WestJet issues ultimatum tech ops union....

WestJet issues 72-hour lockout notification to its Tech Ops union, AMFA

WestJet today has issued a 72-hour lockout notice to the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the union that represents WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. As a result of today's lockout notice, a work stoppage could occur as early as Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 12 p.m. MT, unless a deal is reached.

"The decision to issue a lockout notice was not one that was made lightly, and we sincerely regret and apologize for the uncertainty this causes for our guests and the communities and regions that rely on us. Despite our unwavering commitment to reach a collective agreement, AMFA continues to show up to the bargaining table with unreasonable demands and expectations," said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airline and Group Chief Operating Officer. "With AMFA publicly issuing a strike vote alert last week and publicly directing guests to fly with other carriers, we can't allow the unpredictable nature and lack of progress to continue. We are left with no alternative but to issue a lockout notice in an attempt to bring this to a final resolution."

The WestJet Group has been in active labour negotiations with AMFA since September 2023. The WestJet Group has presented an offer to AMFA that would make WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers the highest paid in Canada, with a cumulative wage increase of over 20 per cent across the span of the collective agreement. The offer would also deliver industry leading work-life balance standards and strong commitments to job security.

"We sincerely value the work and contributions of our Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, and our proposed agreement reflects this. We are unwaveringly committed to reaching an agreement to prevent travel disruption, however, we are equally prepared to protect the travel plans of our guests and to provide long-term stability and security for all employees at the WestJet Group," concluded Pen.

Issuing a 72-hour lockout notice does not mean travel disruption will occur. However, in the coming days, the WestJet Group will take all necessary actions to manage the impacts as much as possible, including:

• Beginning preparations to operate a reduced schedule.
• Proactively managing changes and cancellations, to ensure the ability to communicate with guests in advance of their flight.
• Providing flexible change and cancel options for those who wish to make alternative arrangements.

Please visit WestJet's Guest Updates page for more information regarding flight status, travel changes and applicable dates for flexible change and cancel options.

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Air Canada starts motorcoach service connecting Hamilton and region of Waterloo airport with Toronto Pearson

Air Canada has begun offering residents of the Hamilton-Wentworth and Waterloo Region more convenient, one-stop access to the airline's global network and a world of travel possibilities.

With the launch of its new motorcoach service in collaboration with The Landline Company, Air Canada is connecting the Hamilton and the Region of Waterloo airports to Toronto Pearson. Customers can now create a single itinerary when booking travel with Air Canada from Waterloo Region or Hamilton through Toronto to any destination. The service includes a high-end motorcoach service connecting with Air Canada flights, offering a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. This integrated service is a trial initiative from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport and the Region of Waterloo International Airport, with the potential to make it available elsewhere in Canada in the future.

"We are excited to launch this new service in collaboration with The Landline Company, offering our customers a convenient, stress-free multimodal option that will make connections easy and travel more seamless. We are committed to improving regional services and this innovative partnership is a testament to that," said Ranbir Singh, Director Regional Airlines and Markets at Air Canada. "Passengers who choose to travel between airports using Landline's top-tier motorcoaches will enjoy similar benefits as those who opt for air-only connections: a convenient single itinerary when departing Hamilton or the Region of Waterloo, disruption protection and Aeroplan earning opportunities."

"We are thrilled to launch our premium connecting service from Hamilton and the Region of Waterloo in partnership with Air Canada," said Nick Johnson, Vice President, Commercial for Landline. "In addition to premium onboard amenities, and a protected flight connection on every trip, passengers can now book and ride our luxury motorcoach for no additional cost when paired with their Air Canada flight."

"Today marks an exciting development for the future of air travel in southern Ontario as Air Canada's luxury motorcoaches, operated in partnership with The Landline Company, officially take to the road from Hamilton International," said Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director of John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. "This innovative new service aligns with Hamilton International's commitment to provide a comfortable, convenient travel experience for passengers and expands access between our region and Air Canada's global network."

"At YKF we are investing and expanding in so many ways. We are thrilled to welcome Air Canada's motorcoach service, further connecting Waterloo Region to a network of 140-plus destinations," said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo. "We look forward to continuing to work together to build on an airport that offers options for every traveller."

How it works

Landline will operate six, non-stop round trips daily to Toronto Pearson from each of the Hamilton and Region of Waterloo airports in southern Ontario. Air Canada customers beginning their journey at Hamilton or Region of Waterloo airports will check in as normal for their flight and obtain boarding passes for all segments of their trip. At a designated departure point at the local airport, they will board a luxury, Air Canada-branded motorcoach and their checked baggage will be loaded. Upon arrival at Toronto Pearson, customers will proceed directly with their bags to the departure level.

In the event of coach or flight delays, customers travelling on Landline will be automatically rebooked like customers travelling on air-only itineraries.  Members of Air Canada's Aeroplan program will earn points for both ground and air segments, as on any normal connecting flight itinerary. For more information see www.aircanada.com/landline 

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From	To	Day of Week	Departure Time	Arrival Time
Hamilton (YHM)	Toronto (YYZ)	Daily	5:00am 6:00am 10:45am 1:40pm 3:45pm 5:40pm	06:00am 06:55am 11:50am 2:45pm 5:00pm 6:50pm
Toronto (YYZ)	Hamilton (YHM)	Daily	8:05am 9:50am 1:00pm 3:05pm 6:00pm 9:40pm	9:10am 10:55am 2:05pm 4:20pm 7:20pm 10:40pm

 

From	To	Day of Week	Departure Time	Arrival Time
Kitchener/Waterloo (YKF)	Toronto (YYZ)	Daily	5:00am 6:05am 10:55am 1:40pm 3:50pm 5:45pm	6:05am 7:15am 12:05pm 2:55pm 5:15pm 7:00pm
Toronto (YYZ)	Kitchener/Waterloo (YKF)	Daily	8:15am 9:40am 1:15pm 3:15pm 6:15pm 9:35pm	9:30am 10:50am 2:25pm 4:40pm 7:35pm 10:40pm

Premium motorcoaches

The motorcoaches used by Landline for Air Canada are made in Canada by Prevost, a manufacturer of touring coaches based in Sainte-Claire, Quebec. Each Landline motorcoach provides a premium experience, with 36 spacious, leather seats in a two-by-one configuration. The coaches are equipped with free WiFi, power and a table tray available at each seat, generous overhead storage for carry-on baggage, and an onboard lavatory. Announcements will be made in both Official Languages and the coaches are fully accessible, including a power lift for customers requiring mobility aids.

Air Canada Regional Services 

Air Canada operates to 40 communities across Canada, including in partnership with regional carriers Jazz Aviation LP and PAL Airlines. Through its innovative new partnership with Landline, Air Canada is extending its regional network to conveniently connect local airports directly to its global network. There is potential to further expand the partnership with Landline to connect with other regional airports in Canada at a future date.

The Royal Aeronautical Society President’s Briefing Paper - Leading the Next Evolution in Aviation Safety

The Royal Aeronautical Society has published a breakthrough President’s Briefing paper on shaping the future of aviation safety with electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. In a novel and innovative approach, this paper outlines hypothetical scenarios that anticipate future challenges, integrates enduring lessons from traditional aviation, and proposes strategic recommendations to enhance safety in this rapidly evolving field.

The critical and timely importance of this ‘forward-thinking’ paper, in forecasting the safety challenges ahead, cannot be underestimated and is the first time that future eVTOL safety has been addressed in such a manner. The established aerospace industry, with airworthiness and safety in its DNA, should continue to transfer this safety culture to the emerging AAM sector for the benefit of all. With this ground-breaking paper analysing plausible and realistic accident scenarios, developed by a group of global experts, we aim to stimulate discussion, shape the debate and ultimately help make the introduction of AAM as safe as possible.

The link to the paper can be found here: https://www.aerosociety.com/media/23584/shaping-the-future-of-aam-safety-presidents-paper-2024.pdf

Kerissa Khan, President, Royal Aeronautical Society said:  “As aviation evolves with innovations in electrification, digitalisation, and automation, it unlocks novel opportunities to connect people, transport goods, and deliver services more sustainably and efficiently across congested and remote areas. To fully realise the social and economic benefits, safety must remain the top priority. The Royal Aeronautical Society remains committed to its mission of advancing flight safety. This paper not only emphasises the importance of industry-led collaboration and continuous improvement in safety practices, but also introduces a predictive safety management approach that includes 'pre-mortem' analysis to foresee and mitigate potential risks, guiding the aviation sector towards a safer future for all.”

David Edwards, Chief Executive, Royal Aeronautical Society said:   "The Royal Aeronautical Society welcomes this pioneering paper led by our President, heralding a new chapter in aerospace advancement focusing on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). As we approach an era marked by groundbreaking developments in electric and autonomous flight technologies, we must continue to examine the intersection of next-generation air mobility and established aviation framework"

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The Society is the only global organisation serving the entire aviation, aerospace, and space communities as both a learned society and a professional engineering institution. As such, the RAeS is independent, evidence-based and authoritative, relying on a body of knowledge going back more than 150 years. We play a leading role in influencing opinion on aviation and aerospace matters through various means including our publications, social media profile, interaction with Government and an extensive events programme. 

Hawaiian Airlines Launches Month-Long Lei Day Celebration Featuring Global Sweepstakes and Interactive Pop-Up Events

At the start of May, Hawaiian Airlines surprised guests at Honolulu and Kona airports with 1,500 fresh flower lei – giving them a taste of the carrier’s monthlong Lei Day celebration.

Hawaiʻi's hometown airline is extending its traditional May Day festivities to all 31 days of the month to honour the legacies of May Day as celebrated in Hawaii and Hawaiian Airlines – both of which date back 95 years to 1929.

Throughout the month, Hawaiian will share the act of giving lei at pop-up lei stands in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and Tokyo, via a global sweepstakes awarding four million HawaiianMiles, and in a video series featuring Hawaiian Airlines employees, among other special surprises.

Delta to relaunch Tampa - Amsterdam service.

At a time when authorities in Amsterdam are trying to curb an increase in tourism, Delta Air Lines has announced a restart to its service to the Dutch capital from Tampa. 

This route strengthens the airline’s Florida-Europe network, complementing the existing winter seasonal service between Orlando (MCO) and Amsterdam. Delta also flies year-round to the Dutch city from Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis/St Paul (MSP), New York (JFK), Portland (PDX), Salt Lake City (SLC) and Seattle (SEA).  

The new service will operate on the Airbus A330-300 aircraft, featuring four product experiences: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin. Delta One customers can stretch out in a lie-flat seat and enjoy premium amenities like plush bedding made from recycled plastic bottles, more beverage options and a seasonal chef-curated four-course meal.

“By seamlessly linking Amsterdam’s vibrant international hub—Delta’s most-served airport in Europe—with Tampa Bay’s renowned beaches, Delta is offering customers a gateway to explore the best of Europe and America,” said Matteo Curcio, Delta’s Senior Vice President for Europe, Middle East, Africa and India. “With our premium amenities and extensive global network, travellers will have a lot to enjoy during the winter travel season.” 

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Delta unveils special Team USA livery jet

The U.S. mega carrier, Delta has unveiled its custom livery upon an Airbus A350 this week in  Toulouse, France. The Team USA livery demonstrates the carrier's wish to celebrate the athletes' journeys and connect them with their Olympic dreams as the official airline of Team USA.  

The Team USA-inspired A350 celebrates Delta's eight-year partnership with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, which runs through the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  

“Unveiling the Team USA aircraft for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 marks a major milestone for Delta’s support of Team USA as we look toward the start of competition in just a few months,” said Chief Marketing Officer Alicia Tillman. “This plane, designed by our in-house creative team, represents Delta’s commitment to Team USA and our partnership to elevate these athletes to reach their highest potential. As this plane flies around the world in the coming months and years, we hope it is seen as a symbol of hard work, dedication and the upward momentum to being the best that Team USA and Delta innately share.”    

The custom livery was designed over several months by Alessandra Rabellino and Delta’s internal brand design team, Window Seat. The bespoke design boasts red, white and blue colours with ‘Team USA’ proudly written across its side and maintains elements of the Team USA Livery design for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, as a nod to the beginning of the partner journey, while also incorporating features that look ahead to Paris and beyond.   

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Air Cargo continues growth run in March

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for March 2024 global air cargo markets showing continuing strong annual growth in demand. 

•    Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), rose by 10.3% compared to March 2023 levels (11.4% for international operations). This is the fourth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth. 

•    Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), increased by 7.3% compared to March 2023 (10.5% for international operations). 

"Air cargo demand grew by 10.3% over the previous March. This contributed to a strong first quarter performance which slightly exceeded even the exceptionally strong 2021 first quarter performance during the COVID crisis. With global cross-border trade and industrial production continuing to show a moderate upward trend, 2024 is shaping up to be a solid year for air cargo," said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Several factors in the operating environment should be noted:

•    Global cross-border trade and industrial production increased by 1.2% and 1.6% respectively in February. 

•    In March, the manufacturing output Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) climbed to 51.9, indicating expansion. The new export orders PMI also rose to 49.5, remaining slightly below the 50 threshold that would indicate growth expectations. 

•    Inflation saw a mixed picture in March. In the EU and Japan, inflation rates fell to 2.6% and 2.7% respectively, while rising in the US to 3.5%. In contrast, China experienced a slight deflation of -0.01%. This latest figure marks a return to deflation after February's brief period of inflation. 

March Regional Performance

Asia-Pacific airlines saw 14.3% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in March. Demand on the Asia-Europe route grew by 2.7 ppt to 17.0% and the within Asia market grew by 6.7 ppt to 11.8%. Capacity increased by 14.3% year-on-year.

North American carriers saw 0.9% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in March —the weakest among all regions. Demand on the North America–Europe trade lane grew by 2.9% year-on-year while Asia–North America grew by 4.7% year-on-year.  March capacity decreased by -1.9% year-on-year.

European carriers saw 10.0% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in March. Intra-European air cargo rose by 24.7% year-on-year. Europe–Middle East routes saw demand grow by 38.3% year-on-year, while Europe–North America expanded by 2.9% year-on-year.  March capacity increased 8.0% year-on-year.

Brunei orders six H145M helicopters

Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with the Ministry of Defence of Brunei for the acquisition of six H145M helicopters.

“We are greatly honoured by the selection of the H145M to support the Royal Brunei Air Force’s expanded missions,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H145M is well regarded for its high performance and versatility, and we are confident that it will bring a step change in operational readiness to Brunei.”

Replacing its old BO105 fleet, Brunei’s H145Ms will be used to enhance the air force’s operational capabilities for missions including close air support and aerial observation.

The H145M is a multi-role military helicopter that provides a broad range of mission capabilities. The global fleet of the H145 family has accumulated more than seven million flight hours to-date. It is used by armed, air and law enforcement forces around the world for the most demanding missions. Brunei is the latest nation to order the H145M, after Cyprus, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Serbia and Thailand.

Air Canada Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Air Canada reports its first quarter 2024 financial results this week, demonstrating operating revenues of more than $5 billion. 

"Air Canada's solid first quarter results position our airline for a strong performance in 2024. We had operating revenues of $5.2 billion in the quarter, up $339 million from last year. Adjusted EBITDA grew by $42 million year over year to $453 million. I thank our employees for their hard work taking care of our 11 million customers and transporting them safely throughout the quarter. I also commend them for improving our operations, notably a 13 percentage-point increase in system-wide, on-time arrivals, preparing us for an anticipated busy summer period," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada. 

"We are confident in our ability to deliver on our full year 2024 guidance. As we look toward the summer, we see a continued healthy demand environment, and our customers will have a wide range of exciting travel options across Europe, Asia, and North America, for their summer holiday planning.  

"In the quarter, we generated over $1 billion of free cash flow, mainly resulting from cash generated from operating activities. Our net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio fell to 0.9 at the quarter's end. We also made further progress in our strategy to deleverage the balance sheet by reducing gross debt. Our accomplishments in this regard have been recognized by the credit rating agency community, more recently with S&P Global Ratings' latest upgrade to 'BB' from 'BB-' at the end of April. For the full year 2024, we remain certain of our ability to generate significant free cash flow. Our strong balance sheet will serve as the foundation on which we will grow our airline through investments in our world-class global network and the deployment of capital allocation strategies that will create sustainable, long-term value, for all of Air Canada and its shareholders," said Mr. Rousseau.

First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

• Operating revenues of $5.226 billion increased $339 million or 7% on an operated capacity growth of 11% year over year.
• Operating expenses of $5.215 billion increased $311 million or 6%. The increase was due to higher costs in nearly all line items reflecting higher operated capacity and traffic year over year, in addition to higher labour, maintenance and information technology expense. Lower fuel expense partially offset the increase.
• Operating income of $11 million, with an operating margin of 0.2%, improved $28 million.

Singapore Airlines picks WebCargo by Freightos to expand booking options in Asia-Pacific's busiest hubs

WebCargo by Freightos, a leading vendor-neutral booking and payment platform for the international freight industry, is excited to announce that Singapore Airlines' cargo capacity is now being offered on WebCargo's platform. This relationship with Singapore Airlines underscores WebCargo's position as the leading digital platform for the air freight industry, offering its users an end-to-end booking experience while expanding its reach in the Asia-Pacific region. Digital bookings for shipments from Asia origins on WebCargo more than doubled between Q4 2022 and Q4 2023, showing strong appetite for digitalization in Asia, a trend that will likely be accelerated with Singapore's national carrier on the platform.

With a fleet of seven Boeing 747-400F freighters and over 190 Singapore Airlines and Scoot passenger aircraft serving more than 120 destinations, Singapore Airlines brings expanded reach to the thousands of freight forwarders that use WebCargo's platform for real-time air cargo pricing and booking starting this week. The partnership provides WebCargo's users with additional access to sought-after Asia-Pacific destinations, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. Coverage on the platform is slated to increase over the course of the year.

WestJet outlines strategic plan in St. John's

WestJet Group outlines strategic plan in St. John's

Celebrating the Group's return of transatlantic flying to the region, von Hoensbroech underscores steadfast commitment to Newfoundland and Labrador during his inaugural visit

 WestJet Group CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech concluded his inaugural visit to Atlantic Canada in St. John's, Newfoundland on Thursday, where he was joined by key stakeholders and community members to discuss the Group's expanding presence across the region. Von Hoensbroech highlighted the WestJet Group's renewed commitment to the region, as exhibited by network enhancements unfolding across the province's key airports this summer, including; increased east-to-west domestic air service seamlessly connecting Canadians from coast-to-coast, and enhanced leisure service, accomplished through the resumption of seasonal transatlantic service to London (Gatwick) and increased north to south air service providing access to popular sun destinations in the winter.

"We have heard loud and clear from both the city and the province on the importance of the WestJet Group's presence in the region. We are committed to leveraging our aircraft to further enhance Atlantic Canada's accessibility through thoughtful and targeted air connections, facilitating critical domestic, leisure and global air links to St. John's and the broader province," said von Hoensbroech.

In his remarks, von Hoensbroech provided a comprehensive overview of the WestJet Group's ongoing investments in Newfoundland and Labrador, demonstrating confidence in the airline's future presence in supporting the region:

Transatlantic flights reconnecting Newfoundland and Labrador to the world

Elevating its growth strategy, the WestJet Group has reached significant milestones, bolstering the province's network in 2024:

• May 1, 2024, the WestJet Group restarted the highly anticipated service between St. John's and London (Gatwick), providing the community with non-stop service to one of Europe's most popular global travel hubs, filling the largest air access gap for the province.
• This summer, St. John's will gain a 35 per cent increase in seat capacity, as a result of the WestJet Group's investments, compared to 2023.
• The WestJet Group will operate 36 weekly flights out of St. John's International Airport, during peak summer this year, a 20 per cent increase in total weekly flights, compared to 2023.
• The WestJet Group will return service to Deer Lake this spring, with new non-stop seasonal service to Calgary on May 18, 2024 and the restart of service to Toronto on May 16, 2024.

The WestJet Group fulfils its promise to satisfy demand through network schedule

GE Aerospace Foundation's $1 Million Pledge to Airlink to Strengthen Disaster Response Efforts Worldwide

Today, disaster logistics nonprofit Airlink received a $1 million donation from the GE Aerospace Foundation, emphasizing their shared commitment to leveraging aviation for humanitarian purposes. Established in 2010, Airlink is a nonprofit organization providing free air transport and logistical coordination for a pre-screened network of over 200 nonprofits, aiding in delivering disaster responders and aid supplies to areas affected by global humanitarian crises. 

The GE Aerospace Foundation, an independent charitable organization funded by GE Aerospace, made the donation at the formal launch of the Foundation during a press conference in Cincinnati.

“Our Foundation’s new commitment reflects our belief in aviation’s ability to do good, to save lives and rebuild communities," said GE Aerospace Foundation President Meghan Thurlow. "We are proud to partner with Airlink to help lift people up in communities around the world, providing supplies and support when they are needed most.” 

Airlink's work extends to humanitarian crises across the globe, from rapid-onset disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes to ongoing crises such as refugee emergencies. In 2023 alone, Airlink directly assisted over 12.5 million people in the aftermath of disasters, including the war in Ukraine, Turkey-Syria earthquakes, food insecurity across Sub-Saharan Africa, an outbreak of cholera in Haiti, and hurricanes and wildfires in the US. 

German passenger tax increase will weaken German economy and hamper decarbonization claims Willie Walsh

Willie Walsh has taken to the pulpit again to attack a democratically elected government's tax position which he claims will weaken the economy of Germany and halt the development of decarbonization.

As the Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Walsh sharply criticized the increase in German aviation taxes which have recently gone up.   

The outspoken industry veteran said: “When Germany’s economic performance is anaemic at best, denting its competitiveness with more taxes on aviation is policy madness. The government should be prioritizing measures to improve Germany’s competitive position and encouraging trade and travel. Instead, they have gone for a short-term cash grab which can only damage the economy’s long-term growth,"

IATA warned that the tax increase imposed by Germany will hamper the industry’s efforts to decarbonize. Aviation has a goal of reaching net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are vital to this effort. The German government coalition agreement originally stated that revenues from aviation taxes would directly fund the production of SAF, but IATA claims this commitment has been broken. 

Continuing the attack, Walsh said: "The German government appears to have an unhealthy obsession with aviation taxes. On top of increasing the passenger tax, it is also in favour of a European jet fuel tax which will make it even more expensive to do business in Germany or for families to go on holiday. Our survey of air travellers in Germany shows deep scepticism about government claims for ‘green taxes’. 75% agreed with the statement “Taxation is not the way to make aviation sustainable” and 72% agreed that “Green taxes are just government greenwashing”. Time and again, we see taxation that was supposed to help the industry decarbonize be stolen and then lost in the general budget. And money taken out of the industry means that it has less money to invest in other decarbonization measures,”.

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Aviation Capital Group announces key leadership promotions.

Aviation Capital Group, the global aircraft asset manager, has announced the promotions of Rob Downes and John Nally to key leadership positions effective immediately.

Rob Downes, currently Head of our Aircraft Trading business, has been promoted to the newly created position of Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer and will join ACG’s Senior Leadership Team.  In his new role, Rob will help design and implement strategic and asset investment activities to drive ACG’s continued growth and profitability.

John Nally, a member of our Trading team since 2021, has been promoted to Vice President, Head of Aircraft Trading.  John will lead the company’s aircraft trading initiatives, spearheading efforts to optimize ACG’s asset portfolio and strengthen its position in the global aviation market.

“Rob and John have been key to the execution of ACG’s commercial strategy for the past several years, demonstrating sound understanding of the market, exceptional leadership, and solid execution.  Their promotions reflect ACG’s commitment to developing, enabling and advancing talent within our business.  We are excited for the significant positive impact they will have in their expanded roles,” said Thomas Baker, CEO and President of ACG.

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The WestJet Group's growth strategy comes to life in Halifax this summer amidst return of transatlantic air connectivity

Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group CEO, commemorates first visit to Halifax with key partners and community members, reaffirming commitment to Atlantic Canada

This week WestJet Group CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, addressed key stakeholders and community members with a fulsome update on the airline's growth strategy and vision for Atlantic Canada at a special event hosted by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. Commemorating his first visit to Nova Scotia, von Hoensbroech spoke about the WestJet Group's commitment to growing its presence across the region through critical air connectivity. With increased leisure opportunities, achieved through the resumption of transatlantic service and increased north to south air service providing access to popular sun destinations in the winter, along with enhanced east-to-west domestic air service better connecting Canadians from coast-to-coast, the WestJet Group's strategy is coming to fruition across Atlantic Canada.

"It is incredible to be visiting Halifax for the first time, meeting with our remarkable partners and getting to experience the tremendous Atlantic Canada hospitality firsthand," said von Hoensbroech. "We set out our growth strategy almost two years ago, and we are seeing it well in action across Atlantic Canada; our commitment to Halifax is strong as we work to meet demand and fuel Halifax's tourism pipeline."

Von Hoensbroech highlighted the WestJet Group's milestone achievements in Halifax and current and upcoming network investments serving to enhance the city's air connectivity, while bolstering the region's visitor economy:

Propelling Halifax forward through partner collaboration and strategic investments

Taking the airline's growth strategy to new heights in 2024 and beyond, the WestJet Group has accelerated on the following cornerstone achievements:

• On April 28, 2024, the WestJet Group celebrated the takeoff of its inaugural service between Halifax and London Gatwick, the first of three critical transatlantic routes that will return to Nova Scotia's capital this summer, bridging essential connections to global hubs, tourism and business economies.
• This summer, Halifax will see a 31 per cent increase in seat capacity provided by the WestJet Group, compared to 2023.
• Halifax Stanfield International Airport will have 90 weekly flights operated by the WestJet Group during peak summer this year; a 43 per cent increase in total weekly flights compared to 2023.