AUSTIN, Texas -Today, Air Canada debuted seasonal nonstop service between Austin and Montreal -Trudeau International Airport (YUL), further increasing connectivity between Central Texas and Canada. Operating four times a week from May to October, this new route expands Air Canada's presence at AUS, complementing its existing nonstop flights to Vancouver and Toronto.
Since 2015, Air Canada and AUS have worked together to meet the increasing demand for convenient travel between Austin and Canada. Acknowledging Montreal's cultural and economic importance in Canada, this new route seamlessly connects leisure and business travelers to a city renowned for its vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and culinary scene. This expanded connectivity is poised to open new doors for further growth and partnership.
'Today marks an exciting day as we launch our third route with Air Canada,' declared Ghizlane Badawi, CEO of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. 'This new destination not only demonstrates our dedication to expanding international travel opportunities for our passengers, but also enhances economic and cultural ties between Texas and Canada. It underscores our airport's vital role as a community asset, fostering regional growth and connectivity.'
Located in the province of Quebec, Montreal is renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and culinary scene. Its accessibility from Austin makes it an inviting destination to experience Canada's vibrant culture. From the historic cobblestone streets of Old Montreal to the modern skyscrapers lining downtown, visitors can immerse themselves in the city's unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair. Montreal boasts thriving business districts, world-class universities, and a robust arts scene, all contributing to its lively atmosphere. As Canada's second-largest city, Montreal serves as a major economic hub, with industries ranging from aerospace and technology to finance and entertainment. Thanks to its strategic location, YUL offers travelers seamless connections to 180+ destinations across Canada and beyond, with year-round non-stop flights to five continents: Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, making it one of only two airports in Canada to provide such extensive global connectivity.
'We're thrilled to welcome Air Canada's new route from Montreal,' said Tom Noonan, President & CEO of Visit Austin. 'This exciting addition not only enhances our city's global connectivity, but also offers more travelers from around the world the opportunity to experience Austin's unique culture and charm. We're excited to showcase all that our vibrant city has to offer to visitors from Montreal and beyond.'
A launch celebration was held at the airport to commemorate the inaugural flight to YUL. There were refreshments, giveaways, live music, and remarks from City and airport officials, airport partners and Air Canada representatives.
'We are very pleased to launch this new non-stop route to Montreal from Austin, complementing our existing services to Toronto and Vancouver,' said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning, at Air Canada. 'This additional service will further reaffirm Air Canada's position as the leading carrier between Canada and the United States. With service four times per week, travellers from Austin now have direct access to one of Canada's most vibrant cities, Montreal. This service is also designed to connect Austin with our vast and growing international network through our Montreal hub.'
Passengers can now book their flights to Montreal, Canada, through Air Canada, and experience the convenience of direct travel between Austin and one of Canada's most vibrant cities. The airline's family of Airbus A220-300 aircraft, known for their spacious Business class and Economy cabins, wide seats, and ample overhead storage, will service the route, ensuring passengers enjoy a comfortable and relaxed travel experience. These aircraft also offer customers onboard Wi-Fi and Live TV as part of Air Canada's award-winning IFE system, offering hundreds of hours of movies, shows, podcasts and more.
Amidst the increasing demand for air travel, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is committed to enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers through the Journey With AUS program. As part of this effort, AUS has initiated various improvement projects aimed at meeting the evolving needs of travelers. Among these projects is the enhancement of the International Arrivals facility, currently in the design phase. The project seeks to incorporate additional baggage carousels and expand passenger processing areas, ultimately improving the inbound international traveler experience.
Additionally, passengers traveling into Austin on Air Canada flights will enjoy a streamlined process, bypassing customs at AUS. Instead, they will clear customs at their Canadian airport before re-entering the US. With these ongoing improvements and the introduction of new routes, AUS is poised to continue serving as a vital gateway for travelers in Central Texas and beyond. As the region's demand for air travel grows, AUS remains committed to delivering outstanding facilities and services to ensure a seamless travel experience for all passengers.
For media and stakeholders, please visit this link for pictures of the event.
AIR CANADA 
