No. H096/02For release - September 4, 2002
OTTAWA — Transport Minister David Collenette today announced that Air Transat has been designated to serve Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, and Poland.
These designations were made possible due to a modification to Canada's international air policy, announced May 21, 2002, that provides for the designation of any number of Canadian air carriers regardless of market size, subject only to the availability of bilateral air rights.
"Thanks to the change to Canada's international air policy, Air Transat can now offer direct scheduled service to new destinations in Europe," said Mr. Collenette. "With these designations, we are seeing more evidence that Canadian operators and travellers are benefiting from the air policy provisions that were announced last spring."
Beginning immediately, Air Transat plans to introduce scheduled service from Montreal to Brussels, Toronto to Amsterdam, and Vancouver to Amsterdam, via Calgary.
Canada's air agreements with Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and Poland contain sufficient rights for Air Transat to begin immediate scheduled air services to these countries. The Canada-Ireland Air Agreement currently does not contain the rights necessary for Air Transat to begin service. However, Canadian officials will begin negotiations to facilitate the carrier's service plan for Ireland.
Starting in the summer of 2003, the airline plans to offer flights from Toronto to Dublin and Shannon. It will also offer scheduled service from Toronto and Montreal to Rome and Warsaw.
"These new designations will give Air Transat more flexibility in its operations, and will promote international travel options for Canadians," added Mr. Collenette.
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Contact:
Anthony PolciDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister, Ottawa(613) 991-0700
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