MONTREAL, July 19, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today announced the appointment of Derek Vanstone as Vice President, Corporate Strategy, Industry and Government Affairs effective September 10, 2012.

Mr. Vanstone, currently Deputy Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, was Chief of Staff to the federal Minister of Finance from 2007 to 2010. He previously practiced law in Toronto with Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP. In addition to his role in helping shape corporate strategy and direction, Mr. Vanstone will have overall responsibility for federal, provincial, municipal and community relations as well as industry affairs. This appointment is subject to the approval of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, which has been provided.

"I am pleased to announce Derek's appointment to this key corporate strategy, industry and government affairs role," said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer. "His solid experience and track record in the private sector and at the highest levels of government will further strengthen the management team's ability to execute our corporate priorities. I look forward to Derek's project management experience and strategic guidance as we continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure Air Canada is competitively positioned for sustainable, long-term growth."

Mr. Vanstone will report directly to Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Vanstone will assume the strategy, government and industry affairs portfolio held by Duncan Dee, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer who is taking early retirement. An announcement on a successor for the Chief Operating Officer role will be made in the near future.

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline serving more than 175 destinations on five continents. Canada's flag carrier is the 15th largest commercial airline in the world and in 2011 served more than 33 million customers. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 59 Canadian cities, 56 destinations in the United States and 63 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,290 destinations in 189 countries. In 2012, Air Canada was ranked Best International Airline in North America in a worldwide survey of more than 18 million airline passengers conducted by independent research firm Skytrax.