TRANSAT AT : 2017-01-09 — Air Transat adds Tel Aviv to its summer program

It becomes the only airline to offer direct flights to Israelfrom Montreal

MONTREAL, Jan. 9, 2017/CNW Telbec/ - Air Transat is proud to announce that it will be offering direct flights from Montrealto Tel Aviv. Also available from Torontowith a connection in Montreal, this non-stop flight between the Montréal-Trudeau airport and the David Ben-Gurion international airport of Tel Avivwill operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Sundays, from June 18until late October.

Transat will also be offering an array of packages, guided tours and hotels for discovering Tel Avivand Jerusalem, as well as the region's many tourist attractions.

'We are thrilled to feature our very first destination in the Middle East. The demand for a direct Montreal-Tel Avivflight was high for travellers visiting friends and family in the two cities and those in search of new discoveries,' states Annick Guérard, President and General Manager of Transat Tours Canada. 'Tel Avivis a vibrant and modern metropolis with plenty to offer when it comes to culture, gastronomy and nightlife. It is also the ideal gateway for a vacation immersing travellers in ancient and religious history.'

'This is great news for Quebecers who are eager for the re-establishment of a direct air link between Montrealand Israel, presenting travellers with a wonderful opportunity to discover the riches of the Holy Land, the beauty of its landscapes and the diversity of its peoples', says Ziv Nevo Kulman, the Consul General of Israelin Montrealand its Permanent Representative to ICAO. 'Thanks to this direct flight, more Israelis will also be able to enjoy the 150 and 375 anniversary festivities in Canadaand Montreal.'

'I welcome the decision by Transat to expand its operations into Israel. The opening of an air route is further proof of the success of our marketing efforts and that airlines view Israelas a sought-after tourism destination with economic potential. We view Transat as a partner that will help increase the numbers of tourists arriving in Israeland we hope to see additional routes opening soon,' adds Yariv Levin, the Israeli Minister of Tourism.

'We are delighted that Air Transat has decided to add Tel Avivto its roster of over 40 summer destinations out of Montréal-Trudeau. This year, Air Transat's weekly seat capacity will be increased by 20%, compared to 2016. Travellers departing from the city now enjoy an unparalleled choice of flight options from Montréal-Trudeau, with nearly 140 direct-flight destinations,' says Philippe Rainville, President and CEO of Aéroports de Montréal.

This new Montreal-Tel Avivflight on Airbus A330-300 aircraft consisting of 345 seats will allow travellers to enjoy an unparalleled flight experience with Air Transat, named Best North American Leisure Airline five years in a row. The cabin comfort, personal entertainment system accessible via individual touch screens, complimentary checked baggage allowance and attentive crew are just some of the reasons flying Air Transat is so enjoyable. Travellers passing through the Montréal-Trudeau airport can also feel the joy of vacations in the new Espace Air Transat section, offering an immersive multimedia experience designed by Moment Factory, among other features.

Air Transat's 2017 transatlantic flight schedule includes 28 destinations, now available to a greater number of travellers thanks to its enriched connecting flight program. Air Transat recently announced that it will be multiplying its direct flights to France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Irelandand Croatia, while maintaining service to the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgiumand the Czech Republic.

Flights to Tel Avivwill soon be available for booking on the Air Transat website and at travel agencies. For the complete list of available destinations, visit airtransat.com.

About Air Transat
Air Transat is Canada'snumber one holiday travel airline in the Canadian and transatlantic markets. Every year, it carries some three million passengers to approximately 60 destinations in 26 countries. Based in Montreal, the company employs more than 2,500 people and operates a fleet of Boeing narrow-body and Airbus wide-body jets. In 2016, Air Transat was named Best North American Leisure Airline for the fifth consecutive year by Skytrax. In recent years, the carrier has earned multiple distinctions for its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. Since 2011, it has consistently been ranked number one in North Americafor energy efficiency, and in the Top 20 worldwide, by the Atmosfair Airline Index. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., a leading integrated international tourism company active in air transportation, accommodation, travel packaging and distribution. Transat was awarded Travelife Partner status in 2016 in recognition of its commitment to sustainable development. The vacation travel companion par excellence, Transat celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2017.

SOURCE Transat A.T. Inc.

Caroline Gagnon, Public Relations and Marketing Advisor, Transat Tours Canada, 514-987-1616, ext. 4662