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Air Transat introduces flights to San Diego, enhances U.S. offering Français


NEWS PROVIDED BY

Transat A.T. Inc. 

Oct 15, 2019, 10:05 ET

 

  • Introduction of the only direct route between Montreal and San Diego
  • New Orleans to be offered all year round in 2020
  • More flights to Florida from Montreal and Quebec City

MONTREAL, Oct. 15, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Transat, named the World's Best Leisure Airline by Skytrax, will launch the only direct flight between Montreal and San Diego, California, in the summer of 2020. In addition, in light of the great interest in New Orleans, a new destination Air Transat will be offering for the first time this winter, the airline will extend its flights to the summer of 2020. Finally, more flights to Florida from Montreal and Quebec City will be added to the program.

Air Transat introduces flights to San Diego, enhances U.S. offering (CNW Group/Transat A.T. Inc.)

"We are enriching our offering to the western and southern United States, in line with growing travellers' expectations," says Annick Guérard, Chief Operating Officer of Transat. "The North American tourism market is strong, and as the No. 1 leisure airline in Canada, we are happy to increase our destinations and frequencies, all while strengthening our Montreal hub."

"We are very pleased to welcome the first direct route to San Diego from Montreal," adds Philippe Rainville, President and CEO of Aéroports de Montréal. "Thanks to our partner Air Transat, YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport will be offering a broader and enriched air service, with an increased frequency of flights to the southern and western United States. Quebecers will be able to enjoy a wide range of choices during the summer of 2020 with even more destinations to discover."

San Diego: vacations under the sun on the Pacific coast

A growing number of travellers are drawn to San Diego and beyond in California. Located on the Pacific coast, San Diego is a world-class holiday destination, famous for its zoo, old town, romantic Coronado Beach and sunsets in the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. San Diego is also a good base for visiting Los Angeles, Disneyland and many national parks, including the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a favourite among hikers.

Direct flights from Montreal to San Diego will be offered three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays, from June 15 to October 28, 2020.

New Orleans: all year round in 2020

Starting in November, Air Transat will offer two flights a week from Montreal to New Orleans, on Thursdays and Sundays. To respond to the high demand for this destination, the airline will be extending its service to next summer.

New Orleans is more popular than ever with Canadian tourists, and the city welcomes more visitors from Canada than from any other country, especially in the summer. This is not surprising, as New Orleans is a colourful, lively city, where music, local cuisine and history compete for travellers' attention. It's also a city of festivals: the Essence Festival (African music), the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival, the Satchmo SummerFest in honour of Louis Armstrong, and the New Orleans Oyster Festival, among others.

Florida: more flights to this iconic destination

Beloved by many Quebecers, Florida keeps attracting travellers of all ages, thanks to the scope of its offering. Next summer, Air Transat will add four flights a week to Fort Lauderdale—three from Montreal, and one from Quebec City. The latter will be the only direct flight between Quebec City and Fort Lauderdale during the summer season. Air Transat will also add two more flights from Montreal to Orlando.

The full Air Transat summer 2020 flight program will be announced shortly.

About Air Transat

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  • 2 weeks later...

Air Transat: Exceptional offering in summer 2020 Français


NEWS PROVIDED BY

Transat A.T. Inc. 

Oct 25, 2019, 11:48 ET


  • More flights to Europe from Montreal and Toronto
  • Enhanced offering to South destinations
  • Introduction of additional Airbus A321neoLRs to the fleet

MONTREAL, Oct. 25, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Transat, named the World's Best Leisure Airline by Skytrax in 2019, unveils an impressive program for the summer of 2020, with more destinations offered from Montreal and Toronto. The airline will operate 150 flights a week to 27 European cities and increase its offering to the South and the United States. Numerous domestic and connecting flights will also benefit Canadian travellers across the country. New summer destinations include Copenhagen, Denmark; Faro, Portugal; and San Diego and New Orleans in the United States.

Air Transat A321neo LR (CNW Group/Transat A.T. Inc.)
Air Transat A321neo LR (CNW Group/Transat A.T. Inc.)

"The arrival of our Airbus A321neoLRs marks the dawn of a new era for us," says Annick Guérard, Chief Operating Officer of Transat. "Along with our wide-body fleet, these aircraft help us become more flexible by increasing the options to reach Europe from major Canadian airports. Travellers win big, with more holiday choices and increased frequencies."

Given its success in 2019, TGV AIR will be back in the summer of 2020. In partnership with SNCF, France's national rail service, Air Transat offers its clients a one-stop shop allowing them to combine a flight to Paris with rail travel from Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport. Travellers can thus access 18 French cities and Brussels, Belgium. "Our priority is to give tourists choices," says Guérard. "Many of our customers took advantage of this service this year."

European destinations

In the summer of 2020, Air Transat will operate 17 flights a week to Paris from Montreal, three more than in 2019, and will once again offer an exceptional offering to Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Toulouse and Basel-Mulhouse.

Most of these French destinations will also be available from Quebec City, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, thanks to connecting flights. In total, Air Transat will have direct flights to 20 European cities from Montreal. It will also fly to Paris from Toronto five times a week.

Air Transat will operate 24 flights a week to the United Kingdom from Toronto, five more than in 2019, including two daily flights to London in high season. The airline will have five flights to Manchester, England, and five to Glasgow, Scotland, each week. Most of these destinations will be available to travellers flying from Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver, thanks to connecting flights. In total, Air Transat will offer direct flights to 15 European cities from Toronto. It will also operate flights from Montreal to London five times a week.

From Vancouver, Air Transat will fly three times a week to Amsterdam (the Netherlands), Manchester and London. It will also offer 12 flights a week to Toronto and seven flights a week to Montreal, making the majority of its European destinations available to its West Coast customers, thanks to connecting flights.

The airline will operate four direct flights a week to Paris from Quebec City, one more than in 2019. It will also keep its flights from Quebec City to Montreal, thus offering Quebec City travellers access to 16 European cities.

With their unique blends of culture and sun, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Croatia continue to attract Canadian travellers. That's why Air Transat will offer 58 flights a week to these Mediterranean destinations from Toronto and Montreal, including one flight to Faro for the first time in the summer of 2020.

Domestic and connecting flights

Air Transat keeps enhancing its domestic flight program for travellers looking for a connecting flight to Europe. From Vancouver, the airline will offer 12 flights a week to Toronto and a daily flight to Montreal. From Calgary, it will fly to Toronto and Montreal four times a week, respectively. In addition, there will be 14 flights a week between Toronto and Montreal, and four between Quebec City and Montreal.

Scheduled number of weekly flights, direct or connecting, in high season

  • Figures indicate the number of direct flights
  • Dots (-) indicate destinations involving a connecting flight
 

From

Montreal

From

Toronto

From

Vancouver

From

Calgary

From

Quebec

City

AMSTERDAM – The Netherlands

-

4

3

-

 

ATHENS - Greece

3

3

-

   

BASEL-MULHOUSE - Switzerland

2

-

-

-

 

BARCELONA - Spain

4

3

-

-

-

BRUSSELS - Belgium

3

-

-

-

-

BORDEAUX - France

4

-

-

 

-

COPENHAGEN - Denmark

2

-

-

-

 

DUBLIN - Ireland

-

5

-

-

 

FARO - Portugal

-

1

     

GLASGOW – Scotland

-

5

-

-

 

LAMEZIA - Italy

-

1

-

   

LISBON - Portugal

5

4

-

-

-

LONDON – England

5

14

3

-

-

LYON - France

5

-

-

-

-

MADRID - Spain

3

-

-

-

-

MALAGA - Spain

3

-

   

-

MANCHESTER – England

-

5

3

-

 

MARSEILLE - France

5

-

-

 

-

NANTES - France

4

     

-

NICE- France

2

 

-

-

-

PARIS - France

17

5

-

-

3

PORTO - Portugal

3

3

-

 

-

PRAGUE – Czech Republic

2

-

-

-

 

ROME - Italy

6

6

-

-

-

TOULOUSE - France

5

 

-

-

-

VENICE - Italy

3

2

-

-

-

ZAGREB - Croatia

-

3

-

-

 

South destinations

South destinations are very popular, even in summer. In 2020, Air Transat will offer 50 flights a week from Montreal to 16 destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and the United States, including Fort Lauderdale and Orlando (Florida), San Diego (California) and New Orleans (Louisiana). There will be 30 flights a week from Toronto to 10 South destinations. Finally, Air Transat will offer flights to Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), Cancun (Mexico) and Fort Lauderdale from Quebec City.

Scheduled number of weekly direct flights to the South and the United States, in high season

 

From

Montreal

From

Toronto

From

Vancouver

From

Quebec

City

SOUTH

CANCUN - Mexico

5

6

 

1

CAYO COCO - Cuba

4

3

   

CAYO LARGO - Cuba

1

     

HOLGUIN - Cuba

2

2

   

LA ROMANA – Dominican Republic

       

MONTEGO BAY - Jamaica

2

2

   

PORT-AU-PRINCE - Haiti

2

     

PUERTO PLATA – Dominican Republic

2

1

   

PUERTO VALLARTA - Mexico

   

3

 

PUNTA CANA – Dominican Republic

7

5

 

1

ROATAN - Honduras

1

     

SAMANA – Dominican Republic

1

     

SANTA CLARA - Cuba

4

3

   

VARADERO - Cuba

5

4

   

UNITED STATES

FORT LAUDERDALE - Florida

5

2

 

1

NEW ORLEANS - Louisiana

2

     

ORLANDO - Florida

4

2

   

SAN DIEGO - California

3

     

About Air Transat

Air Transat is Canada's number one leisure airline.  

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Well that sucks..................

On a personal note I have been going to San Andres to scuba dive  for the past 11-12 years, initially out of YYZ, and for the past 5 years out of YUL...(YYZ service cancelled) There was reasonably priced all inclusive packages available  and every flight I was on, especially out of YUL, was fully booked. The flight was direct, non-stop around 5:30 hrs

Now I would have to go to Bogota/Panama and then take another airline and it would be a 26-29 hour trip and there is no offers of "all Inclusive"?

Gonna have to dive elsewhere I guess....?

 

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  • 8 months later...

Air Transat makes its first two delivery flights with a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend, a first for the Airbus plant in Hamburg, Germany

Delivery of two new Airbus A321neoLRs to Air Transat

MONTREAL, July 17, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Transat is making its first two delivery flights today and tomorrow with its new jets fuelled by a kerosene blend containing 10% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a first for the Canadian carrier. It is also a first for the Airbus plant in Hamburg, Germany, which produces these aircraft, because until today delivery with SAF was offered only to Airbus customers at its plants in Toulouse, France, and Mobile, Alabama. The first aircraft took off at 2:04 p.m. (local time) from Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport (XFW) and will land at approximately 4:00 p.m. (local time) at Montreal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL). The second will depart the next day, Saturday, July 18.

Transat_A_T__Inc__Air_Transat_makes_its_ First delivery of an Airbus A321LR for Air Transat with sustainable aviation fuel (left to right): Damien Imbert, Head of Contracts Delivery, Airbus Hamburg; Capt. Manuel Chabot, Air Transat; Gunnar Gross, Project Leader Sustainable Air Fuel Airbus Hamburg; Jürgen Kuper, General Manager Air bp Continental Europe; Capt. Andrew Gordon, Air Transat; Ronny Stelter, Consultant Manager New Aircraft Acceptance and Delivery, AerCap (CNW Group/Transat A.T. Inc.)

“It is an honour for us and a sign of confidence from Airbus to be, together with AerCap, its first customer to take advantage of this new delivery option at its Hamburg plant,” said Jean-François Lemay, President and General Manager, Air Transat. “This initiative is part of our commitment to reducing our own carbon footprint while contributing to the achievement of the airline industry’s ambitious decarbonization targets.”

Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer Airbus, commented: “Sustainability and efficiency are essential for our customers and for Airbus. Sustainable aviation fuel developments will play a key role in reducing the environmental footprint of the aviation industry. By using sustainable aviation fuels on delivery flights with partners like AerCap and Air Transat, who are flying the aircraft from Hamburg to their Canadian home base non-stop, we take concrete action to contribute to a more sustainable aviation future.”

And Philip Scruggs, President and Chief Commercial Officer of AerCap, stated: “We are very pleased to be a part of this historic milestone, working together with our partners at Airbus and with our long-time customer, Air Transat, to help them meet their sustainable growth ambitions. The A321neoLR will allow Air Transat to generate significant fuel savings while reducing the environmental impact of its operations.”

Both delivery flights are carbon-neutral because the kerosene fossil fuel portion was offset by the purchase of carbon credits. “We are proud to be the first Canadian carrier to operate carbon-neutral flights, and we will continue to pursue our commitment to providing our passengers with a travel experience that takes account of our environmental footprint,” Mr. Lemay continued.

Produced by the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) process by Neste and supplied by AirBP, the sustainable fuel for both flights is certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) system and meets the sustainability requirements of the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive.

Air Transat and Airbus have a long-standing and productive partnership on environmental matters. Since its inception, Air Transat’s Environment department, with the technical support of the Airbus team, has implemented several projects aimed at improving fuel efficiency and environmental management of its flight operations and facilities, including the fuel management program and ISO14001 certification.

These two aircraft, which are the fifth and sixth Airbus A321neoLRs that Air Transat is adding to its fleet, are part of an agreement with AerCap for the long-term lease of 17 A321neos (16 in LR version). These new-generation aircraft consume 15 percent less fuel than the previous generation of Airbus jets.

Air Transat recently announced another important SAF initiative. The carrier has reached an agreement with the SAF + Consortium of Montreal to purchase a large portion of its SAF production, which will be made from CO2 produced by large industrial emitters. Using a process called Fischer Tropsch (FT), the CO2 will be captured and converted into synthetic aircraft fuel, which is estimated to have an 80% lower carbon footprint than conventional jet fuel.

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This surprises me, in that , unless I missed it, passengers on the flight will have a 14day isolation period upon arrival, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors. The EU on the other hand has listed Canada as a safe country (no isolation period)

Air Transat to relaunch UK services on Friday

News from Breaking Travel News – link to story

Air_Transat_2017-_NS-700x384.jpg

23 July 2020

Air Transat will resume flights from the UK to Canada tomorrow.

The leisure carrier will recommence non-stop flights from three UK airports to Toronto, with services from London Gatwick launching tomorrow, and then operating three times weekly (Monday, Wednesday and Friday).

On Sunday, the airline will resume flights from both Manchester and Glasgow to Toronto – the first transatlantic service to resume from both airports.

The Manchester service will then operate twice weekly (Thursday and Sunday) and weekly from Glasgow (Tuesday).

Flights will be operated by Air Transat’s brand-new fleet of Airbus A321neoLR aircraft, with a choice of club class and economy.

Adrian Keating, commercial director, UK & Ireland, for Air Transat said: “Offering flights from airports across the UK has always been an integral part of Air Transat’s strategy which is why we have immediately re-committed ourselves to Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow.

“Air Transat is looking forward to flying Canadians on its transatlantic flights from this weekend, and to welcoming British travellers on board in the near future when restrictions are eased.”

Air Transat is currently finalising the details of a new trade engagement programme which will be rolled out to its UK trade partners in the coming weeks.

Keating adds: “The UK travel trade has always been a vital partner for Air Transat.

“As we return to the skies, that is true more than ever.

“We will be unveiling a range of new incentives to strengthen that partnership in the months ahead.”

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Air Transat is making its first commercial flights

After 112 days of air downtime due to COVID-19

Neo-LR.aspx?width=633&height=386&ext=.jpg

MONTREAL, July 23, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ – Transat, one of the largest integrated tourism companies in the world and Canada’s holiday travel leader, is making its first commercial flights today, the day it is resuming air operations after four months of inactivity. There will be three international flights (Montreal-Toulouse, Montreal-Paris and Toronto-London) and three domestic flights (Montreal-Toronto, Toronto-Montreal and Toronto-Vancouver). Transat’s entire reduced summer schedule of 24 routes to some 20 destinations will be up and running by August 2.

“July 23 is, and will remain, a very special day in the history of Transat. We are gradually resuming our flight operations after a 112-day shutdown,” said Annick Guérard, Chief Operating Officer, Transat. “There will be excitement in the air during our carrier’s first takeoffs this evening. The entire Transat team, starting with our on-duty flight crews, is very pleased to return to action and to offer our passengers a restyled experience adapted to the situation. The skies are slowly clearing and that is encouraging, but it in no way means that the crisis caused by COVID-19 is over.”

To put things in perspective, September 11, 2001, was the most significant and transformative event in the travel and tourism industry in the last two decades. But as astonishing as it may seem today, by September 13, just two days later, Transat announced the gradual resumption of its flights.

Traveller Care for a totally safe trip
One of the key elements of the recovery is of course customers’ confidence in travelling safely. In this regard, Transat’s Traveller Care program offers a complete package of health and safety measures for people on the move. Based on the recommendations of regulatory authorities, the travel experience has been completely revamped: from the travel agency, to the airport, on board the aircraft, and all the way to the destination. The program is accompanied by a comprehensive practical guide that includes, among other information, the requirements of destination countries and airports. These are two online reference tools available to travel consultants and their customers.

A fleet in transformation
In July, Transat’s carrier took delivery of three new Airbus A321neoLR aircraft, which are the core of its fleet transformation. This new-generation aircraft is ideal to support the resumption of flight operations, because of, among other things, its medium capacity, extended range and fuel efficiency. The last two A321neoLRs to join the fleet made their first-ever delivery flights last weekend powered by sustainable fuel (SAF) from the Airbus assembly plant in Hamburg, Germany.

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Transat cancels most winter flights out of Western Canada due to pandemic

 

THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

 

MONTREAL -- Air Transat says it is cancelling all flights from Western Canada to sunshine destinations or the United States this winter, with refunds en route to customers.

Tour operator Transat, which owns Air Transat, says in an online notice it is scrubbing routes that were slated to take off from Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Victoria.

The only routes out of western gateways between Nov. 1 and April 30 will be from Vancouver to Toronto and Montreal, as well as some connecting flights to Europe via Toronto.

 

Transat, whose first commercial flight in four months took off last week, says customers will receive a full refund rather than the company credit that has previously been offered for flights cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The Montreal-based company cites "the many challenges" facing the airline industry, which centre around a pandemic that shut down borders and grounded fleets before traffic slowly starting to pick up in the summer, though not enough to revive the critical crossborder tourism or business travel markets.

Transat told The Canadian Press last week it will delay the closing deadline of its takeover by Air Canada, pushing it back by one month until Aug. 27 as European regulators and federal cabinet members mull how the $720-million acquisition will affect competition.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 30, 2020.

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Transat enriches its overall program: more than 40 destinations will gradually be offered for the winter season

livree2012_2-e1529022238146.jpg?w=621

MONTREAL, Aug. 4, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ – Transat A.T. Inc. is delighted to present the destinations it will offer travellers as of November 1, 2020, strengthening its overall program since gradually resuming its operations on July 23.

Air Transat plans to operate, at the height of the season, flights to more than 40 destinations in the CaribbeanMexicoCentral and South Americathe United StatesEurope and Canada. A selection of South and Europe packages featuring more than 320 dream hotels will also be offered. And to help travellers plan their getaways with peace of mind, Transat is presenting even more flexible options to book, change or cancel a trip, in addition to ensuring a safe experience with its Traveller Care program.

“Even though the entire tourism industry has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the desire to go abroad for a change of scenery and for new discoveries is still very much alive in travellers,” says Annick Guérard, Chief Operating Officer of Transat. “That is why we are delighted to present them with our enhanced offer. Now, more than ever, this program of more than 40 destinations allows us to redesign our future one step at a time and to renew our mission, which is to brighten the everyday of our passengers.”

Enhanced flight schedule

As they gradually regain their appreciation for a well-deserved vacation under the sun, travellers will be able to choose from a wide range of flights.

From Montreal, Air Transat will operate direct flights to Colombia (Cartagena), Costa Rica (Liberia, San José), Cuba (Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Havana, Holguin, Santa Clara, Varadero), the United States (Fort Lauderdale, New Orleans, Orlando), Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre), Haiti (Port-au-Prince), Honduras (Roatan), Jamaica (Montego Bay), Mexico (Acapulco, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta), Martinique (Fort-de-France), Panama (Rio Hato), Puerto Rico (San Juan), the Dominican Republic (La Romana, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Samana, Santo Domingo), St. Maarten (Philipsburg) and El Salvador (San Salvador).

Travellers from Toronto will be able to fly direct to Colombia (Cartagena), Cuba (Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Holguin, Santa Clara, Varadero), the United States (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando), Jamaica (Montego Bay), Honduras (Roatan), Mexico (Cancun, Puerto Vallarta), Panama (Rio Hato), the Dominican Republic (La Romana, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Samana) and St. Maarten (Philipsburg).

From Quebec City, 10 South destinations will be accessible via direct flight: Cuba (Cayo Coco, Holguin, Santa Clara, Varadero), the United States (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando), Mexico (Cancun) and the Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Samana).

Direct flights to the most popular destinations in Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean are also scheduled from Halifax, Hamilton, London, Moncton and Ottawa.

In addition, to complement its range of flights, Transat is also highlighting its attractive hotel offer, featuring more than 320 properties grouped under its four collections—LuxuryDistinctionFamily and Solo—to suit all tastes and budgets. Exceptional hotels in the United States and Europe are also on the program.

As for Europe, Air Transat will offer direct flights between Montreal and Spain (Malaga), France (Paris) and Portugal (Lisbon). In addition, direct flights from Toronto to Portugal (Faro, Lisbon, Porto) and the United Kingdom (Glasgow, London, Manchester) will also be offered. Travellers from Quebec City will be able to fly direct to France (Paris) during the holidays.

Finally, to open the door to more international destinations and enable travel throughout Canada, Air Transat will also operate domestic flights between Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

Travelling with peace of mind

Subject to changes in demand and travel restrictions, Transat may have to modify its flight schedule. However, to reassure its travellers, it is offering them even more flexible booking options.

That is why it is extending its Book with peace of mind offer, applicable to all new flight bookings, until August 31, 2020. This offer allows passengers to change their travel dates or destination—or both—at no charge up to 24 hours before departure. In the event of a cancellation, they will obtain a travel credit that will be fully transferable and have no expiry date.

The Here Comes the Sun Promo also includes extra flexibility on new bookings of South packages made by September 11, 2020. It features perks like Transat’s Price Drop Guarantee, a reduced deposit of only $100, and Option Flex, which allows travellers to cancel or change their booking at no charge or to transfer their package to a friend or family member.

And since passenger safety remains Transat’s top priority, it will continue to apply the strict health and safety measures of its Traveller Care program at check-in, during boarding, on board and at destination. In addition, a practical guide for travellers containing all the information they need has been created to accompany them at every step of their trip.

Greener flights

Air Transat continues the transformation of its fleet and strengthens its commitment to reducing its environmental footprint by integrating two new Airbus A321neoLRs, the greenest in their class. It plans to add three more by next spring, bringing the total number of this generation of aircraft in its fleet to nine.

About Transat

Transat A.T. Inc. is a leading integrated international tourism company specializing in holiday travel. It offers vacation packages, hotel stays and air travel under the Transat and Air Transat brands to some 60 destinations in more than 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 13 years, and was awarded Travelife certification in 2018. Based in Montreal, the company has 5,000 employees (TSX: TRZ).

Recent distinctions and awards

  • Named World’s Best Leisure Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards
  • Ranked eighth nationally and third in Quebec on Forbes magazine’s annual list of Canada’s Best Employers
  • Voted Best Tour Operator and Favourite Overall Supplier at the Agents’ Choice Awards presented by Baxter Travel Media
  • Voted Best Airline and Best Tour Operator at the Trophées Uni-Vers awards organized by the Association des Agents de Voyages du Québec
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  • 1 month later...

Air Transat says many customers won’t see refunds until January

From CityNews1130 – link to story

BY MIKE BLANCHARD ~ Posted Sep 4, 2020

DPI10864505.jpgAir Transat aircrafts are seen on the tarmac at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Thousands of Air Transat customers in western Canada are still waiting for refunds more than a month after the airline cancelled their flights.

In July, the company scrapped all routes heading south from western Canada and told customers in an email they would receive refunds.

However, a service rep with the airline tells 660 NEWS many refunds won’t be processed until January — six months after the flights were cancelled.

President of the group Air Passenger Rights Gabor Lukacs said the airline is supposed to refund money within 30 days.

“Airlines cannot hold on to passengers’ money once the flight has been cancelled. The law has been very clear.”

Lukacs believes the struggling airline may be using passengers money for short-term cash flow.

“Air Transat is simply trying to steal the public’s money and try to use it as an interest-free loan for its operations and it’s wrong. It’s not their money, it’s the passengers’ money.”

Air Transat won’t say how many customers are affected, only that it will take months to refunds thousands of cancelled airfares.

The Montreal-based airline is not the only company facing complaints about refunds.

Lukacs said Air Canada’s refusal to offer refunds amounts to systematic fraud.

“It’s not a question of financial difficulty. Their books indicate they have plenty of money. We are not talking about compensation for not being able to travel. Simply, you bought a car, they weren’t able to deliver the car, you get back your money.”

Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation said Air Canada was the target of 1,705 refund complaints out of 10,415 filed against non-U.S. airlines in the month, the second-highest for May.

– with files from NEWS 1130 and The Canadian Press

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Transat renews call for bailout as stalled Air Canada deal hampers its ability to borrow

From The Globe and Mail – link to story

ERIC ATKINS, TRANSPORTATION REPORTER, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

KW26TZTIZVFAJG4UTSNQU42FIU.JPG An Air Transat sign stands at Terminal 3 at Toronto Pearson International Airport on March 19, 2020.FRED LUM/THE GLOBE AND MAIL

Airline and tour operator Transat AT Inc. said it needs more cash to survive the pandemic that hammered demand for air travel, but its ability to borrow is restricted by the stalled Air Canada takeover deal.

Montreal-based Transat said on Thursday it is in “advanced discussions” to obtain financing and reissued a call for a government bailout to bolster its cash reserves of $576-million.

“We are hit just as any airline or travel company in the world,” said Jean-Marc Eustache, chief executive officer of Transat, said on a conference call with analysts on Thursday. “What really matters for now is our liquidity.”

Transat outlined measures it has taken to cut costs and preserve its bank balance, including layoffs, refusing to give customers refunds for cancelled flights, using a credit facility worth $50-million, renegotiating with suppliers and retiring its Airbus 310 fleet.

“Preserving cash is a priority for the corporation, and other opportunities are being evaluated to achieve this objective,” said Transat, which agreed to the Air Canada takeover in 2019.

Still, the company said it needs to raise more money, and it is not clear Air Canada will permit it to do so.

“The covenants undertaken under the arrangement agreement with Air Canada restrict and govern the corporation’s capacity to obtain additional sources of financing and may require Air Canada’s prior consent,” Transat said on Thursday. “Although the agreement provides that Air Canada’s consent may not be unreasonably withheld, there is no certainty that Air Canada will consent to the obtaining of additional sources of financing by the corporation.”

Transat shareholders in August, 2019, approved Air Canada’s $720-million takeover, worth $18 a share. Transat shares traded at just over $5 this week on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

The deal is awaiting regulatory approvals in Canada and Europe. Transat said it expects a decision by Dec. 11 from the European Commission. There is no deadline on the Canadian ruling.

Transat has extended the deal’s deadline three times, but regulatory approvals must be obtained by Dec. 27 or the deal is off, according to the agreement.

Transat said it posted an operating loss of $132-million in the three months ending July 31, a period in which the airline was grounded for all but the final nine days. Revenue fell to $9.5-million, from $700-million in the same quarter of 2019.

Transat halted flights on March 23 and resumed flying a small number of routes on July 23. The reduced schedule of 24 routes and 20 destinations includes three international trips – Montreal-Toulouse, Montreal-Paris and Toronto-London.

About 4,000 of Transat’s 5,000 employees were laid off, then rehired under a government wage-subsidy program. About 2,000 will be laid off permanently, Transat said.

“With Canada maintaining some of the most stringent border restrictions and still requiring quarantine for people returning from abroad, it’s time for the government to provide targeted support for the airline sector to ensure the existence of a competitive industry in Canada over the long term,” Transat said in a statement accompanying the financial results.

An Air Canada spokesman did not immediately respond to e-mailed questions.

Benoît Poirier, a stock analyst at Desjardins Securities, said Transat’s attempts to save cash are not working as expected. Excluding customer deposits and deferred revenue, Transat’s has $219-million in cash, less than the $489-million Mr. Poirier expected.

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Transat A.T. Inc. – Results for third quarter of 2020

Third quarter reduced to one week of operations
Approval of transaction with Air Canada still pending

For the third quarter:

  • Revenues of $9.5 million
  • Adjusted operating loss1 of $79.9 million (operating loss of $132.0 million)
  • Adjusted net loss3 of $139.8 million (net loss attributable to shareholders of $45.1 million)

Resumption of operations:

  • Partial resumption of flights and tour operations since July 23, 2020
  • 23 international routes and a summer domestic program operated mainly during the fourth quarter

Financial position:

  • Cash and cash equivalents of $576.4 million as of July 31
  • Advanced discussions to set up additional financing
  • Air Canada’s consent may be required

Transaction with Air Canada:

  • Canadian approval process still underway to obtain a decision from the government
  • In-depth investigation by the European Commission since August 20; decision expected by December 11
  • If the required regulatory approvals are obtained and conditions are met, it is expected at the present time that the arrangement will be completed during the fourth quarter of the 2020 calendar year

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 10, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ – Transat A.T. Inc., one of the largest integrated tourism companies in the world and Canada’s holiday travel leader, announces its results for the third quarter ended July 31, 2020.

“The reduction of operations to just one week for this quarter is unprecedented for Transat and for the industry as a whole. Given the dynamic measures we took to protect the Corporation and its cash flow, we’re ready for the recovery,” stated Jean-Marc Eustache, President and Chief Executive Officer, Transat. “However, with Canada maintaining some of the most stringent border restrictions and still requiring quarantine for people returning from abroad, it’s time for the government to provide targeted support for the airline sector to ensure the existence of a competitive industry in Canada over the long term.”

The global air transportation and tourism industry has faced a collapse in traffic and demand. Travel restrictions, uncertainty about when borders will reopen, both in Canada and at the destinations the Corporation flies to, and the need for quarantine and physical distancing measures create significant demand uncertainty for the remaining part of fiscal 2020 and at least for fiscal 2021. For the moment, the Corporation cannot predict all the impacts of COVID-19 on its operations and results, or when the situation will improve. Until the Corporation is able to resume operations at a sufficient level, the situation will affect its cash position. However, the Corporation has implemented a series of operational and commercial as well as financial measures, including cost reduction, aimed at preserving its cash flow. The Corporation is monitoring the situation daily to adjust these measures as it evolves.

The Corporation has taken the following measures regarding the COVID-19 pandemic:

  • From April 1, and through July 22, the Corporation suspended all its flights and constantly monitored demand and constraints by destination in order to gradually return to operations;
  • In March, as a precautionary measure, the Corporation drew down on its $50.0 million revolving credit facility agreement. It is now in advanced discussions to set up additional financing. As at July 31, the Corporation’s cash and cash equivalents totalled $576.4 million;
  • Senior executives and the Board of Directors agreed to a voluntary reduction in their compensation from 10% to 20%;
  • In March, the Corporation decided to early retire all of its Airbus A310s from its fleet;
  • In order to protect its cash and allow recovery after the restrictions have been lifted, the Corporation has granted its customers transferable travel credits with no expiry date for flights cancelled due to the exceptional situation and including travel restrictions imposed by governments;
  • Since March, the Corporation has been renegotiating with aircraft lessors, as well as with owners of premises it occupies, to defer a number of monthly lease payments. The Corporation has also been negotiating with its suppliers to benefit from cost reductions and changes in its payment terms, and has implemented measures to reduce expenses and its investments. Preserving cash is a priority for the Corporation and other opportunities are being evaluated to achieve this objective;
  • As of the end of March, the Corporation proceeded with the gradual temporary layoff of a large part of its personnel, reaching approximately 85%; for the resumption of operations, the Corporation recalled to work approximately 1,000 employees, but two thirds of its personnel remains laid off;
  • In April, the Corporation made use of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (“CEWS”) for its Canadian workforce, which enabled it to finance a portion of the salaries of its staff still at work and to propose employees temporarily laid off to receive a part of their salary equivalent to the amount of the grant received, without work counterpart;
  • The Corporation currently anticipates that it will be forced to lay off at least 2,000 employees or 40% of its workforce in the future.

Third Quarter Highlights

Since mid-March, restrictions on international travel and government-imposed quarantine measures have made travel sales very difficult. The Corporation suspended all of its flights as of April 1 and therefore had no more sales from that date, until the partial resumption of airline operations on July 23, 2020. As a result, these factors caused the fall in revenues. The Corporation recognized revenues of $9.5 million during the quarter, a decrease of $689.4 million (98.6%) compared with 2019.

Operations generated an operating loss of $132.0 million compared with operating income of $1.7 million in 2019, a deterioration of $133.7 million. Despite the absence of revenues up to July 23 and despite the cost reduction measures implemented to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Corporation was obliged to maintain certain fixed costs during the suspension of airline operations; as a result, the fall in revenues was more pronounced than the decrease in operating expenses. The decline in operating results was accentuated by the unfavourable settlement of fuel-related derivative contracts. Transat reported an adjusted operating loss1 of $79.9 million compared with an adjusted operating income1 of $62.1 million in 2019, a deterioration of $142.0 million.

Net loss attributable to shareholders amounted to $45.1 million or $1.20 per share compared with $1.5 million or $0.04 per share in 2019. Net loss attributable to shareholders for the quarter includes a $67.7 million gain for changes in the fair value of fuel-related derivatives and other derivatives due to the significant recovery in fuel prices during the quarter, a $28.5 million foreign exchange gain mainly related to the remeasurement of lease liabilities. These gains reversed a very large portion of losses of the same nature included in the loss attributable to shareholders for the second quarter announced last June. Excluding non-operating items, Transat reported adjusted net loss3 of $139.8 million ($3.70 per share) for the third quarter of 2020, compared with adjusted net income3 of $6.2 million ($0.16 per share) in 2019. 

Nine-Month Period Highlights

As a result of the above factors, the Corporation experienced a significant deterioration in its performance for the nine-month period ended July 31. The impact of the pandemic annihilated a very good start to the fiscal year, as the adjusted operating income1 for the first four months of the year was up $63.3 million compared with 2019, due to a significant improvement in the profitability of the sun destinations program, our main program during the winter season.

Considering the impacts of COVID-19, the Corporation recognized revenues of $1.3 billion, a decrease of $970.3 million (43.2%) compared with 2019, and operations generated an operating loss of $186.6 million, compared with $50.7 million in 2019, a deterioration of $136.0 million. Transat reported adjusted operating loss1 of $31.4 million compared with adjusted operating income1 of $94.9 million in 2019, a deterioration of $126.3 million.

Net loss attributable to shareholders amounted to $258.5 million or $6.85 per share compared with $55.4 million or $1.47 per share for the corresponding nine-month period of last year. Net loss attributable to shareholders for the quarter includes a $29.3 million charge for changes in the fair value of fuel-related derivatives and other derivatives due to the collapse in fuel prices in the second quarter, a $21.7 million charge to reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets and a $7.4 million foreign exchange loss mainly related to the remeasurement of lease liabilities. Before non-operating items, Transat reported adjusted net loss3 of $198.9 million ($5.27 per share) for the first nine months of 2020, compared with $39.5 million ($1.05 per share) in 2019.

Financial position

As at July 31, 2020, cash and cash equivalents amounted to $576.4 million, compared with $723.8 million on the same date in 2019. This change was mainly attributable to a significant decrease in profitability, the acquisition of one replacement engine for the A321neo LR fleet ($16.6 million), and to costs related to the transaction with Air Canada ($15.3 million), partially offset by the $50.0 million drawdown on its revolving credit facility agreement.

The working capital ratio was 0.93, compared with 1.10 as at July 31, 2019. This change was mainly attributable to the increase in the current portion of lease liabilities and the decrease in cash and cash equivalents.

Deposits from customers for future travel amounted to $638.1 million, compared with $611.1 million as at July 31, 2019, an increase of $27.0 million.

As a result of this sudden, unpredictable and unprecedented health crisis and the resulting travel restrictions, the Corporation decided, like other Canadian carriers, to issue travel credits for cancelled trips. Customer deposits as at July 31, 2020 included these travel credits amounting to $564.0 million, 43% of which was placed in trust, with the difference representing deposits made directly with Air Transat or foreign subsidiaries. This exposes the Corporation to litigation and enforcement measures by legislative and regulatory authorities, including class action suits, which the Corporation intends to contest in good faith and with good reason.

Following the adoption of the IFRS 16 accounting standard, leases with terms of more than 12 months are now recorded as right-of-use under assets and as lease liabilities under liabilities. As at July 31, 2020, lease liabilities amounted to $909.2 million.

Off-balance-sheet agreements, excluding contracts with service providers, stood at $847.1 million as at July 31, 2020. This amount was composed of commitments to take delivery of the 11 undelivered A321neos.

As it is impossible to assess the pace of recovery or the possible evolution of the pandemic and its effects, the Corporation, similarly to the vast majority of air carriers and other travel industry players in the normal course of their operations following the impacts of COVID-19, is currently reviewing various opportunities to increase its cash flow. In particular, the Corporation is continuing discussions initiated in the second quarter with its financiers and the various levels of government to improve its cash flow.

IFRS update

The Corporation adopted IFRS 16, Leases, on November 1, 2019. The 2019 comparative figures have been restated to reflect these changes.

To sum up, the adoption of this standard resulted in increases of $748.4 million in assets, $716.9 million in liabilities and $22.7 million in equity, respectively, as at October 31, 2019. For the year ended October 31, 2019, the adoption of this standard resulted in an increase in net income attributable to shareholders of $0.8 million. The main changes related to the adoption of IFRS 16 are described in note 3 to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended July 31, 2020.

Resumption of operations

Having partially resumed its flights and tour operator activities on July 23, 2020, Transat is currently operating a condensed flight schedule for the summer with 17 destinations. It serves 11 European destinations (in France, the United Kingdom and Portugal) and three destinations in the South (Mexico, Dominican Republic and Haiti) from Montréal or Toronto, as well as a domestic program linking the main Canadian airports (Montréal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver). The Corporation will continue to adjust its programs based on border restrictions and health measures in place.

The Traveller Care program aims to ensure the safety and peace of mind of the Corporation’s customers with new health measures at check-in, at boarding, on board and at destination.

On August 4, 2020, the Corporation announced a winter program including, at the height of the season, flights to many destinations to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America, the United States, Europe and Canada. A selection of hotel packages in the South and in Europe will also be offered.

Outlook

In the current situation, it is impossible for the moment to predict the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on future bookings, the partial resumption of flight operations and financial results.

The Corporation has implemented a series of operational, commercial and financial measures, including cost reduction, aimed at preserving its cash and continues to monitor the situation daily to adjust these measures as it evolves. Please see the Risks and Uncertainties section of the Corporation’s MD&A for the third quarter of fiscal 2020 (and that of October 31, 2019) for a more detailed discussion of the main risks and uncertainties facing the Corporation.

Consequently, for now the Corporation is not providing an outlook for summer 2020 or winter 2021.

Discussions relating to the sale of the Corporation

On August 23, 2019, Transat’s shareholders approved the arrangement agreement with Air Canada, under which it is provided that Air Canada will acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Transat for a cash consideration of $18.00 per share [the “arrangement”]. The arrangement remains subject to certain customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, particularly those of authorities in Canada and the European Union.

Notably, a public interest assessment regarding the arrangement is being undertaken by Transport Canada. On March 27, 2020, as part of this assessment process, the Commissioner of Competition released the report provided to Transport Canada summarizing his assessment of the impacts on competition. On May 1, 2020, Transport Canada in turn provided its assessment report to the Minister of Transport.

On May 25, 2020, the European Commission decided to open an in-depth (“Phase II”) investigation to assess the transaction with Air Canada. This extension is part of the European Commission’s normal process of assessing the impact of transactions submitted for its approval, which is currently complicated by the COVID 19 pandemic and the impact it is having on the international commercial aviation market. On September 1, 2020, with retroactive effect to August 20, 2020, the European Commission ended the suspension of the deadline decided on June 9, 2020 and set a new provisional deadline of December 11, 2020 for its decision.

While the Corporation remains firmly committed to completing the transaction with Air Canada, certain factors beyond its control and related to the COVID-19 pandemic could influence the outcome of the proposed arrangement. The market conditions of the global industry have been completely transformed. Among other things, the vast majority of North American, European and international air carriers have requested financial assistance measures, but have had to implement reductions in capacity (as the Corporation did). This context could impact the obtaining of approvals from regulatory authorities, especially regarding the appropriate package of remedies aimed at obtaining those approvals.

Moreover, owing to the pandemic and the continued restrictions on non-essential travel, the Corporation is actively looking to obtain additional sources of financing. The covenants undertaken under the arrangement agreement with Air Canada restrict and govern the Corporation’s capacity to obtain additional sources of financing and may require Air Canada’s prior consent. Although the agreement provides that Air Canada’s consent may not be unreasonably withheld, there is no certainty that Air Canada will consent to the obtaining of additional sources of financing by the Corporation.

If the required approvals are obtained and the conditions are met, it is now expected that the arrangement will be completed during the fourth quarter of the 2020 calendar year. Under the arrangement agreement, the deadline for obtaining the regulatory approvals cannot be extended beyond December 27, 2020. This date, initially set for June 27, 2020, may be deferred, to the extent that the regulatory approvals are not obtained, for three one-month periods upon notification by one of the parties, and subsequently for three additional one-month periods under certain conditions. The Corporation has successively informed Air Canada of its decision to activate the first three initial one-month periods, which defers, for now, the June 27 deadline to September 27, 2020.

The management information circular dated July 19, 2019 contains additional information regarding the arrangement.

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  • 3 weeks later...

Transat enhances its services and fare options to offer customers maximum flexibility


NEWS PROVIDED BY

Transat A.T. Inc. 

Oct 01, 2020, 11:10 ET


The company revamps its Option Flex offer and
introduces its Club Flex fare

MONTREAL, Oct. 1, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Transat, one of the world's largest integrated tourism companies and Canada's leader in leisure travel, is pleased to announce that it is launching its revamped Option Flex service and fare options on October 1, 2020, offering travellers maximum latitude and flexibility for their trips to the South, the United States, Europe and within Canada.

"We put in place a series of relaxed measures, for both flights and packages, to allow all types of travellers to find the flexibility they need, notably by changing their travel dates or destination, or even cancelling their booking," says Annick Guérard, Chief Operating Officer of Transat.

At the same time, Transat is extending its Book With Peace of Mind offer until December 31, 2020. Applicable to flight bookings, this offer allows customers to change their travel dates and/or destination at no charge up to 24 hours prior to departure, or cancel their flight and receive a travel credit that has no expiry date and is fully transferable.

Extra flexibility with Option Flex

To find the flexibility they need, Transat will now be offering travellers two types of Option Flex for South and Europe packages: Option Flex Standard and Option Flex Extra.

For $59 per person, Option Flex Standard allows travellers to:

  • Change their travel dates, destination and/or hotel up to 72 hours before departure
  • Cancel their trip up to 72 hours before departure and get a travel credit for the amount paid
  • Transfer their vacation package to a friend or family member up to 30 days before departure

For $99 per person, Option Flex Extra allows travellers to:

  • Change their travel dates, destination and/or hotel up to 24 hours before departure
  • Cancel their trip up to 24 hours before departure and get a full refund for the amount paid, in the original method of payment
  • Transfer their vacation package to a friend or family member up to 30 days before departure

VIP treatment and more flexibility on flights with Club Class

To better meet travellers' needs, Air Transat will now have two fare options in Club Class: Club Standard and the brand-new Club Flex, with varying degrees of flexibility to cancel or modify a flight.

Club Class continues to attract passengers looking to add a touch of affordable luxury to their trip. It includes priority airport services, two pieces of checked baggage, wider seats with more legroom, a Comfort Kit, premium meals, larger individual touch screens and personalized service from a flight attendant dedicated to the exclusive cabin.

With the new Club Flex, travellers will be able to benefit from absolute freedom, as it allows them to change their flight without fees, or cancel and receive a full refund in all circumstances.

Full details on all of Air Transat's fare options, which offer varying degrees of flexibility and many other built-in perks, can be found at airtransat.com/en-CA/Travel-information/fare-options.

About Transat

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New layoffs at Air Transat


NEWS PROVIDED BY

Canadian Union of Public Employees (FTQ) 

Oct 16, 2020, 15:57 ET


CUPE calls for effective federal screening at airports

MONTREAL, Oct. 16, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Faced with the major Air Transat layoffs announced for November, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is calling on the federal government to immediately deploy rapid COVID-19 screening at Canadian airports.

The Air Transat component of CUPE has just learned that the number of its flight attendant members will drop to less than 160 in November, from a total of 2,000 employees in normal times. Air Transat's Vancouver base will be closed completely until further notice.

After the total cessation of activities last April 1, followed by the resumption of flights on July 23, the number of flight attendants reached a modest high of 355 last August.

"All of our information indicates that Air Transat's resumption of activities in the summer and fall of 2020 was totally safe for passengers and staff. A rapid screening system that provides pre-boarding results would be a crucial addition for reviving the airline industry. We sometimes forget that more than 600,000 jobs in Canada depend on this industry, directly or indirectly. What we need is an efficient federal screening program," said Julie Roberts, president of CUPE's Air Transat component.

The union also noted that a broad coalition of aviation employees will demonstrate on Parliament Hill at noon on October 20, demanding concrete measures from the Government of Canada to ensure the safe recovery of the aviation industry.

Air Transat flight attendants are safety professionals whose primary role is to protect passengers. They are divided into three local unions, corresponding to their three bases: CUPE 4041 (Montreal-YUL), CUPE 4047 (Toronto-YYZ) and CUPE 4078 (Vancouver-YVR). The Air Transat component oversees these three local unions.

In total, CUPE represents more than 13,100 members in air transport in Canada, including workers at Air Transat, Air Canada Rouge, Sunwing, CALM Air, Canadian North, WestJet, Cathay Pacific, First Air, and Air Georgian.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees is Canada's largest union, with 700,000 members across the country. CUPE represents workers in health care, emergency services, education, early learning and child care, municipalities, social services, libraries, utilities, transportation, airlines and more. We have more than 70 offices across the country, in every province.

SOURCE Canadian Union of Public Employees (FTQ)

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Air Transat chooses Avianor from Mirabel for a maintenance visit on an A330

Montreal, October 20, 2020 — Avianor, a leader in the aerospace industry for more than 25 years, has been selected by Air Transat for a “c-check” maintenance visit on one of its A330 wide-body aircraft. This new collaboration demonstrates the airline’s confidence in Avianor, an affiliate of DRAKKAR Aerospace and Ground Transportation, which became the company’s majority shareholder in 2019, and a joint commitment to support the local and national aerospace industry during a challenging time for the entire sector.

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Avianor, a company specializing in MRO and cabin integration for commercial and military aircraft, has developed a high level of expertise in the market, with more than 900 maintenance visits on its roadmap. This new mandate allows the company to highlight its fields of expertise, with more than sixty technicians mobilized to deliver a high-quality product within the established deadlines.

“At this stage of the pandemic, I find it quite impressive and encouraging to see a company like Air Transat demonstrate its involvement and importance with service companies like ours in Quebec. Make no mistake, Air Transat has a choice when considering maintenance companies and, under the circumstances, the choice of Avianor was certainly a business decision coupled with a genuine desire to support our economy.”

— Benoit Hudon, President and CEO of DRAKKAR Aerospace & Ground Transportation

“We are pleased to be working with a local company to perform heavy maintenance on one of our wide-body aircraft while our own maintenance centres are running at full capacity. In a time as critical as the one we are currently experiencing, we must join forces to ensure that our aerospace industry, a sector that is vital to the economy of the Greater Montreal Area and all of Quebec and Canada alike, not only carries on, but maintains its competitiveness, its know-how and its leading position on the world stage.”

— Jean-François Lemay, President of Air Transat

“I would like to thank Air Transat for its confidence in this important visit. This new collaboration will pave the way for great business opportunities between the two companies,” concluded Mr. Hudon.

 

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  • 4 weeks later...

Transat presents its Out of Office Collection Français
NEWS PROVIDED BY

Transat A.T. Inc. 
Nov 17, 2020, 09:00 ET

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The specialist in leisure travel invites Canadians who telecommute
to swap their home office for one with an ocean view

MONTREAL, Nov. 17, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Transat is pleased to announce that, starting today, it is offering a brand-new collection of hotels called Out of Office Collection. Designed for travellers who would like to soak up the joys of the South while working, the collection features a range of benefits tailored to the needs of telecommuters and includes more than 30 carefully selected hotels in some of the most popular South destinations for Canadian travellers, namely Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

This addition enhances Transat's existing hotel offer, which already includes four Sun Collections: Luxury, Distinction, Solo and Family.

"This is a clear trend that we have been seeing emerge in this new context of widespread telecommuting," says Annick Guérard, Chief Operating Officer of Transat. "The offer is particularly timely, with the imminent arrival of winter and our affordable rates. In addition, we are the only ones in Canada to offer this kind of collection with no supplement for solo travellers."

Oceanfront office

Available for travel with friends, solo or with family, the Out of Office Collection is offered for stays of 14 days or more and features many perks* to ensure that travellers work efficiently in the South:

No supplement for solo travellers
Accommodation with ample workspace
Complimentary or reduced-rate printing and IT services
Complimentary, reliable and fast WiFi
Complimentary or reduced-rate laundry services
Moreover, since the health and safety of passengers remains its top priority, Transat will continue to apply the measures of its Traveller Care program at check-in, during boarding, on board and at destination. Its hotel partners at destination have also implemented a variety of measures, including rigorous cleaning and disinfecting, distancing furniture in public areas and adapting various services to minimize contact.

Booking and travelling with peace of mind

To reassure travellers and give them greater flexibility, Transat is extending its Book Packages With Confidence offer until November 30, 2020.

Applicable to new package bookings, this offer includes free COVID-19 medical insurance and Option Flex Standard's extra flexibility to cancel a trip or change travel dates, destination and/or hotel up to 72 hours before departure.

*Offer may vary by hotel. Restrictions may apply.

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Suitors lose interest in Transat deal

Tour operator weighing Péladeau's offer, government support and other options

  • Calgary Herald
  • 7 Apr 2021
  • STEFANIE MAROTTA
img?regionKey=SmryDrzdWk5Redb6G2WTWA%3d%3dCOLE BURSTON/BLOOMBERG FILES At least two companies that previously expressed interest in acquiring Transat say they are no longer considering a deal. Air Canada ended its bid to buy the Montreal tour operator last week.

At least three potential bidders for Transat AT Inc. say they are not currently interested in acquiring the tour operator after Air Canada terminated its deal to purchase the struggling company late last week.

Since the deal fell apart, Montreal-based Transat has been weighing its options, including seeking long-term funding and potential government support. In an email statement on Tuesday, it reiterated that it would also consider other acquirers, including an offer from Québecor CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau that remains on the table.

“We will now have whatever discussions are necessary to consider all our options,” Transat spokesperson Christophe Hennebelle said in the statement.

But at least two companies that previously expressed interest say they are no longer in the running for Transat.

Montreal-based developer Groupe Mach, which bid for a block of shares in 2019 in an attempt to stop Transat's sale to Air Canada, is no longer interested in the deal, president Vincent Chiara said in a phone interview.

“We have no more interest, we have moved on with other strategic partners,” Chiara said, adding that he has recently been contacted by other parties interested in submitting a joint bid for Transat, but has turned them down.

Dominik Pigeon, head of financial services company FNC Capital, which expressed interest in bidding with a group of investors in 2019, has also said that he currently is not in a position to make an offer.

“In the current context, FNC Capital alone has not what is required to make it a success,” Pigeon said in an email statement. “Because of all these elements, Péladeau's offer may be the best one today.”

A third potential suitor, Calgary-based Westjet Airlines Ltd., told the Financial Post in an email that it's not considering bidding on Transat. While some have speculated that Westjet might be a logical partner, the Calgary-based carrier, which was purchased by Onex Corp. and taken private in late 2019, never publicly entered the bidding on Transat.

It was, however, a strong opponent of the deal with Air Canada, arguing that the merger of Canada's biggest and third-biggest airlines would undo “years of effort to foster true competition” in the industry, chief executive officer Ed Sims said in a blog post in February.

Péladeau, who approached Transat with an offer of $5 a share in December, has reiterated his interest in the company. The board rejected those offers as it was already in talks with Air Canada.

“Péladeau still appears personally interested in Transat but we would not yet count on his December offer of $5 per share (which matched Air Canada's cash offer) given Transat doesn't have any active proposals at this time and it needs at least $500-million in liquidity this year,” Scotiabank analyst Konark Gupta said in a note.

Gupta noted that potential suitors, including Groupe Mach and Westjet, could re-emerge, the latter of which would cause fewer competition concerns.

Without a deal, beleaguered Air Transat needs money. It said in March that, if the deal were to fall through, it would need $500 million in long-term financing on top of the $250-million credit facility that expires on June 30.

It is also seeking help from the federal and Quebec governments. Transat is looking for funding under the federal government's Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) and through a potential bailout of travel and tourism companies hit hard by the pandemic, Hennebelle said.

The carrier is one of Canada's largest sellers of vacation packages, flying travellers from Canada to sunny beaches in the Caribbean and cobblestone streets in Europe — many destinations that have been locked down during the COVID-19 pandemic. .

In October, Air Canada cut the deal to $5 per share from $18 per share due to the air travel industry`s collapse during the pandemic.

The Canadian government approved the deal in February at $5 per share, with conditions including that Air Canada keep 1,500 of Transat's 5,000 employees, maintain its Quebec headquarters and protect Canadians from higher prices — which airline competition expert Ambarish Chandra says is nearly impossible to promise.

“It is very difficult to force companies to not raise prices and monitor what prices should be,” Chandra said. “It depends on oil prices, and global demand ... It's futile.”

The support came a year after Canada's Competition Bureau denounced the deal, saying that it would lead to pricier airfares for consumers.

The European Commission also criticized it, pushing back its decision to conduct an investigation.

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The PKP offer is to take up shares, not to recapitalize.

Yes, TRZ is in trouble unless government steps in either selectively (QC) or collectively (the Feds with industry targeted aid).

A trip through the CCAA car wash remains a distinct possibility. There is no reason to bail out current TRZ shareholders. They bought a lottery ticket.

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