[image1_left] Air Canada is to launch non-stop flights between Montréal and Rome. Beginning June 20, 2009 the carrier will operate daily non-stop flights during the busy summer travel season linking the Italian capital with Air Canada’s extensive Québec and Atlantic Canada network, as well as major cities on the Eastern U.S. seaboard. Re-introduction of direct Montréal-Rome service complements Air Canada’s Toronto-Rome non-stop service set to resume in February 2009.

“This is great news for Montreal’s Italian community and travelers in eastern Canada and the U.S. who will benefit from substantial time savings during the peak travel season to Italy,” said Ben Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “The reintroduction of our non-stop service between Montréal and Rome strengthens Air Canada’s commitment to offer convenient flights from Montréal to key international destinations. With the addition of three new destinations this year, Geneva, Fort de France, Martinique and now Rome, Air Canada offers non-stop service from Montréal to 50 destinations. By next summer we will have increased capacity across the Atlantic from Montréal by 35 per cent year over year, with non stop service to five European gateway cities including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Geneva and Rome.”

For greater convenience and travel choice, Air Canada will offer connecting flights via Rome operated by its partner airline Air One to popular destinations in Italy, including Bari, Milan, Palermo and Venice.

Air Canada’s Star Alliance partners Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines also offer service from Montreal to Munich and Zurich respectively, further increasing connections and travel options.

To promote Air Canada’s new Montréal-Rome service, the airline is offering special introductory round-trip fares starting at $798, plus applicable taxes and surcharges, for travel commencing between June 20 and July 4, 2009. These special fares are available for purchase until 5 January 2009.
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