MONTREAL, May 23 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada President and Chief Executive
Officer, Montie Brewer, today announced two executive appointments in the
airline's Commercial Division.
    "With the key elements of our new revenue model in place and working
successfully, we are realigning responsibilities in the Commercial Division as
we embark upon the next stages of our business strategy," said Mr. Brewer.
    Sean Menke, formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial
Officer, will become Executive Vice President, Commercial Strategy. In his new
role, Mr. Menke will focus on long-term commercial strategy, including
distribution and the implementation of the airline's new Polaris reservation
management system. Benjamin Smith, formerly President and Chief Executive
Officer, Air Canada Vacations (ACV), is appointed Executive Vice President,
Commercial, and will assume Mr. Menke's current responsibilities.
    "Sean Menke's leadership has been key to the commercial group's
groundbreaking work in re-inventing our business model. This realignment
allows him to remain focused on its evolution as we move from design to final
implementation of Polaris. Sean's previous experience in managing the
transition of an airline reservation system makes him ideally-suited to lead
this important project," said Mr. Brewer.
    "Ben Smith's return to the Commercial Division following a successful
period at ACV will enhance our ability to pursue our strategic direction. Ben
demonstrated during his tenure at ACV that he is a strong leader and talented
innovator, particularly with respect to generating new revenue and
customer-focused products in a dynamic marketplace. Ben has the right
background and proven management skills to build on the foundation of the new
revenue model that has put Air Canada at the forefront of the global airline
industry," said Mr. Brewer.
    Mr. Smith will be responsible for all commercial aspects of Air Canada's
worldwide operations, including marketing, sales, network planning, brand,
research and product development, international affairs, alliances and Jetz,
the carrier's specialty charter service. Prior to his appointment as President
and CEO of ACV in January 2006, he was Vice President Network Planning, Air
Canada, responsible for the network planning, scheduling and revenue
management functions of Air Canada and Jazz. Mr. Smith joined the airline in
2002 as Managing Director, Tango, cornerstone of Air Canada's successful
branded fare strategy.
    Both Mr. Menke and Mr. Smith will report directly to Mr. Brewer and the
appointments are effective May 22, 2007.