A CHANGE in passenger booking patterns from Australia has been noted by Air Canada as 2024 comes to an end.
Speaking to travelBulletin at a performance of Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia in Sydney this week, Air Canada’s AU/NZ GM Vic Naughton observed that a trend had emerged this year seeing passengers booking flights later, which “presents challenges in terms of forecasting loads”.
“What we saw in 2024 was a change in booking patterns compared to 2023…but the overall demand has not diminished,” Naughton said.
“[This] is highly encouraging given external factors such as Australia’s economic performance and rising cost-of-living pressures,” he added.
Naughton said he was expecting trends to return to normal in the aviation sector in Australia for 2025 after a bumper period following the pandemic.
“I think 2025 will be a bit more normalised year as we see airlines rationalise capacity and stabilise the market.
“In terms of forward bookings, Air Canada is seeing very strong demand for northern summer bookings, nevertheless I expect to see a continuation of late booking patterns but overall, I am very optimistic for 2025 based on what we are seeing with demand.”
MEANWHILE, the new year will see Air Canada revise inclusions in its Basic and Comfort fares to help it better distinguish its fare brands in the market.
Beginning 03 Jan, travellers booking the lowest priced Basic fare band on routes originating in Canada, the USA, Cuba and the Caribbean will be required to check through their carry-on baggage pre-security, with normal bag fees applicable.
The policy does not apply to fares originating from Australia to Canada or connecting services.
Seat assignment in advance will remain available for a fee or complimentary at check-in, but travellers wishing to change their seat after check-in will then need to pay for their desired seat.
Travellers on the higher Comfort fare will also see changes, with the previous baggage allowance of one checked bag increased to two per passenger worldwide.
Air Canada will also grow its Asia-Pacific network from early 2025 with a new service between Vancouver and Manila.
The year-round service marks Air Canada’s first Philippines destination, with the route flying four times weekly.
