How soon will we start flying within Canada and abroad?
Observing the situation in the world in regions where rapid public vaccination is progressing and herd immunity is increasing, it allows us to be optimistic about starting vacation planning.
All signs on heaven and earth say that we will be able to travel within Canada, between provinces this summer. So, if you have a plan to go on vacation in July or August – plan Canada. If you wait, in September and October, international connections should start on a larger scale. International travel shall pick up rather after the Labor Day Long Weekend.
Air Canada called on Ottawa to ease travel restrictions. After high losses, the airline prepares for a post-pandemic recovery.
Air Canada’s President Michael Rousseau at his first conference since taking up this position said: “The current mandatory hotel quarantine for arrivals has proven ineffective. It should be eliminated.”
The government now requires everyone arriving in Canada to isolate themselves for three nights in a hotel to reduce the risk of the spread of Covid-19.
Rousseau also said at the conference that he believes that with the current vaccination program nationwide, a modified and more vital approach to testing and quarantine will keep Canadians safe while allowing the country to open up to international travel.
Rousseau also said the government needs to create a plan to reopen the economy and begin communicating as Canada is near a turning point with increasing vaccination coverage.
As was the case with US airlines, Air Canada expects local traffic to be the engine for improvement in the initial period. At the same time, he notes that the demand for intercontinental connections is very high despite lockdowns and restrictions.
Air Canada is preparing for a delayed peak summer season with flights to Europe in September and October.
Airlines are the most sensitive sensor of the economic situation internationally.
Right now, Air Canada already has a very high demand for next winter’s flights to destinations such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Hawaii and Florida as Canadians are already starting to plan their post-pandemic vacation.
Last month, Air Canada received $ 5.9 billion in aid from the federal government.
First-quarter revenue was $ 729 million compared to $ 3.7 billion in the first three months of 2020.
In the second quarter of this year, the airline plans to double the number of seats compared to the second quarter of last year.
These announcements, statements at the conference and signals from the Ministry of Tourism, as well as the tourism industry in Canada, announcing that it will be ready to open the summer holiday season for Canadians, are optimistic and allows us to already plan this year’s vacation. If in summer, then regionally – in Canada, if in autumn and winter – then in Europe, the Caribbean and beyond.
