Showing posts with label Toronto Pearson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toronto Pearson. Show all posts

29 September, 2023

KLM Crown Lounges now open at Toronto and Houston airports





KLM recently opened two renovated Lounges at the airports of Toronto, Canada and Houston, Texas, United States. Together with the lounges at Schiphol Airport Amsterdam, these are KLM’s only Crown Lounges worldwide. Rejuvenation of these lounges forms part of KLM’s broader strategy: “Run a great airline for our customers and our people”.





With the renovation of the two lounges into KLM Crown Lounges, KLM wants to offer its customers the most attractive lounges in the world, by emphasizing comfort and convenience, all in a recognizable and trusted KLM environment.

Comfortable and stylish

Comfortable, stylish and ergonomic furniture and fixtures made of sustainable elements and circular materials were chosen for the refurbishment of both lounges. The lounges are recognizable thanks to the KLM blue and the use of warm, natural colours. Additionally, as is also the case in the lounges at Schiphol, KLM’s Delftware miniature houses are on display. Several seating areas have been created for customers in the lounges. They can choose to work quietly in a more secluded (work) area or opt for more activity elsewhere in the lounge. Customers can also enjoy what the buffet has to offer, with customized options depending on the time of day. 

Festive opening

Many people attended the festive openings of both lounges, including travel agency employees, influencers, US and Canadian (travel) media, airport representatives, Delta colleagues and AFKL partners. Marleen van de Pol, VP of Customer Experience performed the official opening of both lounges. 


Marleen van de Pol, VP Customer Experience said: "We’re very pleased with the positive response from customers, agents and partners who celebrated the openings with us. Investment in signature lounges at international stations are the cornerstone of elevating the premium customer experience, aligning perfectly with our commitment to investing in our new World Business Class and our recently introduced Premium Comfort cabin. Branded lounges add to the connection with our customers in delivering our brand promise of creating memorable experiences." 

KLM offers 81 flights every week to American destinations, including New York, Atlanta, Austin, Washington, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Houston is visited 6 times a week. KLM flies 36 times a week to the 5 Canadian destinations Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton and Montreal. Toronto is visited 13 times a week.




18 September, 2023

Toronto Pearson celebrates successful summer travel season with an innovative new campaign

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is launching its new marketing campaign “At Your Airport this Summer” to recognize a successful summer travel season at Toronto Pearson.

This campaign aims to celebrate and share Pearson Airport’s achievements over the course of the summer 2023 travel season, showcasing the scale of our operations and highlighting the smooth movement of people and bags.

Here are some of the numbers that are highlighted in “At Your Airport this Summer:”

1. 12.6 Million Passengers: Pearson Airport welcomed 12.6 million passengers at the airport – which is an increase of close to a million passengers from the same time period in summer 2022

2. 8.3 Million Pieces of Luggage: Our team processed 8.3 million pieces of luggage – which is an increase of over a million pieces of luggage from the same time period in summer 2022

3. 100,000 Flights: Pearson Airport had an impressive 100,000 flights depart and arrive from our runways – including more commercial, general aviation and cargo planes than in summer 2022.

4. 4.0 Million Cups of Coffee: 4 million cups of coffee were served at the airport, keeping people energized and ready for the next step of their journey!

“We are proud of the successful operations that took place during summer travel season at Toronto Pearson” said Karen Mazurkewich, Vice-President of Stakeholder Relations and Communications, GTAA.  “These numbers not only reflect the volume of passengers that travelled through Canada’s largest, and most connected hub, but speak to  the progress our employees and partners have made since summer 2022.



“At Your Airport this Summer” was designed to reflect flight boards and gates at Pearson Airport, and reflects our ongoing milestones for the year.

09 June, 2023

Air Canada's non-stop service between Edinburgh and Toronto restarts.....

Air Canada to operate up to daily during the summer peak and continue three times a week into the winter season 

 

Cabada's leading international airline, Air Canada has resumed its non-stop service between Edinburgh Airport and Toronto.  The service will operate up to daily during the summer peak and then continue three times a week during the winter season, until 8 January 2024.  

The flights are set to be operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring three cabins comprising of  Air Canada Signature Class with its lie-flat seats, Premium Economy and Economy Class. 

“We are delighted once again to be flying from the Scottish capital with our newly extended non-stop service between Edinburgh and Toronto,” said Stephen Gerrard, Air Canada General Manager Sales, U.K. and Ireland. “Our customers in Scotland will benefit from this direct link to our Toronto hub and beyond to destinations across the Americas in both the summer and winter seasons. We look forward to welcoming our customers on board.” 

“It’s great to see the Air Canada tailfin back at Edinburgh Airport, especially knowing it will be here for a longer duration than ever before now that it stretches into the winter months,” said Jonathan Macneal, Head of Aviation. “Toronto continues to be a destination that generates excitement with passengers and we’re thrilled to be able to provide that direct link – and of course we look forward to welcoming the thousands of Canadian travellers who want to see the very best of Edinburgh and Scotland.” 


Edinburgh – Toronto Schedule (Summer 2023 & Winter 2023/2024)

Flight 

From 

Departure 

To 

Arrival 

Frequency 

 

Dates of Operation 

 

AC 807 

 

Edinburgh 

09:00 

Toronto 

11:10 

Up to Daily 

2 June – 28 October 2023 

AC 806 

Toronto 

19:05 

Edinburgh 

06:35 (+1) 

Up to Daily 

1 June – 27 October 2023 

 

AC 807 

 

Edinburgh 

08:55 

Toronto 

11:20 

Mon, Thu, Sat 

30 October 2023 – 8 January 2024

AC 806 

Toronto 

19:50 

Edinburgh 

07:10 (+1) 

Wed, Fri, Sun 

29 October 2023 – 7 January 2024 


.......

Toronto is one the best cities in North America!  It has a vibrant cultural scene, top-quality bars and restaurants, enjoyable nightlife and simply great shopping.  Toronto has it all,  plus it has that little something extra, not least the great scenery just around the corner,  plus the falls which are just a day trip away, but also, it has PATH!   PATH is a mostly underground pedestrian walkway network in downtown Toronto that spans more than 30 kilometres of restaurants, shopping, services and entertainment.

This subterranean walkway links public transit, accommodating more than 200,000 business-day commuters as well as tourists and residents. The PATH provides an important contribution to the economic viability of the city’s downtown core. No matter what the weather is outside, the PATH is always warm and welcoming. Download a map here to see just how extensive it is. 


But, wait,  don't spend all your time in the city like a mole, underground,  be aware that even in Toronto there are some top spots up top to soak up the sun and atmosphere.

Wander to one of the cafes or eating places with outside areas!  

Cabana Waterfront Patio
Cabana's massive 50,000 square foot patio gives you a really bright and colourful outside space to people watch, enjoy the vibe and themed days as well as soak up a bit of sun. Oh and you've got a great view of Toronto's skyline and a massive telly screen, it's for the young and hip really, but worth a look.

21 April, 2023

Canadian police investigating $20 million gold heist at Toronto Pearson Airport



Canadian police are investigating the theft of a $20 million that's around £11.9 million cargo of gold and other valuables that was stolen from a cargo holding facility at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

The cargo was reported missing after arriving on an aircraft early Monday evening, Peel Regional Police Inspector Stephen Duivesteyn told a news conference on Thursday.

Duivesteyn said after the aircraft landed the cargo was unloaded and taken to a holding facility, in line with normal procedure, but disappeared some time afterwards.  “An aircraft arrived here at the airport in the early evening. As per normal procedure, the aircraft was unloaded and cargo was transported from the aircraft to a holding cargo facility. - What I can say is that the container [had] a high-value shipment. It did contain gold but was not exclusive to gold and contained other items of monetary value.”

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are understood to be also investigating the incident which is one of the largest in Canadian history. As yet the origin of the gold or the airline concerned has not been released by the police. 

02 March, 2023

Flight capacity reductions at Toronto Pearson Airport


The number of flights arriving and departing Toronto's Pearson International Airport is set to be limited during peak times to try and avoid delays from occurring. 

In a statement, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) said there were a number of measures to be taken "These include hard limits on the number of commercial flights that can arrive or depart in any given hour along with limits on business/general aviation flights. In addition, measures have been applied to cap the number of passengers that can arrive internationally, or depart to the United States through each terminal, in a given hour." 

The airport said it would be working to 'flatten' daily travel peaks, "As opposed to limiting the total number of flights that Toronto Pearson can accommodate over a given period, this work has been predominantly focused on limiting flight activity during certain peak hours, thereby spreading demand out over the course of each day."

One of the leading airlines at the airport, Air Canada, issued the following statement Air Canada was first advised of the GTAA's plans in August 2022, and so it designed its 2023 winter schedule with these limitations taken into account and anticipates no significant changes to its schedule for the March Break travel period. It subsequently received information about GTAA's plans for summer 2023 and similarly designed this coming summer's schedule to meet those parameters. 

It is Air Canada's policy to work with its industry partners to meet the requirements of airports and other third parties to drive operational improvements and support the smooth running of Canada's air transport system. This includes, as in this case, adapting its schedule as required to ensure operational stability, and is a normal process."







12 February, 2022

SAS to serve Toronto from both Copenhagen and Stockholm



SAS expands its network in North America and will start direct routes to Toronto from Copenhagen and Stockholm in June 2022. SAS will operate three weekly flights from Copenhagen and four weekly flights from Stockholm with brand-new A321LR aircraft.

Toronto is the fourth-largest city in North America, an international centre for business and finance, a truly cosmopolitan city with a vast array of experiences for travellers, from major sports and culture events to great outdoor sceneries around the Great Lakes.

“We are happy to announce direct flights from Scandinavia to Toronto, taking the next step in strengthening our North America network.  SAS’ new routes will make travel between Scandinavia and Canada easy and convenient for our travellers. Flights depart from Scandinavia at midday and from Toronto in the afternoon enabling good connections in either end to other destinations, says Karl Sandlund, EVP Commercial, SAS.

SAS direct routes to Toronto will start in June 2022, provided that SAS obtains the necessary approval from the authorities. Ticket sales will start soon.

The Toronto routes will be operated by A321LR aircraft in a three-class configuration with 157 seats; 22 seats in SAS Business, 12 seats in SAS Plus (premium economy), and 123 seats in SAS Go (economy).

“SAS aims to be a global leader in sustainable aviation. As we continue to phase in new, fuel-efficient aircraft we now have one of Europe’s most modern fleets. The new, state-of-the-art aircraft will give our customers a more pleasant, comfortable and sustainable way of travelling,” continues Sandlund.

In the coming summer season, SAS will fly to a total of seven destinations in the US and Canada: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Toronto.

08 February, 2022

SAS expands its network in North America and will start direct routes to Toronto from Copenhagen and Stockholm in June 2022


SAS expands its network in North America and will start direct routes to Toronto from Copenhagen and Stockholm in June 2022. SAS will operate three weekly flights from Copenhagen and four weekly flights from Stockholm with brand-new A321LR aircraft.

Toronto is the fourth-largest city in North America, an international centre for business and finance, a truly cosmopolitan city with a vast array of experiences for travellers, from major sports and culture events to great outdoor sceneries around the Great Lakes.

"We are happy to announce direct flights from Scandinavia to Toronto, taking the next step in strengthening our North America network.  SAS' new routes will make travel between Scandinavia and Canada easy and convenient for our travellers. Flights depart from Scandinavia at midday and from Toronto in the afternoon enabling good connections in either end to other destinations, says Karl Sandlund, EVP Commercial, SAS.

SAS direct routes to Toronto will start in June 2022, provided that SAS obtains the necessary approval from the authorities. Ticket sales will start soon.

The Toronto routes will be operated by A321LR aircraft in a three-class configuration with 157 seats; 22 seats in SAS Business, 12 seats in SAS Plus (premium economy), and 123 seats in SAS Go (economy).

"SAS aims to be a global leader in sustainable aviation. As we continue to phase in new, fuel-efficient aircraft we now have one of Europe's most modern fleets. The new, state-of-the-art aircraft will give our customers a more pleasant, comfortable and sustainable way of travelling," continues Sandlund.

In the coming summer season, SAS will fly to a total of seven destinations in the US and Canada: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Toronto.

Schedules to and from Toronto:

Copenhagen-Toronto: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday

Toronto-Copenhagen: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

Stockholm-Toronto: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Toronto-Stockholm: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

Facts about Airbus 321LR


The aircraft has 22 Business, 12 Plus and 123 Go, meaning a total of 157 seats in a single-aisle aircraft. The seats are especially chosen for the A321LR to optimize the comfort in all three travel classes. Seats in SAS Business are fully flat seat beds and there are different mood light scenarios in the cabins, as well as hi-speed Wi-Fi. Every seat is equipped with IFE screens, PC-power and/or hi-power USB. The reduced noise level inside the cabin will further enhance the travel experience onboard.

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04 September, 2020

McMaster HealthLabs, Air Canada and Greater Toronto Airports Authority to Conduct a Voluntary COVID-19 Study of Arriving International Travellers


McMaster HealthLabs (MHL), Air Canada and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) today announced that they will partner on a voluntary COVID-19 study of international travellers arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The study's core purpose is to gather information to explore the effectiveness of various quarantine periods for travellers. MHL is a non-profit organization that develops COVID-19 research initiatives and testing solutions to accelerate business recovery during the pandemic.

"MHL's team of scientists and doctors from McMaster University, the Research Institute of St. Joseph's Hamilton, and other Canadian universities and research organizations, generates scientific COVID-19 data to keep Canadians safe and to support a strong economy," said John Gilmour, MHL's Chief Executive Officer. "Our study will provide data to help determine if an airport-based COVID-19 surveillance program is feasible, whether self-collection of COVID-19 testing is effective, and to explore options regarding the 14-day quarantine for international travel. The leadership of Air Canada and the GTAA in supporting COVID-19 research serves as a model for other organizations looking to make evidence-based decisions."

15 August, 2020

Canadian aviation companies come together to comment on latest Coronavirus COVID-19 plans from Transport Canada

The document affirms that the four organizations meet or exceed international health and safety measures
Travellers assured of the highest levels of biosafety protocols when travelling
Framework now in place for Canada's next steps to allow aviation and economies to 
restart and succeed within new normal


Canada's two largest airlines and two largest airports today welcomed Transport Canada's long-awaited Flight Plan for Navigating COVID-19 as a major step forward in restarting Canada's air travel industry by confirming the country's biosafety standards. The document is a clear endorsement of biosafety programs already put in place by Air Canada, WestJet, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority and the Vancouver Airport Authority.

Air Canada, WestJet, Greater Toronto Airports Authority, and Vancouver Airport Authority Jointly Comment on Transport Canada’s Flight Plan for Navigating COVID-19 (CNW Group/Air Canada)

Flight Plan contains international, proven best practices for proactively protecting air travellers at all stages of the journey and provides the framework for restarting the aviation sector in Canada. It encompasses such measures as health checks, face coverings, touchless technology and cleaning protocols, all of which are in effect at Air Canada, WestJet, Toronto Pearson and YVR. Moreover, it outlines potential future enhancements, many of which the organizations are already working to adopt.

06 September, 2019

The Air Canada Café Opens at Toronto Pearson, providing customers an eye-opening airport coffee experience

Air Canada is serving up its newest offering for premium customers with the opening of the Air Canada Café at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Conveniently located in the domestic gate area, the café will offer customers a wide selection of specialty beverages to Grab & Go or to be enjoyed with complimentary Wi-fi in a relaxed, bistro-type setting.

Conveniently located in the domestic gate area, the Air Canada Café will offer customers a wide selection of specialty beverages to Grab & Go or to be enjoyed with complimentary Wi-fi in a relaxed, bistro-type setting. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

"We are thrilled to unveil this innovative product, one we are sure will create buzz not only for our customers, but the entire industry. Air Canada's premium clientele will have access to this new Café, revolutionizing the coffee shop experience at Toronto Pearson. It will offer a wide selection of beverages and food that can be taken to go," said Andrew Yiu, Vice President, Product at Air Canada.

16 June, 2019

Air Canada Introduces Maple Leaf Lounge Express: Another Convenient Way to Work or Relax before Flying to the U.S. from Toronto Pearson

Air Canada recently unveiled another convenient way for premium customers to work or relax prior to their flight with the Maple Leaf Lounge Express, located in the Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 1-transborder departure area. The lounge joins the existing Maple Leaf Lounge as the second premium lounge product available to customers departing to the US from Toronto-Pearson. Business Class customers or those with select Altitude Status, as well as Star Alliance Gold members departing on an Air Canada, or United Airlines flight will be eligible to access the Maple Leaf Lounge Express.
Air Canada Introduces Maple Leaf Lounge Express: Another Convenient Way to Work or Relax before Flying to the U.S. from Toronto Pearson
(Photo -CNW Group/Air Canada)


08 May, 2019

Air Italy launches new service to Toronto

Photo Air Italy
Air Italy has launched a new service on Monday, May 6th to the vibrant Canadian metropolis of Toronto, becoming the airline’s fifth new North American destination served from its Milan Malpensa hub.

Air Italy’s first route to Canada will be operated six times weekly (daily except Thursday) seasonally until October 25th between Milan Malpensa and Toronto, the Capital city of the Province of Ontario. The airline's Airbus A330-200, will operate the route and is configured with 24 fully flatbed seats in Business Class and 228 seats in Economy Class, the new route is the third new service planned for 2019 after the launch of new flights from Milan Malpensa to Los Angeles and San Francisco on April 3 and April 10 respectively.

Speaking at the inaugural celebrations at Malpensa, Air Italy Chief Operating Officer, Rossen Dimitrov, said: “Toronto is an extremely welcome addition to the Air Italy route map and clearly reflects the importance of the North American market to us. There is enormous potential in extending our reach to Canada, thanks to its economic relevance, strong global relations and very large Italian expatriate community.

20 September, 2018

Top 50 Megahubs of 2018

London Heathrow Airport tops the list of the latest OAG Megahubs International Index of 2018, by quite some margin. On the busiest day for aviation in 2018, there were 66,000 possible international connections between flights arriving and departing within a six-hour time window at the London airport.

The OAG’s Megahubs International Index goes beyond the size of an airport’s route network and measures the number of connections possible within a specific time frame and the relative attractiveness of each airport as a connecting point for scheduled air passengers.  The top 50 most connected airports in the world as measured by the highest ratio of scheduled connections to the number of destinations served.

While Heathrow heads the list by quite some way, it is the only UK airport that makes it into the top fifty, although London Gatwick makes it into the top 25 low-cost megahubs at number 23, unsurprisingly the most dominant airline there is easyJet.

The second place in the 2018 OAG Megahubs International megahubs index is the Illinois airport of Chicago O’Hare (ORD) which has moved up the Megahubs index and is ranked in 2nd place this year. The airport has more potential international connections on the busiest day but these are spread across a greater number of destinations.

Coming in third and fourth are the European hubs of Frankfurt and Amsterdam Airport, while at number five on the list is an airport that might surprise some people is the Canadian airport of Pearson in Toronto.  

03 August, 2018

More Flair in the air as the Canadian low-cost airline announces new route

Toronto is in the sights for the Canadian low-fare airline, Flair.  The airline has confirmed today that it will feature a new service between Toronto and Winnipeg in its new winter schedule from 28th October this year to 28th April next year.

The daily service from Toronto to Winnipeg, with connections to Calgary and Vancouver, is in an addition to the current daily service from Toronto to Edmonton which connects to Kelowna and Vancouver.  Calgary will also have new direct, daily service to Abbotsford. 

Victoria and Halifax remain summer seasonal routes as planned, services there will conclude on October 27th, but worry not, they are scheduled to return in the spring of 2019.

31 July, 2018

Emirates increasing Toronto flights


Emirates to fly to Toronto five times a week starting August 18

Fresh from the news that Etihad was increasing its schedule to Toronto, it's United Arab Emirates rival in Dubai, Emirates also announces its intention to increase schedules.

The carrier will introduce two additional flights to its current operations to Pearson Airport with effect from the 18th August. The additional Toronto flights will operate on a Saturday departing Dubai as EK241 at 03:30 to arrive in Toronto at 09:30. The return flight, EK242, leaves Toronto at 14:25 and arrives in Dubai at 11:40 the next day. On Sundays, EK241 will depart at 03:30 and arrive in Toronto at 09:30. The return flight, EK242, will leave Toronto at 14:30 and arrives in Dubai at 11:25 the next day. These new flights to the Toronto schedule will be operated by the airlines iconic and luxurious Airbus A380 aircraft with private suites in First Class, lie-flat seats in Business Class and spacious seats in Economy Class.

26 June, 2018

Toronto Pearson prepares to welcome 10.4M passengers this summer

Canada's largest airport is preparing to welcome over ten million passengers between Canada Day and Labour Day, an increase of more than 30% compared to the same period five years ago. The summer rush is predicted to bring with it an average of 155,000 passengers per day, climbing even further skyward on high-volume days. Toronto Pearson and its partners—air carriers, Canadian customs, CATSA and more—have taken steps to prepare for this massive influx of passengers and offer tips to help make travel easier.

10 March, 2018

Toronto Pearson Named Best Large Airport in North America

Courteous and helpful staff and improvements to airport ambiance have inspired passengers travelling through Toronto Pearson in 2017 to award Canada's largest airport an Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award and the title of Best Large Airport, serving more than 40 million annual passengers, in North America by Airports Council International (ACI), the global organization representing the world's airports.


Airports Council International recognizes 
Toronto Pearson for Customer Service Excellence

08 December, 2017

Toronto Pearson announces new carriers, routes for summer 2018

With demand for air travel in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) continuing to grow, Toronto Pearson announces additional new airline services from Canada's busiest airport, serving the region for the Summer 2018 travel season.

The airport, which is forecast to welcome nearly 48 million passengers in 2017, will see several new airlines enter the local market, as well as expanded service from existing carriers and more frequent flights on some high demand routes. As a critical economic engine for Ontario and Canada, additional connectivity from Toronto Pearson opens key development opportunities for local industry and facilitates growth for area businesses.

Domestic and international travellers will have new options from Toronto Pearson. For the summer 2018 season, Air Canada will offer new direct service to Buenos Aires, Argentina, as well as new routes from Toronto to Providence, RI, Omaha, NB, Nanaimo, BC, and Kamloops, BC.

New Canadian carrier Flair Air will operate for its first summer out of Toronto Pearson after starting service to Edmonton, AB and Kelowna, BC this month.

29 November, 2017

Air Canada's New Signature Suite opens at Toronto Pearson

Air Canada unveiled today the Air Canada Signature Suite for its top International Business customers at its Toronto Pearson global hub. The new suite is an exclusive airport retreat where eligible premium customers can dine à la carte at a complimentary, full-service restaurant from a menu created by acclaimed chef David Hawksworth, or enjoy hors d'œuvres, champagne, fine wines and cocktails in an intimate, Canadian-designed and decorated setting.




"The Air Canada Signature Suite provides premium Air Canada customers with a luxury experience unrivalled in North America that elevates Air Canada into the ranks of leading global carriers for discerning international travellers. Customers can indulge in an à la carte meal service in the suite's complimentary restaurant or partake of fine wines, champagne and speciality cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere accented with original Canadian art and maple, marble and polished limestone finishes," said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada.

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