Air Canada announced that it will commence non-stop flights to Spain with daily service between Toronto and Madrid starting next summer. ‘Spain is the world’s second most popular tourist destination and an increasingly important centre for international business. By adding Madrid to our global network, Air Canada is broadening the already expansive scope of its international network and increasing the options for travellers heading to and from Europe through its Toronto hub,’ said Daniel Shurz, Vice President of Network Planning at Air Canada.

‘Customers will not only enjoy flying on aircraft with new interiors, including lie-flat beds in Executive First and on demand audio and video at every seat throughout the plane, but they will also be able to take advantage of Air Canada’s extensive connections from Madrid to destinations throughout Spain on its partner airline, Spanair, and to other European destinations on other members of the Star Alliance. In Toronto, travellers will be able to make easy connections through our brand new Terminal One facility, with In-Transit Pre-Clearance to reduce waiting times at Canada Customs and our new Maple Leaf Lounge facilities for eligible passengers.’

Subject to government approval, the service to Madrid will begin June 15, 2008, with daily, non-stop flights between Toronto and Madrid using a Boeing 767-300. It will be the only non-stop service between Toronto and Madrid.

Timed for convenient connections, AC836 will depart at 9:30 p.m. and arrive in Madrid at 10:55 a.m. local time. AC837 will depart Madrid at 12:30 p.m. and arrive in Toronto at 3:05 p.m. local time. The flight is timed for convenient connections through Air Canada’s domestic, US and Mexico network.

Service will operate year-round and continue through the winter with reduced frequency. Air Canada’s new in-flight product features lie-flat beds in its international Executive First cabin, the only North American airline to offer the comfort and privacy of lie-flat beds in business class. All customers enjoy digital quality personal seatback entertainment systems with over 200 hours of video and audio on demand, as well as standard 110 volt electrical outlets at every seat in Executive First and within reach of every customer in Economy.

Montreal-based Air Canada provides scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo to more than 170 destinations on five continents. Canada’s flag carrier is the 14th largest commercial airline in the world and serves 34 million customers annually with a fleet consisting of 335 aircraft. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, providing the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network.
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