Air Canada Confirms Ratification by CAW Members of Labour Agreement

MONTREAL, June 27, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada said today that it has received confirmation from the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union Local 2002 that the airline's approximately 3,800 call centre and airport customer service agents in Canada have ratified a new collective agreement.  The agreement has also been approved by the Air Canada board of directors. The four year agreement is in effect until February 28, 2015.

This collective agreement maintains a defined benefit pension plan for all current employees. The issue of pension arrangements applicable to employees hired after the date of ratification has been referred to mediation, and if necessary binding arbitration, for resolution.

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.

For further information:
Contacts :

Isabelle Arthur (Montréal)  514 422-5788
Peter Fitzpatrick (Toronto)  416 263-5576
Angela Mah (Vancouver)  604 270-5741
   
Internet :   aircanada.com