Global air transport communications and IT solutions specialist - SITA opens
a global Command Centre in Montréal for the air transport industry

MONTREAL, May 25 /CNW Telbec/ - The City of Montréal and Montréal International welcome today's opening of SITA's first global Command Centre in the metropolis. The launch of this centre will enable the company to manage from Montréal the operations of more than 3,200 clients from the air transport industry all over the world.

"IT systems and communications are the backbone of the industry's business activity supporting mission-critical operations. Now, for the first time, in this centre in Montréal, we at SITA have brought air-to-ground, airport, data centre and network support together under one roof. We have invested in this centre to ensure the most integrated and proactive operational management possible for our customers around the world", stated SITA CEO, Francesco Violante.

SITA services an industry that enables more than two billion passengers to travel each year. Almost all airports or airlines do business with SITA. The operations of more than 300 airports and 2,000 airlines will be managed from Montréal.

"SITA's major investment in Montréal once again highlights our city's leadership in aerospace and telecommunications," said the City of Montréal executive committee member responsible for economic development, infrastructures and roads, Richard Deschamps. "Montréal's position at the crossroads of Europe and North America places it in a unique strategic geographic location that greatly influences the decisions of large corporations such as SITA, which chose Montréal to establish its first global Command Centre for the air transport industry. This is big news for Montréal," added Mr. Deschamps.

"Montréal International is delighted by SITA's decision to open its global Command Centre in the metropolis. This new facility will strengthen Greater Montréal's reputation on the international stage as a centre of excellence in aerospace and information and communications technology," underlined the Acting President and CEO of Montréal International, Luc Lacharité.

About Montréal International

Montréal International (MI) was created in 1996 as a result of a private/public partnership. Its mission is to contribute to the economic development of metropolitan Montréal and to enhance its international status. Its mandates include attracting foreign investment, international organizations and qualified foreign workers, as well as promoting the competitive and international environment of Greater Montréal. Montréal International is funded by the private sector, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (Montréal Metropolitan Community), the City of Montréal and the Governments of Canada and Québec.

Since its creation, Montréal International has helped to attract more than $7.5 billion in foreign investment to Greater Montréal. From these investments, more than 43 000 jobs have been created or maintained. To date, MI's activities have also allowed more than 25 international organizations to establish themselves in the city and attract more than 4 000 qualified foreign workers. To learn more, please visit MI Web site at: www.montrealinternational.com.

For further information: Benoît Lefèvre, Communications Advisor, Montréal International, [phone], Cell: [phone], [email protected]