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Following the
launch of all-cargo services between Toronto and Shanghai on May 15, 2005, Air Canada
plans to introduce prime-time freighter service between Toronto and Calgary as it increases its Canada-China cargo flights from three to five times weekly. The new services will link Alberta to the
rapidly expanding Chinese market using an MD-11 freighter aircraft capable of carrying 84 tonnes of cargo.
Air Canada plans to offer five flights per week (except Friday and
Saturday) Toronto-Shanghai effective June 20, 2005. All flights are planned for a prime night time
departure from Toronto at 23:30 hours. The carrier intends to operate four of the weekly flights (Monday through Thursday) via Calgary providing much needed
additional cargo capacity in the key Ontario to Alberta market as well as linking Alberta to the Chinese market. Start-up date for the Calgary service is yet to be
determined.
The service will further capitalize on the recently negotiated Canada-China bilateral air services agreement by linking the Alberta market to Shanghai, one of the fastest
growing cities in the world. This expansion of cargo services is subject to Air Canada receiving all necessary approvals.
"The strong customer response to our new Toronto-Shanghai all-cargo service provides us with the exciting prospect of introducing prime-time wide- body scheduled
cargo service between Toronto and Calgary while expanding dedicated freighter services to Shanghai from our main Toronto hub," said Claude Morin, vice president
cargo for Air Canada. "The new flights linking the Ontario and Alberta markets represent Canada's first ever domestic wide- body scheduled cargo service while the
Calgary-Shanghai link will improve access from Alberta to the rapidly expanding Chinese market."
Garth Atkinson, President and CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority commented, "We are pleased that Air Canada will provide our shipping community with direct
access to the emerging Chinese market from Calgary. As Calgary is consolidating its position as Western Canada's international logistics hub, we would like to thank Air
Canada for recognizing Calgary's potential and for helping us make our region more competitive on a global scale."
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