MONTREAL, Nov. 6 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today launched the only Montréal-Phoenix non-stop flights. The seasonal service, operating Saturdays and Sundays until April 30, 2011, offers flights timed to facilitate convenient connections to/from Ottawa, Québec City, Saint John, Fredericton, Halifax and Charlottetown.
In addition, Air Canada has added a daily flight until April 30, 2011 to its existing year-round daily Toronto-Phoenix service. During the winter Air Canada also operates daily Calgary-Phoenix service.
"Air Canada is solidifying its position as the leading carrier to Arizona by increasing capacity by close to 50 per cent in 2011 to this popular destination," said Marcel Forget Vice-President, Network Planning, Air Canada. "These additional flights to the U.S. allow Air Canada to offer customers even more choice as the leading transborder carrier between Canada and the U.S. and the Number One foreign carrier flying to the United States -- with the most flights per day to more destinations in the U.S. than any other international airline."
"This new direct connection, thanks to Air Canada, will encourage trade and strengthen the bonds between our two cities. Our friends and partners in Phoenix will be able to come here to discover the joys of winter and enjoy the magical holiday ambience, while developing new business relationships, especially in aerospace. This new flight is another proof of the very strong vitality of Montreal and its Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau international airport," said Montreal Mayor, Gérald Tremblay.
"Canada represents our fastest-growing international market, and we welcome Air Canada's decision to invest in additional air service at Phoenix Sky Harbor," said Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon. "Phoenix would like to thank the Canada Arizona Business Council for its support of this important new service. Additional non-stop service between Canada and Arizona only strengthens the business and cultural ties between our regions."
"The addition of the Montréal-Phoenix flight, together with the recent launch of other key services such as Brussels last summer, is of strategic importance to us and the Montréal community. With Air Canada's collaboration, we intend to continue to look for more opportunities to build Montreal-Trudeau as a major hub in North America given its ideal location and truly upscale facilities," said Jim Cherry, president and CEO of Aéroports de Montréal.
Flights between Phoenix-Montréal and Phoenix-Toronto are timed to make convenient connections with other flights in Air Canada's extensive domestic and international network including London, Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt, Copenhagen and Geneva.
Montréal-Phoenix Saturdays - Sundays until April 30, 2011
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Flight Depart Arrival
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AC 1281 Montréal at 08:05 Phoenix at 11:40*
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AC 1282 Phoenix at 12:20* Montréal at 18:56
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* One hour earlier on November 6, 2010 due to DST differential.
Toronto-Phoenix daily year-round
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Flight Depart Arrival
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AC 589 Toronto at 09:30 Phoenix at 12:20
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AC 590 Phoenix at 13:00 Toronto at 19:05
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Toronto-Phoenix daily until April 30, 2011
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Flight Depart Arrival
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AC 1289 Toronto at 19:55 Phoenix at 22:45
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AC 1290 Phoenix at 08:00 Toronto at 14:05
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Calgary-Phoenix daily to May 28, 2011 (Weekends to May 29, 2011)
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Flight Depart Arrival
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AC 1286 Calgary at 08:10 Phoenix at 11:13
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AC 1287 Phoenix at 12:00 Calgary at 15:08
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The carrier will operate the Montréal and Toronto services using newly refurbished 120-seat Airbus A319 aircraft in a two-cabin configuration offering a choice of Executive Class and Economy service. The A319 jets feature Air Canada's personal entertainment system with 8.9-inch wide digital in-seat monitors and touch-screen controls offering hours of audio and video on demand programming at every seat. Other features include in-seat power within reach of every customer. The Calgary service is operated using 93-seat Embraer E190 aircraft a choice of Executive Class and Economy service, free personal audio-video entertainment at every seat and a choice of hours of audio and video on demand.
In 2009, Air Canada won four top honours in Business Traveler magazine's "Best in Business Travel" annual reader survey: "Best Flight Attendants in North America," "Best In-flight Services in North America," "Best North America Airline for Business Class Service," and "Best North American Airline for International Travel." In 2009 as well, the readers of Global Travel magazine voted Air Canada "Best Airline in Canada" and "Best Airline in North America."
Air Canada offers more non-stop flights on more routes between the Canada and the United States than any other carrier, operating with its regional affiliate Jazz around 400 non-stop flights per day on 104 routes to and from six Canadian and 58 U.S. airports.
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 170 destinations on five continents. Canada's flag carrier is the 15th largest commercial airline in the world and serves 31 million customers annually. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 59 destinations in Canada, 58 in the United States and 60 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 1,167 destinations in 181 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.