Air Canada reports November traffic

MONTREAL, Dec. 3 /CNW Telbec/ - For the month of November, Air Canada reported a system load factor of 74.7 per cent on a consolidated basis with Jazz (from which Air Canada purchases regional capacity), versus 77.6 per cent in November 2008, a decrease of 2.9 percentage points. System traffic decreased 1.2 per cent on a capacity increase of 2.7 per cent system wide.

"In November, Air Canada recorded a load factor of 74.7 per cent on a consolidated basis with Jazz," said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer. "This result produced in the traditionally slower off-peak travel season is also a reflection of the on-going effects of the weak economy on the industry. As we have previously stated, we do not expect an economic recovery for 12 to 18 months.

"During the month, we made good progress with the implementation of our business plan. Notably, we began the introduction of codeshare services with our new Star Alliance partner, Continental Airlines, to broaden our network and increase our presence in new markets. This week we launched the only daily non-stop service between Montreal and Houston, Continental's main hub providing convenient connections to destinations in the United States, Mexico and Central America. I am extremely grateful for the hard work of our employees who exceeded On-Time Performance objectives for the month, achieving on-time arrivals performance of over 82 per cent for the month of November. Their professionalism and dedication is earning the loyalty of our customers who, among the 25,000 readers of Global Traveler magazine, recently voted Air Canada as the Best Airline in North America and Canada," concluded Mr. Rovinescu.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Air Canada's public communications may include written or oral forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are based on assumptions and are subject to important risks and uncertainties. Any forecasts or forward-looking predictions or statements cannot be relied upon due to, amongst other things, changing external events and general uncertainties of the business. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including without limitation, industry, market, credit and economic conditions, the ability to reduce operating costs and secure financing, pension issues, energy prices, currency exchange and interest rates, employee and labour relations, competition, war, terrorist acts, epidemic diseases, insurance issues and costs, changes in demand due to the seasonal nature of the business, supply issues, changes in laws, regulatory developments or proceedings, pending and future litigation and actions by third parties as well as the factors identified throughout Air Canada's public disclosure file available at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent Air Canada's expectations as of the date of this news release and are subject to change after such date. However, Air Canada disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.

    
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                                 CONSOLIDATED
                       (AIR CANADA MAINLINE AND JAZZ)
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                              November                  Year-To-Date
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                        2009    2008  Change         2009    2008  Change
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    Traffic
     (RPMs mln)        3,180   3,217    -1.2%      44,029  46,790    -5.9%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Capacity
     (ASMs mln)        4,257   4,146    +2.7%      54,595  57,509    -5.1%
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    Load Factor         74.7%   77.6%   -2.9 pts     80.6%   81.4%   -0.8 pts
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

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              RPMs     1,073   1,110    -3.3%      14,315  14,998    -4.6%
             ----------------------------------------------------------------
    Canada    ASMs     1,381   1,416    -2.5%      17,914  18,703    -4.2%
             ----------------------------------------------------------------
              LF        77.7%   78.4%   -0.7 pts     79.9%   80.2%   -0.3 pts
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
              RPMs       519     548    -5.3%       6,579   7,327   -10.2%
    US       ----------------------------------------------------------------
     Trans-   ASMs       728     734    -0.8%       8,761   9,553    -8.3%
     border  ----------------------------------------------------------------
              LF        71.3%   74.7%   -3.4 pts     75.1%   76.7%   -1.6 pts
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

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              RPMs       681     697    -2.3%      11,490  11,605    -1.0%
             ----------------------------------------------------------------
    Atlantic  ASMs       998     926    +7.8%      13,821  13,678    +1.0%
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              LF        68.2%   75.3%   -7.1 pts     83.1%   84.8%   -1.7 pts
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              RPMs       549     502    +9.4%       6,900   7,979   -13.5%
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    Pacific   ASMs       669     576   +16.1%       8,100   9,467   -14.4%
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              LF        82.1%   87.2%   -5.1 pts     85.2%   84.3%   +0.9 pts
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

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              RPMs       358     360    -0.6%       4,745   4,881    -2.8%
    Latin    ----------------------------------------------------------------
     Amer &   ASMs       481     494    -2.6%       5,999   6,108    -1.8%
     Other   ----------------------------------------------------------------
              LF        74.4%   72.9%   +1.5 pts     79.1%   79.9%   -0.8 pts
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    

%SEDAR: 00001324EF

For further information: Isabelle Arthur (Montréal), [phone]; Peter Fitzpatrick (Toronto), [phone]; Angela Mah (Vancouver), [phone]; aircanada.com