Air Canada's regional airlines will maintain regional presence and focus

Joe Randell, President of Air Canada's regional airlines announced today that the consolidated airline will maintain its strong regional presence throughout Canada, supported by a senior executive team located in Halifax. As announced in January, AirBC, Air Ontario and Air Nova are integrating into a single airline to better meet the needs of regional market customers through scheduling and operational synergies.

While the majority of the executive management team will be in Halifax, the consolidated airline will build on the foundation of its individual regional airlines with strong regional presence across Canada. This allows the new airline to focus on and be responsive to local customers, communities and market issues while gaining operational improvements through consolidation.

"As a regional airline, it is essential that we remain close to our customers and be committed to the communities we serve," said Mr. Randell. "To achieve this and to support our employees, our airline will continue to have strong presence in each region across the country."

In addition to Halifax, executive management will be located at regional offices in London, Ontario and in Western Canada. A regional office and base will be maintained in Quebec City. Based on the current fleet, existing bases will also be maintained.

The airline will continue to operate under the names AirBC, Air Ontario and Air Nova until the branding for the consolidated regional airline is determined over the next few months.

Should Canadian Regional Airlines not be sold pursuant to the undertakings made to the Competition Bureau, it will become part of the consolidated regional airline.