VANCOUVER/BANGKOK, Dec. 11 /CNW Telbec/ - Thai Airways International
(THAI) and Air Canada today announced a further expansion of their networks
between Canada and Thailand. Effective for travel beginning December 19, 2002,
the two Star Alliance partners are expanding services on a codeshare basis
between Vancouver and Bangkok via Tokyo. This new Pacific routing provides
convenient service to western Canada and complements the carriers` Atlantic
routing that serves eastern Canada with among the shortest elapsed times
between Toronto, Montréal and Bangkok via London.

“Together with our Star Alliance partner, THAI, we are improving access
for our western Canada customers travelling to Thailand and all of southeast
Asia through Bangkok, gateway city to THAI`s extensive network,” said Ross
MacCormack, Senior Vice President, International & Alliances. “This expansion
of service via Tokyo complements our transatlantic routing via London,
convenient for eastern Canada travellers, and further enhances our extensive
Asian network while strengthening the Star Alliance global network.”

“In cooperation with Air Canada, our Star Alliance partner, we are
pleased to offer customers the choice of additional services between Bangkok
and Vancouver on codeshare flights operated via Tokyo,” said Tasnai Sudasna,
THAI`s Executive Vice President, Commercial. “The expansion of codeshare
flights between THAI and Air Canada increases travel options for passengers
flying from Thailand to Canada, making travel increasingly more convenient and
flexible than before.”

The codeshare flights allow for excellent connections at THAI`s main hub
in Bangkok to the carrier`s extensive network serving all of Thailand and
southeast Asia including Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Malaysia
and Indonesia. Air Canada offers THAI customers at Vancouver convenient access
to all of North America.

Thai Airways International is one of Asia`s leading airlines, operating
out of Bangkok, the aviation hub of Southeast Asia, to 74 key destinations in
34 countries around the world with the young and modern fleet of 81 aircraft.
As a founding member of Star Alliance, THAI is able to fly passengers to over
800 destinations around the world.

Montréal-based Air Canada provides scheduled and charter air
transportation for passengers and cargo to more than 150 destinations on five
continents. Canada`s flag carrier is the 12th largest commercial airline in
the world and serves more than 30 million customers annually with a fleet
consisting of more than 300 aircraft. In 2002, Air Canada received the
prestigious OAG (Official Airline Guide) Awards as Best Airline in North
America and Best Frequent Flyer Program for Aeroplan. Air Canada is a founding
member of Star Alliance, providing the world`s most comprehensive air
transportation network.

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