(Editor's note:  This article appeared in French in the Montreal newspaper La Presse.  We appolige for some of the awkward expressions used by the translator.  Two things are significant in the article.  Air Canada is revamping its Rapidair service between Toronto and Montreal to respond to the Porter challenge, and more important, Air Canada is considering a return to the Island Airport.)

La Presse, Marie Tison

 September 17:  Air Canada launches an assault Porter

(Montreal) Air Canada (T.AC.A) goes on the attack against Porter Airlines.  The carrier has undertaken to refresh his Rapidair service between Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa and considered a return to the island airport in Toronto since 2010.

 "The period of exclusivity Porter enjoys Toronto Island just to end the first quarter of next year, said President and CEO of Air Canada, Calin Rovinescu, as part of a meeting with the team from La Presse. We consider that if we have a fair and acceptable, we will potentially return in 2010. "

 In 2000, the predecessor of Air Canada Jazz operates 30 flights a day from the airport on Toronto Island.  The company has gradually reduced these flights and early 2006, Jazz never ran more than September's Toronto Port Authority, which manages the airport, then terminated the lease.

 A few months later, Porter Airlines began offering service from the airport, located just minutes from downtown Toronto. Air Canada and Jazz have tried to regain a foothold on the island, so far unsuccessfully.

 

President and CEO, Alan Paul, told La Presse that the organization had no discussion with Air Canada about a resumption of service to the airport on Toronto Island.   "The Toronto Port Authority is always willing to meet with other carriers to discuss potential arrangements at the airport, however, said Paul. 

 Porter is especially competitive service Rapidair Air Canada, with a slightly higher service.

 "We have to change dramatically our Rapidair product to deal with what Porter offers in Toronto," said Mr. Rovinescu.

Air Canada has begun to offer including more services in waiting rooms Rapidair. The carrier will also facilitate access to check-in desks Rapidair.

Mr. Rovinescu nevertheless wished to put into perspective the extent of Porter Airlines.  "Porter has a very good product, but is limited because it is from the Toronto Island, he said. It's very difficult for them to make connections. " He added that Air Canada had to rub a lot of competitors over the years, but most had disappeared, as Canada 3000 and Royal Aviation.

"I think that Porter is a good company, however, he added. "Air Canada has begun to include the household in what many passengers consider sources of irritation.

"The idea of charging people for them to talk to someone, I did not agree with that," said Mr. Rovinescu.  "We eliminated that. "

 Air Canada is also examining the possibility of eliminating the costs required to select a seat on domestic routes, as well as service fee "My Way", which allows passengers to access assistance in case of delays or d annulment beyond its control.

Air Canada currently maintains for its fee schedule, to buy part in various services.