The appointment comes as the airline also unveils new “standardised” economy fares.
Keating, formerly regional manager, UK, Europe and North America for Malaysia Airlines, joins the airline today (Friday September 28), with his key areas of responsibility including sales, distribution, e-commerce and revenue management.
Keating has also worked at British Airways, easyJet and Etihad Airways, where he was global sales manager.
Air Transat has further bolstered its senior team in the UK and Ireland with the appointment of Adam Clarke as head of marketing. He joins from Tui Group where he was head of brand activation.
Gilles Ringwald, vice-president, commercial at Air Transat, said: “We are delighted to have an executive of Adrian’s calibre leading our commercial team in such a key market.
“His proven track record in devising and delivering airline commercial strategies make him a natural fit for Air Transat as we continue to develop and strengthen our presence in the UK and Ireland.
“Adam Clarke’s credentials as an experienced marketeer for leading travel and consumer brands make him a valuable addition to our team, and will be instrumental as we continue to build Air Transat’s presence in the UK and Ireland with consumer and industry audiences.”
Keating added: “Air Transat is a longstanding and innovative airline, and one with a proven, strong network across the UK and Ireland.
“I look forward to working with my team to make us the carrier of choice to Canada for both leisure travellers and our valued partners in the travel trade.”
Elsewhere, the airline has “standardised” its economy fares for its transatlantic destinations.
The Eco Fares are a range of fare classes “that allow the flexibility to change or cancel a flight for free or for a nominal fee”.
Air Transat said in order to “align its flexibility conditions with those of the airline industry” it had revised its lowest‑priced fare, Eco Budget, which will no longer include a free checked bag or the possibility to make changes or cancellations. Passengers booking an Eco Budget as of October 2, 2018, for flights as of April 1, 2019, will be charged a fee for their first piece of checked baggage of 23 kg.
- Eco Budget: No changes or cancellations; no checked baggage included
- Eco Standard: Changes and cancellations with fees; one checked bag included; free standard seat selection
- Eco Flex: Changes and cancellations for free; two checked bags included; priority services at the airport; any seat selection, based on availability
Passengers who opt for Option Plus will be given more benefits in economy class, such as a checked bag free of charge, complimentary seat selection, priority check-in at a dedicated counter, priority boarding and baggage handling, as well as other onboard benefits.
Alternatively, customers can opt to fly in Air Transat’s Club Class 12-seat cabin. In addition to complimentary seat selection, customers get a checked baggage allowance, more space on board, as well as priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling. Club Class passengers are also given a comfort kit, a welcome cocktail, a wide selection of wines, soft drinks and snacks, as well as food from the Chef’s Menu by Daniel Vezina.
Air Transat currently offers direct and connecting flights from Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow and Dublin to destinations across Canada including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton.
