MONTREAL, Dec. 18 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada issued the following statement on the occasion of today's signing of a comprehensive air transport agreement between Canada and the European Union (EU).

"Today's signing by Canada of a comprehensive air transport agreement with the 27 Member States of the European Union marks an important development in increasing access to Canada's second largest trading partner," said Duncan Dee, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "This new agreement opens up a realm of new commercial opportunities for Air Canada throughout the EU. It allows Air Canada to further develop Canada as a gateway to the world by capitalizing on travel demand between Canada, the U.S., Latin America and Europe.

"Air Canada has long been an advocate of an enhanced aviation agreement between Canada and Europe; we applaud the governments of Canada and the EU for concluding this agreement that achieves balanced benefits for both parties."