Air Canada Reports March Traffic

Air Canada flew 5.4 per cent more revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in March 2001 than flown by Air Canada and Canadian together in the same month of 2000, according to preliminary traffic figures.

Capacity increased by 1.2 per cent, resulting in a load factor of 76.9 per cent, compared with 73.8 per cent in March 2000.

According to Danielle Poudrette, Vice President Marketing, "Load factors increased in all major geographic market segments, based on improved network design and continued tightening of capacity. We continue to experience the effect of weaker North American business travel and remain focussed on adjusting capacity with market demand and re-deploying aircraft to new markets, if necessary. The adjustments now being made are designed to keep capacity flat in 2001."

All Air Canada and Canadian mainline operating statistics are reported on a combined basis.