MONTREAL, May 9/CNW/
"Mirabel airport has suited our needs for 15 years and we have major facilities there, including Air Transat's head office and our main maintenance centre," said Denis Jacob, Senior Vice-President, Air Transport, for Transat A.T. inc., Air Transat's parent company.
"We are confident that ongoing discussions will lead to an agreement on the terms and conditions for moving our operations to Dorval."Mr. Jacob also said: "The main issues being discussed with ADM concern relocation of our maintenance centre and offices, allocation of space at the Dorval airport terminal, conditions regarding slots and aircraft movement, the future impact on the quality of passenger services, and the timetable associated with our move. Our goal is to achieve a fair agreement that maintains Air Transat's cost structure and competitiveness, and does not result in increasing the cost of our product offerings."
Air Transat flies about 900,000 passengers a year in Mirabel, representing some 60 departures a week in the high season. Air Transat also has about 1,400 employees based at Mirabel, a significant number of whom live north of the Montreal-Laval region or in the Laurentians.
Air Transat offers departures from Canada to some 90 destinations in 25 countries. With a fleet of 17 aircraft, the airline is Canada's leading charter carrier.
About Transat A.T. Inc.
Transat A.T. Inc., with its head office in Montreal, is an integrated company specializing in the organization, marketing, and distribution of holiday travel. The core of its business consists of tour operators in Canada and France. Transat is also involved in air transportation, hotel management, and value-added services offered at travel destinations, as well as in distribution through both travel agency networks and e-commerce initiatives. Transat A.T. Inc. is a public corporation listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE:TRZ). In 2001 Transat recorded revenues of $2.1 billion.