Air Canada and WestJet expand international routes as Firan Technology Group (FTG) posts strong aerospace growth in Canada. The Canadian aviation sector is experiencing a renaissance, driven by robust growth in airline services and cutting-edge aerospace technology. Air Canada and WestJet have unveiled new global routes for 2025 and 2026, making international travel more accessible for Canadian and global tourists alike. As Canada’s aerospace industry, led by companies like FTG, continues to thrive, these innovations are enhancing flight reliability and operational efficiency. FTG’s advancements in aerospace electronics and avionics systems are playing a pivotal role in supporting the growing demand for air travel, contributing to the broader expansion of global tourism. This article delves into how these airline expansions and aerospace advancements are transforming travel opportunities, benefiting tourists, airlines, and the hospitality industry worldwide.
Canada’s aviation landscape is entering a new era. Air Canada and WestJet are expanding their international networks at a scale that aligns with Canada’s fast-advancing aerospace sector. Among the companies fueling this momentum is Firan Technology Group (FTG), a high-growth Canadian aerospace electronics leader. While FTG is not directly responsible for airline route expansions, its technological contributions to aerospace electronics, avionics systems, and printed circuit board innovation reinforce the reliability and competitiveness of modern aircraft. Together, these developments support a more global, tourist-friendly Canadian travel environment.
Travelers now benefit from a wider range of flight options, quicker global connectivity, and a strengthened hospitality experience in major destinations. With demand rising across international tourism markets such as Japan, Greece, Australia, and other high-traffic regions, the combined progress within Canada’s airlines and aerospace sector has a global ripple effect.
The build-up of international travel routes is driven by robust airline planning, improving aircraft reliability, and rising passenger demand. Air Canada and WestJet have added multiple long-haul services to enhance global connectivity in 2025 and 2026. Air Canada’s new flights include expansions to Italy, Spain, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and the Caribbean, as well as the resumption of key long-haul routes to Asia and Europe. WestJet is increasing its winter capacity with expanded service to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, directly benefiting Canadian leisure travelers seeking warm-weather destinations.
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These expansions coincide with FTG’s strong corporate performance. FTG posted double-digit revenue growth in 2024 and 2025, with total bookings rising over 25 percent. Its backlog surpassed 130 million CAD in 2025. The company’s advancements in aerospace electronics and printed circuit board design support the broader aviation supply chain and help sustain operational stability for global aircraft manufacturers. A stronger aerospace ecosystem ultimately benefits travelers through increased aircraft availability, improved performance, enhanced avionics systems, and more reliable air travel experiences.
This article explores what these developments mean for travelers, tourism destinations, and hospitality industries worldwide.
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The expansion of Air Canada and WestJet routes opens doors for Canadian tourists looking to explore multiple continents more conveniently. These airlines are strategically increasing connectivity to meet soaring travel demand as global tourism surpasses pre-2020 levels.
Air Canada has introduced and restored a series of international routes across Europe, Asia, and South America. Some highlights include:
Toronto to Shanghai returning in summer 2026
Toronto to Budapest returning in summer 2026
Montréal to Catania launching in 2026
Montréal to Palma de Mallorca launching in 2026
Toronto to Rio de Janeiro increased for winter 2025
Toronto to Lima expanded for winter 2025
These routes enhance connectivity to cultures rich in cuisine, history, coastal landscapes, and tropical escapes. For example, flights to Palma de Mallorca open access to Spain’s Balearic Islands, famous for beaches, local markets, and Mediterranean cuisine. Flights to Shanghai provide access to one of the world’s most dynamic urban destinations with thriving business travel links. Catania, located in Sicily, offers volcanic landscapes, ancient ruins, and charming local dining experiences.
WestJet is also expanding for the 2025–2026 winter season, focusing on tourism-rich destinations such as:
Calgary to Guadalajara
Calgary to Panama City
Calgary to Tepic
Calgary to Puerto Plata
Calgary to Cozumel
These routes attract both leisure and business travelers. Guadalajara is known for arts, tequila production, and vibrant cultural festivals. Cozumel and Puerto Plata appeal to beach-seeking tourists who enjoy snorkeling, resorts, and all-inclusive experiences. Panama City provides excellent connections for travelers exploring Central America’s eco-tourism destinations.
As airlines add these destinations, the hospitality industries in these regions benefit from increased occupancy, higher visitor spending, and sustained demand for tours, restaurants, spas, and local transportation.
Canada’s aerospace sector plays a vital role in global aviation reliability and tourism expansion. FTG’s rapid growth contributes to the broader stability and innovation that support travel worldwide.
FTG specializes in high-reliability printed circuit boards and aerospace electronics used in:
avionics systems
flight controls
cockpit equipment
aerospace subsystem hardware
defense and simulation systems
In 2024 and 2025, FTG reported:
Revenue above 160 million CAD in 2024
Year-to-date 2025 revenue growth over 24 percent
Backlog exceeding 130 million CAD
Significant earnings expansion
Notable facility advances, including improvements in North America and Asia
These results reflect that Canada’s aerospace industry is thriving. Strong supply chain components help airlines maintain their fleets efficiently, support long-distance operations, and meet the rising demand from tourists looking for global travel experiences.
A strong aerospace sector does not create airline routes, but it enables global carriers to operate safely and reliably. This relationship benefits travelers through improved on-time performance and better flight quality.
Countries experiencing strong tourism rebounds benefit significantly from new flight paths. Several destinations are at the forefront of tourism growth, with recent data showing notable inbound increases.
Japan recorded nearly 37 million visitors in 2024, surpassing previous records. Travelers are drawn to cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, as well as rural regions like Hokkaido and Okinawa. The hospitality sector has responded with increased hotel capacity, expanded rail tourism packages, and upgraded services. Canada’s improved connectivity to Asia strengthens travel flows, especially for Canadians seeking cultural, culinary, or seasonal travel experiences.
Greece welcomed more than 40 million tourists in 2024. Islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Rhodes saw heightened demand. Air Canada’s expansion into southern Europe allows Canadians easier access to beaches, historical sites, and luxury Mediterranean resorts. Greece’s hospitality industry continues to enhance services, including digital check-ins, expanded ferry routes, and eco-friendly accommodations.
Australia surpassed pre-pandemic visitor levels in late 2025. More than 696,000 international visitors arrived in September 2025 alone. With improved connectivity from Canada, travel to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth is more seamless. Tourist spending reached over 13 billion AUD for the year ending June 2025, supporting the growth of hotels, eco-tours, and culinary tourism.
The hospitality industry is directly benefiting from surging global travel. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and entertainment venues report higher occupancy rates and increased visitor spending.
Major destinations like Japan, Greece, and Australia report:
higher occupancy levels
increasing average daily rates
improved revenue per available room
expanded seasonal tourism
Luxury hotels, boutique stays, eco-lodges, and family-friendly resorts are seeing consistent growth driven by new airline capacity.
As flight connectivity improves, more tourists combine flights with cruise itineraries. Ports in Europe, Japan, and the Caribbean are receiving increased ship arrivals, benefiting both airlines and the broader tourism industry.
Tourists are spending more on:
culinary tours
street-food markets
fine dining
wine regions
cultural performances
These industries thrive as international flights bring more visitors.
As Air Canada and WestJet expand international capacity, travelers can plan more efficiently. Here are helpful, tourist-friendly travel tips:
New long-haul routes often see high initial demand. Booking 60–120 days in advance helps secure better fares and preferred seating.
Destinations like Greece and Spain have peak summer periods, while Japan experiences tourism spikes during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage.
Air Canada and WestJet apps allow travelers to track:
boarding times
seat changes
baggage updates
gate notifications
Real-time updates reduce stress and improve the airport experience.
Countries may require:
electronic travel authorizations
tourist visas
vaccination certificates
digital customs forms
Checking requirements early prevents delays.
In Japan, travelers can benefit from regional rail passes. In Europe, low-cost carriers and ferry networks provide cross-country access. In Mexico and the Caribbean, local shuttles and resort transfers are widely available.
Travelers can expect modern aircraft and improved inflight amenities on many new routes.
Routes to Shanghai, Budapest, and Palma de Mallorca typically operate on:
Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Airbus A330
Airbus A321XLR (for medium-haul European routes in future deployments)
Travelers can enjoy lie-flat business class, personal entertainment screens, and enhanced economy seating.
WestJet’s new routes to Mexico and Central America usually use:
Boeing 737 MAX 8
Boeing 787 Dreamliner for longer-range or high-traffic routes
Travelers benefit from updated cabin interiors, improved fuel efficiency, and modern inflight entertainment.
Global travel demand is expected to continue rising, supported by:
expanded airline capacity
strong inbound tourism in major destinations
growth in hospitality sectors worldwide
advancements in aerospace technology
Canada’s strengthened aviation ecosystem, enhanced by FTG’s ongoing corporate growth, contributes to reliable global travel. As airlines add new routes and destinations welcome increasing visitor numbers, travelers can expect broader choices, better service quality, and improved international tourism experiences.
Air Canada and WestJet expand international routes as Firan Technology Group (FTG) posts strong aerospace growth in Canada. These developments are revolutionizing global travel, boosting connectivity and enhancing the overall travel experience for tourists.
Air Canada and WestJet’s expansion of international flights marks a pivotal moment for global travel. Coupled with the strong growth of Canada’s aerospace industry led by companies like Firan Technology Group, the future of travel looks promising for Canadian and international tourists alike. From Mediterranean islands to East Asian megacities and tropical American coastlines, travelers now have more opportunities to explore the world with reliable, comfortable, and accessible air travel options. The rise of tourism and hospitality industries globally ensures that every destination can offer something new, enriching, and memorable for modern adventurers.
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