MONTREAL, Sept. 28, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today announced the appointment of Klaus Goersch as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.  In this role he will have responsibility for the safe, reliable and cost-effective operation of the airline. Mr. Goersch will have oversight for all key operating areas including flight operations, maintenance and engineering, airports, in-flight service, and systems operations control.

"I am pleased to announce the appointment of Klaus to this key role in overseeing the airline's operations," said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer.  "Klaus's solid track record of excellence in airline operations, his proven leadership abilities along with his experience in the low cost/low fare environment will further strengthen our executive team. I look forward to his contribution as we work to complete Air Canada's transformation to position the airline for sustainable, long-term growth in our highly competitive industry."

Mr. Goersch has more than 25 years experience in the airline industry in both senior management and as a commercial pilot. He joins Air Canada from Air Tran Airways where he held the position of Executive Vice-President of Operations and Customer Service. In this role he had responsibility for all the airline's operating functions and over the past year, oversaw the operational merger of AirTran Airways into Southwest Airlines which created the world's largest low cost carrier. Prior to joining AirTran Airways in 1996, Mr. Goersch worked for Mesaba Airlines as Director of Corporate Training. In addition to being a qualified pilot, Mr. Goersch holds a Master of Aeronautical Science degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida.

Mr. Goersch will be based at the airline's Toronto hub, effective October 1, 2012.

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline serving more than 175 destinations on five continents.  Canada's flag carrier is the 15th largest commercial airline in the world and in 2011 served more than 33 million customers.  Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 59 Canadian cities, 56 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 1,356 destinations in 193 countries. In 2012, 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.

SOURCE: AIR CANADA