MONTREAL, Feb. 23, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today welcomed the BC Minister of Transport's announcement to eliminate the provincial aviation fuel tax for international flights from British Columbia.

"We applaud the BC government for their progressive actions in eliminating the provincial aviation fuel tax on international flights. In addition, we thank the Vancouver Airport Authority for their initiative to hold in line landing and terminal fees until 2015. These types of initiatives help contribute to the competitiveness of the Canadian aviation landscape in the global marketplace," said Ben Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer.

"Following the progressive example now set by the Province of BC and in 2004 by the Province of Alberta, we urge all governments and authorities to work with the industry as partners in the development of sustainable air services with the economic spin-offs that result."

From Vancouver, Air Canada offers daily non-stop international flights to Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo Narita, Seoul, Sydney Australia, London Heathrow, and Mexico City. Non-stop flights to Frankfurt and to Auckland are offered on a code-share basis with Star Alliance partners Lufthansa and Air New Zealand, respectively.  Vancouver is also home base to more than 5,100 proud Air Canada employees.

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 34 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 1,290 destinations in 189 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 visit www.aircanada.com , follow @AirCanada on Twitter and join Air Canada on Facebook.