MONTREAL, July 23 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today announced that together
with other Star Alliance partners it has applied for antitrust immunity in the
U.S. as a first step toward creating a new joint venture with Continental
Airlines, United Airlines and Lufthansa.
    Nine Star Alliance carriers, including Air Canada, have filed a joint
application with the U.S. Department of Transportation to add Continental
Airlines to their existing antitrust immunity. Antitrust immunity is necessary
in the United States to discuss coordinating schedules, fares and other
functions. In addition, Air Canada, Continental Airlines, United Airlines and
Lufthansa will ensure their proposed cooperation is also compatible with the
competition laws of Canada and the European Union.
    The DOT has granted nearly 20 applications for antitrust immunity in the
past and Air Canada currently has antitrust immunity in the U.S. with respect
to United and Lufthansa, all of which were founding members of the Star
Alliance. Continental, the fourth largest carrier in the U.S., announced in
June that it plans to join Star Alliance.

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    This disclosure may include forward-looking statements within the meaning
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assumptions, are subject to important risks and uncertainties and cannot be
relied upon due to, amongst other things, changing external factors and
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statements may differ materially from actual results due to a number of
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litigation and actions by third parties, as well as the factors (including
assumptions) identified in Air Canada's public disclosure file and accessible
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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.
    %SEDAR: 00001324EF