No. H066/02For release - June 19, 2002
OTTAWA — Transport Minister David Collenette today announced that Air Transat has been designated to serve Portugal.
The designation was made possible due to a modification to Canada's international air policy, announced May 21, 2002. The new policy provisions allow Canadian carriers to apply to operate scheduled international air services in bilateral markets where one-way scheduled passenger trips are less than 300,000 per year. Prior to the policy modification, Air Transat's designation would not have been permitted since the Portugal market is under the 300,000 trip threshold.
"Thanks to our change to Canada's international air policy, Air Transat can now offer scheduled service to Portugal," said Mr. Collenette. "We are seeing early evidence that the Canadian airline industry, as well as Canadian travellers, will benefit from this policy."
Air Transat will operate up to seven flights per week from Toronto and Montreal to Lisbon and Oporto during the summer season. During the winter season, the airline proposes to operate up to two flights per week between points in Canada and Lisbon and Oporto.
Air Canada was previously designated to serve Portugal but did not initiate service due to bilateral impediments. Under the new provisions of the international air policy, Air Canada will retain its designation to Portugal.
"The new international air policy was designed to attract new Canadian carriers offering international scheduled air services," added Mr. Collenette. "It will encourage competition, innovation, and growth in the Canadian airline industry, and promote international travel options for Canadians."
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Contact:
Anthony PolciDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister, Ottawa(613) 991-0700
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