Air Canada completes aircraft sale and leaseback transaction providing liquidity of US$38 million

    MONTREAL, March 13 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today announced the
completion of the sale and leaseback transaction of one Boeing 777-300ER
aircraft with GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS), a division of General
Electric Capital Corporation (GECC). This 12 year sale and leaseback
transaction provides Air Canada with US$38 million of funding (approximately
C$48 million).
    This completes the full funding under all the previously announced
agreements with GECC and its affiliates, providing Air Canada with total
financing of US$193 million (approximately C$238 million). The two previously
announced secured financings with GECC were for US$80 million (approximately
C$98 million) completed December 23, 2008 and US$75 million (approximately
C$92 million) completed January 30, 2009.
    Seabury Group LLC acted as financial advisor to Air Canada with respect
to the GE Capital transaction as part of a broader mandate to assist Air
Canada in securing long-term capital funds for general working capital
purposes.

    CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
    ---------------------------------------------

    Air Canada's public communications may include written or oral
forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws.
Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are based on assumptions and are
subject to important risks and uncertainties. Any forecasts or forward-looking
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changing external events and general uncertainties of the business. Actual
results may differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking
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market, credit and economic conditions, the ability to reduce operating costs
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the seasonal nature of the business, supply issues, changes in laws,
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forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent Air
Canada's expectations as of the date of this news release and are subject to
change after such date. However, Air Canada disclaims any intention or
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required
under applicable securities regulations.



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