Austin's globetrotters just snagged a direct boarding pass to the Great White North, as Air Canada launched its seasonal nonstop service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL), which will run four times weekly from May through October, beefing up the Canadian connection that already includes Vancouver and Toronto, officials announced today.
The addition to the flight roster is a nod to the growing demands of Austin's travel-hungry populace and Montréal's cultural clout; and this tie-up is not just convenient for the nomadic at heart looking to lap up that distinct Québécois zest, but it's a boon for business commuters who are eyeing the myriad of industries, from aerospace to showbiz, buzzing in Canada's second-largest metro sprawl.
"Today marks an exciting day as we launch our third route with Air Canada," Ghizlane Badawi, CEO of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, spilled the beans. "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," Badawi told the attendance at the launch gig festooned with live tunes and treats.
Tom Noonan, honcho at Visit Austin, couldn't contain his zeal as he chimed in, "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," and as the city unfurls its welcome mat to Montréal's own, both cities are poised to parlay this linkup into a cross-border fiesta, teeming with shared exploits in trade, academia and the arts.
Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President of revenue, and Network Planning at Air Canada extolled the fresh route, claiming it's set to crown Air Canada as the top dog in Canada-U.S. skies, while the Airbus A220-300, plying its trade on this path, promises an onboard utopia with cushy seats and nonstop entertainment jet-setting you right into the heart of Montréal's urbanscape—and for the homeward journey, passengers can chuck the customs queue at AUS thanks to pre-clearance at Canadian ports of entry.
The airport infatuation doesn't end there, they're upping their game with enhancements to the International Arrivals, with promises of swankier baggage carousels and passenger processing areas, in the pipeline to shore up the ever-burgeoning demand for air service in and out of the budding Texas city.
