Air Canada begins service to fourth new international destination from Toronto this year with Copenhagen launch - Route opens connections for customers and cargo flying to Scandinavia

TORONTO, June 24 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today is launching non-stop service between Toronto and Copenhagen. It is the fourth new European city to be served from Air Canada's Toronto hub this year as the carrier expands its international flying to offer customers a wider choice of routes and destinations.

"Air Canada is building its Toronto hub and this year we have launched long-haul service to four new, major European destinations. The addition of Copenhagen is important strategically as passengers and cargo will be able to conveniently connect with our Star Alliance partner Scandinavian Airlines to reach such cities as Oslo, Helsinki, Stockholm, Gothenburg and Warsaw. For connecting customers travelling between Copenhagen and U.S. cities, this new route will offer the fastest elapsed travel time," said Ben Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. "Toronto's geographic position and the consolidation of our operations under one roof, where customers enjoy easy in-transit customs clearance and amenities such as our Maple Leaf Lounges, are enabling us to establish Lester B. Pearson International Airport as a major North American and global hub for the Star Alliance. Earlier this month, Air Canada launched new non-stop service to Athens and Barcelona from Toronto and to Brussels, via Montreal. At the same time, in conjunction with our international growth we have expanded our transborder network out of Toronto with seven new U.S. routes this spring."

"We're once again pleased to see Air Canada's continued growth and their dedication to their Toronto hub," said Pamela Griffith-Jones, Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer for the GTAA. "Having this link to Copenhagen enhances the already excellent roster of international destinations available from Toronto."

Air Canada will begin non-stop flights five days a week between Toronto and Copenhagen on June 24, 2010. The only non-stop service to Scandinavia from Canada will be operated with a 211-seat Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft featuring 24 lie flat bed suites in Executive First and a personal digital in-flight video system, a USB port and a power plug available at every seat throughout the aircraft. Flights will be timed to conveniently connect with Star Alliance partner Scandinavian Airlines, which offers more than 120 flights per day from Copenhagen to 52 destinations.

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    Flight       Depart Toronto                         Arrive Copenhagen
                 (Daily except Tuesday, Wednesday)
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    AC882        17:35                                  07:15 (+1)
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    Flight       Depart Copenhagen                      Arrive Toronto
                 (Daily except Wednesday, Thursday)
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    AC883        12:25                                  14:55
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Air Canada was named Best Airline North America in a worldwide survey of more than 17 million air travelers conducted by independent research firm Skytrax for their 2010 World Airline Awards.

In 2009, Air Canada won four top honours in Business Traveler magazine's "Best in Business Travel" annual reader survey: "Best Flight Attendants in North America," "Best In-flight Services in North America," "Best North America Airline for Business Class Service," and "Best North American Airline for International Travel." In 2009 as well, the readers of Global Travel magazine voted Air Canada "Best Airline in Canada" and "Best Airline in North America."

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international full-service airline providing scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo to more than 170 destinations on five continents. Canada's flag carrier is the 15th largest commercial airline in the world and serves 31 million customers annually. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 59 destinations in Canada, 58 in the United States and 60 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 1,167 destinations in 181 countries. Air Canada customers can collect Aeroplan miles for future rewards through Canada's leading loyalty program, and Top Tier members enjoy reciprocal frequent flyer benefits including lounge and priority services.

For further information: Isabelle Arthur (Montréal), (514) 422-5788; Angela Mah (Vancouver), (604) 270-5741; Peter Fitzpatrick (Toronto), (416) 263-5576; Internet: aircanada.com