The company expands its network to
North Africa for the very first
time
MONTREAL, Oct. 26,
2023 /CNW/ - Air Transat, named the World's Best
Leisure Airline at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards, is proud
to announce that it will offer non-stop service between
Montreal and Marrakech,
Morocco, starting next June. This
will make it the only airline in North
America to offer non-stop flights to this Moroccan city,
which will be operated twice a week in the summer (June to October)
and once a week in the winter (November to April).
This will be the Montreal-based
company's first destination on the African continent, reflecting
its strategic shift.
"We are delighted to make this announcement today, as it marks a
milestone in the evolution of our company," says Annick Guérard,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat. "With the
addition of Marrakech to our portfolio of transatlantic
destinations, the first in Africa,
we are consolidating the diversification of our network. This
exclusive, year-round service will meet the growing demand,
generated by the significant presence of the Moroccan community in
Montreal and the undeniable
tourist appeal of Marrakech."
From June 12 to October 24, 2024,
flights between Montreal and
Marrakech will be offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The service
will then continue once a week, on Saturdays, until April 20.
"Canada, and more specifically
Quebec, is a market of major
importance for Morocco", adds Adel
El Fakir, CEO of the Moroccan National Tourism Office. "The
Montreal-Marrakech with our partner Air Transat is the first
non-stop connection to Marrakech from North America. It will open up a wide range of
possibilities for all travelers, both in the ochre city and also
providing access to the seaside resorts of Essaouira, Agadir,
Taghazout, and tours in the southern part of Morocco."
These flights will be operated with Air Transat's
new-generation Airbus A321LR aircraft featuring
spacious cabins, state-of-the-art in-seat entertainment systems and
the lowest fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
(CO2 and NOx) in their class.
"ADM Aéroports de Montréal is delighted to add Marrakech, a
French-speaking city and a must-see tourist destination, to its
range of transatlantic destinations," adds Yves Beauchamp, President and Chief Executive
Officer of ADM Aéroports de Montréal. "Thanks to this new and fifth
non-stop connection to the African continent, we now reach
Morocco through two major entry
points, to the great benefit of the large Moroccan community in
Greater Montreal, but also for all
Québec travellers. We would like to thank all the Air Transat teams
involved in the development of this route, which will enable YUL to
strengthen its position as an international hub."
About Air Transat
Founded in Montreal over 35
years ago, Air Transat is a leading travel brand voted World's Best
Leisure Airline by passengers at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline
Awards. Its program offers access to international destinations,
mainly in Europe, the Caribbean and the East and West coasts of the
U.S. Air Transat is recognized for its excellent customer service.
By renewing its fleet with the most energy-efficient aircraft in
their category, Air Transat is committed to a more sustainable
travel industry. Based in Montreal
with major hubs in Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and
Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), it has near 5,000 employees with a
common purpose to bring people closer together. Air Transat is a
business unit of Transat A.T. Inc. (TSX: TRZ).
www.airtransat.com
Image bank: transat.com/en-CA/corporate/media
SOURCE Transat A.T. Inc.