Air Canada forms LCC-led leisure group
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Air Canada has unveiled plans to form a new leisure group by combining its tour operator business, Air Canada Vacations, with its new low-cost carrier.
The new leisure-focused LCC, which is launching in June 2013, will serve holiday destinations in Europe and the Caribbean using a fleet of up to 50 Boeing 767 and Airbus A319 aircraft released by Air Canada. Once Air Canada starts taking delivery of new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft in 2014, further aircraft will be transferred to the LCC.
“The creation of a leisure group that combines our new low-cost leisure carrier with Air Canada Vacations, our successful tour operator business, is a major milestone for Air Canada,” said Calin Rovinescu, president & CEO of Air Canada. “Our new leisure group will benefit from combining the low-cost carrier with the strong brand reputation of Air Canada Vacations and leveraging the established marketing and distribution channels of both Air Canada Vacations and Air Canada. As a result, Air Canada will be able to compete more effectively in this highly dynamic and expanding market.”
Michael Friisdahl, a former Thomas Cook executive, has been chosen to head-up the leisure group as its President & CEO. Air Canada also plans to hire more than 900 employees over the next 12 months, including 200 new flight attendants and pilots for the new budget airline.
