Air Transat fined over two delayed flights

The Canadian Transportation Agency issued its final ruling today in respect of the tarmac delays of two Air Transat.

The two flights,  from Brussels and Rome, 157 and 507, were severely affected in Ottawa on 31st July this year.  The CTA found that during the tarmac delays affecting the flights the airline, Air Transat, did not properly apply its own tariff rules related passenger disembarkment – because aircraft commanders did not consider the option to disembark passengers when the delay exceeded 90 minutes – and to the distribution of drinks and snacks.

The CTA also found that the air carrier was not relieved of its obligations to passengers simply because events beyond its control required diversion of the flights to Ottawa or because the actions of other parties contributed to the length of the delays. 

Finally, the CTA found that it was unreasonable for the tariff's Force Majeure rule to be as broadly worded as it was, and for pilots to have such wide discretion to decide whether or not to allow passengers to disembark, no matter how lengthy the tarmac delay.

Based on these findings, the CTA has ordered Air Transat to:  

Compensate all passengers of the two flights for out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of the carrier's failure to apply its tariff.

Ensure that its employees are properly trained on tariff provisions, policies, and procedures related to tarmac delays and that employees understand these are legal obligations the air carrier is bound to respect.

Amend its international tariffs to incorporate the terms and conditions of its Contingency Plan for Lengthy Tarmac Delays at US Airports, which create a positive obligation for the air carrier to deplane passengers if a tarmac delay reaches four hours – unless there are safety, security, or air traffic control issues that prevent it– and require that during the delay, the air carrier provide passengers with updates every 30 minutes, working lavatories, and needed medical assistance.

tighten the definition of Force Majeure in its tariffs.

Following this determination, a CTA  issued a fine of $295,000 against the AirTransat.

Air Transat responds  - 

Transat Celebrates 30th Birthday with new livery

There was a party atmosphere at the Transat facilities at Montréal–Trudeau airport on Monday as Canada's largest integrated tourism company celebrated its 30th anniversary in fine style by unveiling its new fleet livery. 

"I feel a great sense of pride when I look at how far we've come since November 14, 1987, when our first flight took off from Montreal bound for Acapulco," said Jean-Marc Eustache, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat. "And our journey is far from over. While our tour operating business and our aviation operations are tried and tested, our services continue to evolve to meet the expectations of travellers today and in the future. We have plenty of innovations coming up, including the new fleet livery that we are unveiling this evening, and the new hotel division that we are about to create, all in pursuit of our goal of remaining at the forefront of the travel industry."

Throughout its 30-year history, Transat has stayed true to the vision of its founders: that of a leisure travel company open to the world. Today, Transat offers customers 60 destinations in two major markets: transatlantic (Europe and the Middle East) and South, out of 21 Canadian airports. It commercializes its flights to Canada in 13 European countries, as well as in Israel, the United States and at its Sun destinations. It boasts 5,000 passionate employees worldwide, who help brighten the every day with the joy of vacations for more 4.5 million passengers every year. And it is working to build a better future for the planet, through engagement with communities and investments in sustainable development.

"The story of Transat's growth over the past 30 years is a remarkable one," said Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier of Quebec, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, and Minister Responsible for the Digital Strategy, in her address. "Today, Transat is Canada's leading integrated tourism company, and Air Transat is the country's number one leisure carrier. Transat also attracts some 500,000 European travellers each year to Quebec and the rest of Canada, notably from France and the United Kingdom, two major tourism markets. Through its operations, this first-class employer generates substantial economic benefits for all of Quebec."

Yes,  read on for more on the new look and more photos.

Transat selling off its Jonview Canada tourist business

Transat Inc. has signed an agreement for the sale of its wholly-owned and highly regarded business unit Jonview Canada, the country's leading incoming tour operator, for $44 million (Canadian) to Japanese multinational H.I.S. Co. Ltd.

H.I.S specializes in travel distribution globally, the transaction is subject to the approval of the Competition Bureau of Canada and to other usual conditions. It is expected to close on or around November 30, 2017. The price will be adjusted at closing.

"With this transaction, Transat has carried out the implementation of its strategic refocusing around its leisure travel operations in Canada and development of its hotel division," said Jean-Marc Eustache, President and Chief Executive Officer, Transat. "The sale of our Canadian incoming tour operator business will accelerate development of those key sectors."