Canadian Pacific launches faster Toronto-Calgary intermodal service

Canadian Pacific today announced it has launched a faster intermodal rail service between Toronto and Calgary to better serve customers in this key corridor. The new service offering cuts 20 hours from previous schedules.

“Customers are taking advantage of CP’s faster transit times in major intermodal corridors, and given Calgary’s importance as a Canadian distribution hub, improving this service is the next logical step,” said Jane O’Hagan, CP’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “We are helping our customers become more competitive in their own markets and offering previously unavailable options to business not currently shipping with CP.”

O’Hagan added, “CP is focused on its commitment to faster, more reliable service for its customers. The improved schedule is made possible by pairing efficient train design at origin while leveraging a CP advantage; the shortest rail route between Toronto and Calgary.”

The 20-hour service improvement means the 3,400 kilometre distance from Toronto to Calgary will now take 64 hours.

Using similar practices last year, CP shortened schedules from Vancouver to Chicago and Vancouver to Toronto. Initiatives like these will continue to improve asset utilization while meeting customer demands for supply-chain improvements.

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Lufthansa launches self-drop luggage facilities

Lufthansa is making baggage check-in even simpler. From now on, at Munich airport passengers can check their bags in themselves. New baggage drop-off machines with easy-to-follow instructions guide passengers through the few steps needed to check in their bags. Six new-generation baggage machines are already in operation at the southern end of Terminal 2, and a further 13 will be added at Munich by the end of November 2012. At Frankfurt, two baggage drop-off machines are also undergoing a test run. By the middle of next year, a total of 16 will be in routine operation at Germany’s largest airport. Since 2011, the new baggage machines have been tested by about 95,000 passengers. Passengers who request personal assistance or who would like to check in bulky items can, of course, still drop off their baggage at a check-in counter.

Boarding service for premium passengers on Lufthansa’s European flights
On European routes, Lufthansa passengers travelling in First and Business Class as well as HON Circle members, Senators and holders of a Star Alliance Gold Card can board their flight before all other passengers. The personalised Priority Boarding service, which is supervised by a staff member at the gate, allows these customer groups to board their aircraft immediately after families with children and passengers in need of assistance. Premium customers then have plenty of time to stow their hand baggage and take their seats. The new boarding service has already been tested on numerous routes and is offered on all European flights.

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Hertz launches dream cars in the United States

Hertz has announced the launch of Hertz Dream Cars, a line of ultra-high-end performance vehicles that redefine the premium car rental experience.

The new fleet and broad range of markets offer greater access to high performance luxury vehicles than ever before, while the VIP rental experience delivers white glove, personalised service to every renter.

“The launch of Hertz Dream Cars gives consumers the opportunity to experience luxury travel at its finest,” commented Mark Frissora, Hertz chairman. 

“The experience starts with a choice at select rental locations of some of the finest vehicles built on the planet.

“Additionally, the Dream Cars experience extends from special reservation channels to being greeted by a Hertz representative at the airport terminal, to a rental vehicle in pristine condition.

“We ensure the travel experience with a Hertz Dream Car will be unforgettable.”

The Hertz Dream Car VIP rental experience begins with the personalised reservation service available on a dedicated microsite.

Hertz will either personally meet customers at their airport terminal and give them a one-on-one orientation to the car, or deliver the car directly to the customer.

Hertz is offering Dream Cars in 35 markets, including Los Angeles, Miami, and Las Vegas – expanding the availability for consumers around the country to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime luxury travel experience.

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easyJet launches flights to Santiago de Compostela

easyJet has celebrated the launch of its first flight from London Gatwick to Santiago de Compostela, the capital city of the Galicia region in western Spain.

The thrice weekly, year round flights are expected to be very popular with British holidaymakers looking for a city full of breathtaking historical monuments steeped in tradition and spiritual heritage.

Visitors can enjoy the spectacular Santiago de Compostela Cathedral along with the destination’s unique blend of cultural influences at the heart of its cuisine and numerous other visitor attractions.

The city is set against the beautiful backdrop of the Galician mountains and unspoilt greenery boasting over a million square metres of public parks and green areas and with the beach under an hour away by car, Santiago de Compostela really does have something for everyone.

Paul Simmons, UK director, easyJet, said: “We’re delighted to be launching our inaugural flight from London Gatwick to Santiago de Compostela today.

“Spain remains a firm favourite for British holidaymakers so with over 8.5 million seats available this year alone we’re sure that it will be a strong addition to our existing services from London Gatwick.”

In November 2012, easyJet announced a strategic partnership with Spanish hotel institution, the Paradores de Turismo de España – the first collaboration of its kind for the hotel group, offering flight inclusive short breaks and holidays via the easyJet Holidays website.

Located across mainland Spain (and the Canary Islands,) the Paradores offer a unique and authentic take on tourism with no two Paradores the same.

The Parador Santiago di Compostela is often considered the most prestigious in the group’s portfolio and flights direct to the city will enable quick and convenient access direct from London Gatwick.

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