Air Canada and WestJet both increase checked bag fees
In February, WestJet announced it was increasing fees for checked bags. Shortly after, Air Canada followed suit. Both airlines now charge between $35 and $42 for the first checked bag on economy fares. Though now common throughout the industry, it was only in 2014 that Canada’s major airlines introduced checked bag fees. “It’s a business,” says Prof. Karl Moore. “You’re leaving money on the table if you don’t do it.
Airfares are going down, but additional fees can offset any savings
Airfares are getting cheaper in Canada, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll pay less when you fly. In late 2023, WestJet introduced a $10 surcharge for checking bags with agents instead of online. Then, in February 2024, it increased checked bag fees for economy passengers on domestic flights. Low fares help attract customers, but the added fees can drive up the final bill substantially.
Failure of Lynx Air illustrates challenges of Canadian market
In February 2024, the low-cost carrier Lynx Air announced it was filing for creditor protection and would cease operations, with just a few days’ notice to its ticket holders. The airline had significant overlap with Air Canada’s routes and never managed to gain a foothold in the market. “It’s a difficult environment for airlines to make money in Canada,” says Prof.
McGill Desautels: First Faculty to attain Silver in Sustainable Workplace Program
McGill University's Desautels Faculty of Management has become the first Faculty to achieve Silver status in the Sustainable Workplace Certification program. Led by McGill's Office of Sustainability, the program encourages eco-friendly practices and a sustainability culture for departments and units across campus.
Professor Liette Lapointe awarded honorary doctorate from Aix-Marseille University
McGill Desautels Professor Liette Lapointe has been awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa from Aix-Marseille University, recognized for her contributions to information systems management and behavioural studies.
Introducing McGill Management Insights Podcast
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work behind the scenes of your favourite sports team, or how you can leverage data and artificial intelligence in your current role? Curious about the origin story of the company whose juice kickstarts your day?
Benevolent sexism among venture capitalists advantages male entrepreneurs
Just 17% of Canada’s small- and medium-sized enterprises are owned by women, and benevolent sexism among venture capitalists is one of the reasons for this yawning gap between female and male entrepreneurs. Benevolent sexism is a form of bias that appears positive on the surface, but ultimately reinforces gender roles and entrenches inequality, writes Desautels PhD candidate Nhu Nguyen in The Conversation.
Professor Alain Pinsonneault named to SAQ Board of Directors
In January 2024, Prof. Alain Pinsonneault was appointed to a four-year term on the Board of Directors of the Societé des alcools du Québec (SAQ). The Distinguished James McGill Professor brings expertise in information technology management and business digitization to the SAQ, which sells beer, wine and spirits at more 400 locations throughout Quebec.
Desautels MBA grad named one of 100 people who transformed Africa in 2023
After completing his studies at McGill, Jeremy Awori (MBA’90) worked briefly in the financial services sector in Canada before becoming head of retail banking for the Standard Chartered Bank of Kenya at just 28 years old. Today, he is director general of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, a pan-African banking conglomerate with operations in 33 countries. This year, Financial Afrik named Awori one of 100 people who are transforming Africa.
Dean Yolande Chan Leads Global Higher Ed Transformation at 2024 EFMD Conference in Amsterdam
Dean Yolande Chan chaired the 2024 EFMD Conference for Deans and Directors General, that brought together nearly 500 leaders in higher education from across the globe to Amsterdam, Netherlands from February 6-7, 2024.
BCom students selected for CEOx1Day program
The CEOx1Day program offers some of Canada’s top students the opportunity to learn directly from executives at some of the country’s most prominent companies. Hosted by the Odgers Berndtson Canada consultancy, candidates undergo a rigorous selection process and shadow the CEOs of organizations like Bombardier, Canadian Blood Services and the Royal Canadian Mint. This year, two McGill Desautels Bachelor of Commerce students made the cut.
MBA students should try and avoid FOMO, recent graduate advises
For high-achieving MBA students, the allure of pursuing multiple paths can be strong. However, Kriti Pradhan (MBA’23), now a senior consultant at KPMG Canada, cautions against succumbing to the temptation of trying to do it all. Pradhan advises her peers to steer clear of developing a fear of missing out. "Many students initially enter with a singular vision, such as a career in finance," Pradhan notes in an interview with FT MBA Magazine.
Montreal’s La Vie en Rose is wise to take a gradual approach to U.S. expansion
Lingerie retailer La Vie en Rose operates in 20 countries, but they haven’t expanded to the neighbouring United States – until now. The Montreal-headquartered company is opening three stores in New York state, with an eye cast toward operating nationwide one day. But with a more crowded market for lingerie in the United States, they’re taking a cautious approach.
AI can be a powerful tool for asset managers
Artificial intelligence isn’t a crystal ball, but it can analyze exponentially more data than any human can, and that has the potential to transform the financial services industry. “It’s the most powerful tool I’ve ever seen applicable to investments,” says Professor Ruslan Goyenko in an interview with Benefits Canada.
Quebec City invests $3M in alumnae-managed venture capital fund Linearis Ventures
Linearis Ventures invests in new health technologies at the intersection of life sciences and artificial intelligence. The Quebec City-based venture capital firm recently received a $3 million investment from the city of Quebec, pushing it past its initial commitment target of $50 million. Managed by an experienced trio, including Manon Boisclair (EMBA’19), the fund seeks to open new horizons in precision medicine.
