Transat laying off 78

Photo: The Canadian Press

Transat A.T. is eliminating 78 jobs as it closes its Toronto call centre and reorganizes its some of its tour activities in a bid to improve profitability.

The Montreal-based company, which operates Air Transat, said 66 positions will be eliminated when the Toronto call centre closes Sept. 12.

Meanwhile, Transat will no longer sell cruises except as part of a package with return flights and transfers.

As a result, it will convert 63 positions at its cruise call centre in Montreal to respond to calls about packages from consumers, travel agents and businesses.

Transat is also ending its Discoveries Collection tours in South America, Asia and Africa as it launches a new guided tour program in Europe and sun destinations for 2017.

The change will result in the elimination of 12 non-unionized sales and marketing positions in Montreal.

"From now on, the company will focus on destinations served by Air Transat flights," said spokeswoman Debbie Cabana.

Transat recently announced that Germany's TUI AG had made a firm offer to purchase its Transat France and Tourgreece tour businesses, worth about $80.3 million.

Transat A.T. operates an integrated travel business that includes flights on its Air Transat airline and vacation packages in North America, Europe and other areas.