Air Canada to be first to fly from new facility Sunday, October 30th

MONTREAL, Oct. 29, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada is set to usher in a new era for Manitoban travelers tomorrow by being the first carrier to operate from the newly opened terminal at Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport. The first flight out of the terminal following its official opening is scheduled to be AC256, an early morning departure for Toronto.

"Air Canada is very proud to be operating the first flight out of the new terminal and we congratulate the Winnipeg Airports Authority on its completion. Airport users will experience better passenger and baggage flow within a brighter, more spacious terminal that also offers enhanced travel amenities, including expanded retail and dining options," said Nick Careen, Vice President Airports at Air Canada. "For eligible Air Canada customers, we are pleased to be opening our newest Maple Leaf Lounge. Finished with modern bistro accents, the lounge features a business centre for customers who choose to work and flat screen televisions, a fireplace and theatre-style seating for those who wish to relax."

Customers travelling to or from Winnipeg can obtain more details and wayfinding aids for the new terminal at http://www.waa.ca/services/map/region:25

AIR CANADA'S WINNIPEG MAPLE LEAF LOUNGE

With the opening of the new Winnipeg terminal Air Canada will unveil its newest Maple Leaf Lounge. Located conveniently adjacent to Gate 9, the new lounge was created by Montreal designers Heekyung Duquette and Eric Majer. The look is cutting-edge and provides eligible customers access to a business centre, cybercafé, a selection of hot and cold food and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and comfortable theatre-style seating to enjoy entertainment on flat screen television. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the airport ramp, complementing the lounge's clean lines and bright, spacious interior. A sculptural fireplace designed from local Tyndall stone is the lounge's focal point.

AIR CANADA AND WINNIPEG

Air Canada has provided service to Winnipeg for nearly 75 years. This winter, the carrier will operate up to 30 flights a day to nine Canadian cities and weekly non-stop service to the sun destinations of Cancun, Montego Bay and Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic. Air Canada maintains a significant presence in Winnipeg, employing 700 people with an annual payroll of nearly $40 million and a total in excess of $178 million in annual expenditures in the city.

ABOUT AIR CANADA

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international full-service airline providing scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo to more than 175 destinations on five continents. Canada's flag carrier is the 15th largest commercial airline in the world and serves over 32 million customers annually. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 60 Canadian cities, 57 destinations in the United States and 60 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,185 destinations in 185 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. For more information on Air Canada visit aircanada.com and follow @AirCanada on Twitter and Facebook.