Budget flights launched between Canada and UK
Air Canada has launched its new low cost airline – Air Canada rouge – with direct flights from Edinburgh to Toronto.
The air link, which will run three times a week, is the first between the two cities since 2009 and will start in July 2013, initially flying for the summer season.
Other routes for its inaugural 2013 season include a new service to Venice as well as Air Canada’s existing flights from Toronto and Montreal to Athens and those to Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Costa Rica.
Scottish minister for Transport and Veterans, Keith Brown, said: "This is great news for Edinburgh and Scotland. Canada is an important market for Scotland and the Edinburgh service will complement existing Canadian services out of Glasgow.
"The Scottish Government will continue to work with Scotland’s airports to improve Scotland’s overall connectivity and for a speedy devolution of APD for the benefit of all concerned."
Special introductory fares are now available for purchase until December 25, 2012, subject to availability, at aircanada.com for travel on Air Canada rouge between July and October 26, 2013.
Air Canada rouge will initially lease two Boeing 767-300ER aircraft for transatlantic flights and two Airbus A319 aircraft for North American flights from Air Canada’s existing fleet.
The airline hopes to grow this to 50 planes in the next three to five years.
Air Canada claims 200 new jobs will be created for flight attendants and pilots at Air Canada rouge, in addition to 900 employees hired by the airline as part of its 2012-2013 recruitment program.
Cost savings for the low cost airline are reported to come from lower wages, different work rules and a higher density of seating on board.
Air Canada has said before it needs a low cost airline to increase its market share against airlines such as Transat, Sunwing and WestJet, see previous story.
The airline’s name was announced following a contest launched on Facebook inviting customers, employees and travel industry professionals for their input.
Diane
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