Air Canada voted 'Best Airline in North America' and 'Best Airline in Canada' by readers of Global Traveler magazine

MONTREAL, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Air Canada has been voted 'Best Airline in North America' and 'Best Airline in Canada' by the readers of the U.S. magazine, Global Traveler. Complete results of this year's readers survey appear in the magazine's January issue, also available online at www.globaltravelerusa.com.

"We are very honoured that Air Canada has been selected by a survey of thousands of the world's most discerning travellers as the best airline in North America overall, as well as the best airline in Canada," said Sean Menke, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. "Our employees take pride in offering a superior product to earn our customers' loyalty, and the results of surveys such as Global Traveler's are testament to their hard work.

"It is particularly timely for Air Canada to be chosen by U.S. air travelers as the best airline in North America. In just two weeks, we will be opening brand new airport facilities at our main hub in Toronto that will offer more Air Canada customers a world class travel experience, whether travelling between the United States and Canada, or conveniently connecting to any Air Canada destination world wide served by of our extensive global network."

Starting January 30, 2007, Air Canada flights between Toronto and the United States, as well as all international flights, will be consolidated under one roof in Pearson International Airport's expanded Terminal One, providing more convenient connections between the carrier's domestic Canada, U.S. transborder and international flights. The brand new facilities provide streamlined connection processes that will move passengers smoothly between Canada and U.S. Customs and Immigration. In addition, Air Canada will open two new Maple Leaf Lounges for eligible customers traveling to the United States and overseas destinations. The two new lounges feature bars and bistros, business and entertainment centres, showers, quiet spaces for relaxation and striking contemporary design elements.

In addition to significantly improving the travel experience for Air Canada customers at its main Toronto hub, the airline has been renewing its North American fleet since 2005 with new Embraer aircraft featuring a choice of two cabins of service. At the same time, Air Canada has been expanding its U.S. transborder and domestic Canada route network offering more point-to- point services with the most convenient schedules. Air Canada has also begun a major refurbishment program to revitalize its existing fleet with interior upgrades that include brand new seats and personal entertainment systems at each customer's seat. New fleet-wide amenities include digital quality in-seat monitors with touch-screen controls offering a wide selection of audio and video on demand programming, standard in-seat power within reach of every customer and industry leading lie-flat beds in Executive First, Air Canada's international premium service.

Global Traveler magazine's third annual survey of readers was conducted between February 1, 2006 and August 31, 2006, resulting in a total of 13,653 completed questionnaires.

Air Canada serves 150 destinations on five continents and is the largest provider of air service between the United States and Canada. Air Canada and its regional affiliate Jazz operate more than 390 non-stop flights per day on 89 routes between 51 U.S. and seven Canadian cities - more than any other airline. Within Canada, the carriers operate close to 1,000 non-stop flights per day on 131 routes to and from 67 Canadian airports. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, providing the world's most comprehensive air transportation network.