Photo: Transat's 2017 Israel brochure. (Photo courtesy of Transat A.T.)[/IMAGECAPTION[

Transat hosted approximately 200 elected officials, business community leaders and tourism partners last night at the Montreal Science Centre, to tout (and likely garner support) for Air Transat's planned service between Montreal and Tel Aviv, set for June 18, 2017.

The event, co-presided by Jean-Marc Eustache, founder and president and chief executive officer, Transat A.T. Inc., and Ziv Nevo Kulman, consul general of Israel and permanent representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), included dignitaries such as Lionel Perez, member of the Executive Committee of the City of Montreal, Uri Steinberg, consul and Israel tourism commissioner for North America, and Philippe Rainville, president and chief executive officer of Aéroports de Montréal, all of whom pledged support and touted the benefits of Transat’s newest route.

L-R: Uri Steinberg, consul and Israel tourism commissioner for North America; Philippe Rainville, president and chief executive officer of Aéroports de Montréal; Lionel Perez, member of the Executive Committee of the City of Montreal; Annick Guérard, president of Transat Tours Canada; Jean-Marc Eustache, founder and president and chief executive officer, Transat A.T. Inc.; and Ziv Nevo Kulman, consul general of Israel and permanent representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

"We will be offering our customers a historic moment with a capital 'H' this summer," said Eustache, who also took the opportunity to state his belief that tourism is the future. "Tourism demand in Canada exceeded $91 billion in 2016, generating some 720,000 jobs…We are proud to be making a significant contribution to the development and growth of this economic sector."

"Since Air Transat's announcement of a direct flight linking Montreal with Tel Aviv, we have seen a dramatic increase in interest for Israel as a tourist destination and eagerly welcome this wonderful opportunity to welcome thousands of passengers from Canada to our country." Kulman said. "This direct air link presents travellers with an ideal chance to discover the riches of the Holy Land, the beauty of its landscapes and the diversity of its peoples, as well as the chance for Israelis to enjoy the 150th and 375th anniversary festivities in Canada and Montreal."

Air Transat is launching seasonal nonstop service starting June 18, 2017 through the end of October 2017 using 332-seat Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The service will operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Sundays, from Montréal–Trudeau airport to Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, and connecting flights from Toronto have been synchronized to enable Toronto passengers to easily connect in Montreal. With this new service, Transat will serve 28 transatlantic destinations this summer.

"I welcome the decision by Transat to open a route into Israel with the co-operation and support of the Tourism Ministry.” said Yariv Levin, Israeli Minister of Tourism. “Transat joins a lengthy list of airlines that are opening new direct routes to Israel and view Israel as an attractive tourism destination. This is a vote of confidence in the Israeli tourism product and I am convinced that the new route will be a success."

"Last November, I was privileged to lead a major trade mission to Israel. I could see how well our economies and our businesses complemented each other.” said a statement from Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal. “Montréal and Tel Aviv are major centres of research and innovation, as well as popular destinations for business, tourism and leisure…I am convinced this new direct flight will be a success, and that it will further stimulate trade and tourism between Montréal and Israel".

And Mr. Rainville added, "In addition to directly serving 21 European cities from Montreal, Air Transat is opening new markets to the Middle East with its Tel Aviv service. Montrealers are the beneficiaries of this culturally and historically rich destination. Once again, we can underscore our partner's contribution to offering such a wide range of destinations out of Montréal–Trudeau, which now features nearly 140 destinations served by direct flights."

Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal, noted: "Tourisme Montréal would like to commend Air Transat for making it easier to travel from our city to the Holy Land. We are confident that this new direct flight will result in positive tourism and economic spinoffs for both destinations. This move also confirms Montréal's position as an official gateway to North America."

Air Transat’s service to Tel Aviv is strongly supported by a robust tour and package offering from Transat Tours, who took a select group of agents on a fam to Israel recently, enabling them to experience the destination first hand.

"We are thrilled to feature our very first destination in the Middle East. The demand for a direct Montreal-Tel Aviv flight was high for travellers visiting friends and family in the two cities and those in search of new discoveries," said Annick Guérard, President of Transat Tours Canada. "Tel Aviv is a vibrant and modern metropolis with plenty to offer in terms of culture, gastronomy and nightlife. It is also the ideal gateway for a vacation immersing travellers in ancient and religious history."

Israeli Musicians Entertain the crowd at Transat's Tel Aviv Event.

A happy, smiling, guest at Transat's Tel Aviv event in Montreal.

Guests and Transat staff mingled at Transat's Tel Aviv event in Montreal.

To find out more about Israel and Transat's program, visit the Israel page on transat.com.

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