Government of Canada designates Air Transat to serve El Salvador

OTTAWA, Sept. 24, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced the designation of Air Transat to operate scheduled international air services between Canada and El Salvador, providing more flight options for travellers.

"The designation of Air Transat to serve El Salvador will contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the Canadian airline industry and provide more choices for travellers with additional, direct flight options to El Salvador," said Minister Lebel. "It demonstrates Canada's commitment to supporting travel and trade links with Central America."

Under Canada's Multiple Designation policy, all Canadian air carriers may apply to the Minister of Transport for designation to operate scheduled international air services. The designation announced today was made possible by the existing air transport agreement with El Salvador.

Canada's Blue Sky policy has encouraged long-term, sustainable competition and the development of new and expanded international air transport services. Under this policy, the Government of Canada has concluded open, new or expanded air transport agreements covering over 60 countries, including:

• Open Skies-type agreements with 16 countries: Ireland, Iceland, New Zealand, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, South Korea, El Salvador, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Brazil, Honduras, Nicaragua, Sint Maarten and Curaçao;
• Expanded agreements with 10 countries: Mexico, Japan, Jordan, Singapore, the Philippines, Morocco, Cuba, Egypt, Algeria, and China;
• New "first-time" agreements with 10 countries: Kuwait, Serbia, Croatia, Panama, Turkey, South Africa, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Qatar and Colombia;
• A comprehensive air transport agreement between Canada and the European Union's 27 member states.

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SOURCE: Transport Canada

Contacts:
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and
Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055