Jump to content

AirCanada News / Jazz News / Rouge News


Guest

Recommended Posts

Air Canada A220 Training

 
‎Today, ‎November ‎11, ‎2019, ‏‎1 hour ago | Canadian Aviation News

Provided by Air Canada Twitter

Every A220 pilot undergoes months of training on sophisticated simulator

October 2019

Every A220 pilot undergoes months of training on sophisticated simulator

Months before our new, modern Airbus A220-300 aircraft takes to the skies, dozens of pilots are immersed in training to prepare them to take the controls when we welcome our first A220-300 to the Air Canada fleet later this year.

Each pilot undergoes hours of training in classrooms and simulators, recreating a variety of situations so that when the time comes to accelerate down the runway toward V1, they are well versed in everything the A220-300 is capable of.

Simulator training is nothing new for pilots, who must continuously spend hours in these sophisticated training tools every six months to maintain their license to operate a particular aircraft.

And introducing an entire new aircraft to Air Canada’s fleet also represents a major undertaking that requires teamwork and input from every department within the company.

“Within flight operations, we’ve got multiple groups from training within the fleet itself dealing with the change, the rapid changing of the documentation from the manufacturer. We also are in communication with other departments within Air Canada such as maintenance, in-flight, cargo, ground operations, ensuring that everybody is on the same page throughout the introduction so that at entry into service goes smoothly,” said Rob Latter, Chief Pilot for the A220 at Air Canada.

Working out of our simulator facility near Toronto’s Pearson Airport, each pilot undergoes weeks of training that begins with four days of classroom sessions, where pilots have a desktop simulator on a computer to allow them to familiarize themselves with the flight deck.

After that, there are nine sessions of four hours each on what is known as an Integrated Procedures Trainer (IPT), which is a scaled down model of the full simulator. And for the A220, Air Canada is one of the only airlines to have opted to equip its IPT with a fully functional console between the Captain’s and First Officer’s seats, allowing for the pilots to train on the actual equipment and build up muscle memory. Training options that replace the fully functional piece with touchscreens don’t produce the same results.

Once they have completed this phase, pilots then undergo 11 sessions of four hours in the sophisticated A220-300 simulator, which replicates with stunning reality the flying capabilities of the aircraft.

Simulator sessions include taking off and landing at different airports, enabling pilots to manage the aircraft while encountering a multitude of weather conditions as well as a range of situations that can arise while operating a flight.

Robert Birch was one of the first pilots at Air Canada to go through A220 training and as a check pilot he helps certify the next group of pilots to be qualified on this aircraft.

“My initial impression of the flight deck is how spacious and roomy it is. How cleanly designed it is. It was obviously designed with the pilot in mind. I think it is going to be a really comfortable work space,” Birch said. “The best part of flying the A220 in the simulator so far is that the level of automation is very high. It’s got a great system of displays where you can customize them to your use and what your preferences are.”

Before the A220, Birch was a captain on the Airbus A320.

“The biggest difference for me on this is that this has a geared engine. That has made it much more fuel efficient,” Birch said.

Asif Khattak is also a check pilot for the A220 program and he too was impressed by the flight deck’s spaciousness.

“For a narrow body, it’s got a lot of room. It’s really nicely laid out. The overhead panel is very clean and the display units offer a great amount of visibility. The side windows on the aircraft are huge, as well as the front looking out. So, the visibility in the aircraft is fantastic.”

The automation and display screens on the aircraft make a pilot’s job much easier.

“It allows you to customize it from your own perspective of how you want to manage the flight deck. It’s also got a heads-up display unit which offers you a lot of situational awareness as well. From that perspective, I really enjoy the airplane,” Khattak said.

He also believes passengers will really love the A220-300.

“I think they will be pleasantly surprised when they come on board this aircraft. It’s got a feel of a widebody aircraft when you walk through the cabin. The windows are quite big, they can adjust the lighting as well, the overhead bins offer a lot of space. And I think the 3-2 layout that we are going to have in this cabin is a little different than perhaps they are used to on other narrow body aircraft. So it gives you the feeling that you are in a very big aircraft, or a widebody aircraft, but you are still in a narrow body plane,” Khattak said.

“One of the unique features of this aircraft is the economy cabin. It’s got a 3-2 configuration, so very few middle seats. And fewer middle seats makes for great comfort for passengers,” Birch said.

The fact the Airbus A220-300 was conceived and designed by a Canadian company and is built in Canada is a source of pride for all three pilots.

“The fact that it is a Canadian aircraft means a lot to anyone working at Air Canada,” Latter said.

“The most exciting thing about the A220 for me is that it’s a Canadian built and designed aircraft, built from scratch as a new airplane. I think it’s going to be great once we get it in the air,” Birch said.

“I am excited to get into an aircraft that is built by a Canadian company. Bombardier built this aircraft, they did a lot of research and design into this aircraft. They have a lot of experience building this airplane. So just excited to get into the airplane and get a feel for it in the air and how it handles,” Khattak said.

And the feedback from Birch, Khattak and other pilots who will go through the first rounds of training will help ensure a smooth transition for all of them.

“The feedback from our initial pilot group that started their training – the ones that have completed it and still in training – are very positive,” Latter said. “With the aircraft itself, I’ve heard that the pilots love the technology level, the spaciousness of the cabin, the cleanness of the panels. It allows us to make the SOPs (standard operation procedures) flow very nicely from their perspective.”

Fast Facts

  • Number of aircraft ordered: 45
  • Seating: 12 business class, 125 economy class
  • Range: 3,200 nautical miles
  • Average of 20 per cent less fuel consumption per seat compared to similar aircraft
  • Noise footprint area up to 50% smaller than previous generation aircraft
  • First new routes announced: Montreal-Seattle, Toronto-San Jose, California
Link to comment
Share on other sites

https://simpleflying.com/air-canada-airbus-a220-repaint

Last week Air Canada’s stunning new Airbus A220 livery was revealed. However, it has already been repainted due to an issue with the original paint job. The airline’s logo was incorrectly applied to the tail.

The Air Canada logo consists of a red maple leaf surrounded by a red circle. However, the red circle is not complete, with a break at the base of the maple leaf. Despite being paid an awful lot for the new aircraft, it seems that Airbus Canada had mistakenly applied the Air Canada logo to the aircraft back to front.

How was the mistake made?

While vinyl wraps can be applied to aircraft, such as this Boeing 787, aircraft are typically painted in layers. Usually base colors are painted onto the aircraft first, with more intricate details painted on top. Stencils can be used to complete details such as an airline’s name.

The tails of aircraft are, however, sometimes supplied to the final assembly line already painted. Here’s why that sometimes happens. However, Airbus A220 aircraft are assembled with the tails unpainted. As such, it is down to the painters to apply the airline’s livery to the entire aircraft in the paint shop.

What happened?

While applying the Air Canada logo to the tail, Airbus’ painters made a subtle error. The logo was painted back to front. The error was much more subtle than when “Cathay Paciic” was painted onto the side of a Boeing 777. In fact, until it was pointed out by readers, Simple Flying didn’t spot the error.

Unlike some tails, the logo painted on the Air Canada tail is almost symmetrical. The only difference is where the maple leaf attaches to the circle surrounding it. It only attaches to one side of the circle. Unfortunately, the aircraft’s painters chose the wrong side.

Seemingly the error was so subtle that even Airbus’ press department didn’t realize. In fact, photos of the mistake were proudly published with a press release, before the mistake was spotted by those outside Airbus.

Already fixed

Thankfully, Airbus has already taken steps to repaint the aircraft for Air Canada, this time with the correct logo applied. An Airbus Canada representative told Simple Flying:

“Certain elements of one rondelle were executed incorrectly in painting the tail of Air Canada’s first A220 and this has already been rectified. There is no impact on the aircraft delivery schedule.”

Edited by moeman
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yup, and not too many people caught that error as well. I had only been at CP for a few months  when I asked a "brass hat" what the logo signified other than the bilingual issue. I was told that the chevron was supposed to always point FORWARD to indicate the airline was GOING FORWARD. Even the  mobile ground equipment" had the chevron on them and it was adjusted on each side of the vehicles, as per the aircraft  to be always pointing forward...but I saw a few vehicles that had the name/logo  on incorrectly.....?

Trivia.......I was down in the "southern " USA and as me and my crew walked off the tarmac we were approached   by a "y'all" ground service person  and he asked what "Forces Armees Canadiennes" meant on the one side of our C-130. Before I could answer the grizzled old  FE said.... "Door on other side"..:Grin-Nod:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

 

The following flights will be operated by Omni Air International on behalf of Air Canada until April 19, 2020

New Flight Number Previous Flight Number From To Effective Dates
AC2411 AC519 Vancouver Honolulu Until April 19, 2020
AC2410 AC518 Honolulu Vancouver Until April 19, 2020
AC2413 AC537 Vancouver Kahului/Maui Until April 19, 2020
AC2412 AC536 Kahului/Maui Vancouver Until April 19, 2020
AC2414 AC1054 Vancouver Phoenix December 14, 2019 to April 19, 2020
AC2415 AC1055 Phoenix Vancouver December 14, 2019 to April 19, 2020
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well done Air Canada and their partners. Youth team left YLW to YYC (change of gauge) to FRA and then a transfer to LH into Finland. Despite the Plane change in YYC and FRA, their hockey gear arrived with them in Helsinki. Great handling/service all the way.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, rudder said:

AC should stop placing bets on the “MAX Lottery” and instead come up with a NB fleet plan based on Airbus 220/320NEO/321NEO. That would leave AC well fleeted in to the 2030’s.

I wonder if that is even an option.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Air Canada Named One of Canada's Top 100 Employers for the Seventh Consecutive Year Français


NEWS PROVIDED BY

Air Canada 

Nov 22, 2019, 09:00 ET


  • Award reflects ongoing engaged and energized workforce proud to #FlyTheFlag

MONTREAL, Nov. 22, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today was named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers (2020) for the seventh consecutive year in an annual national employer survey by Mediacorp Canada Inc.

 
Air Canada today was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers (2020) for the seventh consecutive year in an annual national employer survey. (CNW Group/Air Canada)
Air Canada today was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers (2020) for the seventh consecutive year in an annual national employer survey. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

 

"We are honoured to be ranked again as one of Canada's top employers. This recognition for the seventh straight year validates our work making culture and employee engagement one of our core focuses. Our company culture which fosters an engaged workforce has become a true competitive advantage, and we are very proud of Air Canada's more than 33,000 dedicated employees who deliver excellent service safely to the 51 million customers we carry each year," said Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Senior Vice President, People, Culture and Communications, at Air Canada.

 

Air Canada's Top 100 Award

The Canada's Top 100 Employers competition recognizes employers with exceptional human resources programs and forward-thinking workplace policies. Starting with an initial list of more than 90,000 employers, Mediacorp graded those selected on eight criteria, which have remained constant since the project's inception: Physical Workplace; Work Atmosphere & Social; Health, Financial & Family Benefits; Vacation & Time-Off; Employee Communications; Performance Management; Training & Skills Development; and Community Involvement.

Mediacorp cited several unique employee support and engagement programs at Air Canada. These include: state-of-the-art training facilities; programs to promote health, fitness and wellness; generous benefits and perks for employees and their families and a consultative approach to workplace developments, such as recent head office renovations where Air Canada sought employee feedback on everything from storage space design to the final décor.

Working at Air Canada

Air Canada's reputation as one of Canada's Top 100 employers has made the airline a destination of choice for people seeking a challenging career. It receives 194,000 visits each month to the employment page of its website and on average there are 362 applicants per position for each vacancy filled. In 2018 alone, Air Canada hired more than 6,500 people.

Selection Process

Employers are evaluated by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers using eight criteria, which have remained consistent since the project’s inception: (1) Physical Workplace; (2) Work Atmosphere & Social; (3) Health, Financial & Family Benefits; (4) Vacation & Time Off; (5) Employee Communications; (6) Performance Management; (7) Training & Skills Development; and (8) Community Involvement. Employers are compared to other organizations in their field to determine which offers the most progressive and forward-thinking programs.

2020 Winners

Here are the 2020 winners of the Canada's Top 100 Employers competition. Click an employer name to read our editors' full Reasons for Selection:
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Another award for AirCanada.  

Air Canada Named 2019 Airline of The Year by Global Traveler

 
‎Today, ‎December ‎2, ‎2019, ‏‎56 minutes ago | Canadian Aviation News

Provided by Air Canada/CNW

MONTREAL, Dec. 2, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada has been recognized as the 2019 Airline of the Year by Global Traveler, the leading magazine for luxury business and leisure travellers.

Air Canada has been recognized as the 2019 Airline of the Year by Global Traveler, the leading magazine for luxury business and leisure travellers. (CNW Group/Air Canada) Air Canada has been recognized as the 2019 Airline of the Year by Global Traveler, the leading magazine for luxury business and leisure travellers. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

“I am very pleased that Air Canada has been named the 2019 Airline of The Year by Global Traveler. The success we have had transforming our airline into a leading global carrier is being recognized worldwide and we continue to invest in new aircraft, onboard services, airport amenities and a new Loyalty program to build on our leading position. Mostly, however, this award recognizes the hard work of our employees and their commitment to deliver customer service excellence every day, for which I thank them,” said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive of Air Canada.

Global Traveler’s staff submitted nominations to an advisory board, whose members chose the winners based on a series of factors after thorough research. The panel weighed the nominees’ financial data, safety records, product offerings, onboard menus and overall image as a brand before selecting Air Canada as Airline of The Year.

Since 2010, Air Canada has embarked on a $12 Billion capital expenditure program to elevate the travel experience which has included:

  • An expanded global network connecting over its Canadian gateway hubs to nearly 220 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and North and South America. Air Canada is one of only a few airlines in the world to serve all six inhabited continents;
  • A wide body fleet renewal program that introduced Boeing 777s and state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliners and that includes a significant refurbishment of the A330 fleet to the Dream cabin;
  • A narrow body fleet renewal which continues this month with the delivery of the airline’s first Airbus A220-300 aircraft;
  • Best in class cabin interiors across its wide-body fleet, featuring lie-flat direct aisle access Signature Class seats and a Premium Economy cabin offering increased pitch and width;
  • Signature Class Service internationally and year-round on select North America transcontinental flights including between Toronto and Vancouver, San Francisco, and Los Angeles; Montreal and Vancouver; and Vancouver and New York (Newark). Signature Class features an end-to-end premium travel experience with exclusive services and amenities;
  • BMW Chauffeur Service for select customers connecting to international flights at the Toronto global hub;
  • New international, domestic and U.S. Maple Leaf Lounge concepts, including the Air Canada Signature Suite for eligible customers travelling in Signature Class internationally from the Toronto Pearson global hub, featuring a la carte dining with a menu created by celebrated Canadian Chef David Hawksworth; and the Air Canada Café, a first in North America, where eligible customers departing on a domestic flight from Toronto-Pearson can enjoy a premium coffee shop experience with grab and go snacks.
  • Enhanced onboard amenities such as signature dishes prepared by Canadian celebrity chefs David Hawksworth, Antonio Park and Vikram Vij, coupled with wine pairings by world-renowned sommelier Veronique Rivest; a revamped Skyriders program with special amenities for the youngest travellers and families; in-flight Wi-fi connectivity on all narrow-body aircraft, and progressive implementation onboard the wide-body fleet, complementing Air Canada’s personal seatback in-flight entertainment system, which offers more than 1,000 hours of free digital audio-visual content.
  • Ongoing customer service training initiatives for customer-facing in-flight, airport, baggage and call centre employees;
  • Technological innovations to facilitate customer interactions, including a new website compatible with all types of devices for a consistent experience, ongoing refinements of mobile technology, and increased investments in artificial intelligence to further develop customer-focused capabilities and information management;

This win builds on other recent accolades such as being named Best Airline in North America for the third consecutive year at the 2019 Skytrax World Airline Awards, as well as the Best Airline for Family Travel by the Wherever Awards and the Favourite Airline for Millennial Travellers by the Trazee Awards. Air Canada was also named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers (2020) for the seventh consecutive year and was recognized for Diversity in Leadership at the 2019 Airline Strategy Awards.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Air Canada Announces New U.S. Transborder Routes and Services from Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver next Summer Français


NEWS PROVIDED BY

Air Canada 

Dec 10, 2019, 08:00 ET

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

  • Montreal-Nashville, Calgary-Boston, the only non-stop services between these city pairs, start in June 2020
  • Summer 2020 will also see a second daily flight added between Vancouver-Newark

MONTREAL, Dec. 10, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today announced two new seasonal summer routes and added service to major U.S. destinations from Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. New daily, non-stop services linking Montreal and Nashville, and Calgary and Boston, as well as the addition of a second daily flight between Vancouver and Newark, will give customers more choice and added convenience when travelling transborder beginning in June.

 
Air Canada today announced a new summer route between Boston and Calgary, the only non-stop connection between these two cities, beginning in June. (CNW Group/Air Canada)
Air Canada today announced a new summer route between Boston and Calgary, the only non-stop connection between these two cities, beginning in June. (CNW Group/Air Canada)
Air Canada today announced a new seasonal summer route between Nashville and Montreal, the only non-stop connection between these two cities, beginning in June. (CNW Group/Air Canada)
Air Canada today announced a new seasonal summer route between Nashville and Montreal, the only non-stop connection between these two cities, beginning in June. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

 

"These new routes to Nashville and Boston, the only non-stop services available, are in line with our strategic long-term plans for global expansion. As the largest foreign carrier in the U.S., these destinations were chosen based on the strength of Air Canada's North American network, allowing for quicker travel times between Canada and two of the fastest-growing economies in the U.S. Customers will be able to take advantage of plentiful connecting opportunities between our extensive domestic and global markets," said Mark Galardo, Vice President of Network Planning at Air Canada.

 

Montreal-Nashville (Between June 1 and October 25, 2020)

Flight

Departs

Arrives

Days of Week

AC7714

Montreal 18:05

Nashville 19:48

Daily

AC7713

Nashville 08:25

Montreal 11:51

Daily

The new route from Montreal will be operated by Air Canada Express on a 76-seat Embraer E175 aircraft featuring Business Class and Economy Class cabins. It complements existing year-round service to Nashville from Toronto.

"This route strengthens our position in Nashville, one of the fastest growing markets in the U.S. It will appeal to Canadian customers who want to experience the music scene in Tennessee and also allow Nashville residents to experience the vibrant summer season in Montreal, while also allowing for onward travel through our growing Montreal hub," Mr. Galardo said.

"We are delighted to welcome Air Canada's new Montréal-Nashville route, which will appeal to travellers interested in exploring America's fascinating country culture," says Philippe Rainville, President and CEO of Aéroports de Montréal. "This good news coincides with the opening of YUL's brand-new connection centre, a state-of-the-art facility that will allow even more exciting air links to be developed from Montréal, for the benefit of our entire community."

"The introduction of direct service between Nashville and Montreal will contribute to enhancing the attractiveness of our city as a first-class destination in North America. Access to the U.S. market is important to support our efforts to host more conferences and business-related tourism, which have major economic benefits for Montreal's tourism ecosystem," said Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.

The flights are timed to provide connectivity through Air Canada's North American and international destinations such as Shanghai, Tokyo, Paris and London.

Calgary-Boston (Between June 22 and September 7, 2020)

Flight

Departs

Arrives

Days of Week

AC580

Calgary 16:15

Boston 22:46

Daily

AC581

Boston 06:30

Calgary 09:32

Daily

The flight will be operated with a mainline Airbus A319 aircraft featuring Business Class and Economy Class cabins. These flights are timed to provide excellent connectivity to and from Air Canada's Western Canada network. This seasonal route is in addition to existing service to Boston from Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Halifax.

"This flight is meant to connect Western Canada to Boston through Calgary, allowing for non-stop travel to Boston where visitors can enjoy the charms of Massachusetts' capital and largest city, while visitors to Calgary can take in the city's culture and make a quick trip to the Rocky Mountains," Mr. Galardo said.

"This direct flight to Boston will connect Calgary to a vibrant city full of history and diversity," said Bob Sartor, President and CEO, The Calgary Airport Authority. "Our guests have longed asked for more direct flights to United States' east coast and we thank Air Canada for adding this exciting route to the gateway of New England."

"With this new flight connecting Calgary and Boston, Tourism Calgary's partner Air Canada continues to help us showcase everything Calgary has to offer with new visitors," says Cindy Ady, Tourism Calgary CEO. "Additional direct routes also support the economic impact of tourism, which directly contributes over $2 billion to Calgary's economy each year. We are very eager to share Calgary with Bostonians beginning June 2020."

Vancouver-Newark (June 15 and October 12, 2020)

Flight

Departs

Arrives

Days of Week

AC546

Vancouver 13:55

Newark 22:05

Daily

AC547

Newark 06:30

Vancouver 09:20

Daily

The addition of a second daily flight between Vancouver and Newark for the summer season will enhance an important transborder connection as it is timed for optimal connectivity to Air Canada's Western Canada network and flights to Asia.

"The New York area is a very important market for Air Canada and the second daily flight rounds out our schedule and gives travellers more options when connecting through our Asia Pacific gateway in Vancouver," Mr. Galardo said.

Travelling Transborder with Air Canada

Customers travelling to Nashville, Boston or Newark from an international destination through Canada pre-clear U.S. customs without even picking up their baggage if they are connecting, saving significant time on their journey. Canadian customers returning from the U.S. can clear customs in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Calgary without having to collect their bags until they get to their final destination.

All customers can collect and redeem Aeroplan Miles through Canada's leading loyalty program when travelling with Air Canada, and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges at Canadian airports, priority boarding and other benefits.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Air Canada Inaugurates the Only Non-Stop Service from Montreal to São Paulo

Provided by Air Canada/CNW

MONTREAL, Dec. 12, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada inaugurated the only non-stop service between Montreal and São Paulo, Brazil. Last night’s departure of AC96 which arrived in São Paulo this morning marks the beginning of three weekly flights from Montreal until March 27, 2020.

An Air Canada Boeing 787 Dreamliner. (CNW Group/Air Canada) An Air Canada Boeing 787 Dreamliner. (CNW Group/Air Canada) Air Canada has inaugurated the only non-stop service between Montreal and São Paulo, Brazil. (CNW Group/Air Canada) Air Canada has inaugurated the only non-stop service between Montreal and São Paulo, Brazil. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

“We are very pleased to celebrate the historic start of non-stop service between Montreal and Brazil, marked by the launch of our newest international flight to São Paulo. Complementing our Toronto services, our new flights from Montreal provide another convenient link to Brazil’s largest city and financial centre while offering a great opportunity for Brazilians to enjoy an exceptional Quebec winter vacation. São Paulo is one of 13 new international destinations added by Air Canada from Montreal-Trudeau Airport since 2017, further reinforcing our ongoing transformation of Montreal into a competitive, international hub. The Montreal-Brazil route also underscores Air Canada’s strategic expansion to South America, with new flights that launched from Toronto to Quito on December 8, and starting next summer, from Montreal to Bogota,” said Mark Galardo, Vice President, Network Planning at Air Canada.

Flights will be operated by Air Canada’s flagship Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with a 298-seat configuration featuring Air Canada Signature Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class service, with high-definition individual on-demand entertainment offering a wide range of movies, short films, TV programs and audio selections at every seat throughout the aircraft. 

Additionally, award-winning Montreal Chef Antonio Park’s menu creations with a South American inspiration are presented as a dining choice in Signature Class. His menu options will also be available at the Montreal International Maple Leaf Lounge as well as in the Toronto-São Paulo Signature Class flights.

“We are very pleased to welcome the new route to Sao Paulo, a major economic and industrial hub for business travellers. We have been waiting a long time to be able to offer this destination to our passengers,” said Philippe Rainville, President and CEO of Aéroports de Montréal. “Thanks to our major partner, Air Canada, YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport is continuing to strengthen its role as an international air traffic hub and enhance its air service to South America.”

“The Government of Québec congratulates Air Canada and Aéroports de Montréal, as well as the public and private partners concerned, on the establishment of this new direct air link between Montréal and São Paulo. I am convinced that it will help strengthen relations between Quebec and Brazil, Quebec’s largest trading partner and largest customer in South America, as well as with the State of São Paulo, where Quebec has had a representative office for more than 10 years,” said Nadine Girault, Minister of International Relations and Francophonie.

“The Government of Québec salutes this new direct link between Québec and Brazil, which will undoubtedly attract growing numbers of Brazilians to Québec. Brazil has the world’s 10th largest pool of tourists and Québec stands out more than ever as a world-class destination with its unique tourism offerings, authentic experiences and four distinct seasons. The link is thus a promising one, an additional bridge between our two nations that opens a new chapter for our tourism industry and our economy. With the new Explore Québec program promoting accessibility throughout our vast territory, all of Québec’s regions will benefit from this new link,” said Caroline Proulx, Québec’s Minister of Tourism.

“Brazil is Quebec’s largest trading partner in Latin America. This new direct flight to Sao Paulo, a major economic and industrial hub, will facilitate growth of Montreal’s businesses in this market, which offers significant commercial opportunities in key industry sectors such as advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and aerospace. The Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal congratulates Air Canada for its leadership to enhance Montreal’s status as a global hub for air travel, and its commitment in the city’s international expansion,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal.

“As Brazil recorded a 38 per cent increase in arrivals to Québec in 2017, the Alliance welcomes the launch of a new Montréal‒São-Paulo nonstop direct flight. This initiative supports the current efforts to position Québec as a travel destination to markets in South America, while reflecting positively on our industry’s seasonality. The Brazilian visitor is particularly fond of our winters, our wide-open spaces and our local flavours. The Alliance acknowledges Air Canada’s commitment in launching this direct international nonstop flight to Québec. Accessibility is a determining factor when pursuing vigorous growth on the international visitor market ‒ in turn, it generates major economic spin-offs for the entire destination,” said Martin Soucy, Chief Executive Officer at the l’Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec.

“This new flight to Sao Paolo is excellent news for Montreal, which reaffirms its position as a major hub for international destinations. The entire ecosystem under Tourisme Montréal’s mandate salutes the efforts made by Air Canada to improve the accessibility of our destination. We intend to work closely with our partners to ensure the success of this new route,” said Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.

“The addition of direct flights plays a key role in the attractiveness of the region. This new connection between our two world class cities will surely generate new business opportunities and deepen our economic and commercial ties,” said Christian Bernard, Chief Economist and Vice President, Economic Affairs and Marketing Communication at Montréal International, greater Montreal’s economic promotion agency.

The schedule is timed for convenient connections across Air Canada’s network in North America, including to and from Vancouver, Calgary and Quebec City, New York and Boston, as well as to and from several Brazilian cities beyond São Paulo.

All flights provide for Aeroplan accumulation and redemption, Star Alliance reciprocal benefits and, for eligible customers, priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounge access at Air Canada’s Montreal hub, priority boarding and other benefits.

Flight Departs Arrives Days of Week
AC96 Montreal 18:35 São Paulo 06:30+1 day Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
AC97 São Paulo 08:40 Montreal 16:45 Monday, Thursday, Saturday

Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and its regional airline partners flying under the Air Canada Express banner operate an average of approximately 2,300 return flights per week from Quebec airports to 102 destinations worldwide: 28 in Canada, including 9 in Quebec, 24 in the United States, 24 in the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico, 18 in Europe, two in Asia, two in North Africa, one in the Middle East and three in South America.

Air Canada is Canada’s flag carrier and is among the 20 largest airlines in the world, serving nearly 220 airports on six continents. Air Canada’s global head office is in Montreal, and the airline employs 36,000 people worldwide and has been recognized multiple times as being a leading global carrier as well as one of Montreal’s top employers.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...