MONTREAL, March 4 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada announced today that it will commence service from the Toronto Island's Billy Bishop Airport on May 1, 2011 following the conclusion of a terminal agreement with City Centre Terminal Corp., the airport terminal owned by Porter Aviation Holdings Inc. Air Canada's initial schedule will provide up to 15 daily non-stop return flights between downtown Toronto and Montreal Trudeau International Airport.

"Air Canada is extremely pleased to return to Toronto Island and expand the range of travel options for our customers. This unique service between downtown Toronto and Montreal will provide more choice and added convenience for our customers travelling between Canada's two largest cities," said Ben Smith, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer.

Tickets for Air Canada's Toronto Island flights will go on sale March 7, 2011. The service will use state-of-the-art Bombardier Dash 8 Q-400 aircraft operated by Sky Regional Airlines Inc., an associated company of Skyservice Business Aviation.

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.