News & Resources

The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.

 
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Air Canada Offers All-Business Class Jetz Aircraft Experience between Toronto & Kelowna this Winter

Air Canada is making its fleet of all-Business Class, Jetz charter aircraft available to customers for commercial flights as it redeploys the fleet on popular winter routes. Each of the airline's four Airbus A319 Jetz aircraft are configured with less than half the normal number of seats on this aircraft type, providing an elevated level of comfort and service. This winter, Air Canada Jetz will operate non-stop between Toronto and Kelowna.

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Air Canada is making its fleet of all-Business Class, Jetz charter aircraft available to customers for commercial flights as it redeploys the fleet on popular winter routes. Each of the airline's four Airbus A319 Jetz aircraft are configured with only 58 North American Business Class seats -- less than half the normal number of seats on this aircraft type -- providing an elevated level of comfort and service.

This winter, Air Canada Jetz will operate non-stop between Toronto and Kelowna.

Travellers now have a unique opportunity to travel like a pro athlete or a VIP and experience the premium Jetz service. Customers booking on a Jetz flight will enjoy such amenities as its all-Business Class seating configuration, upgraded meal service, and shorter boarding and deplaning times. These features, combined with Jetz's other attributes, create a private-jet-like experience.

Jetz aircraft typically transport customers such as professional sports teams, popular musical groups on tour, and corporate clients on a charter basis. With the current pandemic restrictions on sports events and other large gatherings, the aircraft are now available for commercial use.

When flying with Air Canada Jetz, customers will travel in a single cabin with 58 North American Business Class seats offering 42-to-49-inch seat pitch, including four facing seats with a table in the middle that can be booked for families and friends travelling together, and complimentary iPads for entertainment. Customers receive priority check-in and security clearance, Maple Leaf Lounge and Star Alliance Lounge access (where available) and aircraft leave from prime gate locations, requiring customers to begin boarding only 35 minutes prior departure. Customers will also be offered a premium, pre-packaged meal curated by celebrated Montreal chef Antonio Park with complimentary bar and beverage service.  All flights will be operated in accordance with Air Canada's biosafety protocols, centred around the Air Canada CleanCare+ program.

Customers will be able to book their Jetz flight beginning October 21, 2020 for travel during the Christmas period between December 12, 2020 and January 6, 2021, with a second schedule for March Break flights currently under development. Customers should consult aircanada.com/acjetz for schedule details, including operating days.

For customers looking to book leisure travel, Air Canada Vacations is currently developing Ultimate Escapes which include Jetz flights as well as stays at luxury hotels and resorts, private transfers, exclusive resort discounts, room upgrades and complimentary services. Details on Ultimate Escapes will be available shortly on aircanadavacations.com.

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Swoop releases winter flying schedule, including flights between Kelowna International Airport and Toronto Pearson Airport

From Oct. 25, 2020 to Apr. 24, 2021, Swoop will connect Toronto and Kelowna with up to 4x weekly with service on Monday, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Swoop has released its winter schedule, announcing that the ultra-low fare airline will begin flights between the Kelowna International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport on October 25, 2020.

From Oct. 25, 2020 to Apr. 24, 2021, Swoop will connect Toronto and Kelowna with up to 4x weekly with service on Monday, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

“We are very pleased to see Swoop return to YLW for the winter travel season,” says Sam Samaddar, Director, Kelowna International Airport. “This ultra-low fare airline has great opportunities for Kelowna residents to visit family and friends or enjoy a winter getaway with four weekly flights to Toronto served by good arrival and departure times.”

With safety as its number one priority, Swoop has implemented a robust set of measures to safeguard a safe and healthy travel and work environment for its travellers and crew. This includes stricter boarding processes allowing for shorter queue wait times, traveller screening measures, increased sanitization, and enforcing face masks to be worn for the duration of the flight.

“Our winter schedule is in response to a growing rebound in travel, as we know travellers are eager to plan their next getaway,” says Charles Duncan, President, Swoop. “We remain committed as ever to making affordable air travel accessible for Canadians who are looking to reconnect with family and friends over the holidays or are looking for a change in scenery this winter.”

“It is time to travel again, and that can be done responsibly and safely,” states Duncan. “We are focusing our efforts on encouraging travel with our ability to provide ultra-low fares to price-sensitive travellers.”

“Together with our airline and agency partners, we remain committed to providing a safe, hygienic and efficient travel experience, so passengers can travel with confidence through Toronto Pearson,” says Craig Bradbrook, Chief Operating Officer, Greater Toronto Airports Authority.

The announcement reflects the next step in Swoop’s recovery plans. The airline has remained operational throughout the pandemic, adjusting its network to reflect fluctuating demand.

Traveller demand, travel advisories, and health and safety conditions will be monitored over the coming weeks and months, which may cause adjustments to this schedule. For added flexibility, Swoop travellers have the option to purchase ModiFly, which grants them a one-time date and time change to their booking.

For more information, please visit FlySwoop.com.


About Swoop

Established in 2018, Swoop is Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, independently operated as part of the WestJet Group of companies, offering point-to-point scheduled service to 23 seasonal and year-round destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. Swoop offers completely unbundled products and services, creating the unique opportunity for travellers to control their costs and customize their experience by purchasing only the extras they desire.

Swoop operates a modern fleet of nine Boeing 737-800 aircraft, equipped with in-seat power and Wi-Fi connectivity. Swoop’s mobile app allows travellers to quickly and easily book flights, manage bookings, check-in, view boarding passes, track flights and access Wi-Fi service in-flight. For more details on Swoop, visit FlySwoop.com.

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