Air Canada airlifts relief supplies to Indonesia; Launches in-flight donations program for tsunami victims

MONTREAL, Dec. 30 /CNW Telbec/ – In response to the unprecedented devastation brought by tsunamis in Southeast Asia, Air Canada is working around the clock with Canadian aid agencies and airline industry partners to support relief efforts in the region as quickly as possible.

Air Canada will provide dedicated relief flights to Sumatra, Indonesia
carrying supplies collected by World Vision Canada and the airline’s caterer,
Cara Foods. Plans are under way for two relief flights loaded with up to a
total of 130 tonnes of cargo to depart Canada the first week of January 2005.
Air Canada will continue to work closely with aid agencies to arrange for
further shipments of supplies into the region as required.

Included in these initial shipments to be distributed locally by World
Vision will be pharmaceuticals, general medical supplies, water purification
equipment, non-perishable foods, clothing and shelter materials.

“On behalf of Air Canada and its more than 30,000 employees worldwide, I
want to express our sadness and extend our condolences to those affected by
this terrible catastrophe,” said Robert Milton, Chairman, President and CEO of
ACE Aviation Holdings. “Air Canada will do its part in the international
relief effort to assist individuals and companies to get their support to
those in greatest need, as quickly as possible. Hopefully, with contributions
such as these provided by charities, industry partners, employee volunteers
and our customers, together we can help rebuild some of the losses felt by
those less fortunate in Southeast Asia. We look to suppliers and other
Canadian corporations to participate in this important initiative.”

In addition, Air Canada today announced a partnership with the Canadian
Red Cross to help raise funds to assist people affected by the December 26
tsunamis in Southeast Asia. Beginning as early as Saturday January 1, 2005,
Air Canada flight attendants will distribute and collect Red Cross donation
envelopes on flights across its entire network.

“This program provides one more opportunity for Air Canada customers -
Canadians and travellers from around the world – to show their support and
solidarity for the vital activities that Red Cross is undertaking at this time
of crisis,” continued Mr. Milton.

Air Canada has also implemented a flexible booking policy to assist its
customers who wish to make changes to their travel plans to and from the
regions affected.

Air Canada customers with confirmed tickets purchased on or before
December 26, 2004 for travel on or before January 31, 2005 to, from or through
Colombo, Sri Lanka; Indonesia; Penang and Langkawi, Malaysia; Madras, India;
The Maldives; and Thailand may make changes prior to their original travel
date without penalty.

These flexible booking conditions apply to flights operated by Air Canada
and Air Canada codeshare flights, indicated with the AC flight code. As Air
Canada does not operate its own flights into the region, it reminds customers
that changes to bookings for flights to and from affected areas that are not
operated by Air Canada and are not codeshare flights, are subject to the
policies of the operating carrier.

For assistance with changing travel plans, customers are advised to
contact their travel agent or Air Canada Reservations. Air Canada staff will
endeavour to accommodate customers on the earliest available flight if they
wish to leave an affected area.

December 30, 2004   Posted in: Airlines & Railways