Boeing in talks to buyout Embraer

The American mega-plane maker Boeing have confirmed today they are in talks to take over Embraer, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer.  The deal puts a value of  $3.7 billion on Embraer and sent the Brazilian companies share price rocketing on Thursday, although industry commentators are urging on the side of caution at the announcement, for it would undoubtedly cause hundreds, if not thousands of job losses at Embraer - news its work forced certainly didn't want to hear just days before Christmas. 

The Boeing Company and Embraer today confirmed the two companies are engaged in discussions regarding a potential combination, the basis of which remains under discussion.
There is no guarantee a transaction will result from these discussions. Boeing and Embraer do not intend to make any additional comments regarding these discussions.
Any transaction would be subject to the approval of the Brazilian government and regulators, the two companies’ boards and Embraer’s shareholders.

The rushed announcement came from Boeing and comes a month or so after Airbus and Bombardier announced a tie-up that would see the Canadain manufacturers US-bound CSeries aircraft made in Airbus' American plant. 

The CSeries and Embraer's commercial aircraft are in the same class and are head to head competitors and some see Boeing's takeover of Embraer as another aggressive step in their campaign to put Bombardier out of business.  

❗This article was written for this site by a member of our team 🙋, please do share it with your friends via social media. You are also welcome to post it or republish elsewhere on the 🌎web on the condition that you credit the author and link back to our site. Thank you.

 ♻ We care about the environment, please think twice before you hit ‘print’  

US upholds 300% duties on Bombardier jets.

The United States of America's Commerce Department confirmed on Wednesday it had finalised trade duties of nearly 300 percent on the CSeries of passenger jets made by Canadian firm Bombardier. 

That decision brings a bitter and acrimonious trade-war between the US, Canada and the UK a step closer which also threatens to tumble over into other business areas other than aviation.  

The Commerce Department first recommended the duties against Bombardier's CSeries jets earlier this year following complaints by American mega-giant manufacturer Boeing. He bemoaned the belief that Bombardier had sold the C Series to US airline Delta at prices below the cost of production.  

Many in the aviation industry see Boeing's increasingly Trump-like bullying of Bombardier as absurd, as the US manufacturer doesn't make commercial aircraft of the same size and category as the CSeries from Bombardier. Boeing also relies on similar government subsidies on almost all of its military products as well as taking advantage of various tax breaks and offering such substantial discounts on large orders for its commercial aircraft - so far below list prices, that they defy belief that they can be produced at cost price.    

Bombardier said yesterday that the US Commerce Department had not considered that it was industry standard practice to offer discounts to launch customers. "Unfortunately, the Commerce Department decision is divorced from this reality and ignores long-standing business practices in the aerospace industry, including launch pricing and the financing of multibillion-dollar aircraft programs," the company said in a statement. "Moreover, we are deeply disappointed that the Commerce Department did not take this opportunity to rectify its past errors."

Bombardier doesn't deny that Delta received a good price for the 75 C Series aircraft, as initial and early customers hardly ever pay the 'price-list' price and Bombardier CEO Alain Bellemare defended that position, "When you launch a new program you have aggressive pricing to start with,  - Boeing does the same thing."

Delta boss Ed Bastian has called the duties 'absurd' promising the airline won't pay the tariffs and has turned Delta into a non-Boeing airline. 

The decision isn't yet final as it is now up to The International Trade Commission, who is scheduled to make a final determination by February. It will see if Boeing has actually been harmed by Bombardier's action. 

If the ITC upholds the tariffs in February 2018, not only will it spark the threatened trade war, it will also greatly harm American jobs.  More than half the components used to make the C Series aircraft come from the US. It will also cost US jobs, as Bombardier plans to build the C Series aircraft in an Airbus factory in Mobile, Alabama.  

❗This article was written for this site by a member of our team 🙋, please do share it with your friends via social media. You are also welcome to post it or republish elsewhere on the 🌎web on the condition that you credit the author and link back to our site. Thank you.

 ♻ We care about the environment, please think twice before you hit ‘print’  

Mauritania Airlines International Takes Delivery of 737 MAX8

 Boeing and Mauritania Airlines International today celebrated the delivery of the airline's new 737 MAX 8.  The Mauritanian carrier becomes the first operator of the new and improved aeroplane in Africa.

"We are proud to be the first carrier in Africa to operate the 737 MAX," said Mohamed Radhi Bennahi, chief executive officer of Mauritania Airlines International. "The introduction of the 737 MAX into the growing Mauritanian fleet will help to profitably grow our network as we introduce new routes to Europe and the Middle East."   

Founded in 2010, Mauritania Airlines International serves more than 10 destinations across Africa and Europe from its base at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport in Mauritania's capital city of Nouakchott.

❗This article was written for this site by a member of our team 🙋, please do share it with your friends via social media. You are also welcome to post it or republish elsewhere on the 🌎web on the condition that you credit the author and link back to our site. Thank you.

 ♻ We care about the environment, please think twice before you hit ‘print’  

British Airways codeshare deal with China Southern Airlines

British Airways customers are set to gain access to even more Chinese cities thanks to a new codeshare agreement with China Southern Airlines.

As part of the new agreement, customers can book seats on China Southern Airlines flights to four destinations in China – Shenyang, Harbin, Changchun and Dalian. Seats are available for sale on ba.com, for travel from today.

The agreement means that British Airways customers will now be able to visit the stunning Shenyang Imperial Palace, wander the winter wonderland that is Harbin Ice and Snow World, marvel at the Puppet Emperor’s Palace in Changchun, and explore Xinghai Square in Dalian. The four destinations are also important business hubs in China, making trade between British and Chinese businesses across the country even easier.

British Airways customers will be able to connect on to Shenyang and Harbin through Shanghai, connect on to Dalian through Beijing, and connect on to Changchun through either Shanghai or Beijing. British Airways offers 10 weekly flights to Shanghai and seven to Beijing, from London Heathrow.

As part of the codeshare agreement, British Airways Executive Club members can collect Avios when booking on the British Airways code on China Southern Airlines flights.

More on this story follows 

Porter Airlines Arrives in Florida

Ottawa, Windsor join Toronto with non-stop Orlando-Melbourne service

Porter Airlines arrived in sunny Orlando-Melbourne, Florida, last weekend with inaugural non-stop service from Ottawa and Windsor. Toronto also resumed its seasonal service with direct flights from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

The weekly service operates from Dec. 16 to March 31, for Ottawa and Windsor, and until April 7 for Toronto. Service from Toronto includes twice weekly flights during peak periods, plus three times weekly for March Break. Complete schedule and booking options are now available at www.flyporter.com.

Fiji Airways Unveils Flagship Lounge at Nadi International Airport

Fiji Airways, Fiji's National Airline, revealed their brand new state-of-the-art business class lounge at Nadi International Airport. Following 12 months of design and development, the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge is a first-of-its-kind for the region complete with a number of special features including chef-inspired menus, baristas, luxury spa, nanny service and the exclusive 'Fiji Bean Cart'.

The 200-seat lounge offers a world-class lounge experience along with a dedicated family area, a Quiet Zone and a Media Room which doubles as a private meeting space. It is one of the first lounges in the Australasian region to have a designated children's room called Lailai Land, which comes complete with a fully qualified Fijian Nanny – an offering Fiji resorts are famous for. With a nanny on offer to look after the kids, parents can relax in the lounge with the glass-panelled children's playroom visible from the family area.

For food and refreshments, the lounge includes a full-service kitchen and a buffet offering local and international cuisine, plus a dining area, barista and bar.

The barista will offer guests freshly made coffee in the morning, and the exclusive Fiji Airways' Signature Cocktails will be available in the evening. The self-service bar, with a selection of award-winning wines, local and international beers and soft drinks, is available throughout the day.

Fiji Airways is also offering a unique Fijian twist on the trend of food trucks with the Fiji Bean Cart situated in the lounge. Fiji Bean Carts are an iconic part of Fijian life, selling savoury and sweet snacks at markets and bus terminals in every town in the country. The Fiji Bean Cart at the lounge will give guests the chance to sample an array of local delicacies.  

Flair Airlines Set to Paint the Skies in New Colours

Canada's leader in ultra-low fare travel is pleased to announce today, its first aircraft with its new livery is complete.  This design was chosen in the summer of 2017 by Canadians during an online customer survey in which several options for the new livery were available to choose from for Flair's aircraft fleet.

The recently acquired Boeing 737-400 in Flair's new colours is one of two additional aircraft scheduled to enter service.  "We are excited to unveil our new livery to the public.  The aircraft will take its inaugural flight during the holiday season. We are very proud to showcase our new colours. As the only airline that operates as an ultra low-cost carrier in Canada;  we know our passengers will be delighted to fly with us as they continue to enjoy the lowest fares in the country," says Flair Airlines CEO, Jim Rogers.

We are so excited to officially announce our Livery reveal! pic.twitter.com/nKE4H2Hyv3

— FlairAirlines (@FlairAirlines) December 19, 2017

Flair intends to make significant announcements early in 2018 about its expansion into Canada's ULCC market.

❗This article was written for this site by a member of our team 🙋, please do share it with your friends via social media. You are also welcome to post it or republish elsewhere on the 🌎web on the condition that you credit the author and link back to our site. Thank you.

 ♻ We care about the environment, please think twice before you hit ‘print’  

Scott Allard Resigns Position As Allegiant Executive Vice President And Chief Information Officer

Allegiant Travel Company announced this week that Scott Allard has resigned his position as executive vice president and chief information officer.  Allard has been with Allegiant since 2011 and has overseen the company's technology planning and development.

Prior to joining Allegiant, Allard served as chief information officer at Spirit Airlines, and had previously held leadership roles at Travelworm, American Express and Priceline. 

Allard will depart his position with Allegiant on December 31.  Robert Wilson, senior vice president, information systems, will act as interim chief information officer until a successor is selected.

Embraer KC-390 Achieves Initial Operational Capability

The new Embraer KC-390 military transport and aerial refuelling jet completed a relevant milestone today, with Embraer demonstrating to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) the attainment of the Initial Operational Capability (IOC).

The achievement of the IOC ensures the necessary conditions have been met for the aircraft to start operations, in accordance with the scope agreed upon with the FAB. As part of the IOC, Embraer obtained a KC-390 Provisional Type Certificate from the Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), which is a testament to the adequacy of the design in fulfilling the demanding certification requirements for transport aircraft.

"We are pleased to announce the achievement of this important milestone for the KC-390 Program," said Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. "The certification campaign has progressed as planned and the tests performed have been very successful, proving the maturity of the aircraft and confirming the performance and the anticipated capacities."

KLM Cityhopper welcomes 42nd Embraer

KLM Cityhopper welcomed 42nd Embraer aircraft with the delivery of the a new Embraer E175 jet.

The New aircraft marks another important step forward in KLM Cityhopper's fleet renewal program, which has seen the retirement of the much loved Fokker 70's in October of this year.  The KLM Cityhopper's fleet now consists entirely of Embraer aircraft and the carrier islargest Embraer  operator in Europe.

By the end of 2018, the total KLM Cityhopper fleet will consist of no less than 49 aircraft from the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer. The Embraer are far more environmentally friendly aircraft with a large number of technical features that significantly reduce fuel consumption and therefore CO2 emissions. In comparison with the Fokker 70, the fuel consumption of the new E175 + aircraft is no less than 22 percent lower, plus they look great adorned with beautiful KLM Cityhopper livery.

❗This article was written for this site by a member of our team 🙋, please do share it with your friends via social media. You are also welcome to post it or republish elsewhere on the 🌎web on the condition that you credit the author and link back to our site. Thank you.

 ♻ We care about the environment, please think twice before you hit ‘print’  

Cathay Pacific Announces Nonstop Service From Dulles International Airport To Hong Kong

The leading airline of Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific Airways announced yesterday that it will begin a four-times-weekly nonstop service between Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. and its home of Hong Kong.  

The new service is due to start on September 16th 2018 and will become the longest nonstop air route to both Hong Kong and the Washington, D.C. region. It will also be the longest flight in Cathay Pacific's global network, at a little over 7,000 nautical miles. The service will be operated by the airlines first Airbus A350-1000 to the region (the carrier's A350-900 began service to San Francisco and Newark on October 28th 2017).

Washington, D.C. will become Cathay Pacific's seventh passenger service gateway in the U.S. and ninth in North America. The airline, which launched nonstop service from North America in 1983, flies to Hong Kong and beyond over 100 times per week from Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Newark, New York (JFK), San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver. This is the latest gateway for Cathay Pacific in the Americas since its launch of nonstop service from Boston to Hong Kong in 2015—upgraded from a four-times-weekly to a daily operation in March 2017.

"Dulles International is an ideal destination for our next US gateway, with its ease of access to the D.C. Metropolitan area. Cathay Pacific is pleased to be the first air carrier offering nonstop flights from Washington, D.C. to Hong Kong," said Philippe Lacamp, Senior Vice President, Americas, Cathay Pacific. "Washington, D.C. has special meaning for Cathay Pacific. When the airline was co-founded over 71 years ago by American Roy Farrell and his Australian partner, Sydney de Kantzow, they had dreams of growing beyond a regional Asian airline, even including 'Pacific' in the name in the hopes that one day it would expand across the ocean. Farrell would have been proud to see the airline serve his country's capital."

There is more on this story -

Hainan Airlines launches non-stop service between Shenzhen, China and Cairns, Australia

Hainan Airlines launched a non-stop service between Shenzhen, China and Cairns, Australia. The maiden flight of Hainan Airlines HU745, which took off from Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport at 1050 pm on December 19, 2017, Beijing time, landed at Cairns Airport at 830 am on December 20, 2017, local time. Following the roll-out of the Shenzhen-Brisbane service on September 20, 2017, this will be Hainan Airlines' second direct flight service from Shenzhen to Queensland as well as the airline's sixth direct flight service to Australia.

With the launch of the new service, Hainan Airlines will have established a route network in Australia spanning three eastern states and four major cities, with 12 round-trip flights weekly. The route, with two round-trip flights weekly, will be serviced by an Airbus A330 deluxe wide-body aircraft with spacious cabins. Business Class passengers will be provided with 180-degree lie-flat seating with an in-seat massage feature, Bose headsets and top quality BVLGARI toiletry bags. Passengers in all classes will have access to an exclusive on-demand entertainment system and a gourmet selection of Western and Oriental meals. 

More follows ⇓

British Airways first class fares slashed

British Airways has opened the doors to cheaper first class fares for the festive period by introducing a rather low fee of just £200 each way.

The deal is only on offer for a limited time when fliers will be able to purchase a ticket for the airline’s exclusive First cabin from just £200 more each-way than a Club World ticket on the majority of routes across the Atlantic. The cost of flights to British Airways’ newest long-haul destination Nashville would be £1,719 return.

 Of course, if you do decide to purchase one of those tickets, you'll be able to use the recently upgraded and refurbished Concorde room with complimentary concierge services and spa, a roomy private flat-bed six-foot seat with luxurious bedding, an intimate cabin with just a few seats, world-class wines and an a la carte menu.

Alaska Airlines Group November Results

Alaska Air Group Inc. today reported November and year-to-date operational results on a consolidated basis, for its mainline operations operated by subsidiaries Alaska Airlines Inc. (Alaska) and Virgin America Inc. (Virgin America), and for its regional flying operated by subsidiary Horizon Air Industries Inc. (Horizon), and third-party regional carriers SkyWest Airlines and Peninsula Airlines.

Air Group's acquisition of Virgin America took place on Dec. 14, 2016. Operational results below include Virgin America results from pre-acquisition periods for comparison.

AIR GROUP

On a combined basis for all operations, Air Group reported a 9.2 percent increase in traffic on a 9.3 percent increase in capacity compared to November 2016. Load factor decreased 0.1 points to 84.2 percent.

The results tables follow.

Air Canada Inaugurates Non-Stop Flights to Cartagena

Air Canada's inaugural flight, AC1872 from Toronto to Cartagena departed yesterday morning, marking the airline's newest destination in its ongoing international expansion.

"We are very pleased to add Cartagena to our global route network," said Benjamin Smith, President – Passenger Airlines at Air Canada.  "Air Canada is continuing its strategic international expansion with a diverse range of exciting new non-stop routes this winter to Australia, South America, the Caribbean and the United States.  We recently welcomed customers onboard new services from Toronto to St. Vincent and to Belize, Montreal to Lima, Vancouver to Melbourne and to Yellowknife, and we are looking forward to our new flights from Vancouver to Orlando, and Ottawa to Puerto Plata launching before the end of the year."

Deer Jet Arrive In Antartica

Deer Jet made history recently by becoming the first Chinese private jet operator to fly from China to the Antarctic. The arrival of one the company's private jet at Wolfs Fang airport marks a new charter service between China and the Antarctic.

Deer Jet is known for its pioneering role in transforming business aviation in Asia and around the world. More than 22 years ago the company was established as the first private jet operator in China and transformed itself from humble beginnings to its current position as the largest business aviation group in Asia.

Deer Jet's Antarctic landing is a more than a milestone for China's business aviation. This operation is also a significant contribution for the development of international air travel and transportation, providing access to the world's most remote areas.

For this challenging flight, Deer Jet prepared for over a year, conducting and evaluating hundreds of risks, flight routes, flight support and emergency plans to ensure a safe flight. This level of precision and attention to detail is what made Deer Jet the first World's Seven Star Private Jet Company.

More expansion from Norwegian with new crew base at los Angeles as the airline introduces more Europe bound flights.

Los Angeles crew base established to support growth – for new routes to Madrid and Milan 

Norwegian announced last week the further expansion of its long-haul networks with four new routes between Europe and the United States to Europe: New York City/JFK and Los Angeles to Madrid; New York City/JFK to Amsterdam; and Los Angeles to Milan. Norwegian now offers 61 nonstop transatlantic routes between the US and Europe.

To support the continuous growth at Los Angeles International Airport, Norwegian will open its fourth American crew base with 150 cabin crewmembers during the first quarter of 2018. The airline already has four crew bases for cabin crew and pilots in the U.S.

Norwegian CEO Bjorn Kjos said: “2017 has been a year of exponential growth for Norwegian in Europe and the United States. Next year, we will continue our long-haul expansion by offering passengers easy and affordable connections between the US and some of Europe’s most exciting cities.”

Service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Madrid-Barajas Airport will launch on July 18, 2018, and operate three times per week. Service to Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport will launch on May 7, 2018, and will operate four times per week.

OneJet Announces Three New Routes from Pittsburgh to Palm Beach, Kansas City and Memphis

The air transportation network that provides consumers in the US increased access to nonstop travel in small to medium markets, OneJet announced the introduction of three new routes from the Pittsburgh International Airport.

The company will introduce nonstop service to Palm Beach, Kansas City and Memphis. Palm Beach and Kansas City services will begin 7th March 2018, with Memphis service added on 27th March 2018. The company will concurrently begin nonstop service between Memphis and Kansas City. Tickets for all routes will go on sale beginning on 17th Jan. 2018.

With the launch of these routes, OneJet will introduce its new OneJet Plus service to the Pittsburgh market, offering expanded service onboard larger ERJ135 aircraft and providing travelers with enhanced amenities, including exit-row legroom at each seat (approx 38 inches); free 4G high-speed Wi-Fi; streaming entertainment gate to gate; and complimentary beer, wine and snacks en route. Travelers will also receive the same check-in conveniences that standard OneJet flights provide, including TSA Pre access for eligible travellers and valet planeside baggage service.

"For the past two years, OneJet's right-sized, point-to-point, nonstop services have met our customers' demand for expedited travel between key business and leisure destinations," OneJet CEO Matthew Maguire said. "The introduction of the OneJet Plus service marks a major milestone for the company, providing access to longer routes, along with an even further enhanced in-flight experience. We look forward to continuing to expand our network and supporting the growth of the communities and corporate customers we serve."

ATR Delivering aircraft to the other side of the world!

Friday the 15th of December marked the delivery of the latest ATR 72-600 to Air Calédonie at the Final Assembly Line B in St Martin with VIPs from ATR, Air Calédonie and Pratt & Whitney in attendance. This is the latest delivery in a partnership that stretches back for over 30 years as this airline was one of our earliest customers. Since then, Air Calédonie have progressively expanded and upgraded their fleet and the evolution of this relationship is a true measure of the quality of our products.

Air Calédonie represents just one of many airlines who use their ATR fleets for inter-island operations. Our aircraft’s ability to take off and land from short and unpaved runways, as well as its unrivalled economics, make it particularly attractive to island operators. It is also the only regional turboprop to have received its ETOPS120 certification which allows it to fly for long distances on one engine, opening up new possibilities, in terms of routes, to many inter-island operators. These characteristics explain why our aircraft are so popular with airlines in France’s Outre Mer as well as those flying island routes in Indonesia, the Caribbean, the Canary Isles and all over the world. This versatility once again illustrates why the ATR -600 series aircraft are the market leaders in Regional Aviation.

More pictures follow

Transat A.T. Inc. - Results for fourth quarter and fiscal 2017

Transat A.T. Inc., one of the largest integrated tourism companies in the world and Canada's holiday travel leader, posted revenues of $698.6 million for the quarter ended October 31, 2017, compared with $612.1 million for the same period in 2016, an increase of $86.4 million, or 14.1%. The Corporation recorded adjusted operating income1 of $78.5 million, compared with $46.5 million in 2016. Net income attributable to shareholders amounted to $148.1 million ($4.00 per share, basic and $3.97 per share, diluted) for the fourth quarter of 2017, compared with $34.9 million ($0.95 per share, basic and diluted) in 2016. Before non-operating items, Transat reported adjusted net income3 of $46.4 million ($1.24 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2017, compared with $24.2 million ($0.66 per share) in 2016.

"The fourth quarter, like the summer as a whole, was excellent. Financially, our summer results were among the best in our history and significantly improved our results for the year compared with last year. From a strategic standpoint, we made great strides towards establishing our hotel division and in several other major areas, including fleet composition, and corporate leadership succession," said Jean-Marc Eustache, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat.

WestJet's November Results

Last week WestJet announced its November 2017 traffic results with a load factor of 82.4 percent, an increase of 2.4 percentage points year over year. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 12.1 percent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 8.9 percent over the same period. The airline flew a record 1.9 million guests in November, a year-over-year increase of 13.2 percent or approximately 226,000 additional guests.

Nonstop to Tahiti for United from San Francisco

Time to head to paradise!   United has announced it will begin a service between San Francisco and Pape'ete, the capital of Tahiti, the South Pacific's gateway to more than 118 islands in French Polynesia including Bora Bora, Moorea, the Marquesas and Raiatea. United is the only U.S. carrier offering nonstop service to Tahiti from the mainland United States. Tickets are now available for purchase.

"We are excited to announce Tahiti as our 13th new international route this year, and we are even more thrilled about offering our customers a whole new world of vacation opportunities," said Patrick Quayle, United's vice president of International Network. "We know our customers want more destinations to choose from to escape the winter weather, and we look forward to being the airline that connects them to this corner of paradise."

 there is more to this story

Hamad International Airport Voted as the Best Airport in the Middle East by Global Traveler Awards

Hamad International Airport Voted as the Best Airport in the Middle East by Global Traveller Awards.

Hamad International Airport (HIA) has been voted as the "Best Airport in the Middle East" at the Global Traveler's GT Tested Reader Survey Awards in Los Angeles. The award recognises outstanding performance and customer service displayed by airports across the world.

HIA took the lead among top international airports including Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport ranking second and third respectively in the newest category for the best airport in the Middle East.

The 14th Annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards ceremony took place at The Peninsula, Beverly Hills on the 12th of December recognising HIA's efforts in delivering the highest standard of service to its passengers. Winners were chosen through an open-ended reader survey voted by global travellers.

Air Canada Launches Montreal-Lima Service; First Year-Round Non-Stop South American Flights from Montreal

The arrival of flight AC1942 at Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport this morning marks the successful launch Air Canada's non-stop service between Montreal and Lima, Peru, Montreal's first year-round link to the southern hemisphere. The twice weekly flights will be operated by Air Canada Rouge with 282-seat Boeing 767-300ER aircraft featuring Premium Rouge and Economy class service.

"Air Canada is continuing its global expansion with the launch of Montreal-Lima the first South American route from our Montreal hub that will offer business and leisure travelers as well as freight forwarders from Quebec and Atlantic Canada convenient access to Peru. This new route will complement our existing flights from Toronto, and strategically position Air Canada as an important player in the growing market between Montreal and Latin America. South America will be the third new continent Air Canada serves from Montreal in two years, after Africa (Casablanca and Algiers) and Asia (Shanghai.)," said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada. "This concludes an exceptional year of growth out of Montreal-Trudeau with the introduction of eight new destinations. Our global expansion will continue next year as we have already announced service to eight new destinations including Tokyo-Narita (Japan), Dublin (Ireland), Lisbon (Portugal) and Bucharest (Romania). Over the past five years Air Canada has increased capacity from Montreal by 83% and added 29 new destinations."

Flights will be operated by Air Canada Rouge with 282-seat Boeing 767-300ER aircraft featuring Premium Rouge and Economy class