Air Canada today confirmed its lease of nine
additional Airbus aircraft as part of its growth and fleet renewal strategy.
The aircraft, to be leased from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC)
for a ten year term, comprise six A319s and three A320s. Deliveries of the
aircraft will begin in August 2001 for immediate deployment in domestic and
transborder markets.

``The aircraft announced today will be deployed principally in the
Canadian market to accommodate the strong traffic growth experienced this
year,`` said Robert Milton, President and Chief Executive Officer. ``This
acquisition will support our fleet renewal program by replacing older
generation aircraft such as the DC-9 and Boeing 737 aircraft.``
All nine aircraft are from the Airbus A320 family, featuring operational
savings due to commonality in training, crews and maintenance. All aircraft
will be powered with CFM engines.

The 112-seat A319 will be configured 3x3 in economy and 2x2 in business
class. Flying range is 4441 kilometres with a cargo payload of 2141 kg. The
aircraft has a list price of USD$45 million. Deliveries will be taken August
2001 to September 2002.

The 132-seat A320 will be configured 3x3 in economy and 2x2 in business
class. Flying range is 4441 kilometres with a cargo payload of 2302 kg. The
aircraft has a list price of USD$50 million. Deliveries will be taken March
2002 to November 2002.

With Air Canada`s acquisition of Canadian Airlines on July 6, 2000, the
combined fleets of Air Canada and its wholly-owned subsidiaries now number
372 aircraft. This includes 35 A319s, 47 A320s, 13 of which are in Canadian
Airlines fleet, four A330-300s, with four more on order, and 12 A340-300s.
Air Canada is one of the world`s largest operators of Airbus aircraft.
In 1990, it became the first carrier in Canada to operate the A320, and in
1995 it became the first carrier in North America to operate the A340.

Yesterday, Air Canada announced the purchase of 12 A321 and two A319
aircraft; further announcements concerning the airline`s on-going fleet
expansion and renewal program will be forthcoming.

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