OTTAWA — January 28, 2009 - The Canadian Transportation Agency today issued a formal warning to Go Travel Direct for a violation of section 59 of the Canada Transportation Act. The Act specifies that no person shall sell, cause to be sold or publicly offer for sale in Canada an air service unless the person holds a licence issued in respect of that service.
This warning follows an investigation by the Agency concerning the advertising and possible selling of flights from Canada to London, United Kingdom and Paris, France by Go Travel Direct using Finnair OYJ. If the offence is repeated any time within the next four years, it could result in an Administrative Monetary Penalty of up to $25,000 per violation.
As of today, the Agency has still not received an application from Finnair OYJ or any other airline requesting a licence or charter permit to operate these flights advertised by Go Travel Direct.
Any air carrier contemplating operating charter flights between Canada and another country must satisfy the requirements of the Air Transportation Regulations. First the carrier must hold the necessary licence for that country and then it must obtain a charter permit. Licences state the countries between which the carrier can fly. Any application for a licence or charter permit is subject to the Agency's approval, which is not automatic.
Travellers making arrangements may wish to verify that the air carrier has a valid licence for the service it is offering. This can be done through the Agency Web site Licencing Search,
The Canadian Transportation Agency is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates various modes of transportation under Government of Canada jurisdiction, including air, marine and rail. Through its inspection and investigation program, the Agency monitors and enforces compliance with the Canada Transportation Act and related regulations.
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For further information, please contact:
News Media Enquiries: Marc Comeau 819-953-9961
General Public Enquiries: info@otc-cta.gc.ca; 1-888-222-2592
The Canadian Transportation Agency is online at www.cta.gc.ca
