Rob Fyfe, former CEO of Air New Zealand, to join Board upon retirement of Joseph Leonard

MONTREAL, Sept. 15, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today announced the appointment of Rob Fyfe to its Board of Directors and the retirement of Joseph Leonard from the Board, both effective September 30, 2017.

Mr. Fyfe has extensive experience in international business particularly in Asia, in addition to the airline industry. He is the former Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand where he was credited with driving an historic turnaround in the airline's strategy and culture and maintaining profitability during economic downturns. During his tenure from 2005 to 2012, the airline was named Airline of the Year by Air Transport World, as well as New Zealand's most attractive employer and most reputable company. Mr. Fyfe also served as Chair of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board and as a member of the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association.

Currently, Mr. Fyfe is the Chair of Icebreaker, an outdoor apparel designer, manufacturer and retailer with stores in countries around the world. In addition, he serves as a director of Michael Hill International, an international retail jewelry chain and Antarctica New Zealand, a government-sponsored scientific research program in Antarctica.

"We are delighted that Rob has agreed to bring his leadership experience and deep knowledge of the airline sector and Asia-Pacific to the service of our company and our shareholders," said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.

Joseph Leonard will retire from Air Canada's Board on September 30, 2017 after nearly a decade of dedicated service.  "Following a distinguished career in the U.S. airline industry, notably as CEO of AirTran Airways, Joe joined our Board in 2008. On behalf of our employees, directors and shareholders, I sincerely thank Joe for his strategic insight, advice and contribution to our transformation and shareholder value creation," said Calin Rovinescu. "We wish him the very best in his retirement."

About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline serving more than 200 airports on six continents.  Canada's flag carrier is among the 20 largest airlines in the world and in 2016 served close to 45 million customers.  Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 64 airports in Canada, 57 in the United States and 95 in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,300 airports in 191 countries.  Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax, which also named Air Canada the 2017 Best Airline in North America.  For more information, please visit: www.aircanada.com, follow @AirCanada on Twitter and join Air Canada on Facebook.

SOURCE Air Canada