MONTREAL, Dec. 9 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today issued the following
statement following the successful conclusion of a comprehensive air transport
agreement between Canada and the European Union (EU).
    "We welcome this important landmark agreement achieved by Canada and the
27 Member States of the European Union," said Yves Dufresne, Vice President,
International and Regulatory Affairs, Air Canada. "This new agreement opens up
a realm of new commercial opportunities for Air Canada in Canada's second
largest travel market after the U.S. It will allow Air Canada to capitalize on
travel demand from Canada, the U.S., Central and South America to Europe
further developing Canada as a gateway to the world.
    "Air Canada has long been an advocate of such an enhanced aviation
agreement between Canada and Europe, and applauds both Canada and the EU for
reaching an agreement beneficial for both parties."