MONTREAL, Feb. 10 /CNW Telbec/ - The departure today of Air Canada flight
AC1824 marks the launch of new, non-stop scheduled flights from Halifax to
Holguin, Cuba's popular northern destination, which offers travelers a unique
combination of beautiful beaches, mountains and tropical forests. This
seasonal service will operate every Saturday until May 12, 2007.
    "This new service, available through Air Canada Vacations, offers
Atlantic Canada access to the land of 100 beaches. With its consistently good
weather, ecotourism opportunities and amazing underwater sites, Holguin is the
ideal destination to escape the rigors of our winter," said Daniel Shurz,
Vice President, Network Planning.
    Air Canada flight AC 1824 departs Halifax at 5:30 p.m., arriving in
Holguin at 9:10 p.m. Air Canada flight AC 1825 departs Holguin at 10:10 p.m.,
arriving back in Halifax at 3:05 a.m. All flights are operated using a
120-seat Airbus A319 aircraft, offering a choice of Executive Class or Economy
service. Air Canada customers may purchase Air Canada Vacations' all-inclusive
holiday packages directly through aircanadavacations.com or by contacting
travel agents in Canada.
    "Today's launch is significant. Part of our goal is to offer Canadian
travelers more choice, greater flexibility and all the added convenience
associated with flying non-stop. We're proud to celebrate today's first flight
with our passengers, and excited to offer Halifax residents another fantastic
new holiday option to explore with a selection of six excellent all-inclusive
resorts. Cuba is one of the top three tourism destinations among Canadians
serviced by 27 Air Canada flights per week, five of which are to Holguin,"
said Ben Smith, Air Canada Vacations President and CEO.

    Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline and the
largest provider of scheduled services and charter air transportation in the
Canadian market, the Canada-U.S. transborder market and in the international
market to and from Canada. Canada's flag carrier is the 14th largest
commercial airline in the world, and together with its regional affiliate
Jazz, Air Canada serves 31 million customers annually and provides direct
passenger service to 157 destinations on five continents. Air Canada is a
founding member of Star Alliance providing the world's most comprehensive air
transportation network.

    Air Canada Vacations is a leading holiday provider with over 25 years
experience delivering best-value leisure and cruise packages as well as
excursions and tours to more and more Canadians every year. Packages include a
combination of roundtrip airfare aboard Air Canada, quality hotel
accommodation, Aeroplan(R) Miles, unparalleled Customer Care support and more.