Air Canada Named World's Safest Airline

President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Milton, paid tribute to the diligence of the airline's employees in response to Air Canada having been named the world's safest airline. According to an independent study undertaken by air safety specialists, UK-based FlightSafe Consultants Ltd, Air Canada received top ranking in an analysis of more than 500 airlines using ten management and environment criteria.

``We are very pleased that Air Canada's on-going focus on safety has been recognized by this study,'' said Mr. Milton. ``This recognition can be attributed to our employees' diligence and dedication to excellence. Moreover, we are delighted to be joined by many fellow Star Alliance airlines among the top rankings.''

``Safety is our everyday business and it remains our number one priority as we move forward with the integration of Air Canada and Canadian Airlines. As we meet the challenges of integrating two of the largest airlines in the world, Air Canada continues to receive recognition from respected industry sources that highlight our commitment to safety, customer service and excellence.''

In the July 10, 2000 edition of the respected aviation industry magazine, Aviation Week & Space Technology, Air Canada was ranked as Best Managed Major Airline in North America. The overall ranking was based on the 1999 financial performance criteria of asset utilization, productivity and financial stability. In terms of asset utilization, the publication gave Air Canada the highest ranking of any major airline in the world.

On July 24, 2000 Air Canada received the Canadian Information Productivity Award of Excellence for having made innovative and effective use of information technology in the development of its Express Check-in kiosks.

The kiosks, currently available at Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa airports, significantly reduce check-in wait time.

Air Canada is Canada's premier domestic and international full service airline, providing scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo.

Together with Canadian Airlines and its regional carriers, Air Canada offers an integrated network serving over 205 destinations on five continents directly with fleets totaling more than 365 aircraft. With the acquisition of Canadian Airlines on July 6, 2000, Air Canada became the 11th largest air carrier in the world, as measured by passenger traffic.