Press Release Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. today announced its acquisition of the former Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta, a 127-room luxury hotel located in the upscale Buckhead area of Atlanta, Georgia, for $53.5 million, or approximately $421,000 per key. The hotel was rebranded as Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead immediately upon completion of this acquisition. The Company does not anticipate the hotel to materially contribute to the company’s EBITDA during the remainder of 2018. “We are thrilled to have acquired this luxury…
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United Airlines announces new premium seating option
Press Release United Airlines announced that its newest premium seating, United Premium Plus will be on sale beginning December 3, for travel on select international flights starting March 30, 2019. The new premium economy experience will be available on 21 routes by the end of May 2019. “United Premium Plus gives our customers more options so they can choose the best experience that fits their wants and needs when they travel,” said Andrew Nocella, United’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “United Premium…
Air Canada welcomes new air services agreement between Canada and the U.K.
Press Release Air Canada said today that it welcomes a new air services agreement reached between Canada and the U.K. to provide for the uninterrupted continuation of air transport services after the U.K. leaves the European Union post-Brexit. “The U.K. is Air Canada’s largest single international market. This agreement is important as it provides our airline, and the 2 million Air Canada customers we carry each year between the two countries, certainty that our operations will be uninterrupted by Brexit. We applaud…
Plan your escape to Myrtle Beach with Porter’s seasonal service
Press Release Now is the time to start planning your escape with Porter Airlines’ seasonal service to Myrtle Beach, beginning February 13, to May 19, 2019. Porter offers non-stop flights directly from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Flights operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with added frequency during March Break. Tickets are available now through flyporter.com or your travel agent. “The warm air and ocean breezes of Myrtle Beach are just two-hours away with Porter,” said Robert Deluce, president…
Study shows consumers want travel assistance from chatbots
Press Release The ability to organize and book both business or leisure trips online is now far more convenient than it used to be. Regardless, arranging trips online can still be an exhausting and cumbersome experience. Whether it’s trying to find the best flight, the most affordable option or just knowing where to go within a new city; there are many obstacles facing consumers today. To examine this area in depth, Humley, the creator of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots for…
WestJet signs long-term extension of Mastercard partnership agreement
Press Release Amid the turbulent loyalty landscape in Canada, WestJet today announced the long-term extension of its partnership agreement with Mastercard on its travel rewards credit card, WestJet RBC Mastercard. “WestJet RBC Mastercard cardholders have always had choice, flexibility, certainty and convenience,” said Ed Sims, WestJet president and CEO. “Our long-term partnership with Mastercard ensures that our card members continue to get exceptional value and outstanding flight and travel benefits. As WestJet moves to become a premium global network airline, our partnership…
St. Regis Hotels and Resorts marks Canadian debut in downtown Toronto
Press Release St. Regis Hotels and Resorts today announced the highly anticipated opening of The St. Regis Toronto, marking the iconic luxury brand’s debut in Canada. Owned by Innvest, the landmark hotel is set to elevate Toronto’s luxury hospitality landscape with its world-renowned bespoke service, signature rituals and exquisite culinary offerings. “As the first St. Regis in Canada, The St. Regis Toronto represents an incredible milestone for the brand. Rooted in the brand’s distinct history and heritage, The St. Regis Toronto will offer an exquisite escape…
Swoop reveals core summer schedule with fares priced from $59
Press Release Today Swoop released its core summer schedule with flights available for booking from April 28, 2019 through to October 26, 2019. The release extends many routes and sets the stage for the publication of the full summer schedule in the next few months, which is expected to add both frequency and new markets. “The schedule released today confirms our commitment to serving our core airports through the summer of 2019,” said Karen McIsaac, Senior Advisor of Communications at…
Air Canada to acquire the Aeroplan loyalty program
Press Release Air Canada today provided the following updates on Air Canada’s acquisition of Aimia Inc.’s (“Aimia”) Aeroplan loyalty business and significant developments for its new loyalty program launching in 2020. Air Canada, with the financial support of its partners, The Toronto-Dominion Bank (“TD”), Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (“CIBC”), and Visa Canada Corporation (“Visa”), has entered into a definitive share purchase agreement with Aimia for the acquisition of Aimia Canada Inc. (“Aimia Canada”), owner and operator of the Aeroplan…
Boeing and SparkCognition to launch joint venture, SkyGrid
Press Release Boeing and SparkCognition today announced yesterday plans to launch SkyGrid, a new company that will enable the future of urban aerial mobility. Based in Austin, Texas, SkyGrid will develop a software platform to ensure the safe, secure integration of autonomous cargo and passenger air vehicles in the global airspace. Using blockchain technology, AI-enabled dynamic traffic routing, data analytics and cybersecurity features, SkyGrid’s platform will go beyond unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) traffic management (UTM). The platform will enable SkyGrid customers to…