Air Canada cuts newspapers after dumping life vests

Air Canada has now decided to end its long-standing subscription to The Montreal Gazette, only a few days after its regional affiliate, Air Canada Jazz, decided to remove life vests from its planes, in order to cut fuel costs. Daily newspapers like the Montreal Gazette add to the overall weight of individual planes, and the more a plane weighs, the more jet fuel tends to consume. This means that after cutting free meals, snacks and alcoholic beverages, passengers on Air Canada flights departing from Montreal can also bid farewell to complimentary copies of the city’s only English-language daily.

A spokesperson for Canada’s flag carrier was quick to point out that this decision boils down to cost cutting, and should not lead anyone to think that the airline is in any way displeased with the Gazette. Air Canada also reminded passengers that they would still be able to choose between a French-language newspaper, as well as an English national paper on most domestic flights.  

Air Canada has introduced new fees and cutbacks recently, including the removal of life vests on Jazz airplanes and a new fee that will ensure that passengers receive accommodation, meal vouchers or rescheduled tickets if their flight is delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions or traffic at major airports.

Thank you to Tim Parent of CJAD NewsTalk Radio for the initial report.

www.aircanada.com