MONTREAL, Jan. 31 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada said today that it will operate a second Canadian government charter flight for Canadians wishing to be evacuated from Egypt on Tuesday, Feb. 1. An initial rescue flight, AC7003 carrying 210 passengers being evacuated from Egypt, arrived in Frankfurt from Cairo this evening.

"Air Canada is proud to be able to work with the Government of Canada to assist Canadians in Egypt. Although we faced significant operational challenges because we do not normally serve Cairo and therefore have no local ground staff, we were able to swiftly organize this special mission with the support of the federal government and staff from the Canadian Embassy. We are now preparing a second flight to Cairo for Tuesday and will continue working with the federal government as required," said Duncan Dee, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Air Canada.

For evacuees arriving in Frankfurt, Air Canada has arranged to meet the flight when it arrives and the airline has set up facilities to assist with flight and hotel bookings. Air Canada is also working with the Canadian consulate and Frankfurt airport authorities to provide support to arriving evacuees.

Media seeking information on the status of evacuees or additional charter flights to Egypt should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa. Friends and relatives in Canada seeking information on Canadian citizens believed to be in Egypt should contact DFAIT's Operations Centre by calling 1-800-606-5499, or by sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca. Canadian citizens in Egypt requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Canadian Embassy in Cairo at 20 [2] 2791-8700 or, they should call the DFAIT Emergency Centre at 613-996-8885.

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international full-service airline providing scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo from 60 communities large and small across Canada to more than 175 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 is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,172 airports 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.