• New seasonal services from Kamloops-Toronto launches today; Victoria-Montreal and Nanaimo-Toronto services launch tomorrow

MONTREAL, June 21, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today inaugurated the first of three new, non-stop domestic services from BC communities with the departure of AC1976 from Kamloops to Toronto. Tomorrow, Air Canada will inaugurate new non-stop seasonal services from Victoria to Montreal, and from Nanaimo to Toronto. These newest domestic long-haul services are operated onboard the airline's leisure carrier Air Canada Rouge, which will be celebrating its fifth birthday on July 1.

"We are very pleased to launch the only non-stop services from Nanaimo and Kamloops to Toronto, and from Victoria to Montreal in time for the busy summer travel period. The convenience of these new services makes it easier than ever for customers from other parts of our network to travel to beautiful British Columbia's Vancouver Island and Thompson Okanagan areas. Customers from Nanaimo, Victoria and Kamloops now have the convenience of non-stop flights to Toronto and Montreal, where unparalleled connecting options are also available throughout our far-reaching North American and global network," said Benjamin Smith, President,  Airlines and Chief Operating Officer at Air Canada.

The new non-stop services were welcomed by several Mayors:

"As Mayor of Kamloops and President of the Kamloops Airport Authority, I am delighted that Air Canada is offering this enhanced level of service to our community and our region. I encourage air travelers to make use of this east west direct connection so that we can prove to the carrier that Kamloops and area is a solid investment," said Mayor Ken Christian, City of Kamloops.

"This new direct flight between Montreal and Victoria is excellent news for our two cities. It will allow for greater and more streamlined exchanges, both personal and business. I would like to congratulate Air Canada, who has been steadily increasing direct flights from Montréal. These initiatives position our city as a true economic, political and tourism hub," said Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante.

"Air Canada's investment in Victoria and our region with new non-stop service to Montreal will open up more opportunities for local businesses and our tourism industry. It puts us within easy reach of more international markets and is one more sign of the confidence companies have in our growing economy," said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps.

"I am sure the citizens of the entire central Vancouver Island area are excited they will be able to fly directly from Nanaimo to Toronto. The growth and the opportunities presented by the expanded Nanaimo Airport are limitless. Thanks to Air Canada for having confidence in YCD and delivering this much desired service," stated Mayor Bill McKay, City of Nanaimo.

These routes are part of Air Canada's strategic expansion of 25 new routes being launched during the 2018 summer season.

Air Canada Rouge A319 aircraft offer high-speed wi-fi services, and a choice of two cabins.  All flights are timed to connect conveniently with Air Canada's global schedule, and provide for Aeroplan accumulation and redemption, Star Alliance reciprocal benefits, and for eligible customers, priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounge access at mainline airports, priority boarding and other benefits.

About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline serving more than 220 airports on six continents. Canada's flag carrier is among the 20 largest airlines in the world and in 2017 served more than 48 million customers. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 64 airports in Canada, 59 in the United States and 98 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 1,317 airports in 193 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. Air Canada was also named the 2018 Eco-Airline of the Year by the respected airline industry publication Air Transport World in its 44th Annual Airline Industry Achievement Awards for its commitment to emissions reductions through supporting the development of alternative fuels, its numerous green programs and partnerships, and being the first airline worldwide to voluntarily join the World Bank's IMF Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition.

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Internet: aircanada.com

SOURCE Air Canada