The departure of Air Canada flight AC1824 marks the launch of new, non-stop scheduled flights from Halifax to Holguin, Cuba’s popular northern destination. Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations launch seasonal non-stop flights from Halifax to Holguin, Cuba

This seasonal service will operate every Saturday until May 12, 2007.

“This new service, available through Air Canada Vacations, offers Atlantic Canada access to the land of 100 beaches. With its consistently good weather, ecotourism opportunities and amazing underwater sites, Holguin is the ideal destination to escape the rigors of our winter,” said Daniel Shurz, Vice President, Network Planning.

Air Canada flight AC 1824 departs Halifax at 5:30 p.m., arriving in Holguin at 9:10 p.m. Air Canada flight AC 1825 departs Holguin at 10:10 p.m., arriving back in Halifax at 3:05 a.m. All flights are operated using a 120-seat Airbus A319 aircraft, offering a choice of Executive Class or Economy service. Air Canada customers may purchase Air Canada Vacations’ all-inclusive holiday packages directly through aircanadavacations.com or by contacting travel agents in Canada.

“Today’s launch is significant. Part of our goal is to offer Canadian travelers more choice, greater flexibility and all the added convenience associated with flying non-stop. We’re proud to celebrate today’s first flight with our passengers, and excited to offer Halifax residents another fantastic new holiday option to explore with a selection of six excellent all-inclusive resorts. Cuba is one of the top three tourism destinations among Canadians serviced by 27 Air Canada flights per week, five of which are to Holguin,” said Ben Smith, Air Canada Vacations President and CEO.

Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline and the largest provider of scheduled services and charter air transportation in the Canadian market, the Canada-U.S. transborder market and in the international market to and from Canada. Canada’s flag carrier is the 14th largest commercial airline in the world, and together with its regional affiliate Jazz, Air Canada serves 31 million customers annually and provides direct passenger service to 157 destinations on five continents. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance providing the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network.

Air Canada Vacations is a leading holiday provider with over 25 years experience delivering best-value leisure and cruise packages as well as excursions and tours to more and more Canadians every year. Packages include a combination of roundtrip airfare aboard Air Canada, quality hotel accommodation, Aeroplan(R) Miles, unparalleled Customer Care support and more.
——-