Page 60 - World Airnews Magazine May 2020 Edition

NEWS DIGITAL

AIR CANADA SUSPENDS ALL

FLIGHTS TO THE US

By Sumit Rehal

of its fleet. However, it was still flying Therefore, the firm will be keeping a close
across the border over the last month eye on the progress of the fight against the
Air Canada has announced that despite the respective restriction policies virus over the next few weeks.
it would entirely suspend scheduled in place. Anyone affected by the suspensions in
transborder flights after April 26. The move “Since March 16, Air Canada has reduced place will have their change fees waived
comes after Canada and the United States its schedule by more than 90 percent as a during this period. This process will help
agreed to travel restrictions between the result of COVID-19,” Air Canada said within passengers reschedule their travel with no
two countries. its press release. extra charges. Additionally, customers are
“Following the initial announcement of encouraged to visit Air Canada’s website for
ANOTHER QUIET MONTH U.S.-Canada travel restrictions on March more information on the airline’s rebooking
policies and revised schedule.
According to a press release, the flag carrier 21, Air Canada maintained limited service
to 11 US destinations from its three
of Canada plans to resume operations Canadian hubs, primarily to facilitate the THE FIGHT CONTINUES
to its neighbouring nation on May 22. repatriation of Canadians,”
Nonetheless, with the outbreak still in full The pandemic continues to rock the
swing in the US, it wouldn’t be a surprise aviation industry across the globe. April
to see restrictions extended once again, INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE was always going to be a crucial month for
which will force the suspensions to remain The operator wasn’t just performing the market, as several authorities were due
in place. homecoming flights between the two to review their travel policies.
The United States currently has over countries. Around 6,600 Canadian With the restrictions mostly extended,
678,000 active cases, and there is still residents had been returned home from groundings will now continue longer while
uncertainty about how the outbreak will Morocco, Spain, Ecuador, Peru, Algeria, the world tries to find a solution to the
unfold over the next few months. Argentina, and Colombia. issues at hand. With repatriation flights
Air Canada had already significantly Even though Air Canada is truly a global coming to an end, there may even be fewer
reduced its services following the rise of player, due to its proximity, it naturally aircraft in the skies. Q
the pandemic. Low demand and global would be relying on the US a significant Article courtesy: https://simpleflying.
travel restrictions forced it to ground much portion of its international income. com/

World Airnews | May Extra 2020
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