MONTREAL, Aug. 8, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today issued the following statement with respect to the announcement of a new, Open Skies-type air transport agreement between Canada and Brazil.

"Air Canada has been serving Brazil for nearly 25 years and welcomes today's announcement of a new Open Skies-type air agreement between Canada and Brazil. Such agreements create commercial opportunities by improving access and giving carriers more flexibility on pricing and codeshare routings, which in turn facilitates tourist and business travel, student exchanges and visits by friends and relatives living in our two countries," said Duncan Dee, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Air Canada. "Air Canada commends both the government of Canada and Brazil for negotiating this agreement. Air Canada is an advocate of liberalized air services between Canada and other countries where such agreements bring mutual benefits."

Air Canada is the leading Canadian carrier flying to South America and currently operates daily service between Toronto and Sao Paulo, Brazil. In addition, Air Canada and Brazil's largest carrier, TAM, are both members of the Star Alliance. Through Star Alliance the two carriers offer benefits that include codesharing on flights, easy connections, reciprocal frequent flyer programs and seamless baggage handling.

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.