The arrival of flight AC828 at Lyon-Saint-Exupery airport this morning marks the successful launch of non-stop service between Montreal and Lyon, the only year-round non-stop service between North America and Lyon. Flights will operate five times weekly during the summer and four times weekly during the winter with a Boeing 767-300ER featuring 24 International Business Class lie-flat suites and 187 Economy class seats.

“Air Canada is pleased to offer customers non-stop, year-round service between Montreal and Lyon, the second largest metropolitan area in France and an important economic centre and capital of the Rhone-Alpes region. It’s also known for its gastronomy and famous wine-growing regions. Air Canada has long served Paris Charles de Gaulle now with up to four daily flights, two from Montreal and two from Toronto. This new mainline route will further increase convenience for customers travelling to France for business or leisure. As the only airline offering year-round service between North America and Lyon, Air Canada continues to develop its Montreal hub as a convenient connecting point for one-stop access to and from the United States. At the same time, we are strengthening our presence in the important French market where we also offer Air Canada Rouge service to Nice-Côte d’Azur four times a week during the popular summer vacation months,” said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines, at Air Canada.

“Montreal and Lyon have a long history of partnership and collaboration. The close bonds developed between our two cities are reflective of our special relationship and this new bridge will further strengthen exchanges between the two metropolitan areas. It will undoubtedly help to strengthen economic ties between us and create business opportunities. With this new Air Canada route, the list or reasons to visit Montreal continues to grow,” said the Honourable Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal.

“I would like to congratulate and thank Air Canada for adding Lyon to its already impressive list of non-stop destinations served from Montreal,” said James Cherry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aéroports de Montréal. “This new service will strengthen the unique synergy between Montreal and Lyon, a bond that was solidified when our cities were twinned in 1989.”

“On behalf of all Tourism Montreal partners, I would like to commend Air Canada’s efforts to improve our city’s accessibility. The addition of flights to Lyon is essential for tourism outreach and this route offers excellent opportunities for Montreal, confirming its status as the official gateway to Quebec,” added Yves Lalumière, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Montreal.

This year, Air Canada has increased Trans-Atlantic capacity from Montreal by 26 per cent resulting in a 97 per cent capacity growth in the last three years. The new Montreal–Lyon service is part of Air Canada’s ongoing international expansion.

This summer, Air Canada is offering new international services between Montreal–Casablanca, Toronto–London–Gatwick, Toronto–Budapest, Toronto–Warsaw, Toronto–Glasgow, Toronto–Seoul, Vancouver–Brisbane, and Vancouver-Dublin.

Last year, Air Canada launched new international services between Montreal–Venice,Montreal–Mexico City, Toronto–Delhi, Toronto–Amsterdam, Toronto–Dubai, and Vancouver–Osaka.

MONTREAL, June 17, 2016 /CNW Telbec/