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Air Canada to Launch New Services to Europe; Restores Key International Routes, Frequencies Beginning Summer 2023
Air Canada to Launch New Services to Europe; Restores Key International Routes, Frequencies Beginning Summer 2023
Canada NewsWire
MONTREAL, Oct. 13, 2022
New Montreal-Toulouse, Montreal-Copenhagen, Toronto-BrusselsResumes Vancouver-Osaka, Toronto-T…
Air Canada to Launch New Services to Europe; Restores Key International Routes, Frequencies Beginning Summer 2023
Canada NewsWire
MONTREAL, Oct. 13, 2022
- New Montreal-Toulouse, Montreal-Copenhagen, Toronto-Brussels
- Resumes Vancouver-Osaka, Toronto-Tokyo/Haneda
- Other services restored to Europe, South America, Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South Pacific
MONTREAL, Oct. 13, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today announced the strategic expansion of its international network for summer 2023, with the addition of new European services to Brussels, Toulouse and Copenhagen. It is also resuming key Asia services to Tokyo-Haneda and Osaka, and is restoring frequencies to leading destinations in the Atlantic, Pacific and South America regions. Tickets are available for purchase at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App, Air Canada's Contact Centres, and travel agents.
"We continue to pursue our disciplined approach of expanding our global network in response to anticipated demand. We are especially pleased to be adding three new strategic routes to Europe, resuming important services to Japan, and increasing frequencies to key international destinations for summer 2023," said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.
"Toronto-Brussels will complement our current services from Montreal, while further expanding Air Canada's reach to Europe and beyond through our Star Alliance partner Brussels Airlines, which offers easy connections throughout Europe and Africa. Meanwhile, our Montreal-Toulouse route not only links two global aerospace centres, it is the only year-round service between North America and southwestern France. We are also increasing our presence in Scandinavia with the addition of summer service from Montreal to Copenhagen, a Star Alliance hub that offers connections throughout Northern Europe, while enabling customers on both sides of the Atlantic to visit and explore each other's countries conveniently.
"Our additional flights to major destinations in Europe, Middle East, South America, South Pacific and Asia, including London Heathrow, Frankfurt and Tokyo/Haneda, will support local tourism and hospitality sectors as customers in all six continents reconnect, visit and explore. Customers can start planning ahead and book with confidence. We look forward to welcoming you onboard," said Mr. Galardo.
In preparation for next year's operations, Air Canada continues to work with governments and other partners on the ongoing recovery of the air transport industry from the effects of the pandemic.
Air Canada's international services onboard widebody aircraft offer a choice of three cabins: Air Canada Signature Class featuring lie-flat individual pods, Premium Economy featuring larger seats with additional leg room and premium services, and Economy featuring complimentary Chef-inspired and designed meals, wines and beverages. All cabins have inflight entertainment screens at every seat with hours of complimentary onboard entertainment and the opportunity to purchase wi-fi connectivity.
Air Canada has 23 Maple Leaf Lounges located in North America and worldwide for eligible customers. In addition, Air Canada's Signature Suites at Toronto Pearson's Terminal 1 and on the second floor of the International Maple Leaf Lounge in YVR set a new standard for premium travel. Available to select Signature Service customers prior to travelling to international destinations, customers enjoy a five-star dining experience in a discerning and private enclave that offers the finest Canada has to offer in food, design and comfort.
Air Canada's onboard services on international flights showcase some of the best cuisine Canadian culinary talent has to offer with Air Canada's panel of celebrity chefs, including award- winning, Vancouver-based chefs David Hawksworth and Vikram Vij, and renowned Montreal chefs Antonio Park and Jérôme Ferrer. Complementing the culinary journey is a selection of top wines chosen by leading Canadian sommelier, Véronique Rivest.
All customers have the opportunity to collect and redeem points with Aeroplan, Canada's leading loyalty program, when travelling with Air Canada, and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges, priority boarding and other benefits.
Toronto-Brussels
Flight | From | Departs | To | Arrives | Aircraft | Begins | Operates | Season |
AC834 | Toronto | 18:20 | Brussels | 07:45+1 | B787 Dreamliner | Jun. 1 | Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Year-round |
AC835 | Brussels | 10:15 | Toronto | 12:25 | B787 Dreamliner | Jun. 2 | Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Year-round |
Montreal-Toulouse
Flight | From | Departs | To | Arrives | Aircraft | Begins | Operates | Season |
AC878 | Montreal | 19:30 | Toulouse | 08:45+1 | A330-300 | Jun. 1 | Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Year-round |
AC879 | Toulouse | 13:15 | Montreal | 15:20 | A330-300 | Jun. 2 | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Year-round |
Montreal-Copenhagen
Flight | From | Departs | To | Arrives | Aircraft | Begins | Operates | Season |
AC826 | Montreal | 17:55 | Copenhagen | 06:45+1 | B787 Dreamliner | Jun. 1 | Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Summer |
AC827 | Copenhagen | 13:15 | Montreal | 15:00 | B787 Dreamliner | Jun. 2 | Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Summer |
Toronto-Tokyo Haneda
Flight | From | Departs | To | Arrives | Aircraft | Begins | Operates | Season |
AC1 | Toronto | 13:40 | Tokyo Haneda | 15:40+1 | B787 Dreamliner | May 1 | daily | Year-round |
AC2 | Tokyo Haneda | 17:30 | Toronto | 16:35 | B787 Dreamliner | May 2 | daily | Year-round |
Vancouver-Osaka
Flight | From | Departs | To | Arrives | Aircraft | Begins | Operates | Season |
AC23 | Vancouver | 13:10 | Osaka | 16:05+1 | B787 Dreamliner | Jun. 2 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | Summer |
AC24 | Osaka | 17:40 | Vancouver | 11:05 | B787 Dreamliner | Jun. 3 | Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat | Summer |
Highlights of Air Canada's increased international route frequencies for the peak summer 2023 season compared to summer 2022 include:
Europe
Toronto-London Heathrow | Increases from three to four daily |
Toronto-Edinburgh | Increases from six weekly to daily |
Toronto-Copenhagen | Increases from three to five weekly |
Toronto-Barcelona | Increases from five weekly to daily |
Toronto-Madrid | Increases to six weekly |
Montreal-Frankfurt | Increases from two daily to 19 weekly (in partnership with Lufthansa) |
Montreal-Geneva | Increases from six weekly to daily |
Montreal-Nice | Increases from three to four weekly |
Middle East and Africa
Toronto-Dubai | Increases from three weekly to daily |
Montreal-Tel Aviv | Increases from three weekly to four weekly |
Montreal-Algiers | Increases from three weekly to four weekly |
South America
Montreal-Sao Paulo | Increases from three to five weekly |
South Pacific
Vancouver-Brisbane | Increase from four weekly to daily |
Asia
Vancouver-Hong Kong | Increases from three weekly to daily |
Vancouver-Seoul | Increases from five weekly to daily |
Toronto-Tokyo Narita | Increases from five weekly to daily (launched summer 2022) |
Montreal-Tokyo Narita | Increases from two weekly to daily |
Air Canada is Canada's largest airline, the country's flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 50 airports in Canada, 47 in the United States and 69 internationally. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada's Aeroplan program is Canada's premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world's largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada's passenger flights and cargo-only flights with its fleet of Boeing 767-300 freighters. Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.
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One city held a mass passport-getting event
A New Orleans congressman organized a way for people to apply for their passports en masse.
While the number of Americans who do not have a passport has dropped steadily from more than 80% in 1990 to just over 50% now, a lack of knowledge around passport requirements still keeps a significant portion of the population away from international travel.
Over the four years that passed since the start of covid-19, passport offices have also been dealing with significant backlog due to the high numbers of people who were looking to get a passport post-pandemic.
Related: Here is why it is (still) taking forever to get a passport
To deal with these concurrent issues, the U.S. State Department recently held a mass passport-getting event in the city of New Orleans. Called the "Passport Acceptance Event," the gathering was held at a local auditorium and invited residents of Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District to complete a passport application on-site with the help of staff and government workers.
'Come apply for your passport, no appointment is required'
"Hey #LA02," Rep. Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA), whose office co-hosted the event alongside the city of New Orleans, wrote to his followers on Instagram (META) . "My office is providing passport services at our #PassportAcceptance event. Come apply for your passport, no appointment is required."
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The event was held on March 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. While it was designed for those who are already eligible for U.S. citizenship rather than as a way to help non-citizens with immigration questions, it helped those completing the application for the first time fill out forms and make sure they have the photographs and identity documents they need. The passport offices in New Orleans where one would normally have to bring already-completed forms have also been dealing with lines and would require one to book spots weeks in advance.
These are the countries with the highest-ranking passports in 2024
According to Carter Sr.'s communications team, those who submitted their passport application at the event also received expedited processing of two to three weeks (according to the State Department's website, times for regular processing are currently six to eight weeks).
While Carter Sr.'s office has not released the numbers of people who applied for a passport on March 14, photos from the event show that many took advantage of the opportunity to apply for a passport in a group setting and get expedited processing.
Every couple of months, a new ranking agency puts together a list of the most and least powerful passports in the world based on factors such as visa-free travel and opportunities for cross-border business.
In January, global citizenship and financial advisory firm Arton Capital identified United Arab Emirates as having the most powerful passport in 2024. While the United States topped the list of one such ranking in 2014, worsening relations with a number of countries as well as stricter immigration rules even as other countries have taken strides to create opportunities for investors and digital nomads caused the American passport to slip in recent years.
A UAE passport grants holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 180 of the world’s 198 countries (this calculation includes disputed territories such as Kosovo and Western Sahara) while Americans currently have the same access to 151 countries.
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Fast-food chain closes restaurants after Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Several major fast-food chains recently have struggled to keep restaurants open.
Competition in the fast-food space has been brutal as operators deal with inflation, consumers who are worried about the economy and their jobs and, in recent months, the falling cost of eating at home.
Add in that many fast-food chains took on more debt during the covid pandemic and that labor costs are rising, and you have a perfect storm of problems.
It's a situation where Restaurant Brands International (QSR) has suffered as much as any company.
Related: Wendy's menu drops a fan favorite item, adds something new
Three major Burger King franchise operators filed for bankruptcy in 2023, and the chain saw hundreds of stores close. It also saw multiple Popeyes franchisees move into bankruptcy, with dozens of locations closing.
RBI also stepped in and purchased one of its key franchisees.
"Carrols is the largest Burger King franchisee in the United States today, operating 1,022 Burger King restaurants in 23 states that generated approximately $1.8 billion of system sales during the 12 months ended Sept. 30, 2023," RBI said in a news release. Carrols also owns and operates 60 Popeyes restaurants in six states."
The multichain company made the move after two of its large franchisees, Premier Kings and Meridian, saw multiple locations not purchased when they reached auction after Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings. In that case, RBI bought select locations but allowed others to close.
Another fast-food chain faces bankruptcy problems
Bojangles may not be as big a name as Burger King or Popeye's, but it's a popular chain with more than 800 restaurants in eight states.
"Bojangles is a Carolina-born restaurant chain specializing in craveable Southern chicken, biscuits and tea made fresh daily from real recipes, and with a friendly smile," the chain says on its website. "Founded in 1977 as a single location in Charlotte, our beloved brand continues to grow nationwide."
Like RBI, Bojangles uses a franchise model, which makes it dependent on the financial health of its operators. The company ultimately saw all its Maryland locations close due to the financial situation of one of its franchisees.
Unlike. RBI, Bojangles is not public — it was taken private by Durational Capital Management LP and Jordan Co. in 2018 — which means the company does not disclose its financial information to the public.
That makes it hard to know whether overall softness for the brand contributed to the chain seeing its five Maryland locations after a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
Bojangles has a messy bankruptcy situation
Even though the locations still appear on the Bojangles website, they have been shuttered since late 2023. The locations were operated by Salim Kakakhail and Yavir Akbar Durranni. The partners operated under a variety of LLCs, including ABS Network, according to local news channel WUSA9.
The station reported that the owners face a state investigation over complaints of wage theft and fraudulent W2s. In November Durranni and ABS Network filed for bankruptcy in New Jersey, WUSA9 reported.
"Not only do former employees say these men owe them money, WUSA9 learned the former owners owe the state, too, and have over $69,000 in back property taxes."
Former employees also say that the restaurant would regularly purchase fried chicken from Popeyes and Safeway when it ran out in their stores, the station reported.
Bojangles sent the station a comment on the situation.
"The franchisee is no longer in the Bojangles system," the company said. "However, it is important to note in your coverage that franchisees are independent business owners who are licensed to operate a brand but have autonomy over many aspects of their business, including hiring employees and payroll responsibilities."
Kakakhail and Durranni did not respond to multiple requests for comment from WUSA9.
bankruptcy pandemicUncategorized
Industrial Production Increased 0.1% in February
From the Fed: Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization
Industrial production edged up 0.1 percent in February after declining 0.5 percent in January. In February, the output of manufacturing rose 0.8 percent and the index for mining climbed 2.2 p…
Industrial production edged up 0.1 percent in February after declining 0.5 percent in January. In February, the output of manufacturing rose 0.8 percent and the index for mining climbed 2.2 percent. Both gains partly reflected recoveries from weather-related declines in January. The index for utilities fell 7.5 percent in February because of warmer-than-typical temperatures. At 102.3 percent of its 2017 average, total industrial production in February was 0.2 percent below its year-earlier level. Capacity utilization for the industrial sector remained at 78.3 percent in February, a rate that is 1.3 percentage points below its long-run (1972–2023) average.Click on graph for larger image.
emphasis added
This graph shows Capacity Utilization. This series is up from the record low set in April 2020, and above the level in February 2020 (pre-pandemic).
Capacity utilization at 78.3% is 1.3% below the average from 1972 to 2022. This was below consensus expectations.
Note: y-axis doesn't start at zero to better show the change.
The second graph shows industrial production since 1967.
Industrial production increased to 102.3. This is above the pre-pandemic level.
Industrial production was above consensus expectations.
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