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Air Canada today welcomed the addition of ten new aircraft gates at Toronto's Lester B. Pearson Airport; a milestone in the redevelopment of Canada's largest airport that will ease the airport experience for many of the airline's customers flying to, from and via Toronto on international trips.

Effective today, the addition of international gates at Terminal 1 allows Air Canada to operate all of its prime international flights from Terminal 1 Pier E, eliminating ground transportation to and from the airport's Infield Terminal.

"The addition of international gates at Terminal 1 allows Air Canada to provide a more seamless travel experience for our international customers flying to, from and via Toronto, as well as our domestic customers connecting to Europe, Pacific and Latin America long haul flights," said Ben Smith, Vice President, Network Planning, Air Canada. "With more than 50,000 Air Canada customers flying to, from or connecting through our Toronto hub every day, same-terminal connections will contribute to the overall efficiency of our largest hub."

The next phase of redevelopment scheduled to be completed in 2007, will see the opening of Pier F at Terminal 1, at which time Air Canada's U.S. transborder flights will move from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1. In addition, new improved transit facilities will be in place allowing the airline to offer more seamless connections for its U.S. transborder and international connecting customers. The airline will also open two new Maple Leaf Lounges for U.S. transborder and international customers.

Air Canada customers currently enjoy a number of features in the new terminal that are geared to making their travel experience easy and efficient including: 30 conveniently located check-in kiosks; 88 check-in counters; a new customer service counter located at the gate area to facilitate changes to customers' travel plans; and Maple Leaf Lounges located in Terminals 1, 2 and the Infield Terminal.

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