MONTREAL, Nov. 28 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada announced today that starting
May 1, 2008 it is launching daily year-round, non-stop service between
Charlottetown and Ottawa.
    "For over 25 years, Prince Edward Island and visitors have been able to
count on Air Canada for year-round, competitive and reliable air service
connecting the Island with Canada and the world." said Daniel Shurz, Vice
President, Network Planning, Air Canada. "We are delighted to launch the only
non-stop air link between these two capital cities, complementing our existing
year-round services and further integrating the island into Air Canada's
extensive national, transborder and global network."
    Beginning May 1, 2008, Air Canada Jazz flight AC8618 will depart Ottawa
at 11:00 and arrive in Charlottetown at 13:40. Air Canada Jazz flight AC8619
will then depart Charlottetown at 14:15 and arrive in Ottawa at 15:05. All
flights will be operated with a 50-seat, Canadian built Bombardier CRJ jet.
    "This additional flight to Ontario will be of major benefit to the
travelling public," stated Premier Robert Ghiz. "These additional connections
help both businesses and visitors, and I am very pleased that all the players
were able to make this happen."
    "We are pleased that Air Canada is adding new direct service between
Ottawa and Prince Edward Island," said Doug Newson, CEO of the Charlottetown
Airport Authority. "Non-stop service to our nation's capital has been a major
priority for the airport for some time. We very much appreciate that Air
Canada recognizes and is responding to the market demand for Ottawa direct
service. We look forward to working with the PEI traveling public to ensure
that this new service is well publicized and ultimately proves to be
successful for Air Canada, the Charlottetown Airport Authority, and all
residents of our Province."
    This summer, Air Canada will offer up to 11 daily flights from Prince
Edward Island, with up to four daily flights to Halifax, three to Montréal,
three to Toronto and one to Ottawa. Air Canada and Air Canada Jazz have
proudly served Charlottetown longer than any other carrier and have
contributed over that period to the development of the island.

    Air Canada was recognized in 2007 by the editors of Air Transport World
as the airline industry leader in market innovation, specifically Air Canada's
success in implementing an innovative and transparent pricing structure, its
effectiveness in using online technology to meet consumers' needs and its
fleet-wide renewal with a consistent, market-leading onboard product among
North American airlines. In 2007, Air Canada was also ranked "Best Airline in
North America" for the second time in three years in an independent passenger
survey of 14 million air travellers conducted by Skytrax.

    Air Canada provides scheduled and charter air transportation for
passengers and cargo to more than 170 destinations on five continents.
Canada's flag carrier is the 14th largest commercial airline in the world and
serves about 34 million customers annually with a fleet consisting of
335 aircraft. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance providing the
world's most comprehensive air transportation network.