughtful research, planning and construction within the YYC Calgary International Airport. Really ?? Such a nice new facility, and then they throw this garbage into a press release ?? Who exactly is that supposed to impress ?? What purpose is being served here ?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Specs Posted October 29, 2020 Share Posted October 29, 2020 "...the only Canadian carrier flying internationally currently from YYC...." ACA is not currently flying internationally out of YYC. I don't see anybody else doing it either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadaEH Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 3 hours ago, AIP said: Really ?? Such a nice new facility, and then they throw this garbage into a press release ?? Who exactly is that supposed to impress ?? What purpose is being served here ?? To specifically piss you off. Looks like it worked. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
internet Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 WestJet continues to isolate themselves in a hub city that - due to a number of factors - will continue to be a city in decline. There is a reason AC left town and is fine with WS having what’s left. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AIP Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 2 hours ago, internet said: WestJet continues to isolate themselves in a hub city that - due to a number of factors - will continue to be a city in decline. There is a reason AC left town and is fine with WS having what’s left. I don't think AC has left town as you put it, just can't make a viable go of it right now. The AC website has for most of the last 6 months shown a return to both FRA and LHR on a tri-weekly service. https://www.aircanada.com/uk/en/aco/home/book/travel-news-and-updates/2020/route-updates.html Demand obviously hasn't been there so it gets pushed back. Planned again for December, will see what happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fido Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 8 hours ago, internet said: There is a reason AC left town Not just left town but left Western Canada 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 44 minutes ago, Fido said: Not just left town but left Western Canada ? Lots of flights west east and vv on AirCanada. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 Swoop announces new way for Canadians to vacation with confidence this winter NEWS PROVIDED BY Swoop Nov 12, 2020, 09:06 ET SHARE THIS ARTICLE Pre-departure COVID-19 testing for peak holiday travel now available TORONTO, Nov. 12, 2020 /CNW/ - Swoop, the ultra-not-expensive airline, today announced Trusted Travel Getaways: packaged vacations designed to enable Canadians to enjoy a warm-weather vacation with confidence this winter. This limited offering of vacation packages aims to provide travellers with enhanced peace of mind throughout their travel journey. Trusted Travel Getaways will operate to Montego Bay, Jamaica, departing from Toronto beginning December 19. Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay (CNW Group/Swoop) Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay (CNW Group/Swoop) Launched in partnership with IHG® Hotels & Resorts, travellers will be provided with accommodation at the Holiday Inn Resort® Montego Bay All-Inclusive. As an added measure of comfort, travellers will receive complimentary access to mandatory pre-travel COVID-19 testing to ensure that all passengers on-board a departing Trusted Travel Getaway flight have proof of a negative COVID-19 test. "We've heard from many Canadians who are eager to get away this winter but want to do so responsibly," said Bert van der Stege, Head of Commercial, Swoop. "Swoop and IHG Hotels & Resorts have a shared focus on thorough health and hygiene protocols. We believe that the inclusion of free COVID-19 insurance along with the requirement of a negative COVID-19 test before boarding will ensure that sun-seeking Ontarians can travel confidently from Toronto Pearson." To reassure those on board a Trusted Travel Getaway flight, all travellers will be required to undergo a pre-departure COVID-19 test. Swoop has arranged for a leading Canadian laboratory service provider to administer the required testing at no additional cost to the traveller. "While testing is currently not a requirement for Canadians to enter Jamaica, we look forward to offering this additional screening measure to provide enhanced peace of mind for our travellers," continued van der Stege. With service from Toronto to Montego Bay, Jamaica on December 19, December 26, and January 2, travellers departing from Toronto Pearson International Airport will find Trusted Travel Getaway packages starting at $1450 per traveller, including round-trip flights, 7-nights all-inclusive accommodation at the Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive, hotel ground transfers, and Swoop's complimentary TuGo® Travel Insurance COVID-19 coverage. The Holiday Inn Resort property in Montego Bay offers travellers beachfront access, all-inclusive meal plans and enhanced cleanliness measures to support a worry-free vacation. Through its IHG® Clean Promise, the Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive has expanded its commitment to cleanliness by increasing COVID-19 precautions, including proactive cleaning, regular temperature checks of employees and mask requirements for both employees and guests. "In response to COVID-19, we have redefined our already rigorous commitment to cleanliness," said Nicola Madden-Greig, Director of Marketing & Sales, Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive. "Through our IHG Clean Promise, Canadians staying at the Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive can expect their well-being to be our top priority throughout their stay." The Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive is located in one of Jamaica's Resilient Corridors, which were created to manage movement and require all operating hotels to conform to a rigorous set of COVID-19 protocols, approved by the World Travel and Tourism Council. As per current regulations, travellers returning home must complete the ArriveCAN entry requirements and follow the Government of Canada's mandated quarantine, regardless of the results of their pre-departure COVID-19 test. Trusted Travel Getaways will be available for booking at FlySwoop.com, beginning November 12, 2020, through Swoop's Getaways booking engine. About Swoop: Established in 2018, Swo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 16, 2020 Share Posted November 16, 2020 WestJet adds holiday heat to December schedule NEWS PROVIDED BY WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership Nov 16, 2020, 11:00 ET Airline adds flights for sun seekers to the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica More domestic flights available to meet Canadians' travel needs during the holidays CALGARY, AB, Nov. 16, 2020 /CNW/ - WestJet today released its updated December schedule featuring up to 55 daily flights to sun destinations in the Caribbean, the United States (including Hawaii) and Mexico. The schedule also highlights increased domestic frequencies for travel starting December 5, 2020 through to January 4, 2021. "While this winter travel season looks quite different from years past, we are pleased to be able to offer our guests a variety of flights during the holidays," said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. "Whatever the reason for travel, WestJet continues to safely connect Canadians to destinations across our network and will continue to make changes to the schedule to meet the ever-changing needs of our guests and airline." For sun seekers the airline is adding December flights to Liberia (Costa Rica), Punta Cana, Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Bridgetown (Barbados), Mazatlán (Mexico), Huatulco (Mexico), Orlando, Las Vegas, Honolulu (Oahu) and Kahului (Maui). WestJet continues to operate at a reduced schedule and has removed over 63 per cent capacity year over year, including approximately 73 per cent capacity from the December schedule alone. During the holiday season, the airline will offer flights to 54 destinations including 33 in Canada, nine in the U.S. including Hawaii, five in Mexico, five in the Caribbean, one in Europe and one in Central America. Frequencies will increase throughout the month of December, full details at bottom of the release. Canadians travelling back through Calgary see benefits of post-travel testing trial On November 2, YYC Calgary International Airport began the COVID-19 testing trial supported by the Governments of Canada and Alberta, trialing a reduced quarantine period in Alberta, while protecting Canadians from COVID-19. "Many Canadians are seeking alternatives to the 14-day quarantine and the testing trial at Calgary International Airport is a welcome first step," continued von zur Muehlen. "We are optimistic in the early results of the YYC COVID testing trial and hope to see future expansion of testing opportunities closely follow at airports across the country." Canadians travelling abroad are still subject to a 14-day quarantine upon their return to the country if not eligible for Alberta's COVID-19 testing trial program. Since the beginning of the pandemic, WestJet has implemented more than 20 additional health and safety measures during the travel journey and continues to evolve its cleaning to meet the needs of guests and WestJetters through its Safety Above All program. WestJet is planning to operate the following transborder and international routes from December 5, 2020 to January 4, 2021: Hawaii and U.S. transborder Market Frequency (05DEC – 15DEC) Frequency (16DEC – 04JAN) Vancouver – Maui - 3x weekly Vancouver – Honolulu - 3x weekly Vancouver - Palm Springs 2x weekly 2x weekly Vancouver – Los Angeles - 2x weekly Vancouver – Phoenix - 2x weekly Calgary – Maui - 2x weekly Calgary – Honolulu - 1x weekly Calgary – Los Angeles 3x weekly 4x weekly Calgary – Palm Springs 6x weekly 8x weekly Calgary – Las Vegas - 2x weekly Calgary – Phoenix 7x weekly 11x weekly Calgary – Orlando - 1x weekly Edmonton – Phoenix - 2x weekly Toronto – Orlando 1x weekly 1x weekly Toronto – Fort Myers 1x weekly 3x weekly Toronto – Fort Lauderdale 1x weekly 2x weekly Caribbean, Mexico and Europe Market Frequency (05DEC – 15DEC) Frequency (16DEC – 04JAN) Vancouver – San Jose del Cabo - 2x weekly Vancouver – Puerto Vallarta 1x weekly 2x weekly Vancouver – Cancun - 1x weekly Calgary – San Jose del Cabo 2x weekly 3x weekly Calgary – Mazatlán - 1x weekly Calgary – Puerto Vallarta 5x weekly 1x daily Calgary – Huatulco - 1x weekly Calgary – Cancun 6x weekly 6x weekly Edmonton – Puerto Vallarta - 1x weekly Edmonton – Cancun - 1x weekly Winnipeg – Puerto Vallarta - 1x weekly Winnipeg – Cancun - 1x weekly Toronto – Cancun 2x weekly 3x weekly Toronto – Liberia 1x weekly 1x weekly Toronto – Kingston 1x weekly 2x weekly Toronto – Montego Bay 2x weekly 4x weekly Toronto – Puerto Plata 1x weekly 1x weekly Toronto – Punta Cana 1x weekly 1x weekly Toronto – Barbados - 1x weekly Toronto – London Gatwick 2x weekly 2x weekly About WestJet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 20, 2020 Share Posted November 20, 2020 Neat but there is still one, possibly, major problem Will folks be able to get / afford medical travel insurance? The of course the return to Canada..... isolation requirements vary from Province to Province. I see the necessary test is only available in Alberta. Still, well done WestJet. WestJet to offer approved pre-flight testing for Hawaii travel NEWS PROVIDED BY WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership Nov 19, 2020, 18:44 ET Program exempts travellers from Hawaii quarantine and becomes Canada's first safe air travel corridor CALGARY, AB, Nov. 19, 2020 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced it has collaborated with the State of Hawaii to begin offering a pre-flight COVID-19 testing program for guests travelling to the islands. A negative test result, from WestJet laboratory partner DynaLIFE, is required within 72-hours of departure to Hawaii and will exempt the guest from the state's required 14-day quarantine upon arrival. WestJet today announced it has collaborated with the State of Hawaii to begin offering a pre-flight COVID-19 testing program for guests travelling to the islands. A negative test result, from WestJet laboratory partner DynaLIFE, is required within 72-hours of departure to Hawaii and will exempt the guest from the state’s required 14-day quarantine upon arrival. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership) "Safety remains our number one priority and we thank Governor Ige and the State of Hawaii for providing this opportunity for Canadians to enjoy all that the islands have to offer while safely supporting the tourism industry," said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. "WestJet's teams are working hard to rebuild confidence in air travel through important partnerships like this one with Hawaii's Trusted Travel Partner program and DynaLIFE. With pre-departure and arrivals testing now available through the collaborative efforts of the Governments of Canada, the Government of Alberta and the YYC Calgary International Airport, our guests have a wonderful opportunity to enjoy safe and enjoyable travel without the rigorous quarantine requirements." "Many Canadians love to visit Hawaiʻi during the winter months to escape the cold weather, so the timing for this works well. Hawaiʻi has the most rigorous pre-travel testing program in the United States, and we're grateful to WestJet for making it available to their passengers," said Hawaii's Governor David Ige. The airline will begin the testing program in partnership with DynaLIFE in Alberta for guests holding a WestJet-ticketed itinerary to Hawaii within 72-hours. Details can be found here: westjet.com/covidtesting. While the testing, which costs $150 CAD per person and is payable by the guest, is currently only available in Alberta, the testing is open to all Canadian residents. Guests travelling to Hawaii are responsible for ensuring they receive a test within 72-hours of their flight departing to Hawaii in order to avoid quarantine and will be required to display their negative test result prior to boarding. If test results are not available before boarding the final leg of the trip, the traveller must quarantine for 14 days or the length of the stay, whichever is shorter. All visitors intending to visit Hawaii must register prior to travel: Hawaii entrance requirements are found at https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/. Earlier this week, the airline announced its December schedule including twice-weekly, non-stop Dreamliner service between Calgary and Honolulu and Calgary and Maui. Route Frequency Departing Arriving Effective Calgary – Maui 2x weekly 10:30 a.m. 2:12 p.m. December 19, 2020 Maui – Calgary 2x weekly 10 a.m. 6:53 p.m. December 20, 2020 Calgary – Honolulu 1x weekly 11 a.m. 2:25 p.m. December 20, 2020 Honolulu – Calgary 1x weekly 11 a.m. 7:56 p.m. December 21, 2020 Vancouver – Maui 3x weekly 10:30 a.m. 3:02 p.m. December 18, 2020 Maui – Vancouver 3x weekly 10:30 a.m. 6:08 p.m. December 19, 2020 Vancouver – Honolulu 3x weekly 1 p.m. 5:34 p.m. December 18, 2020 Honolulu – Vancouver 3x weekly 10 a.m. 5:45 p.m. December 19, 2020 On November 2, YYC Calgary International Airport began hosting the COVID-19 testing trial supported by the Governments of Canada and Alberta, trialing a reduced quarantine period upon arrival in Alberta with a negative test result, while protecting Canadians from COVID-19. Since the beginning of the pandemic, WestJet has implemented more than 20 additional health and safety measures during the travel journey and continues to evolve its cleaning protocols to meet the needs of guests and WestJetters through its Safety Above All program. ADDITIONAL QUOTES: "Throughout the pandemic, Albertans have been safely and responsibly travelling south to the United States for work and to visit loved ones," said Doug Schweitzer, Alberta's Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation. "Two-thousand Albertans have already travelled and returned to the province under the Calgary International Airport testing pilot, and major industries like film and tourism are looking to Alberta as a leader in this area. It's encouraging that the State of Hawaii – which has had among the strictest travel restrictions since March – has clearly expressed that DynaLIFE's made-in-Alberta testing is safe for international travellers to visit their islands with a significantly reduced quarantine period." "I am pleased to welcome this announcement and the establishment of a safe travel corridor," said James Rajotte, Alberta's Senior Representative to the United States. "WestJet's continued investments are critical to ensuring a robust tourism sector between Alberta and our U.S. neighbours, including the visitor economy of Hawaii and many parts of the United States. We are all committed to a health and science-based approach to travel." "Congratulations to WestJet and DynaLIFE for making available State of Hawaii-approved departure COVID-19 testing for guests," said Bob Sartor, President & CEO, The Calgary Airport Authority. "The Calgary Airport Authority believes government-approved and science-based testing will allow for safe travel and economic recovery. We are proud to be working with the Governments of Alberta and Canada on the international border pilot, being the first airport in Canada to host the program for arriving international guests at YYC Calgary International Airport." "COVID-19 testing for air travellers is a critical component of Alberta's economic recovery," said Jason Pincock, DynaLIFE CEO. "DynaLIFE is proud to be one of the first international laboratories recognized by the State of Hawaii as a trusted partner. Our highly recognized COVID19 test and our international accreditation for quality ensures WestJet guests can get where they need to go safely and with confidence. Our partnership with WestJet, the Calgary Airport Authority, and the State of Hawaii builds a scalable platform that will help Canadians, and our friends and neighbours in the United States return to normal air travel." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thor Posted November 20, 2020 Share Posted November 20, 2020 And from what I’ve heard from an educator with the CBE, educators and health care workers still have to isolate for 14 days upon return regardless of the rapid test. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airbrake Posted November 21, 2020 Share Posted November 21, 2020 JV With Delta is done. https://blog.westjet.com/update-on-westjet-delta-joint-venture/?sm_cid=social:ws-world:delta-joint-venture:ed-linkedin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 21, 2020 Share Posted November 21, 2020 8 minutes ago, airbrake said: JV With Delta is done. https://blog.westjet.com/update-on-westjet-delta-joint-venture/?sm_cid=social:ws-world:delta-joint-venture:ed-linkedin I guess they both understood that the meat on the very skinny bird could not feed both of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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