TORONTO, Oct. 16 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada President and Chief Executive,
Montie Brewer, today commended the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA)
for reducing landing fees and terminal charges at its operational hub, The
Lester B. Pearson International Airport.
    "Air Canada is pleased by today's announcement that the GTAA is cutting
fees at Toronto airport and we commend the authority for finding savings and
alternative revenue sources. Anything that reduces the cost of operating at an
airport will translate into increased service for the community. Airports are
catalysts for economic growth," said Mr. Brewer.
    "Air Canada now asks the Federal Government to follow the GTAA's example
by reducing the rents it charges airports each year. Ottawa has collected more
than $2 billion in rent from the country's airports even though this is a
regressive tax that stifles Canada's economy by discouraging the expansion of
air services."

    Air Canada and Air Canada Jazz operate 720 daily arrivals and departures
from Toronto serving more than 165 destinations. 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 32 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.