American Express Canada and Toronto Pearson International Airport Announce Innovative Service and Marketing Partnership

MARKHAM, ON, June 18, 2012 /CNW/ - American Express Canada and Toronto Pearson International Airport today announced a new collaboration covering advertising, marketing, sponsorship and customer experience at Canada's biggest airport.

With 33 million travellers passing through Toronto Pearson every year and the average visitor spending 2.5 hours in the airport, American Express sees this as a perfect venue to promote its brand and to do so in a special way that fits with Toronto Pearson's strategy of improving the guest experience and strengthening the airport's position as a major gateway for Canada and North America.

"This is a very exciting partnership and one that goes far beyond traditional advertising" said David Barnes, Vice President, Advertising and Sponsorships, American Express Canada.  "The real focus of our relationship will be on adding services and benefits to improve the travel experience for both our existing Cardmembers and other travellers who will be exposed to our brand in a meaningful way and get a taste of the special treatment we are famous for".

Enhancing the Travel Experience

The multi-million dollar program includes numerous joint initiatives throughout the entire airport slated to roll out by the end of 2012, in addition to preferred sponsor status with significant advertising and sponsorship assets.

For select Cardmembers (depending on type of Card), a suite of airport benefits will be available including:

• Access to fast-track airport security priority lanes in both Terminals 1 and 3
  
  
• Complimentary valet services
  
  
• 15% parking discount at Express Park in Terminal 1 and Daily Park in Terminals 1 & 3
  
  
• Coming this fall, a designated taxi and limousine line located at the arrivals levels

In addition, some benefits will also be accessible to non Cardmembers, including:

• Sponsorship of complimentary wi-fi Internet access throughout the airport
  
  
• Access to special entertainment experiences and an American Express sponsored revesting area after clearing security, both of which the parties are currently working towards delivering

In addition to the benefits linked to the partnership, certain American Express Cardmembers (based on Card) will continue to enjoy lounge access to Plaza Premium Lounges (including the American Express Lounges) and Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges.

"We are very excited about our new partnership with American Express.  This partnership aligns with our strategic objective to provide new and innovative services that enhance the travel experience", said Pamela Griffith-Jones, Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, GTAA. "American Express and Toronto Pearson share a deep commitment to creating travel experiences that will result in our guests feeling more welcomed, relaxed and delighted."

About American Express Canada

American Express in Canada operates as Amex Bank of Canada and Amex Canada Inc. Both are wholly owned subsidiaries of the New York based American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., the largest operating unit of the American Express Company. Amex Bank of Canada is the issuer of American Express charge and credit cards, with outstanding products like the American Express® Gold Rewards Card, the Platinum Card ®, the American Expressr AeroplanPlus® Gold Card. Amex Canada Inc. operates the Corporate Travel and Travellers Cheques divisions in Canada. American Express opened its first offices in Toronto and Hamilton in 1853 and now employs 3,700 Canadians coast-to-coast. For more information, visit AmericanExpress.ca or connect with us at Facebook.com/AmericanExpressCanada and YouTube.com/AmericanExpressCAD.

About the Greater Toronto Airports Authority

The GTAA is the operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport, the largest airport in Canada, the second largest airport in North America in terms of international traffic (international and transborder) and one of the largest airports in North America in terms of total passenger and air cargo traffic. In 2011, 33.4 million passengers travelled through Toronto Pearson.

Kate Weersink, on behalf of American Express
416-644-2241
[email protected]

Danna Barak, on behalf of American Express
416-644-2259
[email protected]

On behalf of Toronto Pearson, contact GTAA Media Office [phone]