Beginning this summer, households and small businesses equipped with Nortel’s Vista 350 telephones will be able to consult their phone screen for up-to-the-minute Air Canada flight and cargo information.  Air Canada will become the first airline in Canada to provide consumers with this information using CallMall interactive services on the Vista 350 telephone.

“We are delighted to be the first airline in Canada to use CallMall on the Vista 350 telephone as an effective value-added service to reach more homes and small businesses in Canada,” said Marc Rosenberg, Vice President, Sales and Product Distribution. “With increased exposure and advertising comes increased sales which benefits both travel agencies and the airline.”

Air Canada will provide three information services using this new technology that connects Internet with telephone: flight schedule, arrivals and departure information as well as track and trace information for cargo shipments.  As with Air Canada’s Internet site, CallMall offers consumers the convenience of free access to information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 
The Vista 350 telephone incorporates a large screen display, measuring 5 x 9 cm, complemented by audio prompts and feedback.  The device uses WebConnect technology to provide Internet services through CallMall. By the end of 1998, there will be upwards of 500,000 households and small businesses with a Vista 350 telephone accessing CallMall interactive services.

Prototypes of the new phone information service, along with Air Canada’s new Personal Ticket Office for Aeroplan members announced yesterday, will be on display at the Air Canada booth at Travel Technology ‘98 Conference and Trade Show in Toronto April 1 and 2.

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