AC taps Friisdahl to run new leisure travel group
Air Canada has unveiled details of plans to form an integrated leisure group that will combine the activities of its tour operator business, Air Canada Vacations, with its new low-cost leisure airline to launch in 2013. And AC has appointed Michael Friisdahl as the president and CEO of the new leisure group — which will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Air Canada. Calin Rovinescu, president and CEO of Air Canada, said: “The creation of a leisure group that combines our new low-cost leisure carrier with Air Canada Vacations, our successful tour operator business, is a major milestone for Air Canada.” Rovinescu continued: “Our new leisure group will benefit from combining the low cost carrier with the strong brand reputation of Air Canada Vacations and leveraging the established marketing and distribution channels of both Air Canada Vacations and Air Canada. As a result, Air Canada will be able to compete more effectively in this highly dynamic and expanding market.” And he went on: “I extend a warm welcome to Michael Friisdahl as he takes on this key leadership role in this strategic component of Air Canada’s overall growth strategy. With Michael’s experience in the international leisure travel business, he brings a wealth of talent and a proven record for success in this industry. We look forward to his coming on board and being part of this exciting venture.” Friisdahl will report to Ben Smith, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Air Canada. Air Canada’s new low-cost leisure carrier will commence service in June 2013 with two Boeing 767-300ER aircraft and two Airbus A319 aircraft that will be released from Air Canada’s mainline fleet. It will serve popular holiday destinations in Europe and the Caribbean that are either currently under-served, or that do not generate adequate profitability with Air Canada’s existing cost structure. When it launches, the leisure carrier will assume select Air Canada leisure services and will also operate certain new destinations not currently operated by Air Canada. Go to http://www.aircanada.com for more.
