Airlines
Lufthansa Group bidding for minority stake in TAP Air Portugal
The Lufthansa Group is looking to take a minority stake in TAP Air Portugal, submitting a bid to Parpública -- the Portuguese state-owned investment company. The acquisition of an initial minority stake is intended to establish a long-term partnership between the Lufthansa Group and TAP Air Portugal in order to secure TAP’s successful future as Portugal’s national airline on a sustainable basis. Commenting on the move, Carsten Spohr, CEO of the Lufthansa Group, said: “The Lufthansa Group stands for a long-standing, trusted, and strategic partnership with Portugal. For...
Porter continues to grow its E2 fleet with 75 confirmed orders
Porter Airlines continues to grow its fleet with the announcement that its parent company, Porter Aviation Holdings Inc. (PAHI) has secured financing with the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) for up to 19 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. BNDES’s commitment is fully backed by Export Credit Insurance from the Export Credit Guarantee Fund (FGE) of Brazil, managed by the Brazilian Agency for Guarantee Funds and Guarantees (ABGF). The aircraft are part of Porter’s existing firm order for 75 E2s, of which 54 have already been delivered. The commitment is being made available to Porter for...
IATA, CANSO, and ACI take off with joint runway safety initiative
IATA, along with the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) and Airports Council International (ACI) have launched a joint initiative to reduce the risk of runway incursions. A runway incursion is defined as an aircraft, vehicle or person being incorrectly present on a runway or within its protected area. Incursions are documented in IATA’s Annual Safety Reports, and several recent incursions have been fatal. Preventing incursions requires close coordination between airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, regulators and frontline personnel. The...
Porter continues to elevate economy with Dash 8 cabin refresh
Porter Airlines has embarked on a comprehensive cabin refresh across its De Havilland Dash 8-400 fleet as it continues to elevate the economy travel experience for its customers. All 29 aircraft are being upgraded with the latest generation of Expliseat's TiSeat 2V, the world's lightest aircraft seat in its category, alongside a series of cabin enhancements designed to improve passenger comfort and modernize the onboard environment. The first refreshed aircraft are already in service, with the full fleet expected to be completed this fall. The TiSeat 2V introduces a range of...
Federal government says it won’t support Ontario’s plans for Billy Bishop
The federal government says that it won’t support the Ontario government’s expansion plans for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Federal Minister of Transport, Steven MacKinnon made the announcement over the weekend following public consultations that began June 8 and wrapped up on July 24. Shortly after those consultations closed, Minister MacKinnon announced on X that: “At this stage, I can confirm that our focus lies exclusively on the approved safety enhancements, which are currently taking place, and are required to maintain safe operations at the airport. They are...
Air Canada elevates its in-flight rest and comfort experience
Air Canada is introducing a new collection of premium bedding and thoughtfully designed amenities to elevate rest and comfort for customers on international flights. Launching across all cabins beginning this month (July), the collection includes upgraded Signature Class duvets and pillows, generously sized blankets in Premium Economy and Economy Class, and new amenity kits developed in partnership with leading Canadian brands. The collection represents the latest investment in Air Canada’s end-to-end Glowing Hearted experience, helping customers relax during their flight and...
WestJet offers flexible booking options as union talks continue
In an advisory on its website, WestJet says that as it “remains actively engaged in negotiations with the union representing WestJet cabin crew, we are offering guests travelling between July 30, 2026, and Aug. 4, 2026 the flexibility to adjust their travel plans, including a one-time change or cancellation with no fee.” The airline says that if its customers have flexible travel plans, they’re encouraged to review the options available for their booking. To view those options, just CLICK HERE. As for vacation package bookings, WestJet advises that “if you booked through...
IATA names Saadia Zahidi as its new Director General
IATA’s Board of Directors has appointed Saadia Zahidi as its new Director General, effective Nov. 1, 2026. Zahidi will be IATA’s ninth Director General and the first woman appointed to hold the position. She joins IATA from the World Economic Forum (WEF) where she is a Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board. IATA’s current Director General, Willie Walsh will conclude his duties on July 31, 2026, and IATA’s Board has named Sandrine Le Borgne, IATA’s Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services, as Interim Director General for the...