Sunquest says replacement flights secure for customers affected by shut-down

Sunquest Vacations announced that it has organized replacement flights for all customers affected by the suspension of operations by Skyservice Airlines, which was placed into receivership by the Ontario Court Wednesday.

Sunquest flights affected by the Skyservice shut-down originate in Toronto or Winnipeg, and represent less than a third of the remaining flights for Sunquest’s winter program-which ends April 30, 2010. According to Sunquest, seventy per cent of their remaining April winter flights and none of their flights after May 1, 2010 are affected. Customers who are currently booked to fly with Skyservice will now be accommodated on alternative flights.

“The loss of Skyservice is regrettable for us and the Canadian travel industry,” says Michael Friisdahl, chief executive officer, Thomas Cook North America. “However, we have long-established relationships with a number of flying partners and we are able to turn to these partners to quickly and seamlessly arrange alternate flights for our customers scheduled to travel with Skyservice.”

Here is some key information for passengers flying with Sunquest:

“¢ Travelers already at their destinations who departed from Toronto or Winnipeg on Skyservice flights: All flights have been replaced. Currently almost 80 per cent of return flights will operate on the same day as their existing itinerary, although some departure times may change. Sunquest will provide accommodation at no cost for package holiday customers who cannot return on their scheduled departure day. All customers will be contacted today by Sunquest representatives on the ground, who are fully prepared and will provide details and replacement travel documentation.

“¢ Travelers departing from Toronto between now and April 30, 2010 booked on Skyservice flights: Alternative flights have been arranged for these customers. No further Skyservice flights are scheduled to depart from Winnipeg. Sunquest representatives or travel agents will contact customers today and will provide updated flight information and documentation.

“¢ Travelers at their destinations who departed from locations other than Toronto or Winnipeg: Not affected. They were not on Skyservice flights.

“¢ Travelers departing from all locations other than Toronto or Winnipeg between now and April 30, 2010: Not affected. They were not on Skyservice flights.

“¢ Travelers on any Sunquest vacations after April 30, 2010 are not affected by the Skyservice shut-down. Sunquest’s summer program begins May 1, 2010 and, as previously announced, flights for the summer season are being provided by WestJet. Sunquest expects to announce its flight provider for the 2010-2011 winter program very shortly.

Skyservice, which is part of Thomas Cook Group plc, was an independent supplier to Sunquest and one of the world’s leading travel groups. Since 1995, Skyservice has operated aircraft for Sunquest and other tour operators between Canada and destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico.

Sunquest says it has increased its support centre staffing and hours of operation to provide travel agents and customers with information. More details are available at www.sunquest.ca.