Say oui to Montréal

The only direct service between Scotland and Montréal has started this morning as Air Canada launches its new route.

The summer seasonal route is the airline’s second at Scotland’s busiest airport, complementing its daily summer route to Toronto, as it grows its presence in Edinburgh.

Canadian passengers were welcomed to Scotland by a piper who piped the Boeing 737 MAX 8 onto stand, while passengers heading out to the province of Quebec were treated to a suitcase-shaped cake decorated with a Canadian maple leaf and ice hockey sticks. It was created by Edinburgh-based supplier 3D Cakes.

The Edinburgh to Montréal service will operate three times a week from 27 June until 7 September, while the daily Toronto service will operate until 25 October.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said:

“We - or should I say oui - are delighted to welcome our guests from Montréal to Scotland’s capital, giving them the opportunity to experience everything our fantastic city has to offer.

“We know there is strong interest in Scotland around the world, and Canada remains one of our key markets for both inbound and outbound tourism. That’s why it makes perfect sense to make travel between our countries as seamless as possible by adding more direct connections.

“We have an excellent relationship with Air Canada, and we’re both thrilled to see two of those iconic tailfins at Edinburgh Airport.”

Rocky Lo, Air Canada’s Managing Director of International Sales, said:

“We are thrilled to be taking to the skies with our latest transatlantic route from the Scottish capital to our home hub, Montréal, just in time for summer.

“Edinburgh is an important destination for Air Canada, thanks to the strong cultural ties between Scotland and Canada, so we are proud to be solidifying our presence in the market with the new route, working with our partners at Edinburgh Airport.

“As the only airline connecting these two iconic cities, initial demand for the route has already been strong, and we expect interest to grow even further in the coming months, as leisure and business travellers plan their last-minute summer trips.” Minister for Connectivity Jim Fairlie said:

“I am pleased to welcome the launch of Air Canada’s new service between Edinburgh and Montréal, further strengthening our direct links to Canada.

“Scotland has longstanding and deep-rooted ties with Canada, and this new service will help grow the economic benefits of our tourism sector and provide additional connectivity for business to the Canadian market.

“I wish Air Canada every success with their new Montréal service and welcome their continued commitment to the Scottish market in a highly competitive environment.”