Air Canada Increases Flights in Western Canada; Deploys New Q400 Aircraft this Winter

MONTREAL, Oct. 18, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada today announced that it is boosting capacity on regional routes across Western Canada this fall and winter to meet demand. The airline will also be gradually introducing new state-of-the-art Bombardier Q-400 Next Gen aircraft operated by Air Canada Jazz under the Air Canada Express brand on key markets from Calgary and Edmonton beginning next year.

“Air Canada is increasing capacity this fall and winter on key regional routes reflecting strong demand within Western Canada, the centre of the country’s energy and resource industries,” said Marcel Forget, Air Canada’s Vice President, Network Planning. "These changes are designed to meet the needs of Western Canadian business travelers, who overwhelmingly prefer Air Canada for travel within Canada. According to the recent 2012 Canadian Business Travel Survey conducted by Ipsos Reid, Air Canada was the preferred airline for more than 80% of frequent business travellers in Western Canada, the highest level seen over the past eight years.

“Starting next February, Air Canada will be scheduling new Q-400 aircraft on regional routes across Western Canada to replace smaller Bombardier CRJ aircraft. Air Canada Express flights are scheduled to enable convenient, point-to-point same day business travel, as well as convenient and easy connections to Air Canada’s extensive domestic, US and international network at Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. In addition, customers collect Aeroplan Miles through Canada’s leading loyalty program when travelling with Air Canada.”

In February, 2013, Air Canada will begin gradually deploying made-in-Canada Bombardier Dash 8 Q-400 NextGen aircraft on routes within Western Canada, replacing 50-seat CRJ aircraft. The new ultra-quiet, Q-400 aircraft featuring 74 all-leather seats with roomy overhead bins will initially be scheduled on the following routes: