Mr. Ranbir Singh reports

AIR CANADA LAUNCHES FAST, FREQUENT CITY SHUTTLE BETWEEN DOWNTOWN MONTREAL AND MONTREAL-TRUDEAU AIRPORT

Air Canada has launched the Air Canada city shuttle, an expansion of its multimodal partnership with The Landline Company. Beginning today, this new service will provide a fast, frequent and direct motorcoach connection for Air Canada customers between the Palais des congres de Montreal and Montreal-Trudeau International Airport for $9 one way, plus applicable taxes.

The Air Canada city shuttle is designed to provide more predictable travel times between downtown Montreal and YUL. Using the highway's dedicated high-occupancy vehicle lane and a private airport entrance helps ensure a faster ride, which could save customers up to 25 minutes at peak times compared with airport access roads.

"The Air Canada city shuttle gives our customers a faster, more predictable way to travel between downtown Montreal and the airport," said Ranbir Singh, director, regional airlines and markets, at Air Canada. "Our customers can now bypass traffic and avoid waiting in taxi lines. By combining frequent downtown service and faster, more direct access to YUL, we are making it easier for them to connect to Air Canada's global network."

"Getting to the airport is often the most stressful part of the trip for many travellers, and it shouldn't be," said Nick Johnson, vice-president, commercial, The Landline Company. "The service helps reduce congestion on airport access roads while making air travel more convenient for convention attendees, business travellers and visitors in downtown Montreal."

"This represents a major new added-value service for convention-goers, but also for tourists and Montrealers in general," said Emmanuelle Legault, president and chief executive officer, Palais des congres de Montreal. "The Palais's strategic location in the heart of downtown and the city's hotel network makes it a natural anchor point for this initiative aimed at facilitating the commutes of thousands of visitors. We are pleased to be doing this in tandem with Air Canada, a long-standing partner that shares our commitment to fostering sustainable mobility and bolstering Montreal's brand as a business and tourism destination."

"With the summer season officially beginning, ADM Aeroports de Montreal wishes to commend its partner Air Canada for the introduction of this new shuttle service linking YUL Montreal-Trudeau Airport to the Montreal convention centre. Pending the commissioning of the REM station and new drop-off areas, which will help address congestion at the airport, this initiative will provide passengers with an additional transportation option that will be simple, fast and integrated into their travel experience," said Jerome Conraud, vice-president, strategy, planning and sustainability, at ADM.

How it works

The Air Canada city shuttle will operate 37 daily frequencies, timed to connect customers to Air Canada's extensive global network.

Departing downtown: Customers begin their journey at the Palais des congres de Montreal, where they can relax in a dedicated waiting area before boarding a premium motorcoach. Upon arrival at the airport, customers proceed directly to check-in and bag drop and then to security. Departures run every 15 minutes at peak hours, from 4:45 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., and every 30 minutes thereafter until 9:00 p.m.

From Montreal-Trudeau: Customers arriving at the airport should collect their baggage, then proceed to the departures level, door 7, where the Air Canada city shuttle picks up curbside. Customers can prebook a trip or board at the airport, subject to availability. Departures run every 15 minutes from 5:15 a.m. to 6:45 a.m., and every 30 minutes thereafter until the final departure at 10 p.m.

In the event of a shuttle delay, Air Canada customers with a connection time of at least 95 minutes will be offered complimentary flight rebooking options, subject to availability.

Premium on-board experience

The Prevost motorcoaches used for this service are made in Quebec and provide a premium experience, with 48 spacious, reclining leather seats with extra legroom. The service is operated by Quebec-based Autobus Galland. Coaches are equipped with power outlets and an on-board lavatory. Customers requiring assistance with boarding a wheelchair or other mobility aid should contact The Landline Company in advance of travel to arrange accommodations.

Bookings for the Air Canada city shuttle are open, and the daily schedule is available on-line.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada's largest airline, the country's flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network. Headquartered in Montreal, Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and internationally on six continents. It holds a four-star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada's Aeroplan program is Canada's premier travel loyalty program, with more than 10 million members worldwide. Members can earn or redeem points on the world's largest airline partner network of more than 50 airlines plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental partners. Through Air Canada Vacations, it offers a selection of vacation and flight and hotel packages, tours, cruises, car rentals, excursions, and a variety of activities and experiences. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada's passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada's climate-related ambition includes a long-term aspirational goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange.