Air Transat will offer exclusive direct flights to Lima, Peru, from both Montreal and Toronto this winter.
This program expansion will create a new gateway to South America for fans of gastronomy, history and breathtaking natural sites, in addition to the flights already offered to Colombia.
Recently, the company also announced that it will be relaunching its route between Montreal and the tropical island of Cozumel, Mexico.
Toronto departures
Toronto–Lima flights will be operated twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from December 20 to April 24; in addition, Montreal–Lima flights will be operated once weekly, on Fridays, from December 22 to April 26.
Montreal–Cozumel flights will be operated once weekly, on Fridays, from December 15 to April 26. It should also be noted that Transat offers all-inclusive packages to Cozumel at select hotel partners.
These flights will be operated with new generation Airbus A321LR aircraft featuring spacious cabins, state-of-the-art in-seat entertainment systems and the lowest fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 and NOx) in their class.
Today’s luxury travellers are looking to see and do it all – and to do so exceptionally. The Four Seasons Private Jet Experience is the ultimate opportunity to travel the world in luxurious style.
Here’s a look at some of the new 2025 itineraries!
2025 Four Seasons Private Jet
The 2025 Four Seasons Private Jet calendar begins with African Wonders (Dec. 29, 2024 – Jan. 10, 2025), a shorter itinerary with minimal travel across time zones perfect for families travelling with kids and equally enriching for couples and individuals.
The itinerary begins in Greece and heads down the African continent with stops in Egypt, Tanzania, Rwanda, Mauritius, Zambia and South Africa, exploring ancient treasures, wildlife experiences and natural wonders along the way.
Asia Unveiled (Mar. 3-18, 2025) offers an exhilarating mix of southeast Asia’s pulsing cities and idyllic islands, and includes immersive experiences in five UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
These first two itineraries for 2025 are also shorter than most other Four Seasons Private Jet Experience itineraries, at 13 and 16 days, ideal for annual vacations, school breaks and coordinating busy schedules around honeymoon, anniversary or birthday celebrations.
Later this year, Four Seasons will roll out additional Private Jet Experience itineraries on the 2025 calendar.
A lounge in the sky
All itineraries are now aboard the new custom-designed Four Seasons Private Jet that debuted late last year with more space to stretch out, move around and socialize, in a Lounge in the Sky.
This communal area acts as both a social gathering spot, and the stage for on-board programming led by Four Seasons craftspeople ranging from educational presentations to sommelier-led wine tastings, wellness workshops and other surprises. Additional features include spacious bathrooms, and an enhanced in-flight entertainment system, customized App for passengers, and multi-connectivity at each seat.
Every Four Seasons Private Jet itinerary includes all flights aboard the fully customized, 48-seat Airbus A321neo-LR plus luggage coordination and ground transfers. Travellers can also enjoy the service from an onboard Four Seasons Executive Chef who creates meals inspired by itinerary destinations and celebrates the unique flavours to be found along the journey.
All accommodations are in Four Seasons hotels and resorts, or, in more remote locations, at establishments carefully selected by Four Seasons. All planned excursions, activities and meals are taken care of and guests enjoy 24/7 service by an inflight journey team that includes a concierge, journey physician as well as on-the-ground Four Seasons local experts and dedicated Private Jet Guest Services Manager.
To find out more and begin planning a Four Seasons Private Jet Experience, click here.
Air Canada has added non-stop flights between its trans-Pacific hub at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Singapore’s Changi International Airport (SIN).
The new route will operate four times weekly beginning April 3, 2024*, onboard Air Canada’s flagship Dreamliner fleet. Seats are available for purchase now at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App, Air Canada’s Contact Centres, and travel agents.
Flight schedule
Flights will be operated with Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft featuring three cabins of service for customers to choose from, including Signature Class with lie-flat seats, Premium Economy and Economy Class.
The schedule has been built to conveniently connect to and from destinations across North America via Air Canada’s hub at YVR and, in Singapore to and from destinations across Southeast Asia, South India and Western Australia with Star Alliance and codeshare partner Singapore Airlines.
Air Canada is starting non-stop, year-round service between Toronto and Yellowknife in December.
The new, three-times weekly service will provide convenient connections between eastern Canada and the capital of the Northwest Territories.
Customers will also be able to seamlessly connect onward from Yellowknife on Air Canada’s interline partner, Canadian North.
Service between Toronto and Yellowknife will begin December 1, 2023, operated using Canadian-made Airbus A220 aircraft. It will be configured with 137 seats in a Business and Economy cabin, with onboard Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment systems featuring hundreds of hours of content and live TV at every seat.
Customers will be able to earn and redeem Aeroplan points and eligible customers will enjoy premium services where available, including priority boarding and baggage handling, and Maple Leaf Lounge access in Toronto.
Flight schedule
Flight
Departs
Arrives
Days of the Week
AC1169
Toronto 21:00
Yellowknife 23:54
Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
AC1168
Yellowknife 00:50
Toronto 7:20
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Daily service for Vancouver and Edmonton
The new service will complement Air Canada’s existing twice daily service between Yellowknife and Vancouver and daily service between Yellowknife and Edmonton.
Customers connecting for travel beyond Yellowknife can take advantage of Air Canada’s bilateral interline agreement with Canadian North, which allows travel on a single, through-checked ticket that includes baggage transfer.
Destinations available via Canadian North include Cambridge Bay, Fort Simpson, Hay River, Gjoa Haven, Taoloyoak and Inuvik. Customers travelling on Canadian North can also earn and redeem Aeroplan points.
A new direct flight between Toronto and Martinique is now possible, thanks to a new route from Air Canada.
The launch of the route represents the culmination of a long-term effort and vision advocated by the Tourism Commissioner for the Martinique Tourism Authority, , Bénédicte di Géronimo.
This new route offering non-stop flights to Martinique will strengthen the bond between Canada and the Caribbean island, building upon a successful 14-year run of non-stop flights from Montreal.
“This connection between The Isle of Flowers and the Canadian economic capital reinforces the presence of Martinique in Canada, which is now our second most important market,” said di Géronimo. “I salute the commitment of our key partners such as Club Med, MSC Cruises and The Martinique Aimé Césaire Airport Company (SAMAC) and all partners in the tourism industry in both Martinique and Ontario. This is one more opportunity for our Canadian visitors to discover, taste and share the famous ‘joie de vivre’ that inspires us every day.”
Toronto passengers will now enjoy the comfort of a non-stop, 5-hour flight aboard an Airbus A220, with a capacity of 137 seats.
“Air Canada is very pleased to be the leading carrier between Canada and the French Caribbean, and we are exceptionally delighted to add new flights from Toronto to Martinique this winter. This new service complements our year-round flights from Montreal. Martinique is a unique leisure destination renowned for its rich history and culture, outdoor activities and natural beauty. We have optimized connections to and from our Toronto hub to give customers convenient travel options and bring more people to discover Martinique!” said Alexandre Lefevre, Vice President, Network Planning – North America and Scheduling at Air Canada.
With the launch of this flight, the riches of Martinique are more accessible to Canadians than ever. The verdant “Isle of Flowers” is known for its abundant nature, delicious Creole cuisine, fascinating heritage and welcoming French-Caribbean hospitality. The destination has enjoyed surging popularity with Canadian travellers, both due to its broad array of experiences and safe environment.
“We are delighted to offer our Canadian visitors the experience of an authentic, beautiful and romantic Martinique. We await them with open arms and thank Air Canada for helping us realize the launch of this vital new route,” said Muriel Wiltord, Director of the Martinique Tourism Authority, Americas.
With new deliveries of its Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787-9 aircraft, beginning in 2024, the airline will unveil new Flagship Suite premium seating and a reimagined aircraft interior for its long-haul fleet.
Flagship Suite seats will offer customers a private premium experience with a privacy door, a chaise lounge seating option and more personal storage space. Customers will enjoy tailored luxury in their private retreat in the sky in American’s premium cabin.
“We are enhancing the customer experience across their entire journey with American,” American’s Vice President of Customer Experience Julie Rath said. “The arrival of new long-haul aircraft and the customized seat design of the Flagship Suite seats will offer customers a truly private premium experience on our long-haul fleet.”
American was the first U.S. airline to debut long-haul Premium Economy seats in 2016, and in response to customer demand, the airline is adding even more Premium Economy seats to its long-haul aircraft. The new custom-designed Premium Economy seat creates more privacy and doubles the amount of in-seat storage space.
With the introduction of new interiors on its long-haul aircraft, premium seating on American’s long-haul fleet will grow more than 45 percent by 2026. American’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft will have 51 Flagship Suite seats and 32 Premium Economy seats, and the airline’s Airbus A321XLR aircraft will feature 20 Flagship Suite seats and 12 Premium Economy seats.
Members of American’s award-winning AAdvantage loyalty program can earn miles through everyday activities such as shopping and dining that they can use for award tickets to experience American’s new Flagship Suite seats when it debuts in 2024.
Refreshing existing aircraft
American will also be retrofitting its aircraft, the Boeing 777-300ER, to include Flagship Suite seats. These 20 aircraft will be refreshed with the new interiors starting in late 2024. American’s aircraft will feature more premium seats than its current design, with 70 Flagship Suite seats and 44 Premium Economy seats.
American will also retrofit its Airbus A321T fleet to align those 16 aircraft with the rest of its A321 fleet. American will continue to offer lie-flat seats on its transcontinental routes departing New York and Boston along with its Northeast Alliance partner, JetBlue Airways, providing travelers with a premium experience and the opportunity to arrive refreshed after a cross country flight.
The longest U.S.-bound route from Vancouver will soon be serviced by a new schedule of non-stop flights by Air Canada. AC will launch direct non-stop flights between Vancouver (YVR) and Miami (MIA), starting Dec. 17 this year.
This is the longest flight route between Vancouver and any point in the United States, topping even Hawaii from YVR. It has been nearly 18 years since a non-stop service has connected Vancouver to Miami.
It will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and will fly using a Boeing 737 Max 8 on the route. These have 16 business class seats and 153 seats in economy. The direct flight from YVR to MIA will take about five hours and 46 minutes, while the return service will take about six hours and 45 minutes.
According to booking data, Vancouver-Miami had about 56,000 roundtrip point-to-point passengers in 2019, demonstrating the need for Vancouver to Miami airlift in this underserved market, says the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The Bureau says that western Canadian visitors – who have a demonstrated love for outdoor adventure activities – will be keen to visit the Miami Land region.
This is a showcase of Greater Miami’s natural splendour, and includes vast mangrove forests, ocean deep diving, historic nature walks at the Deering Estate, spying on alligators in South Miami-Dade and taking swamp tours.
Others will be just as happy to explore the breathtaking sandy ribbon of South Beach and its chic neighbourhoods, just east of Miami city. And from Miami, visitors can drive to famous Florida attractions like Daytona Beach, Cape Canaveral and the Space Coast, and Orlando, with its many theme park attractions – or alternatively, land and transfer to their cruise ship for a leisurely cruise holiday.
Swoop, Canada’s ultra-low cost airline is celebrating four years of making air travel more accessible and affordable for Canadians. The airline kicked off festivities with two inaugural flights departing from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.
Swoop flight WO370 arrived in Deer Lake, NL at 11:40 a.m. local time, and Swoop flight WO750 landed for the very first time in the Big Apple, at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport at 10:15 a.m. local time.
Since the airline’s first flight on June 20, 2018, Swoop has proudly served over four million travellers, connected Canadians to 33 destinations in five different countries with a total of 52 routes currently operating, and over 28,000 flights operated in these past four years.
Swoop is inviting travellers to join the festivities at airports across the country, with giveaways and special birthday treats. The ultra-not-expensive airline is also GIF(t)ingCanadians with 40% off base fares with promo code BDAYGIFS.
Dubbing itself an ultra-affordable airline rather than an ultra-low cost carrier, Lynx Air has big plans for the Canadian market. During an event held in Toronto on March 17, CEO Merren McArthur announced a major expansion out of the Toronto region, adding four new destinations and five new routes to its network.
“By the end of July, we will be flying 92 flights per week in and out of the Toronto area, which is more than 17,000 seats per week. This is a big investment for a small startup like us,” said McArthur. “We’re offering really great prices and that’s what we want to do to attract people to our airline, but then we want to earn loyalty from our customers through providing great customer service. Our model is about growing the market share, so we’re not going to steal traffic from our competitors, we want to grow the market.”
In Ontario, Lynx will operate out of both Toronto Pearson Airport and John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, with service to six destinations: Halifax, St. John’s, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.
Depending on what time of the year it is, travellers can score deals on fares less than $100 each way to popular destinations like Vancouver or Edmonton.
The newly announced Lynx routes are:
Toronto Pearson – Halifax: Three flights per week, commencing June 30, and increasing to five per week from July 30.
Toronto Pearson – St. John’s: Two flights per week, commencing June 28, and increasing to seven flights per week from July 28.
Toronto Pearson – Edmonton: Seven flights per week, commencing July 28.
Hamilton – Calgary: Two flights per week, commencing June 29, and increasing to four flights per week from July 29.
Hamilton – Halifax: Two flights per week, commencing June 29.
“We already had three destinations, which were Calgary, Winnipeg and Vancouver on our network map,” she said. “We believe airfares have been far too high for far too long in Canada.”
Lynx is set to takeoff on its first flight between Calgary and Vancouver on April 7, followed by Calgary and Toronto on April 11 on brand-new Boeing 737 aircraft. Lynx will also be increasing its frequencies between Toronto Pearson and Calgary from seven flights per week to twelve flights per week from June 28.
Once reserved for the rich and famous, private jets have become an increasingly popular method of travel due to the exclusivity, convenience, and privacy they offer. As a result, several Canadian companies have expanded their fleets, noting an influx of passenger demand that can be attributed to several factors.
“Private jets have always been quite in demand even pre-pandemic, but there is no denying that we have seen that demand almost double in the industry throughout and as a result of the pandemic,” says CEO of FlyGTA Airlines, Chris Nowrouzi. Founded in 2015 at Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto, the charter airline has expanded to six locations in Ontario and Quebec. The company currently operates seven private aircraft, and intends to expand its fleet throughout the year. “We fly to any destination in North America, and have fixed destinations in the South such as Miami, Fort Myers, Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, and areas within that region,” Nowrouzi says.
Photo supplied by FlyGTA.
Earlier this year, private aviation services company Chartright Air Group added a Citation Ultra aircraft to the Chartright West Coast fleet. The current Calgary-based fleet has several strong performers under its brand in the luxury private jet space, including the Falcon 2000LX (a large jet) and the Challenger 300 (a super midsize jet). The new Citation Ultra is smaller and classified as a light jet, making it the ideal choice for more intimate groups and leisurely activities.
One of the most popular aircraft for leisure and corporate travel, the aircraft can easily reach several popular U.S. sun destinations, including Palm Springs, Los Angeles, Scottsdale, and Las Vegas, as well as sought-after Canadian escapes like Kelowna, Vancouver or Fort McMurray from a Calgary gateway, as of Feb. 1, 2022. “Since the Ultra is a private jet, we can depart from over 5,000 airports,” says Svitlana Gaidamachenko, marketing manager, Chartright Air Group. “The same can be applied to our private jet, the Challenger 300 located in Regina, Saskatchewan. One of Saskatchewan’s most premier aircraft can fly directly from Regina across North America.”
Welcome aboard
Although airlines have reinvented their cabins over the years to appeal to their clientele of luxury travellers, offering a suite of upgrades and amenities, the onboard experience aboard a private jet is simply unparalleled, Nowrouzi says. “It’s very private, and it’s over too quickly! Generally once we take off, the cockpit door is closed, and you have the aircraft to yourself. You have the option to enjoy yourself with a movie, or browse on WiFi, or enjoy the premium bar on the aircraft. The best part in my opinion, is the arrival experience. Customs meets the aircraft on the tarmac, and you’re off within five to ten minutes.”
Photo supplied by TCS World Travel.
FlyGTA can also supply custom catering and exclusive branding for its guests. FlyGTA currently allows passengers to request a tailor made private jet rental, or use the instant book feature via the company’s website. The tailor made option is created by means of a custom quote, whereas the instant book feature is commonly reserved for more common destinations, like between Toronto and Montreal to Florida and the Caribbean. This year, airplane tours aboard the company’s private jets begin March 2022.
Custom experiences
The Four Seasons Private Jet, which offers travellers a choice of group jet expeditions or custom private travel, provides a fully all-inclusive luxury experience. “There are completely bespoke and personalised trips for individuals, families or friends for anywhere they want to go, using either private or commercial flights,” says Becky Youman, Communications Director, TCS World Travel. “These trips are all encompassing—from first-class commercial or chartered transportation and world-class accommodations to savvy local guides, curated dining experiences, transfers and end-to-end service.”
TCS World Travel is the exclusive operator for the Four Seasons Private Jet experience, working very closely with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. TCS World Travel has been operating private jet journeys for Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts since 2012. Booking on the Four Seasons Private Jet also provides complimentary luggage handling, ground transportation, and a veteran expedition team who handles all of the logistics of the trip.
Photo supplied by Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts.
What’s the cost?
As far as pricing is concerned, the cost of booking a private jet typically depends on the aircraft and destination, as opposed to individual ticketing. “The cost to fly private is generally for the whole aircraft,” says Nowrouzi. “Prices [for FlyGTA passengers] can range from $6,000 for Toronto to New York, $25,000 to the Caribbean, and upwards of $50,000 to $150,000 for flights to Europe or South America. In general, I would say the prices compare to a first-class ticket for each person in your group, if you were to fill the plane.” The price of a private jet experience also depends on what is offered onboard, as well as the overall trip at hand. Adult pricing for 2022 Four Seasons Private Jet itineraries, for example, begins at USD $173,000. The trip cost does not include airfare to and from travellers’ home city; passport and visa fees; personal expenses such as laundry or telephone charges, optional additional activities, such as golf fees or spa services not covered by resort credits, private cars and drivers; and food and beverage consumed outside of the private jet and regular daily meals.
New this year, TCS World Travel launched a small group jet expedition to Canada with a set itinerary. Running Aug. 13 to Aug. 27, 2022, Unchartered Canada is a 15-day journey that transports 12 guests to six Canadian cities including Vancouver, Clayoquot, Churchill, Halifax, Fogo Island, and Montreal. Along the way, guests will stay in luxury five-star accommodations, discover Canada’s breathtaking wildlife, and enjoy the comforts of an all-inclusive journey from beginning to end. As Canadians continue to seek out new experiences, jetting off on a private aircraft is a trend that will likely remain.
“From 2012-2020, 10 per cent of all Four Seasons Private Jet guests were Canadian,” says a media spokesperson for Four Seasons. “The benefits of travelling by private jet have become more desirable in the current state of the world,” adds Youman. “Fewer people per plane, a more controlled environment, smaller airports, private or expedited customs and immigration, and the ability to make changes and pivot up to the last minute are all hallmarks of travelling by private jet that guests are prioritizing.”
Exquisite Travel
Looking for an unforgettable escape this winter?
The Moorings, the world’s premier yacht charter company, wants you to consider Antigua, their newest sailing destination. Already renowned as a top-tier sailing and diving destination, the island offers a quintessential Caribbean appeal, delighting visitors with its easy pace, friendly islanders, 18th century charm, and distinctive elegance. Nature lovers can look out for the endangered Hawksbill sea turtles who call Antigua home and travelers looking for tasty tropical treats can hunt down the island’s black pineapples, known for being the sweetest in the world. Explore it aboard your very own luxury yacht. www.moorings.com/antigua
Out of Sight
The Luxury of More…Activities and Onboard Amenities
Start planning now. In 2019, AmaWaterways’ European fleet will also offer guests a plethora of new onboard activities and amenities. The company’s recently expanded Wellness Program will be rolled out to most European ships, giving guests the opportunity to join group exercise activities – including morning stretches, yoga, cardio/core strengthening, resistance band workouts and circuit training – complemented by healthy eating options and relaxation techniques taught onboard. AmaWaterways will also enhance the popular Wine Cruise Program. In 2019, the line will offer 60 hosted Wine Cruises – the most ever – giving more guests the opportunity to dive into the region’s rich wine culture. AmaWaterways’ Wine Cruises offer guests unparalleled access to some of North America’s top winemakers, and the opportunity to experience the iconic wine regions along Europe’s stunning waterways. www.AmaWaterways.com
Surprise
Spend the day at The Nikki Beach Club Barbados this winter
Opening soon, this intimate beach club location in Port Ferdinand, Barbados will run along the shores of the ocean and will be elevated to ensure spectacular water views throughout the entire property. The pool will feature an octagon swim up wet bar and seven catamaran-like lounges, each accommodating up to four guests, jutting out over the ocean for a unique seating option. Four oversized luxury pool beds will also line the dock so guests can listen to the waves crashing around them. An in-house saxophonist, percussionist and violinist, among other musicians, will create an exciting atmosphere that lends itself to great memories. Over 50 speakers will keep the property jamming. An impressive runway feature will be present poolside for Nikki Beach’s fashion shows and quarterly “What Women Want” events. Concierge, valet service and ample parking (both on and off property) will be available to guests. Yachts will be able to dock directly at the location, and water shuttle service will be offered as well. A pick-up and drop-off service will be available for VIP clients who come to the venue before mid-day. Nikki Beach can now be experienced in: Miami Beach, Florida, USA; Saint Tropez, France; Saint Barth, Caribbean; Marbella, Spain; Koh Samui, Thailand; Mallorca, Spain; Ibiza, Spain; Porto Heli, Greece; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Dubai, UAE; Bodrum, Turkey; Versilia, Italy and Barbados, Caribbean this winter with a pop-up location during the Cannes International Film Festival. www.nikkibeachhotels.com
