Open skies agreement welcomed

Travel organisations and airlines have welcomed a new open skies agreement between the UK and Canada that will enhance air travel between the two countries, bringing benefits for travellers.

Airlines from Canada will, from September this year, be able to offer virtually unlimited flights to and from third countries via the UK, and vice versa, and both countries will face no restrictions when it comes to setting fares.

The Canadian Airports Council (CAC) commended the federal government for reaching the historic deal with what is one of the country's biggest air markets.

Jim Facette, CAC president and chief executive, said: "An Open Skies agreement with the important UK market is good news for Canadian airports and the communities they serve."

The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies has also welcomed the deal, insisting that it will lead to more competitive prices for passengers flying between the two countries.

Air Canada is one airline that will be expanding its popular multi-trip flight passes to the UK as a result of this deal.

London Heathrow is Air Canada's largest international gateway, operating over 100 non-stop flights per week from cities across Canada.

Other airlines are expected to expand their services for the two million plus passengers who fly between Canada and the United Kingdom every year when the changes take effect in September.

• New Star Alliance lounge opened in Paris
• Wireless network opened at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
• Emirates launches A380 on Heathrow flights
• Southampton Airport launches travel info system
• Eurostar workers threaten to strike
• Lufthansa launches Italian brand
• New Zealand wins another travel award
• Leeds-Bradford Airport offers parking discounts
• British Airways to resume flights to Saudi Arabia
• Mexicana to introduce London to Mexico City flights