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| TRANSAT'S OPTIMISM FOR 2009 |
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| Jean-Marc Eustache, CEO, Transat | | Transat's Jean-Marc Eustache says company is optimistic in face of recession
Charmaine Pang
Transat AT Inc. isn't worried about business, despite economic uncertainty going forward into 2009. Transat's CEO, Jean-Marc Eustache says the industry is resilient, and while he won't be making any predictions for this winter, he is confident that the travel industry will bounce back. ``We are very cautious about what we're seeing so I don't want to do any forecasts for this winter because it's going to be a long winter and things can change a lot,'' Eustache told analysts Wednesday in a conference call regarding the firm's financial results. Eustache says he has weathered many recessions in his 31 years in the business, and believes Canadians will still continue to travel, although they may economize this year.
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| SUNQUEST BRINGS 'STARLIGHT' TO KIDS |
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Sunquest, Skyservice and Starlight, Starbright Foundation take sick children and families on a 'Search for Santa'
Charmaine Pang
Tour operator Sunquest once again teamed up with Skyservice, Park n' Fly and the Starlight, Starbright Children's Foundation to bring Santa Claus to sick children and their families this holiday season. The partnership allowed the organizations to once again bring an afternoon of fun, food, dancing and games to seriously ill children and their families in the Skyservice lounge. About 40 families participated this year on a 'search for Santa'. Emcee Doo Doo the Clown returned this year to entertain children with magic tricks and jokes. Families made their way onto a Skyservice plane 'in search of Santa Claus', leaving Toronto to fly towards the North Pole. After a few minutes, Santa Claus made an appearance, greeting excited children and giving each of them treats.
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| KARBACH LEAVES ETIHAD |
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| Pauli Karbach recently left the company | |
Pauli Karbach, Country Manager, Canada, leaves Etihad Airways
For the last four years, Pauli Karbach served as Etihad Airways' Country Manager, growing the airline and strengthening its position in Canada since 2004. "The last 4 years were both rewarding and hectic. From a personal perspective I have achieved the mandate given to me at the start and I am happy to have had the honour of contributing to this growing airline," said Karbach.
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| AIR CANADA'S WINTER TRAVEL ADVISORY |
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Air Canada issues travel advisory ahead of storm bearing down on Toronto area; can change flight bookings for free on certain dates
Canadian Press
Air Canada has issued a travel advisory for flights arriving or departing Pearson International Airport as a storm bears down on southern Ontario. Heavy snow is expected to begin in southwestern Ontario late Thursday and reach the Toronto region near dawn on Friday. Up to 20 centimetres of snow accompanied by strong wind is expected by Friday evening with another storm ready to barrel through on Sunday. Lake-enhanced squalls may dump more snow in areas west of Toronto while regions north of the city can expect around 15 centimetres. Air Canada says customers with flights through Toronto today or Friday can book other flights to travel earlier or later without penalty, space permitting. The airline also says travellers should check their flight status prior to leaving for the airport through aircanada.com or by calling 1-888-422-7533.
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| JET AIRWAYS, EMIRATES TEAM UP |
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Jet Airways announces partnership with Emirates with reciprocal frequent flyer program
Jet Airways and Emirates Airline have announced a partnership. The two airlines are launching a reciprocal frequent flyer arrangement whereby members of Jet Airways' Jet Privilege may earn and redeem miles across Emirates' international network, with the exception of flights between India and Dubai. Members of Emirates' Skywards program may also earn and redeem miles on all Jet Airways flights operating within India. Emirates will also commence a unilateral codeshare on Jet Airways' daily flights from Mumbai and New Delhi to and from Dubai.
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| COSTA BEGINS 3RD DUBAI SEASON |
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Costa Classica, Costa Victoria to sail Dubai cruises; new Costa Luminosa will sail in 2009-2010 season
Costa has begun its third consecutive season operating in Dubai. Both Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises, two Costa Crociere brands, have increased capacity in the region for the 08-09 winter season. Costa Cruises will increase capacity by 50 per cent with the arrival of the Costa Classica and Costa Victoria, while AIDA Cruises will almost double its cruise capacity with the deployment of the AIDAdiva, the largest ship in the AIDA fleet. Costa has also announced plans to position the new Costa Luminosa 92,700-ton (2,260 double occupancy capacity) in Dubai for the 2009-2010 winter cruise season. This ship will enter service in April 2009 and be inaugurated on June 5, 2009. Keep reading for itineraries and more news.
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| G.A.P'S MERRY CHRISTMAS |
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G.A.P Adventures hosts community Christmas party for local children and families in Toronto
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| G.A.P staff at the party with Santa | | This past weekend, G.A.P Adventures hosted its 4th annual community holiday party for local children at the Scadding Court Community Centre in downtown Toronto. More than 450 children, parents and siblings enjoyed a delicious turkey lunch, arts and crafts activities organized by G.A.P Adventures staff, an interactive music workshop with a Latin ensemble, as well as a special visit and gift from Santa. "G.A.P Adventures is proud to participate in this wonderful event each year," says Bruce Poon Tip, CEO of G.A.P Adventures. "We are pleased to support projects both around the world and at home in the communities where we live and work."
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