Air Canada airlifts relief supplies to Indonesia

Air Canada is working around the clock with Canadian aid agencies and airline industry partners to support relief efforts in the region as quickly as possible.

The Canadian carrier is to provide dedicated relief flights to Sumatra, Indonesia carrying supplies collected by World Vision Canada and the airline's caterer, Cara Foods. Plans are under way for two relief flights loaded with up to a total of 130 tonnes of cargo to depart Canada the first week of January 2005.

Included in these initial shipments to be distributed locally by World Vision will be pharmaceuticals, general medical supplies, water purification equipment, non-perishable foods, clothing and shelter materials.

"On behalf of Air Canada and its more than 30,000 employees worldwide, I want to express our sadness and extend our condolences to those affected by this terrible catastrophe," said Robert Milton, Chairman, President and CEO of ACE Aviation Holdings. "Air Canada will do its part in the international relief effort to assist individuals and companies to get their support to those in greatest need, as quickly as possible. Hopefully, with contributions such as these provided by charities, industry partners, employee volunteers and our customers, together we can help rebuild some of the losses felt by those less fortunate in Southeast Asia. We look to suppliers and other Canadian corporations to participate in this important initiative."

In addition, Air Canada today announced a partnership with the Canadian Red Cross to help raise funds to assist people affected by the December 26 tsunamis in Southeast Asia. Beginning as early as Saturday January 1, 2005, Air Canada flight attendants will distribute and collect Red Cross donation envelopes on flights across its entire network.

"This program provides one more opportunity for Air Canada customers - Canadians and travellers from around the world - to show their support and solidarity for the vital activities that Red Cross is undertaking at this time of crisis," continued Mr. Milton.

Air Canada customers with confirmed tickets purchased on or before December 26, 2004 for travel on or before January 31, 2005 to, from or through Colombo, Sri Lanka;  Indonesia; Penang and Langkawi, Malaysia; Madras, India; The Maldives; and Thailand may make changes prior to their original travel date without penalty. These flexible booking conditions apply to flights operated by Air Canada and Air Canada codeshare flights, indicated with the AC flight code. As Air Canada does not operate its own flights into the region, it reminds customers that changes to bookings for flights to and from affected areas that are not operated by Air Canada and are not codeshare flights, are subject to the policies of the operating carrier.

For assistance with changing travel plans, customers are advised to contact their travel agent or Air Canada Reservations.

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