Two Canadian airlines to increase fares

MONTREAL, March 21 (UPI) -- Two Canadian airlines have announced increase in air fares, both blaming recent hikes in jet fuel prices.

Air Canada, based in Montreal, said some fare increases -- ranging from $3.75 for short-range North American flights to $15 for international destinations -- would begin immediately, the Canadian Broadcast Corp. reported Sunday.

The airline said after labor, its biggest expense was jet fuel that accounted for 13 percent of its operating expenses during 2002.

The Calgary, Alberta-based, WestJet said it would increase its shorter flights by $3.75 per flight for trips of 300 or fewer miles, and raise fares $11 for long-haul flights.