MONTREAL, Jan. 5, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - For the month of December, Air Canada reported a system load factor of 81.0 per cent, versus 80.8 per cent in December 2010, an increase of 0.2 percentage points. System traffic increased 3.0 per cent on a system-wide capacity increase of 2.8 per cent. Air Canada reports traffic results on a system-wide basis, including regional airlines from which Air Canada purchases capacity.

"For the month of December and full year 2011, Air Canada recorded load factors of 81.0 and 81.6 per cent, respectively," said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer.  "Load factor for the full year was the second highest in Air Canada's history, surpassed only by our all-time record of 81.7 per cent for 2010. For both the month of December and 12-month period, we experienced traffic growth in all markets Air Canada serves.  These strong results underscore the effectiveness of our disciplined capacity management and award-winning product. I want to thank our employees whose professionalism and focus on taking care of our customers was recognized throughout the year."

In 2011, Air Canada was ranked "Best International Airline in North America" in a worldwide survey of more than 18 million airline passengers conducted by independent research firm Skytrax.  Also in 2011, readers of Global Traveler magazine voted Air Canada "Best Airline in North America," and readers of Business Traveler voted Air Canada "Best North American Airline for International Travel" and "Best In-Flight Services in North America."  In the annual Ipsos Reid Business Traveller Survey, Air Canada was named "Canada's Favourite Airline for Business Travel."  Air Canada was preferred by 73 per cent of Canadian business travellers surveyed for 2011, the third consecutive year of improvement in Air Canada's ratings in the national survey.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international full-service airline providing scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo to more than 180 destinations on five continents.  Canada's flag carrier is the 15th largest commercial airline in the world and serves over 32 million customers annually. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 60 Canadian cities, 57 destinations in the United States and 63 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,185 destinations in 185 countries.  Air Canada customers can collect Aeroplan miles for future rewards through Canada's leading loyalty program, and Top Tier members enjoy reciprocal frequent flyer benefits including lounge and priority services.  For more information on Air Canada visit aircanada.com and follow @AirCanada on Twitter and Facebook.