Air Transat connects travellers to Rome, one of the world's most iconic cities
RICHMOND, BC, June 17, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, Air Transat and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) celebrated new seasonal service between Vancouver and Rome's Leonardo Da Vinci (Fiumicino) International Airport (FCO). The flight will depart YVR weekly between June 17 and October 7 and is the first non-stop service from Vancouver to Italy.
"Thanks to Air Transat, YVR has a direct link to one of the world's most renowned and ancient connecting hubs—Rome," said Craig Richmond, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "This service opens up exciting new opportunities to explore an amazing country, known for its rich culture and stunning attractions."
The new service will use an Airbus A330-200 with a capacity of 345 seats, including 12 in Club Class (Business Class). It will contribute almost $1 million to B.C.'s Gross Domestic Product and will add 60 jobs to the local economy.
"The addition of this direct flight between Vancouver and Rome, a very popular destination with vacationers, is an important step in enhancing our transatlantic flight program for travellers from Western Canada," says Annick Guérard, President and General Manager of Transat Tours Canada. "By offering 12 European destinations from Vancouver this summer – six of which are available via direct flight – Transat strengthens its position as a holiday travel specialist and meets, more than ever, the needs of travellers in search of new discoveries."
Montreal-based Air Transat is a leading holiday carrier and a key contributor to YVR's growth. In 2015, Air Transat ranked tenth for the number of passengers it brought through YVR. And in 2015, Air Transat was named Best North American Leisure Airline at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards.
ABOUT VANCOUVER AIRPORT AUTHORITY
Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR served more than 20 million passengers in 2015. Fifty-four airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 120 non-stop destinations worldwide. YVR was voted Best Airport in North America for the seventh consecutive year in the 2016 Skytrax World Airport Awards. Vancouver Airport Authority is a dedicated community partner and in 2015 donated more than $900,000 to local organizations. We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor. For more information, please visit www.yvr.ca.
SOURCE Vancouver Airport Authority
Image with caption: "(left to right): Dr. Marco Schiavoni, Economic and Commercial Attache', Consul General of Italy (third from left); Rod Ramage, Air Transat Regional Manager; Dr. Massimiliano Iacchini, Consul General of Italy; Steve Hankinson, VP Operations and Maintenance, Vancouver Airport Authority; and Air Transat Flight Crew. (CNW Group/Vancouver Airport Authority)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160617_C5401_PHOTO_EN_716996.jpg
YVR Media Relations, [email protected], 604-880-9815, @yvrairport
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