• Kevin Howlett appointed Senior Vice President, Regional Markets
• Arielle Meloul-Wechsler appointed Vice President, Human Resources

MONTREAL, Sept. 18, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today announced the appointment of Kevin Howlett, currently Senior Vice President, Employee Relations, to the new position of Senior Vice President, Regional Markets with overall responsibility for the strategic direction of Air Canada's regional operations and the relationship with current and future regional carriers operating on its behalf. 

"I am pleased to announce Kevin's appointment to this new role," said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer.  "His proven strategic and relationship management skills as well as his experience in regional markets across Canada will be invaluable as we focus on competing more  effectively in rapidly evolving regional markets as low cost operators continue to grow, both in Canada and the United States.

"Over the past two years Air Canada has made significant changes to its regional airline strategy including embarking on a carrier diversification program and a re-branding of all regional partners as Air Canada Express. Kevin's mandate will include a focus on further reducing the cost of Air Canada's regional lift as well as strengthening Air Canada's presence in regional communities."

In his new role, based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Kevin will also work in association with Derek Vanstone, Vice President, Corporate Strategy, Industry & Government Affairs, to strengthen regional business and community relationships.

Prior to this appointment Kevin Howlett oversaw the human resource and labour relations functions at the airline. Kevin has over 35 years of related experience in the airline industry, and previously held the positions of Vice President, Labour Relations with Air Canada Jazz, and Vice President of Labour Relations & Human Resources at Canadian Airlines International.

Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, currently Senior Director, Human Resources, is promoted to the new position of Vice President, Human Resources. In this role, Arielle will assume responsibility for all aspects of Human Resources with the exception of Labour Relations, which continues to be the responsibility of Scott Morey, Vice President, Labour Relations.

"Arielle's solid track record of excellence in her previous roles with the airline, her proven leadership abilities and strategic management skills will further strengthen our leadership team," said Mr. Rovinescu. "In particular, I look forward to her ongoing contribution in the development of people strategy and the implementation of many culture change initiatives planned or in progress across the company."

Arielle has been with Air Canada since 1997. Prior to assuming her Employee Relations functions in 2011, she was Assistant General Counsel and Director of Legal Services at Air Canada.  In 2005 she was seconded to Aeroplan where she led the external legal team through Aeroplan's initial public offering. Prior to joining Air Canada, Arielle practised law at Davies, Ward, Phillips & Vineberg.

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline serving more than 175 destinations on five continents.  Canada's flag carrier is among the 20 largest airlines in the world and in 2012 served close to 35 million customers.  Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 60 Canadian cities, 49 destinations in the United States and 67 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 1,328 destinations in 195 countries.  Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax that ranked Air Canada in a worldwide survey of more than 18 million airline passengers as Best Airline in North America in 2013 for the fourth consecutive year.  For more information, please visit: www.aircanada.com.

SOURCE Air Canada