Michael Pihach

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun says his company made mistakes after a door-plug failure aboard one of its 737 MAX 9s led to 171 of its planes being grounded. The aircraft maker is in hot water this week following a mid-air incident whereby a panel blew out during an Alaska Airlines flight. Alaska and United, which use MAX 9s, have cancelled more flights as a result.

Some cruise lines that call in Ecuador (which includes the Galapagos Islands) are modifying and cancelling itineraries as the country copes with an armed conflict. Lindblad Expeditions tells PAX that it has cancelled two sailings, while Silversea is skipping a port of call. Celebrity has not cancelled any voyages, however. And Intrepid tours are proceeding as planned.

Boeing is facing increased scrutiny after United and Alaska Airlines found loose parts on their 737 MAX 9 planes. According to reports, the two airlines found installation issues on their MAX 9 planes during recent inspections of the aircraft, which are grounded after a plug flew off an Alaska Airlines flight, blowing out an exit door, shortly after takeoff from Portland, Oregon, airport last week.

“When boarding a CroisiEurope ship, Europe comes with you.” PAX joins Canadian travel advisors and 5Continents’ Michele Rauzon on the Rhine aboard the MS Douce France, a 55-cabin river ship operated by CroisiEurope. What’s it like sailing on a well-established French cruise line that’s been around since the late seventies? PAX goes to Europe to get all the answers. See our exclusive ship pics!

Western Canada sure knows how to bring Claus-itively festive vibes to travel agencies. On the heels of BDMs in B.C. doing a travel agency carol crawl, visiting offices in Langley, Coquitlam and Burnaby, collecting food bank donations, it was Alberta’s turn on Monday (Dec. 18) as Calgary-based BDMs did the same. Reps in Calgary have been carolling for 11 years now, said TTC Tour Brand’s Jodine Clement.

Travel agencies in British Columbia were treated to some festive carolling on Friday (Dec. 15) as BDMs in the province got together to spread some holiday cheer. For the first time since 2019, nearly a dozen reps loaded into a bus and visited offices in Langley, Coquitlam and Burnaby to sing Christmas songs and support a good cause.

Preparations are underway in Paris, France as the City of Light gets ready to host the Summer Olympics from July 26 to Sept. 8, 2024. With mega events, along with restricted access and heightened security, it will be one thing to navigate Paris by foot. But what will river cruises do on the Seine? PAX spoke to leading brands to get a sense of what their plans are – and one company has already pulled the plug.

Steve Chen has been appointed as country manager for Canada on behalf of the Taiwan Tourism Administration. PAX has learned. Vancouver, BC-based Chen, who started his role in September, has 24 years of experience in aviation and travel. Chen immigrated from Taiwan more than 35 years ago, and “it’s truly exciting to discuss Taiwan in my professional capacity,” he told PAX.

WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech announced Friday (Nov. 24) that the airline will return to profit sharing after three successful quarters that outpaced 2019’s earnings. Revenue from the last quarter, he said, was the “highest ever in our history.” The CEO also touched on other pillars in WestJet’s strategy, including ULCC-style fares and the integration of Sunwing Airlines.

Irish fiddlers, flamenco dancers, and a German Christmas market converged Tuesday night (Nov. 21) as members of the European Travel Commission (ETC) and the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) teamed up to host a cocktail and dinner do for top-producing partners in Toronto.