TORONTO, April 23, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - With 250 partners and guests in attendance at its hangar near Toronto–Pearson airport, Transat A.T. Inc., Canada's first integrated international tourism company, celebrated the 30th anniversary of its first flight between Toronto and London, England.

"I am exceedingly proud when I look back at how far we've come since that first flight out of Toronto, and how much the company has grown in Ontario and the rest of Canada," said Jean-Marc Eustache, President and Chief Executive Officer, Transat. "Over the years, our organization has adjusted to a changing and ever more competitive business environment. It has evolved and rapidly responded to emerging consumer needs when it comes to products, destinations, services, and of course price."

He continued: "We work in a vibrant industry full of stimulating challenges, which is seeing steady growth. And there is no shortage of travellers. We are moving forward enthusiastically and optimistically. Moreover, we recently created a new division that will see us develop our own hotel chain at our main Sun destinations. By combining this new development platform with our existing leisure-travel business, we will remain on the leading edge of travel industry innovation."

During this friendly, welcoming evening, the accent was on fine food and celebration of 30 visionary years that have seen Transat grow into a flagship of the Canadian tourism industry and a major global player. Today, Transat offers its Canadian customers 60 destinations in two major markets: transatlantic (Europe and the Middle East) and the South, out of 21 airports across the country, including in the Ontario cities of Toronto, Hamilton, London, Ottawa, Thunder Bay and Windsor. It also commercializes flights to Canada in 13 European countries as well as in Israel, the United States and its Sun destinations countries. Toronto- Pearson welcomes nearly 1.5 million Transat passengers, 20% of them from Europe.

Transat's success was also highlighted by political leaders. "On behalf of the Government of Canada, congratulations to Transat on the 30th anniversary of your first Toronto-London flight," said the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Canada's Minister of Small Business and Tourism and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. "Since that first flight, Transat has grown to be a leader in Canada's tourism industry. For 30 years, you have helped Canadians see the world, and brought the world to our shores. As we celebrate a record-breaking 2017 for Canadian tourism, this is an amazing time to be in the industry. I look forward to seeing what the next 30 years has in store, and wish you tremendous success."

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne also extended her congratulations to the company. "People across Ontario share a dream to discover new things, meet new people, and travel the world. For 30 years, Transat has helped make those dreams a reality — transporting us around the globe, and helping us gain a better understanding for the world we live in. At the same time, you've helped bring the world to us — opening Ontario to visitors who discover the beauty of our great outdoors, our vibrant cities, and our diverse communities. For decades, Transat has been a part of Ontario's success and prosperity, helping people take advantage of opportunities — to work and travel, connect with loved ones, and to become global citizens. Thank you for all your hard work and for making Ontario better. Here's to another 30 years and more!"

About Transat

Transat A.T. Inc. is a leading integrated international tourism company specializing in holiday travel. It offers vacation packages, hotel stays and air travel under the Transat and Air Transat brands to some 60 destinations in 26 countries in the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. Based in Montreal, the company has 5,000 employees. Transat is firmly committed to sustainable tourism development, as reflected in its multiple corporate responsibility initiatives over the past 10 years, and was awarded Travelife Partner status in 2016 (TSX: TRZ).

Recent distinctions and awards (2017–2018)

• Named world's second-best leisure airline and best in North America at the Skytrax World Airline Awards
• Ranked by Atmosfair among the world's Top 20 airlines for energy efficiency
• Voted Best Leisure/Charter Airline and Best Tour Operator at the Agents' Choice Awards presented by Baxter Travel Media
• Voted Best Airline and Best Tour Operator at the Trophées Uni-Vers awards organized by the Association des Agents de Voyages du Québec
• Rated among Canada's Best Employers and second-best airline on Forbes magazine's 2017 ranking
• Named one of the Best Corporate Citizens in Canada by Corporate Knights

SOURCE Transat A.T. Inc.